Christmas Eve box ideas, for every age.

The classics (any age)

• New pyjamas, so everyone's in matching or Christmassy ones for the photos in the morning.
• A Christmas book to read together before bed. Picture books for little ones, a chapter a night for older ones.
• Hot chocolate sachets and a few marshmallows, or a festive mug.
• A Christmas film for the evening, and something to snack on while you watch it.
• Reindeer food to scatter outside before bed. Make it bird-safe (no glitter): our recipe is in the reindeer food guide.
• A plate or a little sign for Santa's mince pie and Rudolph's carrot.

Toddlers (1 to 3)

• Soft pyjamas and fluffy socks.
• A touch-and-feel or lift-the-flap Christmas board book.
• A small cuddly reindeer or snowman.
• Bath things for a calm wind-down: a festive bath toy or bubbles.
• Keep it small and simple. The box itself is half the fun.

Little ones (4 to 7)

• A pretend Santa key to leave beside Santa's plate (no chimney needed). Our free printable tag is in the Santa key guide.
• A letter from Santa, or a Nice List certificate with their name on it. Print ours for free.
• A Christmas colouring or sticker book, and some crayons.
• A torch, for checking the sky for the sleigh.
• Reindeer food in a little bag with a label to read out before scattering it.

Older children (8 and up)

• Cosy pyjamas or a hoodie, and slipper socks.
• A book they'll actually want to read, or a puzzle book.
• A board game or card game for the family on Christmas Eve.
• Ingredients for something to bake together: biscuits for Santa.
• If they're still believers, a Santa key or a letter from Santa goes a long way. If they've worked it out, let them be the one who does the magic for a younger brother or sister.

Make it feel magical

Leave the box somewhere surprising: on the doorstep with a knock, or "delivered by the elves" at teatime. Write the tag from Santa or the elves, in different handwriting from yours. And make the night a little routine: open the box, put on the pyjamas, scatter the reindeer food, leave the mince pie out, read the book, bed.

For something extra, Santa can ring from the sleigh on Christmas Eve, using their name and what you've told the elves. The Christmas Eve call is £9.99, in a 15-minute window you pick.

Or let Santa send one

Santa's Christmas Eve Box has his magic key for the door, a personal letter sealed with his wax seal (written from what he knows about your child), a Nice List certificate and reindeer food, posted to you. From £14.99, or £22.99 with the Christmas Eve call. Last orders 15 December.