Good Christmas Eve box ideas for kids are simple: something cozy, a soft light for bedtime, a small toy, a game or book to share, and a festive treat. The box sets a calm, happy mood for the night before Christmas. Our picks include a rotating Christmas projector night light, plush toys, a family dice game and flip books.
You'll find many of these in our Christmas shop. Prices checked October 2026.
Quick picks
- Christmas Projector Night Light: snowflakes, snowmen and reindeer on the bedroom walls. From $14.99.
- Cute Fruit & Veggie Plush Toys: a soft banana, strawberry or carrot friend to cuddle. From $29.99.
- Shut the Box Wooden Dice Game: a quick family game with simple rules. From $20.
- Christmas Glass Bear Cup: a festive 20 oz cup for the hot cocoa moment. From $19.99.
- 30 Read and Rhyme Flip Books: a bedtime reading activity for early readers. From $36.
What is a Christmas Eve box?
A Christmas Eve box is a small gift box that kids open on December 24. It doesn't replace the big presents. Instead, it helps the evening feel special and gets everyone ready for bed. Most families fill it with pajama-night items: something to snuggle, something to do together, a warm drink and a light for the bedroom.
Cozy night lights and projectors
A light is a great centerpiece. Kids can switch it on at bedtime and enjoy it long after Christmas.
Christmas projector night light
The Christmas Projector Night Light slowly rotates and fills walls and ceilings with snowflakes, snowmen, reindeer and candy canes in a soft, warm light. It's about 4 inches (10 cm) with a rounded body. It's USB powered from an adapter, laptop or power bank, but a USB wall adapter isn't listed as included. It works best in a dark room. From $14.99.
Remote control night light projector
For a light that stays in the room all year, try the Remote Control Kids Night Light Projector. It creates a cozy lighting display for bedrooms and nurseries, and the included remote lets you work it from across the room. Choose the Normal or Gift Perfect version. From $35.
Small mood lamp
On a tight budget? The Mood Lamp on Stand is about 6 inches (15 cm) tall and gives a soft ambient glow on a nightstand or desk. It's not a reading lamp, and the power source isn't listed, so message us if you need details. From $3. See more in night lights and lamps.
Something soft to snuggle
A plush toy fits the pajama-night feeling perfectly. It's also easy to tuck into a box.
Fruit and veggie plush toys
The Cute Fruit & Veggie Plush Toys come as a banana, strawberry or carrot, each with a cute face. They're soft and lightweight. Each one comes in a rechargeable battery version or a version that uses batteries (not included). What the battery powers isn't listed, so ask us before you order. From $29.99.
Honey bee teddy bear
For a keepsake, the Honey Bee Teddy Bear is handmade with jointed arms and legs and a sweet bee outfit. Each bear may vary slightly. Size, materials and recommended age aren't listed. From $47.99. Browse more in plush toys.
A game or book to share
Christmas Eve is a great night for one last family activity before bed. Pick something quick and screen-free.
Shut the Box dice game
Shut the Box is a classic wooden dice game. Players roll the dice and flip down matching numbered tiles. It's easy to learn and practices counting and simple strategy. From $20.
Magnetic snake game
The Magnetic Snake Game is a tabletop toy with magnetic pieces, made for parents and kids to play together. It contains magnets, so keep it away from young children who may swallow small parts. Recommended age and number of players aren't listed. From $38. Find more in puzzles and games.
Read and rhyme flip books
The 30 Read and Rhyme Flip Books introduce simple words and rhyming patterns. Kids flip the pages to make new word combinations. The set is described as suitable for preschool and kindergarten learning, so it's a nice bedtime activity for early readers. From $36.
Festive extras
Christmas glass bear cup
Hot cocoa is a Christmas Eve tradition in many homes. The Christmas Glass Bear Cup holds 20 oz and comes with a reusable straw. It's glass, and heat resistance isn't listed for this design, so an adult should check before pouring warm drinks. From $19.99.
Glowing snowman door hanger
Add some decor to the bedroom door. The Glowing Snowman Door Hanger is a vintage-style snowman with warm LED lights and a hanging string. The power source isn't listed. From $14.99. See more in Christmas lights and wall decor.
Felt pens with stamps
Kids can draw a note for the morning with Felt Pens With Stamps. It's a pack of 12, and each pen has a stamp on the end. Washability isn't listed. From $7. Find more small extras in gifts under $15.
How to build a Christmas Eve box
- Pick the box. Use a sturdy gift box, a basket or a decorated shoebox. Write the child's name on the lid.
- Add a cozy item. Fold in pajamas or socks from home, or a plush toy like the fruit and veggie plush.
- Add a book or activity. A dice game, a magnetic game or flip books give you something to do together.
- Add a treat. Pack a hot cocoa packet, marshmallows or cookies from your own kitchen. Pair it with a festive cup.
- Finish with a light. A projector night light turns bedtime into part of the fun.
How to choose items for the box
Keep it calm
The goal is to help kids settle down. Choose quiet activities and soft lights over loud, high-energy toys.
Check age details
Many items don't list a recommended age. Read each product page and message us if you're unsure. Keep magnets and small parts away from young children.
Set a budget
A box can cost under $30 with the projector, mood lamp and felt pens. Orders of $49 or more ship free in the US, so it can help to build boxes for siblings together.
Frequently asked questions
What do you put in a Christmas Eve box for kids?
Most boxes include pajamas, a cozy plush, a book or game, a hot cocoa treat and a night light. Pick a few items that help kids relax before bed.
How much should a Christmas Eve box cost?
There's no set amount. You can build a simple box under $30 with the Christmas projector night light (from $14.99), the mood lamp (from $3) and felt pens (from $7), then add a treat from home.
When do kids open a Christmas Eve box?
Most families give it in the late afternoon or after dinner on December 24, so kids can put on pajamas and use everything before bed.
Does the Christmas projector night light need batteries?
No batteries are listed. It's USB powered from an adapter, laptop or power bank. A USB wall adapter isn't listed as included.
When should I order for Christmas Eve?
Order by early December. Orders are dispatched in 2β3 business days, and delivery usually takes 4β12 business days after dispatch. We can't promise arrival by a specific date. US shipping is a $6.98 flat rate, free on orders of $49 or more. Unused items in original packaging with tags can be returned within 14 days.
Ready to fill your box? Shop our Christmas shop, browse night lights and lamps, or pick small extras from gifts under $15.