There's something so special about Christmas Eve. The excitement of Santa's arrival, the anticipation of Christmas morning and those little family traditions that make the festive season feel truly magical.
One tradition that has become increasingly popular with Australian families is the Christmas Eve box. Filled with thoughtful surprises, festive treats and personalised keepsakes, it's a beautiful way to make the night before Christmas just as memorable as Christmas Day.
Whether you're creating your first Christmas Eve box for your baby, putting together something special for your toddler or continuing a much-loved family tradition, we've gathered some of our favourite Christmas Eve box ideas to help you create a little extra Christmas magic.
What Is A Christmas Eve Box?
A Christmas Eve box is a special box or crate filled with small gifts, activities and festive treats for children to open on Christmas Eve.
Unlike Christmas morning presents, Christmas Eve boxes are all about slowing down, spending time together and enjoying the excitement of the night before Santa arrives.
Some families give their children individual Christmas Eve boxes, while others create one special box for the whole family to share.
The best part? There's no right or wrong way to create one. Your Christmas Eve box can be as simple or elaborate as you like.
What To Put In A Christmas Eve Box For Kids
If you're wondering what to include in a Christmas Eve box, here are some thoughtful ideas that children will love.
1. Personalised Christmas Eve Crate
Start with something you can bring out year after year.
A personalised wooden Christmas crate is a beautiful alternative to a traditional cardboard gift box. Not only does it look lovely displayed beneath the Christmas tree, but it can become a treasured part of your family's Christmas traditions.
At Salt & Pine, our Personalised Wooden Christmas Crate can be customised with your choice of wording and festive patterns.
Fill it with little surprises each Christmas Eve and enjoy watching your children rediscover the magic as they grow.
2. Santa's Magic Key
No chimney? No problem!
One of our favourite Christmas Eve traditions is leaving out a special key for Santa.
A Personalised Santa's Magic Key gives children a magical way to welcome Santa into their home, even without a chimney.
Simply leave the key by the front door before bedtime so Santa can make his special delivery.
It's such a sweet tradition for little ones and something you can enjoy together every Christmas Eve.
3. Christmas Pyjamas
A fresh pair of Christmas pyjamas is a classic addition to any Christmas Eve box.
Whether you choose matching family pyjamas or a special festive outfit for your little one, they're perfect for getting cosy before bedtime.
They also make Christmas morning photographs that little bit more special!
4. A Christmas Storybook
There's nothing quite like curling up together with a Christmas story on Christmas Eve.
Choose a favourite festive book or introduce a new story each year.
Reading together before bedtime creates a calm moment amongst all the excitement and gives children something to look forward to every Christmas.
5. A Special Christmas Ornament
A personalised Christmas ornament is a beautiful way to mark another year of family memories.
You could choose an ornament featuring your child's name, a meaningful design or something that represents a special moment from the year.
Our 2026 Heirloom Christmas Ornaments feature five timeless designs, including a goose, bow, rocking horse, train and stocking.
Imagine your little one growing up with their own collection of ornaments, each one holding a memory from a different Christmas.
6. A Christmas Movie And Treats
Add a little packet of popcorn, a favourite snack or some homemade Christmas biscuits to your box.
Then settle in together for a family Christmas movie.
Sometimes the simplest traditions are the ones children remember most.
7. A Letter To Santa
Christmas Eve wouldn't be complete without a little note to Santa!
Include some paper, crayons or a special letter-writing activity so your children can leave a message for Santa before bedtime.
You could also add a personalised Santa Letterbox to make posting their Christmas wishes an extra-special experience.
8. A Personalised Christmas Keepsake
Add something meaningful that your child can treasure long after Christmas has passed.
A personalised ornament, photo keepsake or special Christmas decoration is a lovely way to celebrate the year and create memories that last.
These little pieces can eventually become part of their own Christmas decorations when they're older.
Christmas Eve Box Ideas For Babies
Celebrating your baby's first Christmas? A Christmas Eve box is a beautiful tradition to begin, even if your little one is too young to understand the excitement just yet.
Some thoughtful baby's first Christmas box ideas include:
A special Christmas outfit or pyjamas
A festive board book
A soft comforter
A personalised Christmas ornament
A baby's first Christmas keepsake
A handwritten letter from Mum and Dad
These items can become beautiful memories of your baby's very first festive season.
You could also include a personalised birth details Christmas ornament to remember just how tiny they once were.
Remember to keep small decorations and ornaments out of reach of babies and young children.
Christmas Eve Box Ideas For Toddlers
Toddlers are at such a magical age for Christmas traditions.
They're beginning to understand who Santa is, recognise Christmas decorations and get excited about the big day.
For toddlers, consider including:
Christmas pyjamas
A festive picture book
Christmas colouring activities
A small age-appropriate toy
Santa's Magic Key
A special Christmas snack
A personalised keepsake
A simple combination of activities and meaningful gifts is more than enough to create a memorable Christmas Eve.
How To Make A Christmas Eve Box Tradition
The beauty of Christmas Eve boxes is that you can make the tradition completely your own.
Some families open their boxes after dinner, while others leave them beneath the Christmas tree to discover before bedtime.
You might like to create a little routine that includes opening the box, changing into Christmas pyjamas, reading a festive story and leaving Santa's Magic Key by the door.
Using the same personalised Christmas crate each year makes the tradition even more meaningful.
As your children grow, you can change the contents to suit their interests while keeping those familiar family rituals.
Personalised Christmas Eve Boxes In Australia
If you're looking for a Christmas Eve box that can be used year after year, personalised wooden crates are a beautiful option.
Rather than purchasing disposable packaging each Christmas, a reusable crate can become part of your family's festive decor and be filled with new surprises every December.
At Salt & Pine, we create personalised Christmas keepsakes and decorations designed to celebrate the little moments that make childhood magical.
Our Christmas collection includes personalised wooden crates, Santa's Magic Keys, heirloom ornaments and festive keepsakes that can become part of your family's Christmas story.
Make Christmas Eve A Little More Magical
Christmas Eve doesn't need to be filled with expensive gifts or elaborate activities to feel special.
Often, it's the simplest moments that become the most treasured memories. Reading a favourite Christmas story, leaving a magic key for Santa or opening a personalised Christmas crate together can become traditions your children remember for years to come.
Whether you're starting a new tradition or continuing one your family already loves, a Christmas Eve box is a beautiful way to celebrate the magic of the season.
Explore our Christmas 2026 Collection to discover personalised Christmas crates, ornaments and keepsakes thoughtfully created in Queensland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do You Put In A Christmas Eve Box?
Popular Christmas Eve box ideas include Christmas pyjamas, festive books, treats, small toys, personalised ornaments and Santa's Magic Key. The contents can be tailored to your child's age and your family's traditions.
What Age Should You Start A Christmas Eve Box?
You can start a Christmas Eve box tradition from your baby's first Christmas. For younger babies, focus on meaningful keepsakes and practical gifts, while older children may enjoy festive activities and surprises.
Do You Open Christmas Eve Boxes On Christmas Eve?
Yes! Most families open their Christmas Eve boxes on the evening of December 24, often before bedtime. However, you can create a routine that works best for your family.
Can You Reuse A Christmas Eve Box?
Absolutely. A personalised wooden Christmas crate is designed to be brought out year after year and filled with new surprises as your children grow.
Where Can I Buy A Personalised Christmas Eve Box In Australia?
Salt & Pine offers personalised wooden Christmas crates and festive keepsakes, with customisable wording and Christmas patterns to suit your family's style.