Boxing Day Gift Ideas: History, Celebrations, and More

What exactly is Boxing Day, you ask? Well, we’re so glad you did! We love a good holiday and a reason to celebrate — along with some gift-giving, of course. 

Boxing Day is the second day of Christmastide! That’s a word you don’t hear every day, and what a shame that is. In other words, the 26th of December. 

The origins of Boxing Day belong to the Victorian era when it was founded as a reason to give gifts to the poor. Remember the Christmas carol, “Good King Wenceslas looked out on the Feast of Stephen?” 

Well, crooner Bing was singing about Boxing Day and how it all came about. A holiday that involves gift-giving is a holiday we are here for! Of all the five love languages, we admit to being particularly fond of gift-giving…we can’t help ourselves! 

So, when it comes to celebrating Boxing Day — wherever you are, you don’t have to be in the commonwealth countries — we’ve done some preliminary shopping for you. You’re welcome! 

Our website is supported by our users. We sometimes earn a commission when you click through the affiliate links on our website. See our privacy policy & disclosures for more information.

The History of Boxing Day

First of all, who celebrates Boxing Day? It certainly isn’t something we know much about at all in the United States! 

But in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Great Britain, and all sorts of other countries in the Commonwealth of Nations, they all cheerfully recognize this lovely holiday!

Not only is it a reason to give gifts — especially to those less fortunate — but in recent years it’s become a great day for sales! Much like the American “Black Friday,” in a way. Except fewer brawls in WalMart… It’s even a bank holiday! 

Boxing Day is considered the second day of Christmas. And, well, we love that! Let’s keep the merriment going, shall we?

Maintaining a charitable aspect of Boxing Day is key, and there are plenty of traditions and customs, such as the gifting of a Christmas box (sometimes with money inside, other times with food to take home to your family, kinda like when you bring your Tupperware to Thanksgiving dinner).

Great Gift Ideas for Boxing Day

When it comes to giving gifts for Boxing Day, naturally you have your recipient in mind! What kinds of things do they like and/or need? Is it your best friend, your spouse, or your boss? 

Once we’ve established those details, it’s easy enough to scroll on and find the just-right gift for Boxing Day.

This cute sweater has a vintage look and is super tongue-in-cheek! We love the details and the fact that you can pick your (or her) favorite color. 

Soft and cozy, she’ll want to wear it the rest of the year, too, but wearing it on Boxing Day will get a lot of smiles and nods to the cleverness. Super fun for the competitive boxer, but just as great for anyone! 

Have a friend you’re longing to shop for but they live way out yonder? UPS and USPS are here to save the day! Not to mention how easy it is to shop online. 

There’s no reason at all to exclude your family and friends from across the globe.

We love these boxing gift ideas for long-distance friends:

• Flower Bouquet
• Personalized Ice Cream
• E-Gift Card

Use holiday leftovers to make Boxing Day meals like this delicious Ham Breakfast Hash recipe! It is the general tradition and we love the simplicity of it. 

Or, to make something more from scratch just for them, try these traditional boxing day rolls – it’s easy to do!

You can use this thoughtful gesture to pass out meals to the unhoused, to the shut-ins, to the residents of the local nursing home, and even just for your friends and neighbors.

Include beloved photos from previous Boxing Day celebrations and watch their eyes light up with appreciation when they unwrap this personalized family photo album. 

Take the most beloved of your photographs and organize them all in one spot. Easy to flip through and great for family members of all ages and genders. 

Fill up a simple gift box (or boxes) with items to donate on the 26th, either to your local charity or food drive. You can craft your own boxes with holiday messages to make them even more special! 

Take a cue from our favorite festive king: Good King Wenceslas!

Use up your leftover Christmas baking ingredients and whip up some goodies, like these gingersnaps! Fun to nibble on when the snacking mood hits, they’re both spicy and sweet and a perfect choice for warming those chilly bellies. Kind of like your family, right?

If you live close to the North Sea, then perhaps you already participate in the Boxing Day Dip? That’s where the largest one is held, but there are others you can find, too! If not, why not start your own? 

This hilarious and slightly freezing tradition is where you put on your fanciest swimsuit (or fanciest outfit in general), and jump in the sea for charity’s sake!

These cute swimsuits will have the whole family matching!

Nothing says the holidays more than a wonderful teddy bear! These are just the right size, are personalized with their name, and come in a variety of colors. 

So great for little ones, but also romantic for long-distance couples! Made for squishing and squeezing and snuggling on a cold December night. 

Do something nice for your community and spend some time with your loved one(s) making a Little Free Library! 

All of the neighbors will love receiving new books and adding in their favorites, too. Such a sweet idea for a couple, a father and child, or grandparents to do together. It’s really the perfect gift that keeps on giving!

Celebrate the friendships that mean the most to you and head out camping together, go for a stroll, ice-skate, or simply chill in the backyard for the day! 

But keeping warm is key and that’s where this solo stove comes in. Mmm, did somebody mention mulled wine? Just add your best friend!

Sporting events such as horse racing or football matches are totally part of the Boxing Day celebration!

Plan ahead to guarantee a memorable and competitive holiday. Secure your tickets to the traditional horse races or the timely football matches for an unforgettable experience.

For extra fun, dress up together or find matching outfits to wear. And don’t forget the selfies!

Give the gift of support! Shop locally for both Christmas and Boxing Day and know that your hard-earned money went somewhere worthwhile, like right back into your community! 

If shopping isn’t your thing, there are still ways to support small businesses: like writing a nice, heartfelt review online. They will appreciate that just as much! 

It’s all about relaxing after the holidays! And let’s face it, we need stretchy clothes after all of those mashed ‘taters and gravy and pies, right? 

These cozy clothes are so luxurious you’ll feel like a million bucks. Even more wonderful: they are as comfortable as your favorite pair of pajamas. 

Spend time in your own living room, relaxing and playing holiday puzzles! It’s hard to move after all that food anyway… 

Kids of all ages and the young at heart will love these charming puzzles that bring to mind all of the nostalgia of Christmas Day. 

Gift Cards for Boxing Day Sales

Ask around (or maybe you already know) who has the best Boxing Day sales?? Then all you need to do is purchase some gift cards (and gift card holders) for those places. Voila! 

Your friends who love to shop a great sale will adore having a reason to go. A perfect Christmas gift! 

Take the Christmas gifts that just weren’t quite right and instead of dropping them off at a thrift shop, have a Re-gift Exchange party! There’s something for everyone: after all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

All it takes are some easy-to-print games to get the snow-ball rolling!

This gift basket for the whole family – no matter the age – is just about perfect! It’s absolute fun in a box! 

Filled to the brim with all sorts of delights, even Grandma and Grandpa will want in on the unboxing. A great way to send some cheer to your loved ones who live far away, or a great host/hostess basket too! 

Whether you buy them or make them from scratch (get it? Scratch paper? Cards? Okay, I’m reaching), sending Happy Boxing Day cards is an easy way to spread some love and cheer! 

Write out a special message that is just for them, add some doodles or stickers, and seal it with a kiss. 

Give the gift of a memorable experience, like the kind you only get from a road trip with your loved ones! These experiences are totally out-of-the-box and that’s why we love them. 

It’s so simple to find one that is perfect for your spouse, your parents, your bestie, or hey, why not give a gift to yourself? You deserve one! 

Boxing Day means boxing glove ornaments, right? This fun ornament is a sure-fire great gift for Christmas! They’ll love giving it a front-and-center spot on the tree each and every year. 

And it’s personalized so if you have a boxing-loving family, everyone can have their own! 

Pick a charity run (or walk if you’re like me – ahem), a soup kitchen to serve at, or any other kind of charity and you’ll be fulfilling Boxing Day the way it was meant to be. 

Can’t find one? Start one! People love to come together for a cause, so don’t be overwhelmed. It’s easier than you think! 

Is Shopping on Boxing Day a Good Idea?

Shopping on Boxing Day has become a beast all its own! We mean beast in a good way, of course. Like the cutest of beasties! The best sales of the whole year can easily be found on Boxing Day, so definitely plan a little shopping. 

And don’t worry if you don’t like crowds. Just like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you can join the shopping frenzy and find big discounts from online stores all without leaving your couch!

Fun Fact: Did you know Boxing Day is traditionally recognized on December 26th? It sure is! But, if this fun holiday day falls on a Saturday, then it’s tradition to celebrate the following Monday. HOWEVER, whenever December 26th is on a Sunday, Boxing Day is observed on the following Tuesday. So many rules!

Whether it’s your first time celebrating and recognizing Boxing Day, or you’ve always done so, we hope you make merry, embrace the spirit of giving, recall the significance and history, and most of all have the happiest of days yet! 

Merry Christmas and a Happy Boxing Day from us to you! 

Read Next: Homeless Care Kits That Actually Help