Over the years, I’ve tried all kinds of Christmas Eve box fillers to make the night before Christmas feel extra special for my son.
Some have become traditions, like new pajamas or a favorite holiday book, while others change as he gets older.
I’ve found that a mix of cozy, fun, and practical works best, especially when the excitement is already running high.
Whether you’re starting this tradition for the first time or just need new ideas, these are the fillers that have actually been a hit in our house and helped us make Christmas Eve feel relaxed, fun, and memorable.
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Before sharing our favorite Christmas Eve box fillers, it’s worth thinking about what to use as the box itself.
There’s no one right answer, just choose something that feels festive and fits the gifts you’re including. Here are a few options we’ve used or seen work well:
Christmas Eve Box Filler Ideas That Actually Get Used
After over a decade of doing this tradition, I’ve learned which fillers are fun in theory and which ones actually get used.
Whether you’re filling a box for toddlers, big kids, or somewhere in between, these ideas have been the biggest hits in our home, and most are simple, practical, and easy to personalize.
How to Catch an Elf
This one’s been a favorite in our house for years, my son still giggles at the wild traps kids come up with to catch Santa’s helpers. It’s light, silly, and makes a great Christmas Eve read-aloud before bed. A fun way to wind down the excitement with a bit of laughter.
This is a longer story, but it’s a great pick if your child enjoys chapter books with heart. It follows a magical Christmas Eve adventure and has a deeper emotional pull, especially for kids who’ve ever lost a beloved toy. My son connected with it more around age 8.
We included this the year my son was into making “snowman soup” (hot chocolate with marshmallows and candy canes). A personalized mug makes the treat feel even more special, and it’s one of those things that sticks around long after the holiday.This can be used with our free snowman soup printable
This is always our Christmas Eve staple, cozy PJs that everyone wears to watch a movie and open stockings the next morning. We started the matching sets when my son was little, and even as he’s gotten older, it’s still part of the fun (though the designs have gotten less “cute” over time!).
These are a great alternative if your kids aren't into pajamas or if you live somewhere warm. We did this one year when we had a beachy Christmas in Florida, short-sleeved, comfy, and festive without being too much.
We added this one year when my son was really into playing Santa, handing out gifts, pretending to check the chimney, the whole thing. Having his name on the hat made it extra special, and he still pulls it out each year like it’s part of his uniform.
This is perfect if you plan to bake on Christmas Eve. We’ve used sets like this to make everything from gingerbread people to reindeer sugar cookies. Sometimes we bake ahead and just decorate that night, which works well when the kids are already buzzing with excitement.
This little LEGO set was a total win in our house, small enough to fit in the box but kept my son busy for a good half hour while we made dinner. If your child enjoys building, it’s a great screen-free option that still feels festive.This is the perfect addition to any Lego lovers Christmas Eve box.
One year I added a holiday blanket with snowflakes on it, and it’s become “the Christmas Eve blanket” ever since. My son wraps up in it while we watch movies, and now it’s just part of the routine. It doesn’t have to be fancy, soft and snuggly is enough.
This was a huge hit when my son was younger. I printed one out, rolled it like a scroll, and tied it with ribbon. He was glowing with pride. It’s a fun, inexpensive way to add a little magic, especially if you tuck it under the mug or book in the box.
All I Want for Christmas is R2-500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
If your child is into Star Wars, this is a great low-key activity for the evening. My son worked on it between dinner and bedtime, and it kept things calm but still fun. Bonus: it’s small enough to keep in the box without taking over the whole evening.
We started adding a new ornament to the box each year, often with the date or something that reflected his current interests. One year it was a soccer ball, another it was a book stack. It’s such a simple thing, but unwrapping them each December has turned into a sweet yearly moment.
This pairs nicely with the Nice List certificate if you want to go all in. When my son was little, he proudly wore his medal all evening, and even brought it to the grandparents' house the next day. A fun, lighthearted confidence boost that kids really respond to.
This was a fun twist the year we decided to cook together on Christmas Eve. We picked one or two easy recipes and made them side by side. If your child enjoys being in the kitchen, this turns a routine evening into something memorable and shared.
We tried this on a whim and it ended up being hilarious, even the adults joined in. It’s inflatable, so it stores easily, and it doesn’t take long to set up. Great for getting the wiggles out before bedtime without turning the house into chaos.Have fun with these as you use our free reindeer scavenger hunt clues too!
We added this DIY kit one year when I was looking for something crafty but not too messy. It kept my son focused for a while and gave us something cute to display by the tree. If your kids like hands-on activities, this is a good quiet-time option.Or use our free snow globe handprint art for some free fun!
Simple, fun, and surprisingly loved. My son wore his all evening and even wanted to sleep with it around his bedpost. Great for kids who love lights, movement, and the over-the-top sparkle of the season.
These were a surprise hit. I tossed them into the box one year when my son had outgrown his old slippers, and he ended up wearing them the whole winter. They’re practical but still festive, especially for early morning gift opening.
We’ve added Christmas socks a few times, especially when I needed a last-minute filler. They’re inexpensive, useful, and easy to theme. Some glow in the dark or have little Santa faces, which always gets a laugh.
Treat the whole family to fun Christmas board games. This card game is small enough to fit in the box and easy enough to play in 15 minutes. We brought it out after dinner on Christmas Eve and ended up playing a few rounds. It’s quick, silly fun, perfect for winding down without screens.
If your kids like cozy things but won’t wear full slippers, slipper socks are the middle ground. These were especially great during the years when my son preferred running around in socks but still needed some warmth. Bonus points if they have grips on the bottom.
These make bath time feel like a treat. We included a peppermint-scented one in the box one year, and it was a relaxing way to shift toward bedtime. If your kids enjoy sensory things, this adds a calm, fun note to the evening.
We introduced this when my son was old enough to help set out cookies himself. The plate is now part of our yearly tradition, he picks the treats, arranges them just right, and adds a note. It’s a simple but sweet way to end the night.You can also add our free reindeer food printable so Rudolph can find your house!
We used this when we lived in an apartment with no chimney, and my son was starting to ask a lot of questions. Adding the key to his box helped keep the magic alive. It’s one of those simple props that answers big questions in a fun way.
You’ll also find a list of stocking stuffers under $20 that double as easy box fillers (we’ve reused a few of these more than once).
Still shopping for the perfect present? I’ve rounded up over 600 gift ideas for boys, covering everything from toys to books and games.
And if you’re making a box for a toddler, this Christmas Eve box guide for little ones includes age-appropriate suggestions we loved when my son was that age.
Do you do Christmas Eve boxes at your house? I’d love to hear what you put in yours, let me know in the comments!
