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50 Ideas for an Operation Christmas Child Box (Get Your Boxes Ready Now!)

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Pack an Operation Christmas Child Box and give kids a memorable Christmas! Here are 50 of the best items to send. Find out how here!

Operation Christmas Child Boxes Things to Add into Box

Operation Christmas Child Boxes – 50 Ideas of What to Pack!

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, I’m super excited to share one of my favorite ministries with you: Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child!

This year, national collection week is November 14 – 21, 2022, so you have plenty of time to get your items purchased and packed. If you don't want to physically pack a box, you can also create a box online! 

If you haven't heard of Operation Christmas Child, they send shoeboxes (filled with quality toys, clothing, personal care items, crafts, and more ~ donated by people like you and me!) to children worldwide who would not receive a Christmas gift otherwise.

Each year, my children choose a child in need to pack a box for, and then we head to Dollar Tree, Hobby Lobby, or browse Amazon to pick up items for those children. It literally takes us less than an hour to do, and reminds my children and myself that there are those in need all over the world.

operation christmas boxes at hobby lobby

Here's how to make an Operation Christmas Child box:

  1. Find a Shoebox.
    Start with an average-size cardboard or plastic shoebox. If you want to wrap it, cover the box and lid separately. If you decide to shop at Hobby Lobby, you may also find bins at the front that you can fill to get an idea of how many things will fit into a normal shoebox.
  2. Girl or Boy?
    Decide whether you will pack a box for a girl or a boy, and what age category you're shopping for: 2–4 years, 5–9 years, or 10–14 years.
  3. Fill with Gifts.
    Select a medium to large “wow” item such as a soccer ball with pump or stuffed animal, then fill with other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies. You can also include a personal note and photo.
  4. Donate $9 online and receive a label to Follow Your Box and discover the destination of your shoebox gift.

Operation Christmas Child Boxes Ideas to Add

Operation Christmas Child Drop Off Dates:

National Collection Week for Shoeboxes this year is November 14 – 21, 2022, and if you're not sure where to drop off a box in your area you can go HERE to find a local drop off location. 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.

reagan holding shoes for christmas boxes

I also highly recommend sharing the videos here 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.

how to pack your shoebox

There are a few requests and items to avoid in the shoeboxes each year.  Follow the guidelines listed above.  Here are some of the best items we've come up with to add to your Operation Christmas Child Boxes….. if you have any other ideas let us know!

50 Ideas of what to pack in your Operation Christmas Child Boxes:

  1. Crayons
  2. Coloring books
  3. Flip flops
  4. T-shirts
  5. Ball
  6. Bar soap
  7. Bracelets
  8. Bandana
  9. Pencils & pens
  10. Pencil sharpener
  11. Craft duct tape
  12. Travel size games – Checkers, etc
  13. Deck of cards
  14. Hacky sack
  15. Harmonica
  16. Yo-Yo
  17. Hat
  18. Glue sticks
  19. Scissors
  20. Small stuffed animal
  21. Pom poms
  22. Glitter
  23. Small crafting kit
  24. Post-It notes
  25. Highlighters
  26. Small notebook
  27. Chalk
  28. Watercolor paint sets
  29. Play-Doh
  30. Small Etch-a-Sketch
  31. Socks
  32. Backpack
  33. Plastic cup
  34. Straws
  35. Scarf
  36. Jump rope
  37. Glow sticks
  38. Batteries
  39. Matchbox cars
  40. Finger puppets
  41. Silly Putty
  42. Balloons
  43. Toothbrush (not toothpaste)
  44. Washcloth
  45. Wet wipes
  46. Travel pack of tissues
  47. Chapstick
  48. Hair ties
  49. Band-Aids
  50. Hair brush

Shoes to add for operation christmas child boxes

These “shoes that grow” are a great option too!  They grow up to 5 sizes (and expand 3 ways) and are made from long lasting material.   Read more about their mission project and the company here.

Operation Christmas Child Boxes Stacked Up

Ideas For Older Boys:

Small Stuffed Animals as Gifts

Ideas For Older Girls:

operation christmas child boxes filled with items to gift

Also, here are a few ideas that Operation Christmas Child shared on their site as far as suggestions for all ages:

  • 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 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. 🙂

What is NOT allowed in Operation Christmas Child boxes? 

There are a few items that shouldn't be packed in the boxes –

Candy; toothpaste; gum; used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; seeds; fruit rolls or other fruit snacks; drink mixes (powdered or liquid); liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; as well as aerosol cans.

operation christmas

Additional tips for packing your Operation Christmas Child box:

  • 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.

operation christmas child boxes packed and labeled boy and girl

Operation Christmas Child Labels + More Resources:

  1. Print Operation Christmas Child Labels HERE
  2. Find Operation Christmas Child Drop Off Locations HERE
  3. Learn about Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Tracking HERE
  4. Watch more Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Videos HERE
  5. Find Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Deadlines for Packing HERE
  6. See more Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Pictures HERE
  7. Read Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Stories HERE

Have more questions? You can get even more free materials, recommendations, group resources, tips, and more right now by visiting the Samaritan's Purse Resource & Idea Hub.

Packed Christmas Shoebox for Kids with Toys

My sister Bonnie has volunteered for years at the one of the Operation Christmas Child Processing Centers in Boone, North Carolina. I loved her pictures from behind the scenes!   

Behind The Scenes Christmas Shoeboxes

See more about Alex's Story and how the Operation Christmas Child Boxes made a difference for him. 

Operation Christmas Child Alex's Story

Looking for more posts like this? Here you go:

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ideas

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