Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ideas
Update: I just finished packing our Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes for 2018 and found a few more fun items at the Dollar Tree and Hobby Lobby ~ I would love if you'd join me and pack a box for a child in need this year too! Learn more HERE.
I'm so excited because I'm partnering again this year with Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes, and they have a few new fantastic Operation Christmas Child Shoebox ideas & resources including pre-printed plastic shoeboxes ~ I just ordered ours to start filling this year!
If you haven't heard of Operation Christmas Child Shoebox before, they're a ministry of Samaritan's Purse that provides shoeboxes to children worldwide who might not receive a Christmas gift at all without people like you and me packing boxes to send.
You can get free materials, recommendations, and more right now by visiting the Samaritan's Purse Resource & Idea Hub right over HERE. National Collection Week is November 13th-20th this year ~ find a location to drop off your boxes right HERE.
Here are 7 more resources to get you started:
Print Operation Christmas Child Labels HERE
Get Operation Christmas Child Drop Off Locations HERE
Learn about Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Tracking HERE
Watch more Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Videos HERE
Find Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Deadlines for Packing HERE
See more Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Pictures HERE
Read more about Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Stories HERE
I also highly recommend sharing the video above with your children, family and friends as you pack your Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes. This is one of our favorite ways to give each year, and I love that my kids get to see the other side of where our simple boxes end up.
Curious what to pack in an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox for younger kids? Here you go . . .
- crayons
- coloring books
- flip flops
- t-shirts
- ball
- bar soap
- bracelet
- bandana
- pencils & pens
- pencil sharpener
- duct tape
- travel size games – checkers
- deck of cards
- hacky sack
- harmonica
- yo yo
- hat
- glue sticks
- scissors
- small stuffed animal
- pom poms
- glitter
- small crafting kit
- post it notes
- highlighters
- small notebook
- chalk
- watercolor paint sets
- play doh
- small etch a sketch
- socks
- back pack
- plastic cup
- straws
- scarf
- jump rope
- glowsticks
- batteries
- matchbox cars
- finger puppets
- silly putty
- balloons
- toothbrush
- washcloth
- wet wipe
- travel pack of tissues
- chapstick
- hair ties
- band aids
- hair brush
For Older Boys:
- Tools – hammer, screwdriver, wrench or pliers, duct tape, measuring tape
- Fishing supplies – add in a small fishing kit, fishing line, hooks
- Binoculars
- Kaleidoscope
- Plastic Magnifying Glass
- Watch
- Handkerchief
- Collapsible water bottle
- Harmonica
For Older Girls:
- Small sewing kit
- Clip on earrings
- Bracelets
- Barettes
- Coin purse
- Sticky notes
- Watercolor paint set
- Yarn
- Colored Sharpies, highlighters or markers
- A friendship bracelet with extra string so they can make more
- Ink pad and stamp set
Also, here are a few ideas that Operation Christmas Child shared on their site as far as suggestions for all ages (as well as some items not to include):
- TOYS: Include items that children will immediately embrace such as dolls, toy cars, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, balls, toys that light up and make noise (with extra batteries), etc.
- SCHOOL SUPPLIES: pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
- NON-LIQUID HYGIENE ITEMS: toothbrushes, bar soap, combs, washcloths, etc.
- ACCESSORIES: t-shirts, socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries), etc.
- A PERSONAL NOTE: You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. If you include your name and address, the child may be able to write back.
- DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.
National Collection Week for Shoeboxes this year is November 13-20, and if you’re not sure where to drop off a box in your area you can go HERE to find a local collection site. They do ask that you also give a donation of $9 per box to cover the cost of shipping – learn more about that over HERE and donate online as well.
Additional tips that may help:
- Pack soap in a plastic bag to keep the scent from taking over the whole box and so that nothing leaks.
- Remove packaging from your items so that you allow for more room in your box and so that they don't have much trash to throw away.
- Don't send anything that has directions/writing in English (i.e. toys with instructions, games that require kids to read English.) Since these boxes go to non-English speaking country it's worth only including things that are understood internationally.
- Read more great tips and suggestions from a missionary in the field over HERE.
Hi, I’m grateful for the suggestions on what to put in the boxes! I’m just wondering, do you manage to put all 50 items in one? Or do you just pick and choose what to put in??
Hi Ellie! Just pick a few items! I love the idea of picking one “wow” item (an item that may be a little more pricey but something just fun and special) and then filling up the rest of the box with smaller items (school supplies, toiletries, coloring books, etc.) Hope that helps!
I think the toothbrush should be in its wrapper. I plan to buy a toothbrush holder for mine. Also a plastic container for the bar of soap.
Thanks for sharing Jackie! I think I may get a toothbrush holder to put it in – that way they don’t have the waste to throw away, but they do have something to put the toothbrush in. Thanks for sharing!
Also we were told, No toothpaste.
Just noticed that candy is on the “do not send” list. I have always sent hard candy, because it is Christmas. Not sure why it has become a “no.”
Hi Clayta! That’s new this year due to customs. Hope that helps!
it became a no because of increased customs regulations and they want to get as many boxes through customs w/o hassle as possible
There is no way i can send $9 a box for shipping!!!
Hi Robynn! I know $9 adds up quickly – maybe if you join in with a friend to put together a box you can split it up (getting the boxes shipped to remote countries is just expensive!)
Hey Robyn – I’ve learned over the last few years to either shop early in the year for the contents and use my money at delivery to pay for shipping — OR — ask a few folks to go in on boxes with you, there is usually one person that says “can I just give money?” because they don’t have time to shop.
I noticed in one of the pictures there’s toothpaste which is on the Do-Not-Send list. Toothpaste and candy were added as “no go” items due to customs regulations on things with expiration dates. I figure it just gives me a little more room for something else.
And for those who ask, no need to put all 50 items in one box. Poor kid would be overwhelmed. Just fill the box with an assortment of fun things and practical things and it will be good. 😀
We’re using bottle return money to pay for shipping. But we live in Oregon and deposits are .10 now, so you’re mileage may vary.
I did not see anything about make up? like mascara or lipsticks or lip gloss for older kids?
Hi Alex! I’m not so sure about mascara, but lip balm is fine (just nothing liquid like lip gloss). Hope that helps!
A WOW gift for boys of all ages is a soccer ball that can be deflated. Then enclose a Pump and needles to blow it up when the child receives the box.
Judy that is such an awesome idea!
I know the list changes every year, and maybe I overlooked it, but at one point playing cards were on the do not send list. Has this changed for 2017?
You said somewhere on your video no glue. A glue stick would be OK, though, because it’s not liquid (just like the lip balm). With all the things to draw and write with (pens, markers, crayons…), I always also add something to mark or write on (notebook, writing pad, coloring book…). It would be sad for them to get those cool markers and crayons and have nothing appropriate to use them on.
I put a deflated soccer ball and pump in the older boys boxes. Fill the boxes full if you can. Anything the child can’t use will be passed on to others! This will be my families 3rd year going to Boone headquarters to help in the wear house. Such a blessing to hear the past recipients speak and pray over a full truck loaded and leaving!!
hi can we us the shoe boxes for school so we can give the kid something to open because we are a low income school we would give the kids the box to fill so they can give it to one of the kids at the school
I would like to recieve a box for my kids! I am currently job less and can’t affort to buy gifts for my kids
Tatyana, I suggest you ask the social worker at your children’s school(s) what resources are available to help you provide Christmas gifts for your children. Another option is the Salvation Army. If you attend a house of worship, they may be able to help also. I hope you are able to secure employment soon.