Little Lady's Christmas Eve Basket 2017

December really flew by this month. Most of us have been busy and in the throes of the Christmas chaos trying to get everything done in time. We have finished the last minute wrapping, dropped off our gifts to relatives and baked as many cookies as we can possible can.

It's Christmas Even and its time to embrace a little calmness and enjoy time with our loved ones. So, what better way to do that than with an adorable Christmas Eve Basket that is filled with lots of festive goodies for the whole family to enjoy.

It is a fairly new trend that is rapidly gaining momentum and seems as if it is going to become a regular pre-Christmas warm up to the big day, and we are all here for it. It is such a wonderful way to capture the joy of waiting for Father Christmas to bring treats aplenty.

Alright, what is a Christmas Eve box? 

First off, if you’re thinking well what exactly is it? Then don’t worry - you’re probably not alone! The Christmas Eve basket is where you basically fill a gift basket or box with little treats and goodies to be opened on December 24th. It’s perfect for setting the tone for a cosy, festive evening with the family before the big day.

Now, this is where the real fun begins. You can choose to keep things simple or go as extravagant as you like when it comes to filling your basket. A set of festive pyjamas, fluffy socks or a brand new book or colouring books are great choices. You could include a nice little crafting set like this Decorate Your Own Plate for Father Christmas set, or include the ingredients to make your own Magical Reindeer Food or a jar to make Cookies for Father Christmas. A last-minute letter to Father Christmas could also provide a little extra Christmas charm, letting your little one say exactly how they feel about the big day looming ahead. We wanted to share all the wonderful goodies that we included in our Christmas Eve basket for 2017...

Cosy Pyjamas

Christmas Eve is the perfect time for new pyjamas! Think matching family sets, festive patterns, or even a funny pair for the Grinch in your household. We picked up some brushed woven red tartan pyjamas but we couldn't resist buying her this adorable Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Onesie for £6.

A Christmas Film

Nothing sets the mood like a cosy Christmas film. Some of my personal favourites are A Muppet's Christmas Carol, Santa Claus: The Movie, and Miracle on 34th Street. You could choose something a little more modern with films like The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, ELF, or the Polar Express. We have decided to go a little rogue and get our daughter something that she won't expect with Olaf's Frozen Adventure.

A Festive Book

Nothing fills me with joy than relaxing with a nice cup of hot chocolate to snuggle with my girl to read a lovely Christmas story. A couple of years ago we were kindly gifted a wholesome book called The Girl Who Saved Christmas by William Thomas Thach. It is a sweet tale about forgiveness and reminds us all of the true meaning of Christmas. It will be read in our home for many years to come!

We have decided to choose an additional book to include in the basket this year with The Night Before Christmas illustrated by Ned Taylor. The classic poem is a staple of Christmas celebrations, and this new iteration is great for young kids today, maintaining the rhymes and magic of Father Christmas. The book is full of large, vividly coloured illustrations that capture all the seasonal magic.

Colouring Books and Pens

A brilliant colouring book packed with festive scenes and activities to keep children busy in the days before Christmas. Scenes to colour include sleigh ride, the elves’ workshop, and a spectacular New Year firework display. There are pages to doodle, tips and ideas for Christmassy drawings and a letter to write to Father Christmas.

Reindeer Hot Chocolate Cone

Nothing beats the nostalgic comfort that a mug of hot chocolate brings – especially when topped with soft peaks of whipped cream and mini marshmallows. These Reindeer Hot Chocolate Cones are filled with delicious homemade hot chocolate and mini marshmallows that are finished off with a fun printable tag! We picked up several of these at the Christmas market this year to gift to all the children in our family.

Father Christmas Plate

Not forgetting to add a magical touch with a plate for Father Christmas. Our plate features a delightful Father Christmas and Rudolph design that adds a cheerful touch and excites little ones on the night before Christmas. This plate comes with a marker so you can personalise the plate with your child's name or a special message, making it a unique keepsake.

A Magic Key

It's an age-old question. How does Father Christmas get into every house around the world... no matter what doors, locks, chimneys, or windows exist? It's a Magic Key! This gorgeous festive gift set contains a story book and special magic key from Father Christmas himself. Simply hang the key on your front door on Christmas Eve and Father Christmas will do the rest. The essential present for every home without a chimney at Christmas!

Reindeer Food

You can't possibly forget about all the reindeers! Create enchanting memories with your little ones as they prepare a special treat for Father Christmas's reindeer. Sprinkle the food onto your lawn or garden to show the reindeer where to stop. This special reindeer food adds a touch of magic to Christmas Eve, making it a cherished family tradition. It is also wildlife friendly which is very important.