Even after coming up with 101 Operation Christmas Child shoe box ideas for Samaritan’s Purse, I’m sure there are lots of things that I didn’t list, but at least this will get you started. I have packed boxes with my kids for many years, but this year, I will be packing my boxes so much differently. This year, my heart will remember the many box openings that I was blessed to witness firsthand when I went to Ecuador with OCC last February. I’ll see those beautiful faces and truly joyful smiles of the children I met as I fill each box. Please know that these boxes mean so much to the children and their families. They really do.
FREE 101 IDEAS PRINTABLE: We now have a FREE one-page printable list of all the 101 ideas below. This is perfect for distributing at your church or school, pinning up on bulletin boards, or taping to your refrigerator. Go HERE to print yours!
Operation Christmas Child Ideas for Boxes
These Operation Christmas Child ideas for boxes are going to work for either gender and most ages.
- Hard candy, gum (Please remember to double bag all candy!)
- Pencils, colored pencils, and sharpener
- Erasers
- Pencil case
- Crayons
- Pens
- A personal letter and photo (Find tips for writing a letter HERE.)
- About Me page (Free coloring printables for younger children are HERE.)
- Ruler
- Glue stick
- Safety scissors
- Coloring book
- Markers
- Notepads
- Stickers
- Self-inking stamp
- Tennis shoes
- Socks
- Water shoes
- Flip flops
- Hand held toys
- Plush small animals
- Balls: Tennis balls, bouncy balls, Wiffle balls
- Jigsaw puzzle
- Finger puppets
- Silly Putty
- Silly Bands
- Sunglasses
- Scarves
- Bandanas
- Gloves
- Small flannel throw (Roll it up! It will fit!)
- Necklace
- Watch
- Hat
- Shoelaces
- Bean bag
- Hacky sack
- Small dry erase board and markers
- Teddy bear
- Unopened Happy Meal toy
- Toy binoculars
- Inflatable balls
- Legos
- Solar-powered flashlight
- Harmonicas
- Recorder
- Tambourine
- Jump rope
- Paddle ball
- Yo yo’s
- Handheld Etch A Sketch
- Small board books
- Slinky
- Flash cards
- Miniature checkerboard and checkers
- T-shirts
- Plastic poncho in packet
- Drawstring bag
- Balloons
- Crafting kit (beads, etc)
- Toy toolkit set (Thanks, Jenia!)
- Plastic eating utensils
- Sippy cup/cup with a lid
Grooming and Hygiene Items for Christmas Shoeboxes
These grooming and hygiene items for Christmas shoeboxes are always welcomed by the children and their families.
65. Comb
66. Brush
67 Dental floss
68. Mild soap (Please put in plastic bag or travel container.)
69. Toothpaste (This too! Be sure it’s in a plastic bag.)
70. Toothbrush
71. Colorful bandages
72. Hand wipes
73. Small pack colorful tissues
74. Lip balm
75. Emery board/nail clippers
Don’t forget your Operation Christmas Child Shoebox labels HERE!
Operation Christmas Child Ideas for Girls
These are some Operation Christmas Child ideas for girls, if you are packing a girl box.
76. Package of multi-colored Sharpies (Thanks, Rachel!)
77. Travel sewing kit (10-14 girl)
78. Fat Quarter bundles (10-14 girl) (Thanks, Stephani!)
79. Hair ribbons
80. Ponytail holders
81. Barrettes
82. Small pots/pans with spatula
83. Bangle bracelets
84. Clip-on earrings
85. Doll
86. Pom poms (like the ones used at football games)
87. Purse
88. Hand mirror (unbreakable)
Operation Christmas Child Box Ideas for Boys
Below are some more tips for Operation Christmas Child box ideas for boys.
89. Ball cap
90. Soccer ball with pump
91. Cars
92. Trucks
93. Kazoos
94. Compass
95. Hammer (10-14 boy, must be in original packaging) (Thanks, Jennifer!)
96. Nails (10-14 boy, must be in original packaging + zipper bag)
97. Screwdriver (10-14 boy, must be in original packaging)
98. Screws (10-14 boy, must be in original packaging + zipper bag)
99. LED keychain (10-14 boy)
100. Duct tape (10-14 boy)
101. Tape measure (10-14 boy)
I would love for you to share this post on your Facebook wall, your Pinterest boards, Tweet about it–whatever your preference for sharing with friends. This is a ministry that is near and dear to my heart, and I want this year to be the best year ever for Operation Christmas Child! If you have more ideas, please be sure to include them in the comments below.
Find more tips for filling your Christmas shoeboxes on Faithful Provisions.
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{ 150 comments… read them below or add one }
I recently posted about this very topic
Our family loves OCC. Here is my link to the post: http://filledwithpraise.blogspot.com/2012/09/it-is-that-time-of-year.html
There are so many wonderful possibilities to fill the boxes. I love it!
Blessings,
Amy
When and where can I get the OCC shoe boxes for this year? I used to do these every year, but seemed to be too late the last couple of years. I’ve been collecting stuff all year and would love to send a few.
Angela, you can usually pick them up from a drop off location. You can also contact them on their site and they will send you some.
If you don’t mind spending a bit you can get plastic containers with lids at the dollar store. They are the same size as a shoe a box, see thru, and don’t get squished or torn.
The plastic boxes are my favorite way to ship a shoebox!
They use these boxes in multiple ways too. (The receipients)
I buy a few of these at the beginning of the year (along with a few Christmas clearance items!) and then as I find other treasures throughout the year, i toss them in. It eliminates the chance of losing things and lessens the burden of purchasing fillers at the last minute.
I, too, collect all year long. School supplies at the Wal-mart back to school sale. Socks at the Black Friday sale. 4 for $1 individually wrapped toothbrushes at Dollar Tree. 100 stickers on a roll at amazon.com. T shirts or hoodies for $1 at the Wal-mart end of season clearance. We make crocheted balls stuffed with plastic grocery bags. 10 cent hats at Wal-mart’s winter clearance. Dum Dum suckers are an inexpensive candy. I get the 18 pack of washcloths in the kitchen/bath section at Wal-mart. 10 combs for $1 at Dollar Tree. LIttle purses made out of scrap fabric and ribbon. I try to focus on buying one type of item a month. With all the good deals, we were able to make 50 this year.
Shari, do you have a pattern for crocheted balls? I would love to get started on them for next year! We had our first church packing party this year and made 50 boxes this year!! We love the 97cent plastic boxes at Walmart.
Angela, don’t forget the last day they will be collecting boxes is the Nov. 19th, this coming Monday! I know you don’t want to miss it if you’ve been collecting.
thanks for this list. my 5th grade class does this every year. it will be great to give them some fresh ideas.
If i want to send one, where do i send it?
If you go to this link, you can find drop off locations for the boxes…
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Drop_Off_Locations/
Thanks for sharing that link!
Great ideas!
Just a question, are Tootsie Rolls and gums definitely OK to send? I thought that it had to be hard candy and Tootsie Rolls can melt and make a sticky mess. Just curious.
Gum is ok to include, but Tootsie Rolls are not allowed anymore because they can melt. Some of the boxes may sit in a very hot warehouse (think Africa and Southern Asia) for several months before being delivered to the kids. I know this from volunteering at the Atlanta packing/distribution center for the last several years.
This is a wonderful list. Thank you.
They are requesting no gum this year.
http://www.samaritanspurse.ca/rss/operation-christmas-child/get-involved/operation-christmas-child-packing-your-shoe-boxes/
Thanks for sharing the link, Tanya. I just noticed toothpaste was on the “do not include list!!” I put toothpaste in all my boxes this year. I guess I will have to take them out and donate them!
I just noticed that the link is for OCC Canada and they have different regulations than the US does.
Watercolor paint sets, dental floss, chapstick, shoelaces, plastic eating utensils, sippy cups, a small bowl or plate, a potholder, a spatula, mini-stapler and staples.
Also, whenever we’re near an Old Navy store, we stop and get the big bouncy balls for 25cents each. They’re so much better than the little ones.
kt
As somebody who’s been on the other side of Shoebox project, I can’t help but comment. The list is generally good, but:
1. Outside of the US, people don’t use washcloths too much, which means they don’t know what they are. When you are a child, it’s hard to be excited about a little rag
2. Same goes for yo-yo’s
3. Same goes for jacks.
4. Same goes for kazoos.
These last three are really not self-explanatory, unless you’ve grown up around them.
Chances are, the kids won’t be able to do anything with a baseball glove either.
Most of the non-American kids I knew thought Tootsie rolls were gross. Lifesavers are usually a favorite, as well as chewy candy.
May I suggest lip balm for older girls, cute little notebooks/journals for girls of all ages, and watches for everyone. If you can find a set of toys like a toolkit, doctor’s kit, a tea set small enough to fit, it is fantastic, too.
If you are putting together a box for the youngest age group, see if you can find small board books, especially sensory ones.
Jenia – Thank you so much for your feedback! We will make some changes to the list to make it even better.
Thank you for putting together these boxes!
Great suggestions and insight. Thank you!
I understand what you are saying about not knowing what to do with certain items. However, a wash cloth to me is just another way to once again emphesize the washing away of sin. Also at the distributions there will be volunteers that can show/teach them what they are not sure of in the boxes.
I am English and I don’t even use a wash cloth myself!! You can wash with your hands, so long as you have soap. Soap, toothbrush and toothpaste went in my box but not a wash cloth. I think this would be considered non-essential in such a poor country…!!
For older girls’ boxes, we have added a small sewing kit and a few “fat quarters” of colorful fabric.
We love doing this! I do have a question about an item on your list though. What is a toboggan? Isn’t that a sled? I’m confused!
Della it is a winter hat.
I laughed at this comment, because it depends on where you live! In Minnesota, where I grew up, a toboggan is a sled. In Kentucky, where I live now, it is a hat.
So funny! I was just about to say it depends on where you grew up or where you live!
I have been packing shoeboxes for many years and make sure unsuitable things are not packed in the boxes from our church. There a few items on your list that are not allowed due to flight restrictions. They are # 3,4,5,6,27,43, & 59. The instructions on the Samaritans Purse pamphlet specify hard candy only. Hope this is helpful.
Toothpaste is on OCC’s list of acceptable items:
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/
Lip balm and chewing gum are also okay. I was confused, so I asked them on their FB page. They said that toothpaste, lip balm and gum are all great things to include. Hope that helps!
It depends which country you’re packing for – toothpaste and gum are NOT allowed in shoeboxes in Canada but are just fine in American shoeboxes. UK boxes also have different regulations – I remember a comment that they’re not allowed to pack homemade stuffed toys which are just fine in Canada and the States.
Sharon – you listed items that aren’t allowed and I was wondering what was wrong with those? Like pencils, erasers, pencil case? Finger puppets?
Those items are on the suggested list right on the Samaritan’s Purse page.
We like to put a hammer & nails in the boxes for 10-14 year old boys.
I just read about this idea this year. It said to consider a hammer, screw driver, and other safe tools because some boys have started doing bicycle repair and other things to make money.
I love these ideas!
An update: I talked with the staff at Samaritan’s Purse to check on sending the tools. They told me that it is fine to send hammer, nails, screwdriver, and screws with these guidelines:
1. All items must be in their original packaging. Sometimes hammers and screwdrivers are not sold in packaging, so you must purchase ones that are.
2. Nails and screws must also be placed, within their original packaging, into a zipper bag. This is just a double precaution as they do not want those sharp items being loose within the box.
I LOVE this organization! I used the idea of filling a shoe box with goodies when I volunteered in an orphanage in Eastern Europe.
I will say i think everyone should really spend the 4-5 extra bucks on a real box with a lid. That way they can use their box and it really just shows so much more effort and care. A shoe box will be destroyed immediately but a box will last for a long time!
Megan – I completely agree! They can re-purpose them and use to carry water or their belongings if they don’t have a backpack. However, you should be able to go to a local Dollar store and grab one for just a $1. Hope that helps.
When I worked at the distribution center, I noticed that the plasic shoeboxes would sometimes be cracked and have to be replaced. If you pay 4-5 dollars for the box, it cuts drastically the number we can do. We are doing 1,000 at church and that is money that could be used to do a lot more boxes.
My daughter and I have worked at a distribution center for the last couple of years, and always feel so sad that many of the (cheaper) plastic boxes are already cracked and damaged by the time we get them. After seeing this, we’re always make sure to use STRONG shoe-boxes, then after we wrap them, we reinforce them with lots (and lots) of clear mailing tape. Yes, it takes a little longer, but it makes a wonderful, decorated box that we hope will last a long time. The more expensive plastic boxes also seem to get through the process pretty well. — What a JOY it is to work at the processing center, and to see all the love that’s been poured in those boxes. We are well aware of the prayers tucked in as well, and it’s a powerful thing! *** The boxes that have a personal note and picture included always seem that much more deeply touching, and I want to encourage others to take the time to do that! Young family members can include a drawing and short note. *** Can you imagine the joy of receiving such a personal gift and knowing that that person or family from somewhere far away around the world loves you? =] Thanks Samaritan’s purse for all you do!
Can you be more specific when you say you reinforce after you wrap? Wrap with wrapping paper and reinforce with mailing tape or do you weap again in parcel paper then reinforce? Also do you ever wrap individual gifts inside the shoe box? thanks
We’ve tried to make boxes for older kids. A small tool kit or sewing kit is one idea, with sharpies they can decorate anything, snap together model cars, travel games, l.e.d. key chain, nail stickers, peel and stick rhinestones, fun duct tape in different colors, ribbon. I even found a great and not too expensive flashlight/radio/charger that works on solar power. They are $5.60 each plus shipping. http://www.case-parts.com/details/3-in-1-Solar-Charger-Flashlight-6-LED-FM-Radio-1500mAh-USB-FM-MCH-220/
Rachel – I really like these ideas, they are new to me and a little unique. We might even try to rearrange and fit them into our list above!
I always put the toothbrush and the hand soap in travel containers. The soap won’t smell everything up and the cases make good places to store the items in even when they reach the child’s home. Keeps them cleaner and more sanitary.
Marsha – I agree, after months in the box the soap can smell up all the other items, so I try to find a soap that is a lighter scent. Thanks for the ideas.
During a stay in Africa, several ladies thought to give scented bars of soap to the girls. They were not well received… scents do not go over very well in many areas of the world so go for the unscented soaps.
I agree. Please use unscented or lightly scented soap if possible. Dove or Ivory are great! Even after sitting for only a couple of weeks before being processed in the United States, the scent is often overwhelming at the processing centers. Please, please double bag soaps — and if you put them in freezer strength Ziploc bags, that’s even better, (and will be re-usable, too)!
Great ideas! Something else I put in is a recorder that they can learn to play. It usually comes with a finger chart.
What kind of recorder do you play that comes with a finger chart?
Some of my favorite items for the older kids are for girls 10-14: small pots and pans and spatulas, etc. from the Dollar Tree. For boys 10-14: Soccer ball with pump. I love packing boxes for the older kids, because so often there aren’t enough 10-14 boxes and they have to get younger aged boxes. It can be a little bit tricky, but it is good to shop for items on sale/clearance all year long!
Thanks for pointing out that there are often not enough boxes for the older kids. I was in Ukraine one winter working at a Children’s camp when the kids received their boxes. The organization had ordered age appropriate boxes for the children they knew would be at camp, but there weren’t enough 10-14 year old boxes, so all the kids got boxes for 3-4 year olds. It was so sad to see the disappointment on their faces when they opened the boxes, after the excitement they had receiving them. It’s just so much easier to come up with things for younger kids, but now I try to pack boxes for the older kids.
This is a GREAT list! Thanks for posting.
We do this with elementary-aged kids at church, but rather than using OCC boxes, we use plastic shoeboxes (abt $1.00 each at any discount store) with flat lids. The kids can draw pictures, write Bible verses, etc. on the lids with Sharpie markers (regular markers smear). Way more fun than just a regular box!
I have had the honor of packing AND DELIVERING the shoe boxes and would make one STRONG suggestion. Although the children LOVE receiving candy and sweets, many of them are already facing dental problems. Most of the children we work with in Guatemala have very visible decay. When I assemble the boxes in the future, candy will be left behind.
In the warehouse, they instruct you that *every* box should have candy. So even if you leave it out, someone at the warehouse will put it in.
Isn’t that why we include a toothbrush and toothpaste. One little bag of candy for a child who never gets candy can hardly cause a problem.
Just thinking here, we do include candy, but if one of the children already has a lot of dental problems they may not even be able to “handle” eating it. I just know before having a tooth fixed that if I ate anything sweet, it killed me, even though I brush regularly.
Thanks for all the great ideas. Our church has been doing this for years and
its so rewarding. I’ve never done boxes for older kids but will do it this year.
Didn’t think about them being left out or having to get younger boxes.
Thanks for the info.
Last year we included a plastic cup with lid. It was the kind you could design the label yourself so my daughter drew a religious drawing to put in it.
Neat idea! I think I will add a cup to ours as well.
I’ve worked with Samaritan’s Purse at a shoe box distribution center several times and we have to sort through them and remove items that aren’t allowed.
Several thing on your list would have to be removed and the child would never receive it.
The reason things aren’t allowed are either 1. They will be removed by customs 2. They do not travel well 3. Or they are dangerous for the child to have
-screwdriver, nail clippers, sewing kit, nails, or anything metal or really hard plastic with a sharp point or blade.
- playing cards (gambling is a big problem overseas so having possession of playing cards is a risk to the child) And only typical Ace, King, Jack etc. Kid’s playing cards like go fish or old maid that have cartoon pictures, not numbers are okay.
-American money is the BIGGEST no because the child will almost definitely have it stolen from them immediately and possibly violently.
-Also always wrap the lid and box separate and the best thing is really the plastic show bow containers.
These are just things to keep the kids safe.
The kids will definitely treasure these items forever.
Wow!! Good to know, such great info and we’ll look at getting it updated asap! Thank you so much for the information.
Thank you Crystal for the clarification. I have always wondered. Our church does these all the time, I’ve never got to actually help with the sorting though. I do have a question in reference to the items that are taken out of the shoe boxes. What are done with those items? Is there somewhere locally that they are donated, etc?
Thank you!
Christina,
When an item has to be taken out because we can’t send it, it is re-gifted to local ministries. They can request a donation through the Processing Center staff. Nothing is wasted in God’s economy!
If you use plastic shoe box containers, please use some of good quality! Unfortunately, many of the plastic ones we’ve seen in the distribution centers are already badly cracked or otherwise damaged. These seem dangerous to me, as they have sharp edges, and sometimes they have to be replaced. A well wrapped sturdy shoe box (lid wrapped separately can be wonderful! (For extra strength, reinforce well with clear packing tape!) =]
Requirements differ from country to country, so what you can or can’t send depends upon which countries the distribution center is working on, and this varies from distribution center, and even that varies from day to day. Last year China wouldn’t allow any candy, so any candy in those boxes had to be removed. In our center, for our countries, last year, we were told that scissors and sewing kits were fine…
Never fear though! Boxes are kept as close to the original box as is humanly possible. I’ve been amazed at the integrity at the processing centers. Your gift will get to your child as close to the original package as it possibly can be! If something in your box doesn’t work for a specific country, it can often be added to the donations that are used to add to other boxes that may not be very full. Each child will receive a wonderful box!
So now I am confused, tools or no tools for the boys boxes?
These are great ideas. After volunteering in the packing line several times, I’ve made some changes in my boxes. First, the 10-14 age category is low, so I’ve made sure to make these boxes. I’ve included sewing kits, as you’ve suggested and fishing kits. I love the toolkit idea, especially as someone mentioned bike repair kits.
But the biggest need that I’ve seen is for box fillers. When an item is removed from a box we add a replacement from the filler bins. The filler’s usually aren’t that great. So, being the avid clearance shopper that I am I’ve just started collecting good toys, school items, clothing, etc that I find on clearance and save them up all through the year. When the collection starts I take the fillers to the operation warehouse to be used.
Be sure to see my update regarding tools above!
Thank you for posting these. I always wonder what to include for boys 10-14, never thought about a hammer and nails.
Buy one of the party packs of playdoh that has the small jars, put one or two in each box. Sticker books, activity books, books of paper dolls, yarn, silly putty.
All great ideas! I also put bedroom slippers in mine.
Great ideas! Our family as well as our Sunday School class does the boxes. Just a couple of suggestions. No play dough. It is not familiar to them and they often try to eat it so Samaritan’s Purse asks it not be included. Also the plastic boxes are great and you can put a piece of Christmas fabric in the box in place of wrapping paper. This gives them the fabric also.
I think this is an awesome idea….however we are stationed over seas. Is there a way someone like us can send boxes out to these children? I know a bunch of families that would love to participate in something like this. Please let me know so I can get the word out. Thanks a bunch! God Bless!
You can build a box online at their website.
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/giving/buildabox/
Overseas where? Other countries have similar initiatives – the one in my country is called Santa Shoebox (www.santashoebox.co.za).
what about healthy snacks.raisens, granola bars, etc
Perishable items are not allowed.
I’ve made my box for a girl 10-14! I’m quite proud of it and hope these ideas will help!
-sweet tarts, starburts
-toothbrush, toothpaste
-loofa, soap
-wet-wipes
-q-tips
-stickers
-sharpies
-notebook
-socks
-barrettes, clips, hair ties
-comb
-lip balm
-deodorant
I think I may I go get some wash cloths (someone posted that people in other countries dont use wash cloths but I’ve found that to be untrue) and cooking tools
As Volunteer Coordinator for Eastern Canada – I was very happy to find this comprehensive list. There are two items on the list that can not be sent from Canada, though, gum and toothpaste. The only gum we will allow is the kind on a stick, completely encased in hard candy. The toothpaste is a “Customs” thing…
I would like to forward this list to our head office in Calgary, Alberta in order for it to be posted on the http://www.samaritanspurse.ca/occ website. Do you know how I would go about getting permission to post this list? Also, I have it “pinned” on my Pinterest account under “Making A Difference” – I hope that this is okay, since I see you have “Pin It” button at the top of this page.
Blessings,
Bev W.
I found a 6′ X 8′ tarp at Menards the other day for $1.25. True, it isn’t heavy duty but wouldn’t it be a good thing to include? It could be used on the ground to provide a dry sleeping area, put up on poles for shade, used to cover things to keep them dry, etc. The uses seem endless I already have my boxes packed so unless I remove something, I won’t send them this year. Just wondering what other people think of this idea. I enclosed a spoon, covered bowl and drinking glass in each box. The small bowl is filled with candy, and each glass has a pair of socks rolled up in it. This is the first year I’ve done this, and I will definitely be shopping year around for things now!! What a blessing to give to someone in so much need.
I think the tarp is a fabulous idea!!!
Anything breakable cannot be sent (glass, pottery, porcelain), but if your drinking glass is plastic, that sounds great!
I think the tarp sounds like an incredible idea! =]
FYI I called samaritans purse and found out that depending on what site you are on the lists may be different. That is probally why the toothpaste debate arose. Toothpaste is allowed in the US. The australia/new zealand site lists it as not allowed. You can check to see if you are on the right page by looking in the upper right corner. It will list the phone numbers for those countries.Also the cost per box is $7 in the US and $9 in aust./NZ.
Toothpaste is NOT allowed in Canadian shoe boxes, either. It has to do with Customs regulations – it is my understanding that some of our shipments go through the U.S. to be shipped from Miami and the U.S. Customs will not allow toothpaste coming from Canada, and then again some of the receiving countries have Custom Regulations that forbid toothpaste.
BIBLE! I understand they might not be able to read it depending where it’s sent but there’s a possibility that someone around them could. And what an excellent way to share the word of God!
They already get a Bible booklet in their language when Samaritan’s Purse deliver the boxes
They are then invited to a follow-up course to learn more about God if they want.
I was thinking that for the older girls maybe some pretty cloth menstrual pads might be nice and very helpful. Also you can find thin roll-able backpacks in the camping gear and that could be really nice and helpful too.
Thank you for making this list! It’s so helpful in planning what to buy. Although, I don’t think I would include balloons on the list, or at least, only buy them for 10-14 year olds. When I was in college, one of my professors told us about a time a child had a balloon in the classroom and sucked in to blow up the balloon, but instead, he sucked the balloon down his throat. So scary!
Fabulous post, Kelly. Great ideas, and some good insight from your readers. I’ve linked it up to our Take Six FB page.
Thank you!
Haven;t had time to read all the posts, so sorry if I duplicate. For older girls, you might consider a yard of fabric, denim or cotton, that could be fashioned into a scarf, skirt, or even part of a quilt. I think flip flops in bright colors would be great, For smaller girls or boys, large wooden beads with shoe strings to string them on. I would think baby boxes of diapers, rattles, soft stuffed animals, baby wipes, and pacifiers would be very welcome. All teens could use ball point pens, spiral notebooks, colored pencils, playing cards, markers, simple wood and leather necklaces and bandanas that could be used as scarf, head covering, wash rag, handkerchief and even a blouse would be handy. Sanitary pads, the adhesive kind would make sense too, though I am unsure of the rules. Self drying/hardening modeling clay would also be nice for many age groups
Lovelovelove this post!! I’ve been packing shoeboxes since I was six (i’m fifteen now!). I always pack shoeboxes with my brother and my grandma and it’s become an awesome holiday tradition!Last year we packed four shoeboxes and this year we’re trying to pack one for each age group and gender (so 6 all together!). I love the tool idea, and i love the idea of wrapping the plastic boxes in tape. I always make sure to pack some pads in the 10-14 year old girl boxes, becaue I can’t imagine having to go without them-how upsetting! even if they don’t have it yet, an older family member may benefit. the things i usually include are:
-soap, mini toothbrush in a travel case, toothpaste
-”magic” washcloth (put in water and it expands)
-jewelry like bracelets or necklaces
-STUFFED ANIMALS! every kid should have something cuddly to snuggle with at night)
-paddle balls, kaleidoscopes (sp?), harmonicas, frisbees, bouncy balls, marbles
-lots of socks (usually like four pairs per box. we line the bottom of the box with them and they hardly take up any space!), sometimes a pair of flip flops, tee shirt, baseball hat
-lots and lots of hard candy (double bagged!)
-chapstick (at the dollar section in target they usually have christmas lip balms, with trees, candy canes or rudolph on the package. i always think thats a nice touch)
-lots of school supplies! pencils and sharpeners, pens, mini pads of construction paper, mini legal notepads, crayons, markers, colored pencils
-stickers
-a note and a picture of my family and me
we repack the boxes like 20 times to maximize the space and i love every minute of it!!! i’m definitely going to be on the lookout for toolds, blankets, bags and sewing kits this year!! thanks for all the great ideas and God bless everyone! merry early christmas!!!
Great ideas Lynn. The plastic boxes are a great idea but wrapping them in tons of tape is not. When the boxes arrive at the processing center warehouse, they are inspected by volunteers. Each box is opened, and checked for items that can’t go. In Canada we can not let shampoo, conditioner, lip gloss, soft candies, toothpaste, war-related items, etc. Therefore, the tape just becomes a messy, sticky tangle. A better option would be cotton string or twine (because this can be re-used by the child/family).
I like the idea of pads for the10-14 year old girls,and cloth pads would be an excellent gift, since they can be washed/boiled to be used over and over again…
The magic washcloth is an excellent idea…it takes up so little space in the box!
A note and photo is always really appreciated by the receiving child/family.
I actually meant wrapping just the outside of the boxes in a layer of tape, just so it won’t crack as easily. I definitely don’t want to wrap the whole thing because as you said that would be a lot of extra work and mess! i love the reusable cloth pad idea, i’ll have to look for those!
Thanks for clarifying…that’s an excellent idea to fortify the plasic boxes.
I’ve been meaning to look on the Internet to see if there is a supplier for the cloth pads or if there is a pattern for making them…I don’t imagine they would be too hard to make, do you?
There are TONS and cloth pads are great! A quick Google search will pop up lots of websites, or check Etsy. There are a lot of health benefits besides just economy, too.
Thanks so much for this list! You’ve given me some wonderful ideas. This is my first year putting a box together…I’ve already picked up enough items to fill a second box, but it is such a blessing to be able to give! Prayerfully, my church is going to do something like this locally this year as well!
Water bottles seem to be another great thing to pack in the shoe boxes. I like to get the water bottle and then fill it with pens, pencils, roll up some loose leaf paper, any anything else that I can add to it. This way, I get to maximize my space and the child will have a bottle to use to carry water.
Headlamps and flashlights for late-night reading, adventures, power outages… ALL kids love flashlights!!
Erin, what a great idea! Never thought of that!!
I had a question: for candy, are starbursts and tootsie rolls allowed (in the US)? because I have heard that they are, and then i heard that they aren’t. I don’t think they melt, but they aren’t exactly hard candy……please help i’m confused!
I have packed a box for the first time this year and LOVE this list. I included a flashlight in each box with 2 extra sets of batteries. I haven’t seen anyone mention batteries in the replies but seen mention of solar powered items. Should I look for a hand crank light instead? Also i included a nerf American football that has a nerf arrow looking end for throwing. My husband seems to think they might not know what it is. So I’m curious if I should go for another toy?
Any help and suggestions on these items would be great. This was such a huge blessing to me to think about how these boxes will be received. Also I love the hard plastic box idea. I will be collecting these this year!
The batteries should be fine, but a hand crank would probably last longer. They are both good ideas though, so its really up to what you want to give.
Also, the football is good too. They may not know what it is at first, but they will probably figure out that it is a ball/toy of some sort. I’m sure that they would enjoy it however they use it.
I absolutely love the plastic box idea too! I have a hard time trusting the cardboard ones they give you, and the plastic boxes are so much bigger!
I HAVE A QUESTION! I am almost done with my boxes and a few things I packed had an original packaging that was so bulky I removed it. The items are new and unused but I just hated to waste my precious space by sending all that ugly packaging. Will my items still be accepted?
Thanks
Hillery
Yes! I do that too Hillary. I hate to waste space with packaging!!
i started adding a cloth reusable shopping bag. they fold down small and i use it to line the box…
If I were to include a water bottle with a filter, is there someone who would show the recipient (an older child) how it could be used? I’d like to include one, but don’t want to waste the exta cost if there is no one to show them what it is for and how it is used. Many thanks!
My understanding is that there is a team with every single drop, so yes, there will be someone there to help them!
A note for those sending them from Canada: The customs regulations are different and we’re not allowed to send things like toothpaste etc. Check the Canadian website for a list of items not allowed.
Not seeing any mention of play dough. Did I miss it? Is it too “melty?”
Play dough is mentioned here, but not recommended, as many kids don’t know what it is and some try to eat it!
My family has been filling boxes for about 4 years and we look forward to it each year. I am thankful for everyone’s suggestions, questions and clarifications because it will come in handy as we assemble boxes this season. I really like how people have mentioned HOW they are packing items so that they fit more things into the boxes. I always seem to fill the boxes up and feel as if the child deserves so much more. Thank you for including simple ideas for packing more items!
Pack a tote bag in the shoebox, Easier to carry the things home and if the box is damaged, they still have something to put their things in….and it will be re-used over and over.
Love that idea!!! I’ll have to remember that for this year.
Last year was our first year packing and needless to say, I am soooo hooked!!!!!! I did a small bag last year, but did not think about it for this reason. I read somewhere else earlier this year about doing it for this purpose.
I was so excited to find a great space saving idea at Joanns Fabrics and I am sure other places should have them too. So everyone keep your eyes open for next year.
It is a very small zipper case, that when you unzip it, folds out into a large tote bag with handles, a very nice size. The two sizes surprised me. I can’t remember what they are, but when I check, I will post a reply here so you will know more what you are looking for. It cost me $2.50, which I did not think was bad because of it allowing me to pack it in a small space. It does not have a drawstring as some suggest, but I thought an older girl (which this is for) would like it. And it is going to be so much easier to pack in.
Anyone have a resource for a packaged hammer? This is our first year packing. This site has been tremendously helpful! Thank you!! A note to others: I found small bowls at Walmart with screw on lids and in the lid is a fold -up spoon. &1.48!! I plan to fill it up with items to maximize space.
I found a small hammer today in a completely sealed package with a screwdriver that has multiple bits for only $5 at Big Lots!! I prayed and prayed I would find one in time!
I am really glad I found this when I did! Just in time!
I decided to do two boxes, one for a boy and one for a girl. I was able to find some nice shoes on clearance for only $3 and $6 but I’m having trouble deciding what age group they should be in. I have a toddlers size 6 1/2 and a women’s size 5 1/2. Any suggestions?
Toddlers 6.5 would definitely be age 2-4 (maybe even age 1) and the women’s 5.5 would be 10-14.
Is it ok to remove toothpaste from its carton and put it in a ziplock bag? I’m trying to make more space for more items. (I’m in the U.S.)
Yep, it’s fine. Probably better actually. If the toothpaste busts during shipping, it will be better contained in the ziploc bag.
I was cruising the dollar store yesterday for shoe-box items and in the outdoors/camping section they had rain ponchos. I thought that was a good idea so I thought I’d share. Also, they had a section with left-over Canada day items, so I got some pencils with Canadian flags on them, a lttle token from my country!
I picked up some Melissa and Doug colored chalk for my box the other day, but I don’t see chalk on the list. Is it a bad idea? I can get colored pencils instead and keep the chalk for my kids. It’s nice though, and if it’s okay I’d like to send it. Also, is a transformer toy okay for the 5-9 boys or is that considered war-like? Sorry, this is my first time doing this so I don’t want to make a lot of extra work for anyone. Thanks for any help!!
The chalk and transformer toy will be perfect. They do take out the war-like toys (tanks, real-looking toy guns, etc.), but the transformer should be fine.
Don’t worry too much about making a mistake in your box, because there are people whose only job is to find and correct mistakes (that was my job when I volunteered to help pack the boxes
). It takes maybe two seconds to correct a mistake, so there is hardly any extra work.
Have fun packing!
This is my first year and I’ve completed 4 boxes for the 2-4 age group. I buy a ton of items on clearance and I love making cool loot bags for my kids birthdays. Many of these items I have extra on hand. Also my children are blessed with a lot of toys and clothes do I had them help me.
Crayons, pencils, sharpener, ruler, note pad, coloring book, lots of stickers, tooth brush, tooth paste, wooden train whistle, punch balloon, balloons, inflateable ball, bouncy ball, chattering teeth toy, bar of ivory soap, doctors kit, book, dollar backpack I found at the dollar tree…great “sack” I used at one of my sons birthday, play doh and finger puppets (got from drs office) oh and some character bandaids, comb. I have a lot of bandaids both genders.
Girls- hair clips, flower clips and headbands, cute tutu purses I made for my daughters 3rd bday, new socks and panties, t shirt, small butterfly that you can strap to your back
Boy – socks, underwear, shorts, Tshirt, hot wheels car, light up (spin)top, mask…the ones over the eyes,
I’m glad I read about they deck of cards I will remove and find a replacement.
Since I have so many extra knick knacks, the only things I had to go out and purchase are combs, pencil sharpeners and little note pads.
Just wondering if most of the older kids can read English. I was wanting to send a letter and maybe explain a few of the items I sent but I’m not sure if they could read it?
Jessica, it is my understanding that there are English speaking missionaries are other workers there that would be able to translate. They do ask that we include a letter telling about ourselves, etc to the child, including your name, address, maybe email address and a photo if you have one. Sometimes, not a lot, but sometimes the children do write back. Hope this helps.
Also, I think on the above list there is a link to tips for letter writing, you might want to look at that.
I was surprised to read that you delivered boxes to Ecador last year…that’s where my boxes went! One of the gentlemen in the group took pictures and sent me a CD. I was so excited to get the CD and brought to tears!!! I’ve decided that delivering the boxes is on my “bucket list!”
I love this list. We are doing three boxes this year. Last year, I felt we couldn’t afford it. This year, I am ashamed to find that from just our small stock of school supplies and toiletries purchased on sale for later use, I was able to nearly fill all three boxes. I should have done three last year. Thanks for the kickstarter for my imagination and my attitude!!!
I found you on Pinterest and I have shared on facebook and twitter.
Love the creative printer friendly idea list…a little more elaborate than the usual. I pick up items all year around and then it’s easy to put the boxes together when November comes around!!
This will be my first year doing this and we have decided to do 2 boxes (one for a boy and one for a girl) ages 10-14. I read that they remove sewing kits for saftey reasons. If i took out the needles would it still be removed and would it still be of use to them? Do scissors get removed too?
Also, does anyone know of anything that the children really need or want? I’ve seen some great ideas on here but i know it varies with different countries.
For next year, just in case some may not think about it, when buying toothpaste for younger children buy the children’s toothpaste if you can. I’m sure they are extremely happy with anything we send to them, but I always think of my great niece when she was about 4. She got hold of some regular toothpaste and it burned her mouth, so after that we have always tried to make sure and keep children’s toothpaste at our house knowing they would be in and out.
We put in a few postcards of the animals that are native to our country/province/….we send ones of bears, moose, beavers, squirrels, elk, caribou, etc…..whistles, harmonicas, and maracas are usually in our boxes as well!
fyi….my auntie and uncle applied and were able to go to deliver boxes in south america….it was awesome…all boxes are gone thru before they are shipped….if some are sparse, they add to them….if some are really full, they never take stuff out except for safety reasons…mirrors, sharp things, etc….
Thank you very much for these ideas. I love making shoe boxes for OCC, and it is great to have some new ideas. I just want to point out to your readers that the candy shouldn’t contain chocolate, the soaps shouldn’t be liquid (bar soap is best), and any kinds of toys shouldn’t have “military” style decorations (just trying to save you guys from wasting money on something that the child won’t get). I have volunteered with OCC for the last two years, and in about a third of the boxes I checked there was an item that we would have to throw away because it wouldn’t survive shipping.
I will definitely enjoy packing my box this year. thank you for all the great ideas!
Hi Caelie:
At Operation Christmas Child (Canada) we do not throw away any items – the things that cannot be sent are put into bins, taken to the Charitiies area and sorted according to product. We have local charities that apply to receive the itmes that cannot go due to Customs Regulations. So our local charities receive the goods that can’t be sent overseas…and nothing gets wasted or thrown away.
Something that people tend to forget about for the 10-14 year old girls… periods…
They are at the age where they start to get them and in many parts of the world where OCC boxes go, a girl misses that week of school. So something to add may be these or another brand – https://www.kellyscloset.com/Knickernappies-Stackable-Menstrual-Pads_p_3545.html
(Not an affiliate link)
I know they are kind of expensive of OCC but they would make a HUGE differance in that girls life. instead of 3 weeks of school a month she gets to go to all of them and doesnt fall behind and gets a better education. Something you may want to add to the list
That is a great idea! we tried to do more 10-14 boxes this year since there aren’t as many and I’ll add this to our list for next year! Thanks so much for sharing it.
Great list! For future reference, typically no liquids can go through. This includes toothpaste, wet wipes and lip balm. If you put it in, when they check the boxes at the processing warehouse it will be taken out and donated to local approved charities. Gum is a no too. Rules change from year to year but from my experience these items have never been approved.
I put in some items never added before…rubber bands, paper clips, clothes line and clothes pins. The line and pins can help rest of family and neighbors.
Why do you assume that only girls cook and only boys use tools? My sons cook, and my daughter uses tools, and vice versa.
If you want the real scoop on what’s permitted or not, go to the source:
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/
just fyi guys, i’ve heard that if you want to add a few more cheap things to the boxes, just plain rubber bands are appreciated by the kids. they always find uses for them and they have fun just playing with them sometimes! just goes to show how kids can find joy in any thing, even small things
Lynn, I have heard the same thing about rubber bands. When I asked my son what he would like to receive if he were the one getting a shoebox, that was one of the items he mentioned. We also put in binder clips and Scotch tape. Both useful, and kids can find amazing things to do with them.
I found mini desk sets for $2.00 at Michaels recently – little canisters that contain a tiny stapler, staples, highlighter, tape and scissors. They also had small bobbin-style rolls of ribbon for under 50 cents. On eBay, I found collapsible water bottles – good way to include a water bottle without taking up a ton of space.
I have on hand a few small, flat, glass hearts (maybe 1/2 inch thick and 2 inches across). I know they usually don’t allow glass items, but since they are so chunky it seems like they would be hard to break. Would those be likely to get removed in processing?
I live in Australia, I want to get involved, where? How? Who?
I recently started an open facebook group, “Operation Christmas Child Through the Year,” in order to share such ideas, craft ideas, sales, etc. I’d love for you or you readers to join. Anything you can do to promote it will be so loving.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/419399688113630/?fref=ts
I’m going to post the link to this list there more than once through the year.
Love it!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, for the printable list! I will be keeping it in my purse!!!!
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