Every year, I find myself worrying about coming up with unique Christmas shoebox ideas when I start filling my boxes. I want to be sure that the box I pack has exactly what it needs in it for the child who will receive it.
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 NLT)
My greatest desire is to fill a box packed with things that the child really needs and wants. And there is no reason for me to worry about it or stress over it at all, because our God is a big God! He not only makes sure that each box gets to the child He intends to receive it, but He also will guide you as you are packing the box. He will make sure you know what He wants you to put in it.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights… (James 1:17 NIV)
I want to encourage you to pray as you fill your box, and trust His Holy Spirit to speak to you. Maybe He will place a burden on your heart for a unique gift that He wants you to include in your shoebox. I think that’s okay, and I think you should trust Him. No matter how unorthodox it may be, trust that the Lord wants that item in the box, and trust that He will get it to the right person. The five stories below prove that He knows what these children need, and He knows how to deliver each box to the one He intends it to receive it.
Hot Wheels. A Brazilian boy arrived at the distribution asking for a box with a Hot Wheels car in it. The volunteers explained that they didn’t know what would be in his box. They gave him a box to open, and when he did, more than half of the box was filled with Hot Wheels!
A pretty dress. As dad in India had never been able to give his daughter a Christmas gift. Then one Christmas, he was able to get a box for her at an OCC distribution. When she opened her shoebox, a pretty dress was inside–just her size.
Shoes. In Uruguay, four brothers came to an Operation Christmas Child distribution with only one thing in mind. They each hoped to get a pair of shoes to wear to school. All four opened boxes that had a brand new pair of shoes inside.
…for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! (Matthew 6:8b NLT)
Hair clips. Life in a Romanian orphanage meant living in poverty. All 12-year-old Livia had ever asked for was some hair clips. When she received a Christmas shoebox, hair clips were on the very top of the box.
Looking for items to fill your Christmas shoebox? Find a FREE printable list of 101 suggested shoebox gifts HERE, approved by Operation Christmas Child.
Shoes and Socks. A boy in Manila lay with his right leg amputated in a hospital cancer ward. He received a box with shoes in it. The boy in the bed next to him, whose left leg had been amputated, received a pair of socks in his box. These two boys were able to share a sock and a shoe with each other so that each had a complete set for their remaining leg that fit.
What’s most important is that children and adults understand how incredible it is that people from thousand of miles away love and care for them because of Jesus Christ. And then they begin to understand that there is a God who loves them, who cares for their needs, and who longs to fulfill the greatest desires of their hearts by offering them a relationship with Him. That’s what the ministry of Operation Christmas Child is all about.
:: Learn how to pack your box so that all the Christmas gifts fit HERE.
Have you ever felt led to put a unique item in a shoebox? What was it?
I don’t think this is too interesting and it’s not so much about what we put inside the box but the box itself. We go out and purchase a clear plastic tub that has a top that fits/snaps that is the same size as a shoebox. That way they can use the box for storage, gathering water etc. LOVE this and look forward to hearing other peoples ideas!
Kyra, I think it is a GREAT idea! Actually that is one of my favorite things to make sure gets done with a box. Good job! 🙂
Plastic boxes seem like a great idea! However I had an experience that proved to me that they are not as great as they seem. You see, I was able to take a group from my church to the processing center where the boxes go to be checked and packed in a larger box (carton) to be sent to their destination. The goal was to get 15 shoe boxes in each carton. Even if a carton does not have 15 in it, it is still counted as if it does. So if you feel like you must pack a plastic box please make sure it is not too large and that the lid fits properly. Your best bet is to order boxes from OCC or you can pick them up from most local Christian book stores.
I always put a small toothpaste and toothbrush inside the shoeboxes. I also always tuck a small stuffed animal in there too, as well as a mini notebook with either crayons or pencils, among tons of other fun stuff! I wish i could put a childs Bible in there too, but you never know the language they speak.
you can put a Bible in God knows what language that they speak. I put a purple Bible in one shoebox that I didnt like the small print.
We are not allowed to send Bible’s because some countries will reflect the entire carton if they discover religious material. Also no longer can send toothpaste, candy or gum.
That’s reject not reflect.
Bibles are allowed if you’re packing in the USA. If it happens that you’re box is going to a “sensitive country”, and has a Bible in it, they will set your box aside for a day when they are processing a country that has no restrictions on them.
Hey Kelly! What a wonderful idea!….to pray about what to put into the boxes! My family and I always pray over the boxes before we turn them in at church but I had not thought about praying before shopping to see exactly what God actually wants me to put in each box. Thanks for sharing that! What a timely tip…I was planning on shopping for things for my boxes this week…now I’m praying over the boxes before I go 🙂
My daughter was fitted with reading glasses in 3rd grade, but apparently she rarely wore them. At the end of the year they came home with her and were never looked at again. When she had her next eye check, the doc said her vision had improved enough that she didn’t need them (cool!) so I tucked them away and forgot about them.
When we were packing shoeboxes, I felt led to dig them out and add them to a particular box. I wasn’t sure about it because they were “used”, but honest, you couldn’t tell and so I put them in a little girl box (Barbie-themed in a pink case). I included a new cleaning rag too. I hope they were allowed to stay. : )
When my son was 5, he and a friend played soccer. We lived 3 hours from a shoe store, so when I was in a large town I picked up 2 pair of soccer shoes and brought them home only to find out his friend had been given a pair already. Since the 2nd pair I had were way too small for my son, I added them to a shoebox. I wouldn’t have intentionally purchases soccer shoes for the gifts, but it sure was fun to include them!
Every box I pack is very unique. One box I knew needed a light up ball. It was a shoebox that had light up shoes in it. I MADE an all blue girls box and included a car. I always preferred cars to dolls and blue more than pink. certain clothes call out to me like I bought footie pajamas for a young girl with angels on them.
I did a boy’s box with a desktop globe in it. I do lots of boxes with soccer balls. One girl’s box had a music box. In another girl’s box I put a very nice manicure set. I never put “junk” in the boxes, it has to be stuff that will last. I love to think about different things but I may just come up with 3 or 4 “standard” boxes and work on doing more and more boxes, rather than coming up with more ideas! But it sure is fun to think about what would delight a child.
Plastic shoebox do fit in shipping crates. They tell you on OCC site they are great to use. You are to use actual shoebox size boxes. If you send a deflated ball send a small hand pump with built in needle as well..
You can get those pumps at the Dollar Tree.
I put a heavy plastic shower curtain in the boxes that i fixed this year. They could be used as ground cover to sit on, to take a bath on, or under their bed to keep their bedding clean and dry. I also included extra toothbrushes and covers for family members. I also used Ivory soap because it floats. I also included some extra gallon freezer bags that they could use as storage bags. And for the 10 – 14 year old girls, I made reusable cloth menses pads and bags for them.
Regina,
You said you make reusable menses pads for the older girls. What do you use to make them with?
Inquiring minds NEED to know.
Cheryl S.
Pinterest has patterns and instructions. Also look on Etsy.com. Tags: mama clothes, rumps, reusable menses pads. I had made for mission teams.(flannel., toweling, fleece, snaps or safety pins)
This CHANGED the way I packed my shoeboxes: A young woman stood in front of our congregation. She had traveled with Samaritan’s Purse while they delivered the shoeboxes. I listened to the amazing stories. Then she said something that changed everything! She said not many people know that it is a rule that a child can only get 1 box from Samaritan’s Purse in their lifetime. ONE BOX in THEIR LIFE TIME! Here in the US we spend $100’s dollars on our children for each birthdays and Christmas. We give nieces, nephews and grandchildren expensive gifts each year. We give nice gifts to our children’s friends at birthday parties each year. Yet we pack our shoeboxes with the cheapest things we can find. Even the WOW gift comes from the dollar store! This is the ONLY GIFT this child will ever get! And this gift represents God’s love for us. It is used demonstrate John 3:16- God sending His gift of Jesus to the child! God sent his best; can’t we do the same?
Now my WOW gift does not come from dollar tree! I send a soccer ball with a pump and 2 needles or a nice doll or truck. I include Crayola crayons and lot’s of school supplies. (Have you ever tried to use a pencil sharpener from Dollar Tree? Not so good, trust me.) Quality socks from Wal-Mart, a shirt from JoAnn’s and so on. I am all for saving money, I shop for bargains, and I start the day after Christmas! But just as I would for my own grandkids, I look for quality. PLEASE: Pack less boxes and SEND QUAILITY GIFTS.
Here are some dollar tree items I would send: toothbrush with cover, combs, washcloths, extra toys and balls (not the WOW gift), puzzles, bible story books with lots of pictures, flip flops, and doll accessories and hair accessories (barrettes, headbands, ponytail bands).
We arent allowed to put toothpaste or Biblmes in the boxes. No religious items nothing that spills or breakss. No lollies either be ause they can melt in the heat of the storage. Im surprised you dont k ow that . Nothing like dominoes either because its considered gambling in some countries.
What country are you from?
I have never been told crosses or Scripture verses or Bibles are prohibited.
There may be language issues with Bibles, but they weren’t prohibited.
I was also not aware of any issue with Dominos. Where is this info on the website? I can’t find it.
All of these (except candy/toothpaste) are ok if you’re packing in the USA. Bibles are fine, Dominoes are fine, even poker cards are ok.
In the UK we can’t pack overtly religious materials, 4-suit playing cards, toothpaste or sweets (candy) especially if going to Middle Eastern Countries. The whole batch can be turned away if these forbidden items are found.
This is my 17th year participating in OCC and I love this project. I always pray about what to put in my boxes, God knows where they are going and what the children need/want. I number my boxes and have been getting “messages from above” as to what is needed for years. Once it was “add blankets to the toddler boxes”, then “add a protractor to box #9”, “add a harmonica to box 7”, another year it was “add backpacks to boxes”, another year it was “focus on hygiene items”. This year I was told to put a soccer ball/pump in one of the 10-14yr old girl boxes. I’ve always included a lot of school supplies, at least 3 toys, tshirt/outfit, doll/stuffed animal, hygiene items, extras. God bless all of the people that deal logistically with getting these boxes to all those needy children in the various countries around the world.
I actually wish the boxes were twice as big as they are, especially after finding out that each child can only receive one box in a lifetime. I did order the plastic boxes this year and they were a tad bit larger, but still need to be at least a couple inches taller. I always buy way too much and breaks my heart to have to leave anything out. I ALWAYS put a soft throw in mine because both my boys loved them when they were growing up and even though they both are married I STILL always worry about them being warm ( Yep over protective mom, lol). I know I could get lots more items in my box by leaving out the throw BUT it’s like a message from God that says ” nope these childre needs the warmth and security your children felt by these soft cuddly blankets” so I pack and repack many times to get as much as I can in each box. This is my favorite thing to do ever and would love to see every little face that is blessed with these boxes!!
You can send ‘extra’ things in a box marked as extras. Last year our church packed a number of boxes. We had an assortment of extra things so we asked and yes we could send the extras. They use those items to fill boxes that aren’t quite full.
I too overpack my box, praying that everything will make it to the child who needs it.
I crochet lapghans, and am able to fit them in a medium shoebox. As you said , Sharon, I shop the sales at quality stores for pajamas, socks, etc. I did not realize that a child could only receive one box. As you say, all the more reason to pack it with something that will give them a feeling of love.
Julia, I agree with you completely: I’ve volunteered for years at the OCC Warehouse, and the discrepancy between the boxes can be sad. Some boxes are filled with wonderful stuff, while others contain things that were clearly cast-offs (really, who put a cell phone cover in a shoe box? what were you thinking?) Remember, the child will feel that this gift comes from Jesus; make it worthy. I hear so many people at the OCC Warehouse bragging about how many boxes they /their church sent in — I’m with you in that I’d rather send fewer boxes but make those boxes really nice.
My favorite tips:
– Use a plastic box; the plastic box becomes a storage item that can be used for years. I buy my plastic boxes in January and keep them on the top shelf of my coat closet; throughout the year, as I see little things, I put them into the boxes.
– Lay a colorful bandana in the box first; this serves as packing, and who couldn’t use a bandana?
– Start with one nice item that’ll be noticed immediately — a stuffed animal works well for just about any child. I personally stay away from baby dolls because I don’t know the skin tone of the child who will receive the gift.
– I like to pack for older boys /girls because I have the impression they’re overlooked. I never pack for the 2-4 year old group because I feel they won’t appreciate the gift as much, and — remember — they can’t receive another box ever in their lifetime.
– For older girls I like to include a sewing kit (stored in a metal lunchbox) or a crochet needle and some yard. I also like to include a couple tee-shirt dresses and socks (I put a note on the outside of the box saying, “For a girl who can wear an American size small”, and I trust that the box’ll go to the right girl). And hair accessories; all girls enjoy those.
– For an older boy, I like to give a pocket fisherman or a small tool kit. And bungie cords; boys are nuts for bungie cords. For the boys, colorful tee-shirts and socks.
– If I pack for a 5-9 child, I often include a dollar store plate, cup and cutlery set in all in the same bright color. I’ve heard that some of these families do not have dishware for everyone in the family.
– I’ve sent flashlights (with extra batteries), colorful bandaids, matchbook cars (with a “road” drawn on a fold-out piece of cardboard), and pillowcases.
Julia, I agree with you about the quality. We have just started doing this, and are packing for 10-14 year olds. We’re actually packing with 14+ in mind and circled the 14s on the labels. With my own children, they were satisfied with cheaper and more abundant toys when they were young. As they grew, we spent about the same on them (maybe a little more), and the gifts got smaller in number and better in quality. I’m guessing that’s probably universal. God can and does use everything, though – even the boxes that people have bragged they filled for $5.
This year, my daughter and I had so much fun packing a “career box” for a boy; full of tools and the requisite soccer ball. It ended up being too much so we packed a second “sports box” with all the sport things. The girl’s career box had good quality sewing stuff, along with the soccer ball and pump. We used a Tupperware Modular Mate large rectangular plastic container. They’re thick and sturdy and meant to last. I think we picked it up at a thrift shop for a couple of bucks.
We are shopping already, keeping our eyes out for unique things. I mystery shop and there are often purchase requirements that work great for the boxes, and I like to pick up little oddities at thrift shops. We know our boxes are going to the Philippines. That’s an advantage because it helps in deciding what to put in there.
TP, the bungie cords are a good idea!
I love to make things to put into our boxes. I made a doll cradle out of a salt box padded with quilt batting and covered with pink gingham and lace, and then bought a doll that would fit in the cradle. My granddaughter wanted to keep it! I have made many fishing kits, paper dolls, race track games to go with Hot Wheels cars ( which I printed on cereal boxes! They are much heavier than card stock!) . I try to use the highest quality things I can find. I’m going to help my Junior Church class to make spinners out of CDs and DVDs that we have been saving for some time. All my craft items will be accompanied by quality WOW gifts that I purchase on sale all through the year. Much prayer goes into these boxes from the very beginning. Our church collects items all year and we pray every week in my Junior Church class for the boxes we have already sent (and the children receiving them) and the ones we are collecting for. I am very thankful for all the ideas and help I get from the posts on Pinterest and Facebook! I would like to know how Julie knows her boxes are going to the Philippines?
I haven’t met a child that doesn’t like to make crafts – so I watch for sales on beads, charms, elastic cording, scissors and pouches. Our youth group puts boxes together every year and putting the bead packets together is something they can create to include in the boxes. I’m also making some dresses (longer than we wear in the USA) with matching headbands. And of course include a doll and make a matching dress for it. I know how much my daughters and granddaughters have loved the above items, so I’m sure the girls that receive the boxes are pleased. Thanks everyone for your ideas. I’m always looking for something new to include!
Debbie, if you pay for shipping online, you can track them. It’s nice because we have Filipino friends who have talked to us about what the child will likely be able to best use and will enjoy. For instance, in many countries, the boys play soccer; in the Philippines, the girls are really into soccer as well. So this year we included a soccer ball in the girl’s box as well. Also, they let us know that Legos are popular there, but the knock-offs not so much (because they can purchase the knock-offs very cheaply.)
Love the idea of writing on the outside the sizes! We did write that they were “career boxes” and circled 14+.
Nobody should feel disrespected for what’s in their box. Even the one with one doll and the pic of the old lady a bug-eyed chihuahua was certainly used by God – I’m sure it was prayed over with the strength of a warrior. God knows. We can’t afford to pack 50 boxes, so we pack a few nice-quality ones. Others have younger children and have their pulse on what is best for those ages. They might pack differently and send more. It will go where it needs to.
Thanks for all the ideas. We have been collecting for November since the new year.
i have never heard that about one shoe box for a lifetime i feel like they must go back to the same small countries and how would they know which child has received shoe boxes in the past i hope that is not true. I love this program and i always put quality items even down to the wash cloths you can find designer quality at Marshalls for really good prices
Does anyone have a simple DIY pattern for pointed scissor cover/pouch? I am making bead kits for girls 5-9 and 10-14 and want to send pointed scissors to the older girls. I have lots of fabric scraps, some batting……help would be wonderful!
Amazon and e-bay have bulk foldable scissors. They fold in half and that protects the pointed end.
I am in charge of the OCC at my church. We collect a different item every month, starting in January. In October we collect monetary donations to send the boxes. The past year, donations were down, so I started monthly craft nights. We have braided t-shirt jump ropes, made hopping frog bags with targets (plastic frogs with lily pad targets), made felt finger puppets, wooden “fairy wands” with ribbons, made thaumotropes (look itI up there are free patterns) with bamboo skewers, fabric yo-yos were glued onto hair clips, made craft foam lacing cards for the 2-4 year olds, and drawstring bags. This ar we are adding in fishing kits and sewing kits.
When I pack my boxes, I start with school supplies (notebook, pencils, erasers, sharpners, crayons or colored pencils). I then include basic hygiene items (soap, washcloth, toothbrush). Then for the toys (deflated soccer ball with pump, stuffed animal, jumprope, cars, etc.) I include 3 toys to start off. After I make sure all those items are in there, I continue with other items until the box is completely full…T shirt, socks, flip flops, cups/utensils, more school supplies, more toys, etc. I feel sorry for the person checking my box because it is put together like a puzzle. Lol
I heard a story while packing cartons st a Distribution Center that blew me away. A bod went to a 10-14 year old boy. At the DC, the volunteer felt confused by the fact that a pair of women’s red shoes being in it. If you’ve worked there, they encourage volunteers not to take things out unless they absolute cannot go (liquids, candy, toothpaste are all donated to another charity).
Anyway, someone decided to track the box. When it arrived on the other end, the boy who received the box broke down into tears. A volunteer questioned him, surely thinking he would as disappointed with his gift.
What he said has also influenced my gifting. His one desire was to give his mom a good gift. She was in real need of new shoes. He cried because he was so proud to be able to give them to her.
You just never know. Pack those boxes! God will handle the rest.
My husband makes boys fishing kits. A lady came spoke to our Awanna group told us how. Its on their page simple. Floats like pool ones they can use for beds. I always keep my eye out for rag doll. I can see a girls face light up with rag doll. I found one one time. But this yearr Khols had them for 5 dollars up front. Their help one foundation and give to child. I have not got back their. Im sure they are gone but hoping not. I think a teenage girl would like one on her bed. Always soccer ball. Used around the world.
I was led once to include aa gift for the mother of the child receiving my box. It was a silver necklace and I put it in an organza bag and attached a note that said for your mom. I of course filled the rest of the box with wonderful quality items for the child as well.
My favorite shoebox story was one Will Graham told, he was at an orphanage helping to distribute shoeboxes and a little boy hadn’t opened his. Will offered to help him he say no at first because all he had asked for was a family and God couldn’t fit that in a box, Will encouraged him and in the bottle was a picture of the family that had put the box together with their address on the back. Will offered to help him write to the family. He wrote exactly what he said thanks for my presents but I really wanted a family. 6 months later that family adopted him. So God can really fit a miracle in a shoebox