Christmas Eve Basket 2023

Let's be honest Christmas Eve mostly consists of us running around doing a last minute jobs – whether that's searching for stocking fillers, trying to wrap presents, prepping all the Christmas food, putting up any extra decorations before guests arrive - it's usually all systems go. 

For our little ones, the biggest task for them is to try and not pass out from all the excitement that comes with the build-up to Christmas. It is usually no small feat in getting my daughter in bed at a reasonable time, but as my husband is working it can be tough to keep my daughter occupied while the last minute prep ensues. This is where our Christmas Eve basket comes in. 

It's a fast-growing modern tradition that the entire family can get on board with ahead of Christmas Day. It has become one of my favourite festive activities to do. There are so many different kinds of boxes or baskets that you could use, but you will definitely need something that is going to be sturdy and last a while.  Then, the fun can begin. You can go as crazy as you like and fill your basket with lots of festive-themed activities, treats and books that can be enjoyed by everyone in your family, 

We have finally finished our Christmas Eve basket and wanted to share some of the things that we included in our Christmas Eve basket for 2023. 

Festive Pyjamas

An obligatory Christmas Eve basket staple is undoubtedly a brand-new pair of festive pyjamas. So, the hunt for the best matching Christmas pyjamas has begun. No, this is not a drill. Festive nightwear tends sell out earlier and earlier each year, so while we still have five weeks to go until the 25th December, you're actually already late to the PJ party. We managed to get some navy and red tartan matching pyjamas that has a cute reindeer printed across the front with the wording 'Daddy Deer', 'Mummy Deer' and 'Little Deer'. But, we also got some of these adorable pink and red tartan Barbie Pyjamas too which will be included in our round up of items that we are including in our Christmas Eve basket. 

A Christmas Book

Snuggling up with a nice Christmas story is the perfect  way we like to wind down after a fun filled day of crafting and baking. You can of course choose any type of book you like, but for me it HAS to be festive. The past year she has become quite the historian so this Horrible Histories Christmas book will be perfect for her. It is packed filled with all the festive facts every Horrible Histories reader wants to know. The complete horrible history of Christmas tells tales from the dark days when the Puritans tried to abolish Christmas, to Christmas in the trenches when the British and Germans traded bullets for footballs. Plus dreadful jokes, rotten recipes, and a Christmas quiz. 

Festive Cosy Feels

We wanted to embrace the festivities a little more with these adorable teddy slippers. I just couldn't resist the adorable Rudolph face on each slipper. These slippers has been designed for warmth and comfort as they are plush and cosy inside and have a durable rubber sole. These will be perfect for lounging around the house in or maybe a quick dash to outside. The adorable Rudolph designs complete with his iconic red nose brings a festive touch making them the perfect accessory. To complete our festive cosy feels we have picked up a set of 5 different Festive-themed Christmas socks. The socks have Christmas and animal theme which my daughter will love. Dibs on the Pug in a Christmas Hat. 

Hot Chocolate Cone

Is it even Christmas if we don't mention HOT CHOCOLATE! Hot chocolate is something that lots of people enjoy and this means that getting it as a gift can be a great idea to add into a Christmas Eve basket. Buying someone hot chocolate powder may not seem that special, but when it is included in with lots of other products, then it can be really special. This delightful Harry Potter 'Hufflepuff' Colour Changing Hot Chocolate Cone is a must-have for any Potterhead, and you can choose your favourite house too. 

Gingerbread House

My husband always works on Christmas Eve which can be a little disappointing as he misses out on all the fun. But we always managed to save a couple of fun festive activities for him to enjoy and making a gingerbread house is one of them. To save on time and stress we always buy a ready to assemble house. They are so easy to do and no stress if they break 

Christmas Activities and Colouring Books

It's Grinchmas! This Grinch Activity Tube is packed with festive fun including a Grinch-themed colouring pictures, stickers, stamps, glitter gel tube and colouring crayons—everything you need to bring Whoville to life. The festive tube means you can easily take this set wherever you go, perfect for keeping little ones entertained whilst travelling or visiting relatives this Christmas. 

Magical Reindeer Food 

You can't forget the Magical Reindeer Food! You only need some rolled oats, cinnamon, festive sprinkles and a festive bag to make your own. It is so simple and easy to do! You can go as sparkly as you want, my advice would to make sure anything you add into your Magical Reindeer Food is wildlife friendly. When you're done mixing spoon the Magical Reindeer Food into bags and tie shut with ribbon or twine. Label with messages for your loved ones to give to Rudolph and his friends.

Do you have a Christmas Eve box for your family? If not, have you thought about starting a new tradition?