Christmas Morning Basket Ideas (Books, Games, Snacks & Printables)

 Simple, magical ways to start Christmas morning with connection — not chaos.

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🎄 What We’re Using This Christmas (Amazon Favorites)
Here are a few things we’re loving and actually using this Christmas season:

🎄Kids’ Christmas Activity Book (Amazon)
🎄Christmas Playdough Kit (Amazon)
🎄Christmas Book Set (Amazon)
🎄Easy Gingerbread House Kit (Amazon)
🎄Washable Christmas Stampers (Amazon)
🎄Christmas Fun Game (Amazon)
🎄Kids’ Christmas Craft Set (Amazon)

Every year, as Christmas gets closer, I start dreaming about that cozy moment on Christmas morning when everyone is still in their pajamas, the kids are excited but calm, and we can slow down just a little before diving into gifts and wrapping paper explosions.

And over the years — especially with a 12-year-old and a 6-year-old — I’ve discovered something that feels like a secret hack for peaceful, connected Christmas mornings:

The Christmas Morning Basket.

If you’ve never made a morning basket before, think of it like a little collection of books, games, quiet activities, and small treats that set the tone for a slow, joyful, meaningful Christmas morning.

It keeps the kids engaged.
It stops the “Can we open gifts now?” loop.
And it creates a sweet family tradition they’ll look forward to every single year.

Today I’m sharing tons of ideas so you can create a basket that’s magical, affordable, and works beautifully for kids of different ages. These are low-prep, simple, clutter-free ideas that make Christmas morning feel like a warm hug — instead of a sprint.

Let’s make your Christmas morning magical. 

What Is a Christmas Morning Basket?

It’s similar to a homeschool morning basket, but festive — designed to keep kids calm, happy, and engaged while you're preparing breakfast, making coffee, or soaking in those first moments of the holiday.

A Christmas Morning Basket usually includes:
✔ Books
✔ Games or puzzles
✔ A small craft or activity
✔ A holiday-themed snack
✔ Printables (coloring, word searches, etc.)
✔ A few fun surprises

Think of it as a way to start the day with connection instead of chaos.

Why We Love Doing a Christmas Morning Basket

Let me be completely honest — I started doing this for me.

Christmas morning used to feel hectic. The kids would wake up early, bounce with excitement, and everything felt rushed. I wanted a moment of slow. A moment to breathe. A moment to let the season sink in before the noise of the day.

But what surprised me most?
My kids love it even more than I do.

My son loves the activities that get his mind going (puzzles, trivia cards, STEM challenges).
My daughter loves the coloring pages, picture books, and cute little treats.

And somehow, we all end up gathered around the basket together — reading, snacking, talking, laughing. It’s a gentle way to ease into the day and enjoy each other before gifts take over.

Christmas Books for Your Morning Basket

Books make everything feel cozy. Add 1–3 of these depending on your kids’ ages.

For Young Readers (Ages 3–7)

• How to Catch an Elf — Silly, colorful, and always a hit.

• Bear Stays Up for Christmas — Sweet, cozy, perfect for slow mornings.

• The Snowy Day — A classic winter story that never gets old.

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Perfect for readers young and old

For Older Readers (Ages 8–12)

• The Wild Robot — Not Christmas-themed, but a beautiful wintery read-aloud.

• The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street — Heartwarming and full of family themes.

• The Best Christmas Pageant Ever — Funny, meaningful, and a great family read.

Family Read-Aloud Picks

• The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling

• The Legend of the Candy Cane

• Room for a Little One (especially great with younger siblings)

Tip: Wrap the books and place them inside the basket so the kids open them first.

Games & Activities to Keep Kids Engaged

Choose 1–3 small items that kids can play independently or together.

Simple, Quiet Games

• A puzzle for older kids and a puzzle for younger kids

• Christmas Trivia Game

• Spot It! Holiday Edition

• Christmas memory match cards

STEM + Building Fun

• A small LEGO Christmas set

• Magnetic tiles for building

• A mini STEM challenge (build a tree out of toothpicks & marshmallows!)

Creative Activities

• Christmas color you own postcards

• Scratch-art ornaments

• Christmas sticker books

• Dot marker activity pages

Christmas-Themed Snacks for the Morning Basket

Because a morning basket without snacks is just sad. 

Here are some easy, mom-friendly ideas:

• Hot cocoa packets (add a candy cane!)

• Mini muffins or cinnamon twists

• Christmas trail mix (red + green M&Ms, pretzels, popcorn)

• Apple cider drink mix

• A small chocolate Santa

• Fruit gummies in festive shapes

You don’t need anything fancy — the kids just love that it feels “special.”

Printables to Include (Free, No-Prep, and Fun)

These are always a hit, especially for younger kids. Print 3–5 pages and roll them up with ribbon.

Great options include:

• Christmas coloring sheets

• Maze or dot-to-dot pages

• Word searches

• I Spy Christmas

• Christmas writing prompts

• Countdown-to-Christmas tracker

• Nativity coloring pages

• Winter nature scavenger hunt

Fun Surprises to Make the Basket Magical

These don’t have to be expensive! Just one or two is enough.

Here are some ideas:

• A new pair of Christmas socks

• A mini plush or ornament

• A candy cane pen

• A small fidget toy

• A bookmark

• A Christmas Eve photo of the kids

• A tiny flashlight or glow stick

• Chapstick or lip balm

The goal isn’t to add more “stuff” — just little items that bring joy.

How to Assemble the Perfect Christmas Morning Basket

1. Start with a simple basket or box

I’ve used everything from woven baskets to gift bags — don’t overthink it.

2. Add one item from each category

• Book

• Game

• Printable

• Snack

• Surprise

That alone is enough to make it feel magical.

3. Add a Christmas touch

It can be as simple as:

• a ribbon

• a sprig of faux greenery

• a gift tag

• a small ornament attached to the handle

4. Place the basket somewhere special

Under the tree
By the stockings
On the kids’ chairs at the table

Your choice — just make it feel intentional.

How We Use Our Christmas Morning Basket

Here’s our routine (simple but wonderful):

1. Kids wake up excited.

2. They run to grab their basket.

3. I make coffee while they look through everything.

4. We sit together, read a book, enjoy a snack, talk about the day.

5. THEN we move into gifts.

It creates a slow, connected moment that sets the tone for the entire day.

Final Thoughts: Simple Moments Make the Best Memories

You don’t need to buy a ton of things or create Pinterest-perfect magic — kids remember the feeling, not the price tag.

Your Christmas Morning Basket can be:

• simple

• free

• cozy

• meaningful

• tailored to your family

And every year, it becomes your new tradition and a little piece of holiday magic your kids will look forward to.

If you try it this year, you might be surprised by how much calmer, sweeter, and more connected your Christmas morning feels. ✨🎄

💬 Leave a Comment

Do you make a Christmas Morning Basket?
What will you include this year?
Share your ideas below — I love hearing how other families make Christmas special!

🎁 Explore More Christmas Favorites!

👉 See all Kids’ Christmas Craft Supplies (Amazon)
👉 Browse Christmas Children’s Books (Amazon)
👉 See Christmas Learning Toys & Games (Amazon)
👉 Find Budget-Friendly Stocking Stuffers for Kids (Amazon)
👉 Top Christmas Gifts for 5–8-Year-Olds (Amazon)
👉 Best Christmas Gifts for 9-12-Year-Olds (Amazon)
👉 Christmas Family Activity Kits (Amazon)

Related Posts You Might Enjoy:

• The Ultimate Homeschool Starter Kit: Everything You Need in One Place

• New to Homeschooling? Here's Everything You Need to Know to Get Started

• How to Create a Cozy Christmas Morning with Kids (That’s Calm, Joyful, and Full of Magic)

• Top 10 Christmas Books for Kids Who Love Science & Learning (so you’ll actually get them excited — and learning)

• Top 10 Christmas Gifts for Kids Who Love Science & Learning

• Christmas Around the World: How 6 Countries Celebrate the Holidays

• Our Favorite Family Holiday Traditions (and Little Things That Make Them Magical)

• Best Books to Read with Your Kids This Christmas Season (so you can make memories — and actually enjoy story time)

Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.



~With love,

Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️