Christmas Eve Boxes: A Magical Tradition (With a Budget-Friendly Twist!)
Christmas Eve boxes have become a tradition that seems to pop up everywhere, and I can see why! There’s something magical about pulling together little festive treats and activities to set the tone for Christmas Day. But in our house, we’ve done things a little differently.
Instead of giving out Christmas Eve boxes on the 24th, we’ve started a new family tradition—we give them out on the 1st of December Here’s why:
Why We Moved to December the 1st Boxes
Stretch the Festive Fun All Month
Giving the box on the first day of December means that the Christmas bedding is on, the pyjamas are ready for their first wear, and the box is packed with activities and treats they can enjoy throughout December instead of trying to squeeze it all into one night.
It’s Easier on the Wallet
Let’s be real—Christmas is expensive. Starting with these boxes in December, I can include things we’d already be buying (like Christmas pyjamas and crafts) but still make it feel magical. It means the cost is spread, and the kids get more use out of everything in the box.
The Christmas ‘Wow’ Moment
Waking up on December 1st to a house transformed for Christmas is something special. The kids are always buzzing when they see their Christmas boxes full of festive bedding and nightwear and their December boxes filled with goodies. It starts the Christmas countdown with a bang and keeps the excitement going all month.
What’s in Our December Boxes?
If you’re thinking of trying this, here’s what we include to make the boxes feel magical, practical, and budget-friendly. I’ve also included links to some of my favourite finds!
Table of Contents
Toddler To Preschooler Christmas Box Ideas
Yoto Card PAW Patrol: Pups’ Christmas Price: £7.99
If you own a Yoto player, make this holiday season extra special with the PAW Patrol: Pups’ Christmas Yoto card! Perfect for little fans of the heroic pups, this festive collection of stories will spark imaginations and bring joy to your family celebrations.
Join the PAW Patrol on their Christmas adventures as they rescue Santa after a sleigh mishap, teach Mayor Humdinger the true meaning of Christmas, and even save a group of mischievous penguins! With delightful narration by Richard Hughes, these stories are sure to keep your little ones entertained all season long.
What’s Included?
- Pups Save Christmas
- Save a Bah Humdinger
- Pups Save the Penguins
Ideal for ages 3-6, this 49-minute Yoto card is a fun, festive treat your kids will love. Buy Yoto Card
Countdown to Christmas Activity Book Price: £4.00
Make the countdown to Christmas even more magical with this Countdown to Christmas Activity Book! Packed with 25 fun festive activities, this book is the perfect way to keep little ones entertained throughout the holiday season.
What’s Inside?
- 25 Festive Activities: Creative and engaging tasks to enjoy every day in December.
- Stickers Galore: Add a festive touch to every page with fun, colourful stickers.
- Pull-Out Advent Scene: A charming display that brings the Christmas spirit to life.
- Letter to Santa: Includes a special letter template with a guaranteed personalised response—a magical moment for your child!
The Snowman™ Christmas Eve Box Price: £14.99
Bring the magic of Christmas alive with Build Your Own’s The Snowman™ Christmas Eve Box! Inspired by the beloved classic story, this enchanting box is the perfect way to delight children in the festive lead-up to Christmas.
What’s Inside?
Packed with over 20 festive activities, this Christmas Eve Box is brimming with creative, engaging tasks to keep little ones entertained as they wait for Santa’s arrival. From crafts and puzzles to colouring and games, there’s something for every child to enjoy.
Why It’s Special:
- The Snowman™ Magic: Perfect for fans of the timeless tale.
- Creative Fun: Hours of entertainment with holiday-themed activities.
- A Festive Gift: Ideal for building excitement and creating magical Christmas memories.
Grinch 100XXL Piece Jigsaw Puzzle by Ravensburger – £10.99
Get into the festive spirit with the Grinch 100XXL Piece Jigsaw Puzzle by Ravensburger! Featuring the Grinch in the act he’s most famous for—slinking around the room and taking every present—this puzzle is sure to delight fans of Dr. Seuss’s classic tale. With 100 extra-large pieces, it’s the perfect activity for kids aged 6 and up to enjoy during the holidays. Available starting September, it’s a must-have item for any Grinch enthusiast! Buy Grinch Jigsaw
Christmas Eve Box Price: £14.00
Make your Christmas celebrations extra special with this Christmas Eve Box, a fantastic 3-in-1 bundle packed with festive fun for the whole family!
What’s Included?
- Festive Game: Perfect for bringing everyone together for some Christmas cheer.
- 25-Piece Puzzle: A delightful activity to keep little hands busy.
- Activity Book: Full of creative and entertaining tasks to enjoy during the holiday season.
Why It’s Perfect:
- Bumper Value: Three great activities in one box!
- Family Fun: Ideal for creating magical memories with loved ones.
- Versatile Gift: Perfect as an advent surprise or a Christmas Eve treat.
Buy the Christmas Eve Box
Elf Lotto Mini Game Price: £6.00
Add a sprinkle of festive fun to your holiday season with the Elf Lotto Mini Game! This cheeky and cheerful matching game is perfect for kids and adults alike, making it a wonderful addition to your Christmas traditions. It one of our favourites quick and easy to play and set up.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Match the Elves: Fill your board with mischievous elves in this delightful game of chance.
- Perfect Stocking Filler: A fun, affordable gift that’s sure to bring smiles.
- Compact and Travel-Sized: Ideal for on-the-go fun during the festive season.
- Great for All Ages: A simple, entertaining game the whole family can enjoy.
Buy Elf Lotto Mini Game—a perfect little gift that’s bursting with Christmas spirit!
The Snowman/The Snowman and the Snowdog by Tonies – £14.99
If you own a Toniebox, this is the perfect addition for a magical holiday experience. The Snowman/The Snowman and the Snowdog bring the classic tales to life through enchanting audio storytelling. Follow the magical journey of the Snowman who comes to life and takes a young boy on an unforgettable adventure, and then enjoy the heartwarming story of the Snowman and his new friend, the Snowdog, on their winter journey. A wonderful way to fill your home with holiday cheer, suitable for children aged 3 and up. Buy Snowman Tonie
6 Yrs Plus Christmas Box Ideas
Get creative with Dodoland Eugy, a fun 3D puzzle that lets you build colorful and charming animal figures layer by layer. Each piece is made from sturdy, 100% recyclable cardboard and sticks together easily using the included non-toxic glue. Just follow the numbered sequence to assemble your adorable miniature animal in 10-20 minutes.
With a variety of friendly creatures to choose from, Dodoland Eugy puzzles make a great eco-friendly and imaginative gift for kids aged 6 and up. No plastic wrap, non-toxic materials, and endless smiles await as children create their own collection of animals! Buy Snowman
Yoto Card The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas Price: £12.99
Join Leo on a magical, hilarious, and heartwarming adventure in The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas, brought to life by the one and only Matt Lucas. This festive tale is packed with laughter, emotional depth, and over 20 original songs written and recorded by Matt himself, making it an unforgettable listening experience for the whole family.
What’s the Story?
Leo LOVES Christmas, and this year it has to be perfect—it’s the first one without Mum. But everything seems to be going wrong:
🎄 The Christmas tree isn’t decorated
🧚 The fairy lights are a tangled mess
🍰 The Christmas cakes are a disaster
🎅 And the Christmas cards aren’t finished
Perfect for Ages 8-12: A timeless story that’s fun for the whole family.
Stitch and Angel Crystal Art® Bumper Set – £12.99
Bring your favorite Disney alien to life with the Stitch and Angel Crystal Art® Bumper Set! This highly collectible activity kit, featuring Stitch and Angel from Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, includes everything needed for some out-of-this-world crafting fun. Create beautiful diamond art with a slimline bookmark, 10 stickers, and a thick artwork card that stands on a cute easel.
Plus, this set includes a unique ‘Mini Friends’ Duo Figure of Stitch and Angel made of sturdy acrylic with sparkling Crystal Art® gems. Easy to complete by following the numbered dots, this set is perfect for beginners or experienced diamond painters alike. Awarded Silver at the Made For Mums Toy Awards 2024, it’s the ultimate gift for crafters and Disney fans! Buy Stitch crystal art.
IQ Gears Puzzle Game – £14.99
Can you get all the gears spinning? The IQ Gears Puzzle Game challenges kids and adults alike to fit the gears correctly, making the wheels turn. With 120 challenges from easy to expert, it’s great for boosting problem-solving skills in a fun way. Buy IQ Gears
Moana Crystal Art® Buddy – £4.99
Answer the call of the ocean with the Moana Crystal Art® Buddy! Inspired by Disney’s beloved 2016 movie, Moana is now part of the Series 4 Buddies collection, perfect for fans of this adventurous Disney Princess. Moana, the strong-willed daughter of a Polynesian chief, is ready to brighten up your space or become a cherished gift.
With dazzling crystals and a simple craft process, bring Moana to life with sparkle and charm. This Crystal Art® Buddy set combines creativity and the timeless appeal of Disney for an enchanting crafting experience. Buy Moana Crystal Art
Hylkies Darth Vader £9.99
Unleash the power of the dark side with Hylkies Darth Vader! This fun collectible figure is perfect for Star Wars fans of all ages. Made from durable materials, it features iconic details and a unique design that stands out in any collection. Whether you’re recreating epic battles or simply displaying it on your shelf, this Darth Vader figure brings a touch of the galaxy far, far away into your home. A great gift for young fans and collectors alike! Buy Hylkies Darth Vader
