The 10 Best Items to Put In a Christmas Eve Box for Teenagers

Hey Mama! Ever heard of a Christmas Eve Box?  You can read my list of the 10 best items to put in a Christmas Eve box for Toddlers. 

But I want to share my list for Teenagers, too! I love the idea of gifts leading up to Christmas (like these Advent Calendars), but this will be the first time I try out the box idea. 

Let’s be honest, teenagers will not care what the stuff comes in.  A pretty box? Great!  A plastic bag? Even better! 

It’s what goes inside that really matters.  So what DO you put in the box?

Well, it depends on the age of your teen, what they are into, the amount you want to spend, and Christmas Eve activities you have planned. 

Below, I’m going to share with you 10 of the most popular items to put in a Christmas Eve Box for Teenagers.  If you’d rather have this list in printable form, download it here or fill in the form below. You’ll also get BONUS Christmas Stationery!

*DISCLOSURE: I only recommend products that I would use myself. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may get a commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my Disclosure for more information.

Red Circle with the word Pajamas and Christmas lights in the background

1. Pajamas Add Cozy Comfort to Your Christmas Eve Box

A lot of families traditionally get new Christmas pajamas each year.  So, they are a great item to put in a Christmas Eve Box. 

They don’t even have to be Christmas themed!  But it’s always fun to take pictures of the family in matching Christmas PJs (or at least it’s fun for Mama).

These matching pajamas are just Christmas-y enough, but can still be worn all year without feeling like you need to sing Jingle Bells every time you put them on.


Here are two pro tips:

  1. Wash them ahead of time, so they can be worn when opened 🙂
  2. Buy them ahead of time, like way ahead of time.  The best time to get great deals on Christmas stuff is right after Christmas.  Watch for those after-Christmas sales and have one less thing to buy next year.  Or, shop for some barely worn PJs on Mercari.  If you have some you need to get rid of, check out my post on how to sell on Mercari.

Red Circle with the word Snacks and Christmas lights in the background

2. Snacks to add to Your Teenager’s Christmas Eve Box

We all know teenagers can be bottomless pits when it comes to eating snacks.  Fill up their box with some yummy goodies and they won’t bug you all day for something to eat while you are trying to get everything ready for Christmas morning.

Skip the inner debate over which snack to give your teen and grab this variety box of snacks that is sure to have plenty of options they’ll all love.  This is great if you have more than one child (or just a really hungry teenager).

Red Circle with the word Toys and Christmas lights in the background

3. Add a small toy to the Christmas Eve Box

The older they get, the more expensive the toys become.  It’s always fun to find a funny small item to give your teen that will remind them of being a kid again. My teen loves anything miniature, like these Mini Brand toys.
I’m a high school biology teacher and my 9th graders go crazy over fidget toys.  Yes, they are teenagers, but they are still kids. Try one that is a fidget toy and mind game combined like this puzzle fidget toy.

Red Circle with the word Games and Christmas lights in the background

4. Games are fun for the whole family

How do you find games that the whole family can enjoy, including your teens?  Bestproducts.com has a great list of 40+ Family Board Games.  I want number 28 myself.  It’s this Funko Pop Harry Potter Game!

Or read all of the different game reviews from my friends at Ella’s Blended Family.

Red Circle with the word Movies and Christmas lights in the background

5. Something Festive to Watch

Most teenagers would rather stare at their tiny screen than watch a movie on the TV, but it’s worth a shot to try to squeeze in some entertainment.

Buy the DVD or just put a picture of the show/movie in the box if you’re going to stream it.  So, you don’t even have to spend money on this gift 🙂

Need some ideas?  Here is a massive list of 55 Best Christmas Movies for Kids from Good Housekeeping.  Some of these are for younger kids, but some are classics that never grow old.

Christmas Eve Box for Teenagers with red and blue Christmas ornaments and gifts
Red Circle with the word Books and Christmas lights in the background

6. Books are perfect for a Christmas Eve Box

We LOVE books in our house.  By the time kids are teenagers, it seems that they’ve made up their minds about whether or not they like to read.  If you have a bookworm, check out this list from the New York Public Library of the Best Books for Teens.

If you are looking for a great place to get books at a discounted price, check out BookOutlet.com.  Use my referral link and you’ll get $5 off your first order of $25 (oh, and I’ll get $5 credit, too).  Seriously, you can get a ton of books for a small amount of money.

If you have a reluctant reader, a journal is always a good alternative.  Or maybe they’d like an activity book.

Red Circle with the word Ornaments and Christmas lights in the background

7. A Meaningful Ornament will make a great keepsake

Ah…ornaments.  My Mama was the ornament giver in our family.  Every year, she would pick out an ornament for me and my brothers and all of her nieces and nephews.  After she passed away, those ornaments became even more cherished.

So, when I became a Mama, I made sure to start that tradition with my own kids.  I love picking out just the right ornament that captures the interests of my kids from each year.  It is fun to see how they change as they get older.

Some of my favorites our Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, like this “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” muscial ornament.  Yes, it actually plays music!  How cute is this thing?!

Red Circle with the word Polar Express and Christmas lights in the background

8. Ticket for “Polar Express”

Teenagers may be well beyond the age to “hear the bell”, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still try to bring a little magic to the evening.  Drive your teens around to look at Christmas lights and maybe stop for a late-night snack or over-priced coffee.

Red Circle with the word Stickers and Christmas lights in the background

9. Stick some Christmas Stickers in your Christmas Eve Box

Who doesn’t like stickers? Get this pack of 200 Christmas Stickers and divide them up as needed, or save some for next year!

Red Circle with the word Crafts and Christmas lights in the background

10. Craft Materials can be bundled up and included in your Christmas Eve Box

Just because they are older, doesn’t mean teens won’t enjoy making ornaments or other Christmas craft.  Marcy at BenandMe.com has a huge list of Christmas crafts to pick from.  You are sure to find something that your teenager will enjoy.

 

What are you going to put in your Teenager’s Christmas Eve Box?

Tell me!  Do you already give a Christmas Eve Box to your kids?  What are your favorite things to include?  Will you try it for the first time this year? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

And if you’re planning your holiday break with your teenagers, read 12 Christmas Activities they will actually tolerate.

Download the Christmas Eve Box Ideas list printable to carry with you on your next shopping trip. You’ll also get BONUS Christmas Stationery! 

35 Comments

  1. Sheila

    Each year the Christmas Eve box includes pajamas and an ornament. I change up the other addtions, and they have included face masks/skin care, Christmas throw, Christmas socks, candy, movies, books, candles, diamond painting DIY photo ornaments, glitter tattos, jewelry and games. This year I am thinking about doing a scavenger hunt rather than putting the box under the tree.

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      I love these ideas! Thanks for sharing! A scavenger hunt sounds like a lot of fun 🙂

      Reply
  2. Cathryn L

    Great ideas! I’ve been doing this since my kids were little and I’m looking for fresh ideas. Instead of giving it the night before Christmas I do it Thanksgiving and include an Advent Calendar.

    Reply
  3. Krista

    I love this! I make a Christmas Eve box every year and always add matching pajamas, snacks and games. My kids look forward to it every year! This year I found a family friendly murder mystery game to put in it. Another fun idea is fun Christmas mugs and all the ingredients and toppings for a hot cocoa bar 🥰

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      Thanks for the suggestion, Krista! I love the hot cocoa bar idea 🙂 My family would love the game, too!

      Reply
  4. Cathy

    Some great ideas. I can see teens loving these boxes!

    Reply
  5. Sarah

    These are awesome suggestions, even for my 8 and 10 year olds!

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      Thanks Sarah! This is a great list for most ages 🙂 Even 40-something moms like me!

      Reply
  6. Hania

    I Love the idea of Christmas pyjamas! I am going to buy for my family matching ones! Wondering if my teenage son will approve ha ha ha ha

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      There may have to be some bribery involved 🙂 Good Luck!

      Reply
  7. Marilyn Southmayd

    Cool ideas. I no longer have teenagers in my family. But, these would be great gifts for my adult children and grandchildren also.

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      Thanks 🙂 I know I would like a box of my own!

      Reply
  8. Christina

    Love the suggestions. It is easy to forget that teens want the “little” gifts too as they can be focused on large dollar items. My daughter found be a fan of the snacks and books. She’d love lots of art too. Her current thing is diamond art painting.

    Reply
  9. Areil

    I love the idea of matching pajamas! Great for all ages.

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      Yes! I can’t wait to wear ours this year!

      Reply
  10. ChaRasing

    I love matching pj! I should get one for my family of 5.

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      That would be fun! And don’t forget to take some pictures 🙂

      Reply
      • Mel

        I need all the stickers! 200 for myself. Lol

        Reply
        • Lifebetweenthedishes

          I thought the same thing! I love buying things “for the kids” lol 🙂

          Reply
  11. Chrissy

    My teenage niece and nephew get arts/crafts supplies for coloring, Christmas tree ornaments, and jewelry.

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      Arts and craft supplies are an awesome addition! Jewelry is a fun one too! Thanks for sharing 🙂

      Reply
  12. Libby

    Love this idea! Great suggestions!

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      Thanks! I’m glad you liked it 🙂

      Reply
  13. Jodie the Mom

    Christmas pjs are one of our favorite traditions. Even the teens still love them.

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      Yes! We love them, too 🙂

      Reply
  14. Evie

    Love this idea for teens! As my kids get older, finding the just right gift gets a little harder. We love adding in gift cards for all the activities they love to do during the year, like movies or amusement parks.

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      Yes!! Gift cards for experiences are a great idea 🙂

      Reply
  15. Sarah

    I love the idea of pj’s- we are going to get matching sets this year. We always include a book too!

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      Snuggle up with warm pjs and a good book! Perfect 🙂

      Reply
  16. Natasha

    These are such great ideas! We don’t do Christmas eve boxes for my son, but I think it is something we might start doing. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Lifebetweenthedishes

      Thanks 🙂 I hope your son enjoys it!

      Reply

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Hi! I'm Misty, the imperfect Mama behind Life Between the Dishes.  My goal is for you to find tools, tips, and resources here to help you maintain sanity through daily mom life!

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