Simple December 1st Box Ideas

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Discover the magic of December 1st boxes! Learn how to kick off the holiday season with fun, thoughtful box ideas that build excitement and set the tone for Christmas.

Hyacinth box with Christmas items, Christmas felt calendar, and small Christmas tree on wood table.

Last year was the first time I gave my kids a December 1st box and needless to say, I’ve caught the bug!

I’m so excited to create a box for them again this year and put in new, fun surprises to keep the the holiday spirit alive the entire month!

Here are several December 1 box ideas that are simple and easy to put together because we all know how busy December is for moms!

What is a December 1st box?

Hyacinth box with Christmas items like a craft, puzzle, shirt, and advent calendar on table.

December 1st boxes are a fun holiday tradition for kicking off the festive season! They’re usually given to kids on December 1 as a way to set the tone for the holiday month, filled with cozy, Christmas-themed goodies to enjoy throughout December.

Some families give Christmas Eve boxes to enjoy on the night before Christmas, but December 1st boxes are given at the beginning at the month to enjoy all season long.

Simple Box Ideas

Felt Christmas advent calendar, DIY craft kit, and Hello Kitty chocolate calendar on table next to other Christmas decorations.

For my kids boxes, I chose to include a festive shirt, advent calendar, and Christmas craft for them to work on throughout the month!

I also gave a family gift of a Christmas puzzle and felt advent calendar for them to hang in their rooms.

December 1st boxes are also a great opportunity to gift cold weather clothes like socks, hats, and gloves that you want to give to them as a gift but that they need right away!

Here are additional ideas to add to your boxes. These are just suggestions and you don’t need to include them all!

Graphic with text and images of different items to put in December 1 boxes.

Shop the images in the picture above here!

Christmas Pajamas – Cozy PJs to wear all month long!
Holiday Books or Activity Books – Christmas-themed stories or fun activity books to get kids into the spirit.
Holiday Movies – A Christmas movie DVD or a list of movies to stream.
Hot Cocoa Kits – Hot chocolate mix with marshmallows or peppermint sticks.
Christmas Crafts or Coloring Books – Supplies for holiday crafts or a festive coloring book.
Ornaments – A special ornament for them to add to the tree.
Snacks – Holiday treats like cookies, popcorn, or candies.
Reindeer Food – A mix of oats and glitter (or edible sprinkles!) that kids can sprinkle outside for Santa’s reindeer.
Snow Globe Kit – Include the pieces to make a simple DIY snow globe (you can get these at a craft store); it’s a fun craft to start the season.
Personalized Santa Letter Kit – A “letter from Santa” with a reply letter kit for kids to write back.
Mini Gingerbread House Kit – Small, pre-made kits they can decorate in an afternoon.
Holiday Slippers or Cozy Socks – Soft and festive footwear to keep them warm all December.
Holiday Scented Playdough – Peppermint or gingerbread-scented playdough for sensory fun.
DIY Ornament Kit – Include paints, blank wood ornaments, or salt dough to create a keepsake.
Mini Snowman Kit – A small kit with items like buttons, felt, and a tiny scarf to build a snowman (works with clay or even a snowman cookie!).
Christmas Tree Seeds or a Small Potted Tree – A tiny tree to plant and watch grow each year.
Holiday-Scented Bath Bombs – Festive scents like cinnamon, pine, or peppermint make bath time special.
Polar Express Tickets – Fun tickets to a “movie night” at home, complete with hot cocoa and treats.
Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt Map – A custom map of a holiday light route, complete with a list of things to spot, like reindeer, snowmen, or Santa!
Cookie Decorating Kit – Small bag of frosting, sprinkles, and a couple of cookies to decorate.
Little Christmas Carol Book – Include a few favorite holiday songs that you can sing together.
Christmas pillowcase and blanket – Give your kids a special pillowcase and blanket that they will only use during December.

December 1st Box Tips

Christmas shirt, craft kit, and puzzle on table next to other Christmas decorations.

December 1 boxes are a fun, heartwarming tradition, but a little planning can make them even more enjoyable! Here are some important things to keep in mind:

Keep it Simple – It’s easy to get carried away, but remember that this is just a fun way to kick off the holiday season. The items don’t have to be expensive or overly elaborate; even small, thoughtful touches can create excitement.
Age-Appropriate Items – Tailor the box contents to each child’s age and interests. For little ones, stick to simple items like holiday books, stickers, or plush toys. Older kids might enjoy crafts, treats, or more personalized items like holiday socks or small gadgets.
Reusable Box or Container – Consider using a reusable box, basket, or tin that can be repurposed each year, which makes the tradition eco-friendly and gives the box a familiar, comforting feel. You could even decorate it together!
Tie-In Family Traditions – December 1 boxes are a great way to introduce family holiday traditions. Include items like ornaments, recipe cards for favorite holiday dishes, or even a holiday playlist that becomes a part of your family’s seasonal activities.
Set a Budget – Since December is already a big month for spending, setting a budget for the boxes can keep things manageable. You can find many festive, budget-friendly items at dollar stores, craft stores, or in DIY projects.
Include a Mix of Fun and Functional – Balance treats and toys with useful items like holiday pajamas, slippers, or a winter hat. These practical items add value while also helping kids get cozy for the season.
Create a Sense of Anticipation – Kids love surprises, so you might make a countdown or hint at the box’s arrival in the days leading up to December 1. Alternatively, wrap the box like a gift to heighten the anticipation.
Make It Personal – If you have multiple kids, add a personal touch with individually labeled boxes or unique items that reflect each child’s preferences. Personalized items make each box feel extra special.
Quality Time over Quantity – December 1 boxes can be a great way to encourage family time. Consider adding items that foster connection, like a family board game, a holiday-themed craft, or a classic Christmas movie.
Start a New Tradition – You can use the December 1 box to introduce a new family activity, like a kindness calendar, where kids get to do something thoughtful each day, or a special holiday book you read each night together.