Where to buy a Christmas Eve box - and what to put in it

Lauren Clark
Updated
Christmas Eve boxes are growing in popularity year on year in the UK [Photo: Getty]
Christmas Eve boxes are growing in popularity year on year in the UK [Photo: Getty]

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It seems Germany has a lot to answer for when it comes to our festive traditions.

In 1840, Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert introduced the Christmas tree to Britain.

Now, it appears we’ve taken inspiration from the nation once more. This time, in the form of Christmas Eve boxes.

It is custom in Germany - and other European countries including Italy - for children to open their presents on the evening of 24 December.

The festive trend’s been around since 2017 and appears to have been steadily growing in popularity since. A quick online search for ‘Christmas Eve Box’ now throws up millions of results, with Not On The High Street, John Lewis and Hobbycraft among the UK retailers offering personalised, wooden and custom-made options.

What is a Christmas Eve box?

Christmas Eve boxes usually bear festive decorations and the name of the young recipient inscribed on the lid.

You can buy versions made of cardboard, or more durable wooden types that can be enjoyed year after year.

Many shops and websites now sell options which look so beautifully festive they’ll fit right in with your Christmas decor, and needn’t be hidden away until they’re opened.

There are also common themes when it comes to what they are filled with too.

Books, a festive film, slippers, pyjamas and sweet treats - such as marshmallows and hot chocolate - are popular items.

Some parents like to leave ‘reindeer food’, like a carrot or mince pies, inside so their little ones can prepare for Santa’s arrival.

We’ve rounded-up a host of options, dependent on your budget. From a festive red John Lewis purchase, to a personalised vintage-style wooden number from Not On The High Street.

Oh, and if filling it sounds like too much hard work, we’ve also selected the best pre-filled boxes out there, too.

Shop our pick of the best Christmas Eve boxes - whatever your budget

John Lewis & Partners Christmas Eve Box, Red | £18

This one from John Lewis comes in a very festive shade [Image: John Lewis]
This one from John Lewis comes in a very festive shade [Image: John Lewis]

Marquis & Dawe Christmas Eve Box | £12

Fill this cardboard one from Marquis & Dawe with fluffy treats for your little one [Image: Marquis & Dawe]
Fill this cardboard one from Marquis & Dawe with fluffy treats for your little one [Image: Marquis & Dawe]

Not On The High Street Personalised Children’s Santa Christmas Eve Wooden Box | £34.99

Invest in a wooden version to bring joy every festive season [Image: Not On The High Street]
Invest in a wooden version to bring joy every festive season [Image: Not On The High Street]

Etsy Personalised Christmas Eve Box (Medium) | £8.95

Etsy allow you to choose from a host of colours and get your kid's name inscribed on top [Image: Etsy]
Etsy allow you to choose from a host of colours and get your kid's name inscribed on top [Image: Etsy]

Not On The High Street North Pole Mail Wooden Christmas Eve Box | £18

Treat your little one to this special delivery [Image: Not On The High Street]
Treat your little one to this special delivery [Image: Not On The High Street]

Short on time? These are the best pre-filled Christmas Eve Boxes

Amazon Deluxe Personalised Family Pre-filled Christmas Eve Wooden Box | £64.95

Find hot chocolate and reindeer food among other goodies in this box [Image: Amazon]
Find hot chocolate and reindeer food among other goodies in this box [Image: Amazon]

Etsy Adults Christmas Eve Box | From £18.95

Because why should the grown-ups miss out? [Image: Etsy]
Because why should the grown-ups miss out? [Image: Etsy]

Not On The High Street Sparkle & Snow Christmas Eve Box | £40

Packed with Santa-themed activities, children will be kept occupied for hours [Image: Not On The High Street]
Packed with Santa-themed activities, children will be kept occupied for hours [Image: Not On The High Street]

Etsy Filled Christmas Eve Box | £21.95

A magical gift for any youngster [Image: Etsy]
A magical gift for any youngster [Image: Etsy]

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