We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
The best Christmas Eve boxes for 2021 and what to fill them with
Because who wants to wait until the big day to open presents?
It’s been a long-time coming, but Christmas 2021 is quickly approaching. Our brains are now firmly focused on fast-forwarding to curling up with Christmas movies, tucking into a festive feast and opening some well-deserved presents.
Still, while the big day itself is great, everyone knows that Christmas is never just a one-day event. Christmas Eve can be just as fun, and getting in on the Christmas Eve box trend will make your 24th December all the more exciting.
What is a Christmas Eve box?
Usually packed with smaller goodies such as cosy pyjamas to wake up in and matching mugs, Christmas Eve boxes are the perfect opener to any festive celebration, and they're a great way to kick off the fun early doors. Who wants to stare at presents under the tree knowing they can’t touch them yet, right?
If you’re keen to tap into the Christmas Eve box trend, there are plenty of options out there - from cute wooden trinket boxes to personalised designs and more. It’s especially great if each person in your household makes one for another member so everyone gets a box!
What should you put in a Christmas Eve box?
When it comes to the contents of what you should be filling a Christmas Eve box with, think small. You want to be able to fit lots of compact gifts into the box.
Christmas Eve boxes are more often about the novelty. A fuzzy pair of socks, some miniature gin bottles or a tasty treat are all perfect things to consider. Once you’ve picked out your items and the box is sealed, it’s time to wait until the 24th, put Elf on the TV, and then open your boxes all together. Cute, right?
Get some inspiration for your 2021 Christmas Eve box below, including how to choose the box itself and the best gifts to put inside it.
Ginger Ray Christmas Eve Box
Simple and re-usable, this trinket box is etched with the words "Twas the night before Christmas" - bound to keep you happy for *many* Christmas Eves to come.
This slightly-more-luxurious take on the simple Christmas Eve Box allows you to add a personalised name, complete with some fun festive imagery. Cute!
Straight outta the North Pole, this Santa's letter-inspired box is getting us giddy like we're kids all over again. Personalise it with a name and watch kids (and adults) get excited about their festive delivery.
Not Personalised Christmas Eve Box Wooden House
If you're in the mood to splurge on a Christmas Eve box this year, check out this house-shaped design. As far as getting that warm, fuzzy Christmas feeling goes, it ticks all the boxes. Hand-crafted and with festive decor to rival your actual home, this is one that can become a keepsake.
If you're looking for more of a budget option for your Christmas Eve box, try this red personalised one, complete with some cute reindeer and a festive bow for decoration.
Plantabox Personalised Christmas Eve Crate
If you don't want to overspend on your present-buying budget, why not create a shared family Christmas Eve box for everyone to enjoy? Personalise it with your names or surname and indulge in the fun together.
Personalised Modern Christmas Eve Box Bags
Forget a Christmas Eve box; why not try a Christmas Eve mini Santa sack? Bags make great alternative to boxes, especially when they're this adorable.
A pair of cosy pyjamas are a Christmas Eve box staple (because what else are we going to lounge around in on the big day?). These ones are fun, festive, and a great 'bigger' present option to fold up inside your boxes this year.
While there'll be alcohol aplenty to go around on Christmas Day, it's time to start the party off right with these adorable mini gins. Plus, it's the perfect opportunity to try some new flavours too.
Socks are a Christmas Eve box staple, and these ditsy heart socks are so cute! Even better: you can wear them all year long.
Lush obsessives, all of your dreams are about to come true. Snow Fairy is the scent on the top of everyone's wish list, and this adorable miniatures set is pocket-sized enough to fit perfectly in your Christmas Eve box. Winner all round.
These penguins are almost too adorable to eat, but packing a Christmas-themed sweet treat into your box for the night before is the perfect way to kick things off.
Receiving a mug you know you'll go back to time and time again is one of the best parts of Christmas. This Santa novelty mug is simply adorable, and it makes the perfect companion for the movie-night ahead.
Oliver Bonas Paradise Pink Grapefruit & Rose Scented Candle
Who doesn't love a candle? A miniature candle is ideal for squeezing into your Christmas Eve box. This once comes in a gorgeous ceramic votive, perfect for keeping on display.
If you're looking for an activity to get you into the festive spirit, it doesn't get much better than decorating a gingerbread house. This kit includes everything you need to build and decorate your house, and it's a fun activity the whole family can get involved with.
Christmas Eve mostly consists of watching movies and getting excited for the days ahead, and for that you'll need a cosy festive blanket. We'll take 10.
Emily Gulla was Cosmopolitan UK’s Former Editorial Assistant/Junior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer, covering celebs, TV and film for the site, magazine and video. She’s interviewed the casts of your favourite TV shows, from Bridgerton to Derry Girls and Stranger Things, as well as dozens of Love Islanders. She also loves getting stuck into long-read features, writing on all things digital culture (including her favourite topic: memes), and dating - having appeared on the radio to discuss dating.
Emily's work has also been published on ELLE, Women's Health, Harper's Bazaar, Digital Spy and more. She holds a First Class degree in English with Film Studies from King's College London, and even wrote her dissertation on Love Island. You can find Emily on Instagram and LinkedIn, and can see more of her work on her website.
How to stick to life-changing New Year’s resolutions
The best length of time for your post-dinner nap
Strictly 2025 Christmas special line-up
Where are the cast of Nativity! now?
