What could possibly be simpler than taking an empty shoebox, filling it with gifts, and sending it to a needy child?
That is the idea behind Operation Christmas Child!
Whether you are a seasoned shoebox packer or you are ready to pack your very first shoebox with gifts, you may be stumped for ideas.
What items should I include in my shoebox?
How can I make my shoebox gift extra special?
That is exactly why we have compiled this ultimate list to help inform you, inspire you, and get you busy packing shoeboxes for children in need all over the world!
I am simply a volunteer blogger who has personally packed hundreds of shoeboxes over the years, but I am not an employee of Samaritan's Purse or Operation Christmas Child; so I am not paid to promote their ministry nor am I an official spokesperson for them. So always for the most up-to-date official packing rules, be sure to check the official Operation Christmas Child Packing List before you get started. Important note: As of 2017, candy and toothpaste are no longer allowed in OCC shoeboxes!
Now let's get down to business!
Choose the gender & age for your gift.
OCC shoeboxes are packed with the following designations:
Boy age 2-4
Boy age 5-9
Boy age 10-14
Girl age 2-4
Girl age 5-9
Girl age 10-14
Hot Tip! OCC always receives fewer shoeboxes for Boys age 10-14 than any other. If you really want to help, consider packing gifts for this group!
Pick out your gift items.
Here are some awesome ideas for items you can include in your shoebox gift!
School Supplies
Pencils
Erasers
Sharpeners
Small notebooks
Scissors
Ruler
Calculator
Pens
Arts/Craft Supplies
Crayons (Jumbo crayons are perfect for the 2-4 age group!)
Coloring books
Sketch pad
Stamps & stamp pad
Stickers
Colored pencils
Markers
Gel pens
Small sewing kit
Fabric pieces
Journal or diary
Stationary set
Craft kit
Play-doh
Small LEGO kit
Hygiene Items
Washcloth
Mild bar soap (place in doubled zipper bags!)
Toothbrush
Comb
Hair accessories
Stick deodorant
Pads
Tissues
Practical Gifts
Small fishing kit
Small tool set
Drinking cup (sippy cups for the little ones!)
Plastic eating utensils
Flashlight with batteries
Whistle
Clothing Items
Socks
Mittens or gloves
T-shirts
Underwear
Small dresses or outfits
Hats
Sunglasses
Shoes
Toys, Fun, & WOW! Gifts
Stuffed animal
Small baby doll
Finger puppets
Bath toys
Toy cars
Magnetic travel games
Puzzles
Soccer ball (Hot Tip! To fit, deflate the ball and include a pump!)
Beach ball
Bouncy balls
Baseball
Small football
Picture books
Board books (great for toddlers!)
Yo-Yo
Jax set
Slinky
Rubix cube
Cracker Barrel Peg Game
Tin penny whistle
Paddle-ball
Marbles
Fidget spinner
Spinning tops
Any toys that light up and/or make sound!
A Personal Message
Color and fill out one of these OCC About Me pages.
Write a letter to the child.
Make a homemade card and sign it.
Include a picture of yourself or your family.
Trace your handprint under the lid of your box.
Obviously, everything on this list will not fit in a single shoebox! But a good plan might be to choose a few items from each section so the child will be blessed with a good variety of gifts. (And of course you can always pack more than 1 shoebox!)
If you still want more great shoebox gift ideas, have no fear! I have scoured the internet and found plenty more inspiration for you:
50 Best Items to Pack in an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox - Passionate Penny Pincher
Operation Christmas Child - Shield of Faith Homeschool
101 Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ideas - Faithful Provisions
100 OCC Shoebox Ideas for Girls - See Jamie Blog
100 Shoebox Ideas for a Boy - Geek Families
The Ultimate Operation Christmas Child Round-Up - Steadfast Family
Crafting for Shoeboxes Blog
Crafting for Shoeboxes Facebook
Shoeboxes on a Shoestring Facebook
Shoebox Sewing Facebook
Crafts, Ideas & Tips for Operation Christmas Child Facebook
Clip With Purpose Facebook
Shoebox Shoppers Facebook
Once you have finished packing your shoeboxes, you will need to take them to your local OCC drop off location during National Collection Week (always the week before the week of Thanksgiving here in the U.S.). What can you expect to experience at your drop-off location? Take a look here to find out!
You will need to include $9/shoebox to cover processing and transporting your gift. If you donate online using the Follow Your Box option, you will be able to find out where your shoebox went!
I hope you have found all this information helpful! Be sure to share this post with your family, friends, and church family and help spread the word about this simple ministry!
Do you have more great shoebox gift ideas to share with others packers? Leave your comments below!
Be sure to Follow us on Facebook!
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above..." James 1:17 (KJV)
*Some posts on this site may contain affiliate links. When you click these links and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at absolutely no extra cost to you. This just helps enable me to continue creating helpful content for you to enjoy. Thank you for your support!*
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