The carrots and mince pies are out for Santa and his reindeer, the stockings are up, and the excitement of waiting one more sleep before the big day is too much... Why not add that extra bit of magic the night before and start the festive fun early with a Christmas Eve hamper filled with treats and activities to enjoy.

We've come up with some great ideas of things to include to help you get creative with your Christmas eve hamper this year. What's more we've included some of the fantastic local businesses where you can purchase these great products, but there's lots more to see at www.shop4plymouth.co.uk  

Something arty

Get creative and add something fun to do together as a family on Christmas eve. 

Makeat140 provide some fantastic creative kits such as embroidry, cross stitch and badge kits and The Art Side give have a great range of art supplies for anyone wanting to make it up as they go or make your own beaded jewellery piece with Bora Beads sparkling bead kits.

Something sweet

Family run chocolate shop and cafe, Chocaccino have some great gift ideas for children such as their Chocolate Happy Boxes. Alternatively see what festive treats Hotel Chocolat have with their boxed chocolates, luxury gifts and giant chocolate slabs. Tantalise your taste buds with 16 varieties of artisan handmade fudge at Edward's Fudge Kitchen.

Something cosy

What's cosier than a new pair of PJs, a onesie or a fluffy new pair of slippers to keep your toes toasty? preferably festive for the ultimate in cosy Christmas Eve vibes! You can find a fantastic range of shops in Plymouth's Drake Circus including; Fat Face, Marks & Spencer, Joules, Next, H&M and Primark.

Something to read

Christmas eve wouldnt be complete without snuggling up with a Christmas book. Get your hands on some of the classics such as A Christmas Carol or The Snowman or The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

You can find a a good selection of Christmas books in Plymouth, including Waterstones, The Works and WH Smith

Something to play

Have some fun as a family by including a game or a puzzle into your Christmas Eve fun. You can find a selection of  childrens games and puzzles to pick from at The Entertainer, WH Smith, Final Frontier, G.I. Games , Twist and The Hive Mind.