what do you put your Christmas eve hamper stuff in?

[TravellingToad]

Is there any where that sells nice personalised, (or not) hamper boxes for the christmas eve hamper. DS's will only be 2.5 and 11m this year but want to start the tradition!

I was thinking maybe a nice wooden box with santa/reindeer etc on it that will fit pyjamas, dvd, hot choc, slippers etc x 2

and totally different question but the pyjamas that everyone puts in are they specifically xmas themed pyjamas or just any old new ones? Because if they're xmas themed are the kids not then wearing pjs with reindeer on for the rest of the year? :D

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

HomeSense / TKMaxx sell gorgeous boxes at Christmas.(can be used as storage in his room or for Christmas decorations after)
Last year, I got some plastic 'basket weave' patterned boxes from The Range , wrapped in ribbon and cellophane - I use them now as storage.

IKEA used to do some nice boxes ( one year I had an old wooden lidded toy box, I painted it green and glued on festive pictures then varnished it)

(BTW - I am NOT crafty at all, but if you do these things well ahead , no panic )

I get the fleece or flannel PJ from Primark (childrens ones are only £3-£4 ). When they were little, I did buy the Christmas ones and they wore them through winter.
Last year I bought those knitted leggings (with reindeer or snowmen) a matching vest and dressing gown for DD and plaid for DS.

My DC are 12 and 14.6 so their main presents are cash/vouchers (their request). I do the Christmas Eve Hamper and Stocking Gifts so they have something to open.

CEH:
PJs
Dressing gown
Annual/Book
Jar of Sweets
Bath Bomb or similar
Pair of festive knickers/pants
Sachet of hot chocolate
Mini bag of biscuits
Bar of chocolate (that DS usually gifts to me, he's not a chocolate eater)

[chanie44]

I use a red pillow case from primark.

I put in
Pjs (not Xmas ones, just new pjs)
Magic reindeer food
Snowman soup (absolutely no interest)
Santa key (from Card Factory)
Chocolate coins

[TravellingToad]

Thank you for replies so far!

[BittersweetSymphony]

I use a basket we got from Home Bargains last year with a red lining which I think is pretty. We put pyjamas, a bath bomb & snowman soup in last year. Last year's pyjamas were christmassy ones but I think this year I'm going to get Gruffalo/Sofia the First/Doc Mcstuffins ones instead.

[Tinkerisdead]

I use Ikea boxes they usually have a nordic style one. Pj's i used to get xmas ones but like you say I often had the kids wearing candycane/gingerbread men at easter and it was weird. So now i buy pj's that i know they'll love, like those tutu nighties or a 1D onesie

[iloveholidays]

I bought the baskets from home bargains last year which were fab for this. my friend bought some of those large cardboard boxes you can decorate from hobbycraft. she then bought the first letter of their name in cardboard shape and stuck it on the box and made it Christmasy. I thought it was a lovely idea.

[AriNi31]

These ideas are much nicer than I've used! I usually get one of those giant gift bags from a card shop - with snowmen or penguins or something festive on! And a letter on the outside addressed to the children.
Inside I put pjs (ones they'll love e.g. Batman when DS was a bit younger), hot choc, mugs / plates (got v cheap Christmas plates in Asda last hear.) Also a book each - a DVD, and a Christmas jigsaw. Kept DS calm ish last year and the year before! Also popped in a little activity - e.g cookies to ice or colouring sheets.

[lostlalaloopsy]

I love Christmas Eve boxes!! I've been doing it for a couple of years and it's my favourite part of Christmas.

Last year I bought disney cardboard boxes from Poundland, they were like shoe boxes. Anyway ds sat on them and wrecked them on Christmas Day!

This year I'm going to get brown paper bags and will decorate with their names/initials.

I put in new pjs (character ones - spiderman and Minnie Mouse), new toothbrush, bubble bath, magic flannels, Christmas book and a chocolate santa.

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

Must look in Home Bargains this year, we have one in our town now

I love a CEH, it's a nice way to signal to the DC that's it's time to wind down (and go to bed )

We used to have a light breakfast, lunch about 1pm , then take the DC out for a walk (feed ducks or reindeer). Before we left the house I'd just "check the back door was locked" and put the Hampers at the fireplace, the lights on a timer for our return.

A couple of years back DH was working on the 24th, I took the DC to the cinema.
Last year DD went to the cinema with friends on Christmas Eve.

So the Traditions change as they grow