That Awkward Gap
You know the feeling. Christmas Eve evening. Dinner’s done. Presents wait under the tree until morning. Kids bouncing off walls with excitement.
“When can we open presents?” “Not yet.” “How long until morning?” “Hours.”
You need something. An activity. A tradition. Something that makes the wait feel special instead of endless.
Enter: The Surprise Box Party.
What Makes This Work
Last year, the Miller family tried something. They bought surprise boxes—one for each person. Mom, dad, three kids, visiting grandma. Six boxes total.
Christmas Eve, 7 PM. Everyone sits at the dining table. Six sealed boxes in the middle.
Nobody knows what character they’ll get. That’s the game. That’s the fun.
They opened together. Built together. Laughed when Dad got Megatron and immediately started doing villain voices. Cheered when the youngest got her wish character. Helped each other find pieces.
Two hours vanished. Kids went to bed happy, tired, satisfied. No fighting. No whining about waiting for Christmas morning.
This year? The kids asked about it in October. “Are we doing the box party again?”
That’s how traditions start.
Picking Your Series: The Real Decision
Here’s the thing about Blokees Transformers Galaxy Version: eight different series exist. Each one tells different stories. Features different characters. Creates different vibes.
Which one creates the best Christmas Eve party? Depends on your family.
Galaxy Version 01: Roll Out –
Roll Out features the famous names. Optimus Prime, Megatron, Jazz, Ironhide, Ratchet, Prowl.
Why it works: Everyone knows these characters. Grandpa from 80s cartoons. Kids from recent movies. No explaining needed.
The rare chase: Special Optimus Prime (1 in 36). That hunt element adds excitement.
Best for: First-time buyers. Mixed ages. Families new to Transformers.
Galaxy Version 02: SOS
SOS brings Grimlock, construction vehicles, and rescue themes.
Why it works: Grimlock appears twice (robot and dragon form). Kids love dinosaurs. Higher chance of getting something exciting.
The variety: IDW Optimus Prime, Starscream, construction vehicles. Less common characters create conversations.
Best for: Dinosaur fans. Families wanting variety beyond standard fighters and cars.
Galaxy Version 03: The Autobot Run
The Autobot Run leans heavily toward good guys. Bumblebee, Ultra Magnus, Sideswipe, Red Alert.
Why it works: Most boxes contain Autobots. Kids prefer heroes. Less chance of “I don’t want a bad guy” tears.
The Bumblebee factor: Everyone’s favorite yellow Autobot. Getting him feels like winning.
Best for: Younger children (5-8). Families avoiding villain disappointment.
Galaxy Version 06: Parallel Universe
Parallel Universe showcases IDW comic designs with G1 influences and galaxy finishes.
Why it works: Premium paint finishes. Characters feature movie-accurate armor designs—IDW Megatron’s sleek styling, each with unique visual identity. Different aesthetic from cartoon versions.
The upgrade: All characters feature enhanced finish, 20-point articulation, deluxe weapons, and display stands. Looks more premium on display.
Best for: Collectors, teens who enjoy IDW comics, ages 10+, and families wanting beyond-basic versions.
Galaxy Version 07: One Wave 2
One Wave 2 shows heroes before they were heroes. Orion Pax before becoming Optimus. D-16 before becoming Megatron.
Why it works: Based on Transformers ONE movie. Shows characters as friends before enemies. Natural storytelling moments.
The upgrade: Enhanced articulation with 20° improved movement. New anti-gap waist joint.
Best for: Families who saw Transformers ONE. Kids who like backstories.
Galaxy Version 08: One Shall Fall
One Shall Fall recreates the 1986 animated movie. The one where Optimus Prime died and everyone cried.
Why it works for Christmas Eve: Parents who grew up in the 80s get emotional. “This is from THE movie.” That nostalgia creates intergenerational connection.
The characters: Optimus Prime with battle damage, Hot Rod with fishing rod, Metroplex with mini Optimus, Sludge (Dinobot in two forms), Unicron Head, Sharkticon.
The rare chase: Semi-Sleeping Mode Optimus Prime (1 in 36). Shows his final damaged state from the movie. Collectors hunt this specifically.
What makes this special: These aren’t just characters. They’re specific movie moments. Battle-damaged Optimus chest plate swaps out. Hot Rod’s fishing rod from that one scene. Metroplex includes the tiny Optimus that fits inside.
The conversation starter: Dad: “In 1986, they killed Optimus Prime in theaters. Kids were traumatized.” Kids: “Wait, what? Heroes can die?” Dad: “In this movie, yeah. Changed everything.”
That discussion happens naturally with this series. Life lessons disguised as toy talk.
Best for: Parents born 1975-1985. Families wanting teaching moments about loss and change. Collectors completing 1986 tributes.
Real Talk: Managing Disappointment
Someone will get a character they didn’t want. That’s surprise boxes.
Sarah wanted Optimus. Got Thundercracker. Cried.
Dad: “Thundercracker flies supersonic. Creates sonic booms. Pretty cool.” Sarah: “Can I trade?” Dad: “After we build. Let’s see what everyone got first.”
Twenty minutes later, Sarah decided Thundercracker was actually awesome.
The fix:
- Acknowledge feelings: “I know you wanted someone else”
- Highlight positives: “Look at this paint detail”
- Delay trading: “Finish building first”
- Redirect: “Help your brother find pieces?”
Works most of the time.
Which Series for Your Family?
New to Transformers? Start with Roll Out. Classic characters everyone recognizes.
Kids love dinosaurs? SOS has Grimlock in two forms.
Younger kids (5-8)? The Autobot Run has mostly heroes.
Serious collectors? Parallel Universe offers premium finishes.
Saw Transformers ONE movie? One Wave 2 continues that origin story.
Parents grew up in the 80s? One Shall Fall recreates the 1986 movie magic.
All cost $8.99 per box. All create memories. No wrong choice.
Starting the Tradition
Year 1: “Let’s try this.” Year 2: “Are we doing it again?” Year 3: “When’s THE BOX PARTY?”
Capital letters appear year three. Becomes official.
Ten years later, adult kids: “Remember the Christmas Eve box parties? Best tradition ever.”
Those memories stick.
Why This Beats Screens
Christmas Eve 2023: Johnson family watched movies. Kids fought over which one. Dad fell asleep. Everyone separately on phones.
Christmas Eve 2024: Same family did surprise box party. Phones down. Hands busy. Actual conversations. Laughter.
Mrs. Johnson: “We talked more that evening than we had in weeks.”
That’s the difference.
Test Before Committing
Not sure? Buy 2-3 boxes. Try with just kids first.
Like it? Scale up next year. Hate it? You’re out $20-30. Not devastating.
Most families start small. Grow it naturally.
Final Thought
Don’t overthink this.
Pick whichever Galaxy Version series sounds good. Set out boxes Christmas Eve. Open together. Build together.
The magic isn’t in perfect planning. It’s in being together. Undistracted. Present.
$8.99 per person creates a tradition kids remember forever.
Worth it.
