Learn more about what to pack in an Operation Christmas Child shoebox with this simple guide. There are all kinds of ideas and tips which are great for new shoebox packers!
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I am in no way affiliated with Operation Christmas Child or Samaritan’s Purse. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Have you heard of Operation Christmas Child before? It is an amazing program that sends Christmas presents to children around the world. The gifts are packed in a shoebox and then delivered to over 100 countries around the world. It is a wonderful program to do with your friends and family or with a church group. I wanted to make a list of what to pack in shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child to give you some great ideas!
Jump to:
- So what exactly is Operation Christmas Child?
- Who can build and donate shoeboxes?
- Do children have to say a certain thing to get a box?
- Where do I send the shoeboxes once I’m done?
- Where to get Operation Christmas Child boxes
- What age group is most needed for Operation Christmas Child?
- What to pack in an Operation Christmas Child shoebox
- Where to shop for Operation Christmas Child shoebox?
- Ideas for what to pack in shoeboxes
- Last minute shoebox additions for my boxes
- What not to include in your shoebox
- Amazon picks for packing a shoebox
- My overall thoughts about the shoeboxes
- No time to pack a shoebox?
- Including a note
- Thoughts on what I’d like to do differently next year
- The most important thing to do for your shoebox
- Other helpful resources
- Comment and let us know!
So what exactly is Operation Christmas Child?
Operation Christmas Child is hosted by Sanitarian’s Purse. The program began in 1993 and has delivered millions of shoeboxes filled with presents around the world. Samaritan’s Purse ships the boxes outside of the US to children who have been affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine, and disease. The shoeboxes are delivered to over 100 countries.They also send boxes to children living on Native American reservations within the US.
They try to deliver the gifts by Christmas so shoeboxes are usually due each year during the middle of November.
Check out this clip below (from their official YouTube) for more about Operation Christmas Child. You can even watch a group of children unwrapping their gifts!
Who can build and donate shoeboxes?
Individuals, families, groups, or churches can all donate shoeboxes. We chose to do shoeboxes together as a family project this year.
Do children have to say a certain thing to get a box?
According to the Operation Christmas Child official website:
Shoebox gifts are given to children regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or faith. We seek to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way through each shoebox gift. Children do not have to do or say anything to receive the gifts. We work in and through local Christians in each country who understand the context in their area. Simple gifts—packed with love in Jesus’ Name—deliver hope and joy to children all around the world, regardless of their faith or religious background.
Where do I send the shoeboxes once I’m done?
You can check out the list of drop off locations to see what drop off location is closest to you.
Where to get Operation Christmas Child boxes
Here’s a list of the options to get boxes:
- Order online from Samaritans Purse
- Re-use actual shoeboxes
- Buy in store (big box stores or dollar stores usually have the plastic kind)
- Order online from Amazon
There are a lot of ways to get boxes for Operation Christmas Child. You can use adult size cardboard shoeboxes, order special boxes from them (you can order the boxes through the link above), or use plastic shoe boxes.
What age group is most needed for Operation Christmas Child?
There are actually groups that receive fewer boxes than the others. According to the official website:
In general, we receive more gift boxes for girls than boys. Overall, we receive the most shoebox gifts for girls 5-9. We receive the fewest number of boxes for boys 2-4 and 10-14.
What to pack in an Operation Christmas Child shoebox
I wanted to pack both fun and practical items in each box. I wanted to include items like school supplies, toothbrushes, combs, and bar soap (remember, no liquids are allowed in the shoeboxes). Also, I wanted to be sure to pack unscented bar soap so that my items didn’t arrive smelling strongly like scented soap. Plus, I wasn’t sure if the children would have sensitive skin or not.
Luckily, I was able to catch some really good school supply items at our local grocery store. I got each child a pencil bag and small notebook since they were heavily discounted. I actually bought almost all the remaining ones. I don’t like to buy out the clearance sections, I just feel kind of guilty! Next year, I will shop earlier so I can get extras.
Where to shop for Operation Christmas Child shoebox?
I shopped at Target, the Dollar Tree, Amazon, and our local grocery store for the items in our boxes. Any big box store or any of the stores above will have lots of items for you to pick from. Each of our boxes has a good mix of items from each place.
Ideas for what to pack in shoeboxes
This year, I thought it would be fun if we did six boxes and did all the options for boxes meaning we did both a boy and a girl in each age group. Below is what we packed as well as some other fun ideas.
Ideas for what to pack for a girl age 2-4
For our shoebox, I packed:
- Notebooks
- Pencils
- Pencil sharpeners (They are the globe looking things)
- Clothing (shirt, shorts, and underwear)
- Inflatable ball
- Stuffed animals
- Baby doll
- Crayons
- Toothbrush (it is hidden under the ball)
- Coloring book (also hidden on the bottom)
Other fun ideas:
- Small fluffy blanket
- Backpack
- Water bottle (especially one with a filter)
- Underwear
- Shoes
- Socks
- Chunky blocks
- Rubber ducks
Ideas for what to pack for a boy age 2-4
For our shoebox, I packed:
- Coloring book (hidden on the bottom)
- Notebooks
- Crayons
- Stuffed animals
- Colored pencils
- Pencil sharpeners
- Pencils
- Erasers
- Pencil bag
- Inflatable Ball
- Toy cars
- Clothing (underwear and a shirt)
Other fun ideas:
- Small fluffy blanket
- Backpack
- Water bottle (especially one with a filter)
- Shoes
- Socks
- Chunky blocks
- Rubber ducks
Ideas for what to pack for a girl age 5-9
For our shoebox, I packed:
- Pencil bag
- Bar of soap
- Comb
- Toothbrush
- Notebook
- Stickers
- Fun small bag
- Baby doll
- Troll doll
- Socks
- Coloring book
- Crayons
- Puzzle
Other fun ideas:
- Colored pencils
- Water colors
- Paint brush
- Small purse
- Backpack
- Blanket
- Markers
Ideas for what to pack for a boy age 5-9
For our shoebox, I packed:
- Socks
- Coloring book
- Toy cars
- Notebook
- Comb
- Soap
- Pencil bag
- Markers
- Stickers
- Troll doll
- Toothbrush
- Puzzle
Other fun ideas:
- Colored pencils
- Water colors
- Paint brush
- Backpack
- Blanket
Ideas for what to pack for a girl age 10-14
I had to get creative with our older kids’ shoeboxes. I feel like there is a pretty big difference in what a 10 year old would want versus what a 14 year old would want. I think the 5-9 year olds were the easiest to pack but the older kids were a little harder.
For our shoebox, I packed:
- Notebook
- Reusable menstrual pad
- Coloring book (for adults or older kids)
- Sewing kit
- Soap
- Toothbrush
- Colored pencils
- Crayons
- Scissors
- Cross
- Regular pencils
- Pencil sharpener
- Necklace
- Calculator
Other fun ideas:
- Reusable water bottles
- Water bottle with filter
- Tweezers
- Nail clipper
- Nail files
- Ruler
- Sewing kit
- Wash cloth
- Frisbee
- Travel size tissues
- Jewelry making kit
- Underwear
- Colored pencils
- Water colors
- Backpack
- Purse
- Shirt
Ideas for what to pack for a boy age 10-14
For our shoebox, I packed:
- Notebook
- Shirt
- Soap
- Pencil bag
- Pencils
- Cross
- Pencil sharpener
- Toothbrush
- Colored pencils
- Puzzle
- Underwear (not pictured)
- Scissors (not pictured)
Other fun ideas:
- Reusable water bottle
- Water bottle with filter
- Yo-yo
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Water bottle with filter
- Tweezers
- Nail clipper
- Nail files
- Ruler
- Wash cloth
- Frisbee
- Playing cards
- Solar powered calculator
- Underwear
- Colored pencils
- Water colors
- Backpack
- Sports ball
- Flashlight
- Fishing kit
Last minute shoebox additions for my boxes
No products found.
I wanted to add a few more items last minute from Amazon. I bought four more boxes of crayons for the younger kiddos. I also wanted to add something for our older kids. I had to think more about their “wow” items. I found these solar powered calculators on Amazon.
No products found.
I also found these beach balls. I figured they would be good since they are small enough to fit in the box and you don’t need a pump to blow them up or re-inflate them.
What not to include in your shoebox
According to the official Operation Christmas Child website, you should not include:
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; aerosol cans.
Operation Christmas Child’s official recommendation
I would personally recommend not to send things like mittens and scarves (I’m sure a thin fashion scarf would be ok) since you don’t know what climate your recipient will be in. I have learned that sending camo is also iffy. Anything that looks like the child could be part of the military is a no.
Amazon picks for packing a shoebox
These are some items I thought would be good for shoeboxes that can be ordered from Amazon. Some of these are better for larger groups doing Operation Christmas Child together. I really like the idea of the water bottles that have a filter. I’m going to add that to our list for next year.
No products found.
My overall thoughts about the shoeboxes
The shoeboxes were both bigger and smaller than I thought. It feels like you have so much stuff when you bring it all together but then you pack it in the shoeboxes and sometimes it doesn’t feel like enough. I also read another woman’s story about how important it is to pack a blanket in the boxes but then I was out of room.
This year, some of my boxes got underwear and shirts but next year I have made the commitment to make sure each box gets at least two pairs of underwear and a shirt.
I hope that each year as our family continues to do these we continue to think of more thoughtful gifts for the recipients. Each year, I feel like I get better and better at packing the boxes and finding good deals.
Something I’ve learned after doing this for awhile is that children will only receive one box in their lifetime. I’ve been working hard at making them as special as possible.
No time to pack a shoebox?
If you don’t have time to pack a shoebox, you can always use Operation Christmas Child’s online shoebox packing option!
Including a note
Something I thought that was really cool about doing shoeboxes is that you have the option to include a note from your family to the recipient. I’ve heard many pen pal correspondences start this way, I will be sure to update everyone if one of our box recipients writes to us.
Thoughts on what I’d like to do differently next year
I definitely want to keep this tradition going and continue to do shoeboxes next year. Whenever I was involved with the Angel Tree at a church I attended when I was younger, I always noticed that the older kids were hardly ever chosen. I would always try to do a few of the wish lists for the teenagers. I will keep up my boxes for boys 10 to 14, especially.
I was surprised that boys don’t get as many boxes as girls. I’m a boy mom and a girl mom which is why I wanted to do each gender. Since there is an unequal imbalance we may do all boy gifts next year.
I have to admit the older group is harder to buy for. The age range of 10-14 is a little challenging because things a 10 year old likes, a 14 year old may not like. I wanted to make sure the items I bought would be useful for them. Next year, I will definitely include a reusable menstrual pad if we do girl boxes but we may just do all boy boxes since it sounds like there is a stronger need for them.
I will be keeping an eye out throughout the year for items that go on sale that I could use for our boxes and next year, I will definitely scope out all the school supply clearances! I got lucky this year because our local grocery store still had a bunch of really great school related items on clearance.
The most important thing to do for your shoebox
Remember, the most important thing you can do is pray for the child who will receive your shoebox.
Other helpful resources
I have found several Facebook groups about Operation Christmas Child and they have been very helpful. Please note these are not official groups by Samaritan’s Purse.
- Shoe Boxes Through the Year
- Operation Christmas Child Menstrual Pad Kit Sewing Group
- Operation Christmas Child Obsessed
I also received a ton of items for my boxes from my local buy nothing group. There is an app or you can search on Facebook for “buy nothing group” in your area. Please note that not all items posted in the buy nothing group are new so not everything can be used for your shoeboxes.
I did have several neighbors post new items and I asked for them for my boxes. I had a neighbor in my buy nothing group give me five shirts (all new with tags) for my boxes this year. It was awesome and can be a great resource to keep your eye on. Also, all of the scissors (that’s why some of the older kids got smaller scissors) were given to me from my local buy nothing group.
Comment and let us know!
Do you have any advice on what to pack in shoeboxes for the children or items to add to the lists? Please share your tips below in the comments section!
alinta taylor says
alinta taylor here again just a few other suggestions to add to operation christmas child shoeboxes
– cutlery stainless steel or plastic
– paper plates and paper bowls incase some children may not have anything to eat with. as some of the hobart tasmania operation christmas child shoeboxes, went to malawi in africa the year before last year when kim miller was our state manager and she told me that children in malawi don’t go to school , so to survive they have to eat.
– fold up umbrellas, for any weather condition.- compact.
-even the clothes lines with pegs/ pegless clothesline.- rejectshop.
alinta taylor says
hello my name is alinta taylor and i have been putting operation christmas child shoeboxes together for quiet a number of years , and i would like to share some of my ideas of what ages i like to do are for 6,7,1,and 3 year olds- but one thing that often stands out for me is often children that have been abandoned by their parents and go live in homeless centres – where operation christmas child would not normally reach , the year before last year me and my mother did some for girls and boys 17 boxes in total. but here is my list of things
– small tubs of the coloured playdoh(with biscuit cutters)
-hand puppets.
– shoeboxes for older girls including things like small first aid kits, some jewelry to wear , even shared boxes for ages 20 , 21, 12, 13 , 14,15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 year old girls that don’t or would miss out on getting boxes.
-some ornaments/ but not breakable , china or glass.
-some hygiene packs in some sandwhich bags, like a pack of toothbrushes, some soaps, facewashers, or even a handtowel to wash with, lipbalm , (different flavours), which save space, even the 2 pack of super hair dry hair towels.
– for 1 or 3 year old boys a remote control cars with spare batteries.
-even for girls who are 1 years old in woolworths , in the baby section , bonds stretch leggins sizes 18 months to 12 months, tops, and socks , bibs, bottles dummies, pullups, baby wipes , and even a winter all in one suit.
– small baby shoes from a cotton on kids and baby store for boys and girls.
-for 12 year old girls, 1 dress sleevless , a pair of silver sandals for small girls who may have small feet, sizes 1, 2, 3, or sizes 12, or 13 in kids .
– sparkley bags,
– a bunch of artificial flowers
along with some other homely decor, like single bed fitted sheets, even blankets or quilts, hotwater bottles with covers on them
– some cushions like small fluffy, with designs on them,
– lipsticks are fine to go in
– or even in woolworths supermarkets there are also different sized underwear packs, in small boys, small girls, womens sizes 12 or 14 in small womens packs.
– small backpacks, for younger girls in big w discount stores fluffy backpacks.
– emergancy lights.(all ages)
– money boxes.
– music boxes for 1 year old girls as a keepsake.
– i like to do different themes like, ladybugs/ clothing, dolls,
also for each shoebox i put together i always put in for girls and boys 2 sets of clothes , (a set of summer clothes), and a set of pj’s winter
– for a 14 year old boy a fishing kit in a container , with a round hand reel, fishing line, hooks etc, (but write on top of the clear lid), grip ball catch, 2 small tennis rackets, a model type of a car in box as a keepsake to look back on (which some newsagents sell those cheap)
-for younger children girls and boys night lights from some (chemists), that you don’t need to change the batteries in them different shapes when you turn them on at night they change colours.
-some painting materials, a pack of coloured paper, a water colour set, paint brushes, a palette .
– my ideas for a 2 year old girl box
are a small tea set, a crown, some small dolls, a pair of fairy wings, a wand, and a pair of shoes.
-stick deoderant, femnine hygeine things, (but make sure to put those things in the box first at the bottom so they are not embarressed by having the feminine hygeine on the top in their box)
-a small teddybear as something to love.
-also different shape clocks, for girls, fairies, for boys mickey mouse etc.
-for 7 year old boys a pack of toy cars, games like naughts and crosses, board games, snakes and ladders, twister, card games uno, marbles, both boys and girls( sparkley ones), guess who game, and the game trouble.
– even for 6 and 7 year old boys the dinosaur egg puzzels with pictures and puzzels in the plastic egg.
– and the list goes on
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Audrey says
Alinta, thank you so much for the thoughtful comment. I love your heart for Operation Christmas Child and I am sure readers will find your tips very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to list out everything 🙂
alinta taylor says
hi audrey alinta here , thankyou so much for replying to my comment
happy new year to and your family i hope you can add some of those things to your shoe boxes too this year
regards
alinta
Lisa Peck says
I found this post in 2021, needing ideas for 10 – 14 yr old boys. It was challenging finding that WOW gift. Everything I found that was cool required a USB port for charging. Not all kids have that luxury so the search was on. I wish all kids could receive a box and none left out.
Two Pink Peonies says
Hi Lisa, thank you so much for stopping by and thank you for making shoeboxes! I found the 10-14 year old boys to be the hardest to find a great wow item for too. I did get some wonderful ideas from an unofficial Operation Christmas Child Facebook group (I will update the post and add the group, if you have Facebook you can search for “Operation Christmas Child” in groups you will find it). Some ideas (I know it is late this year, so maybe for next year) were fishing kits, flashlights, and small tools.
Ava James says
I love your ideas, so good to think about this with all we see going on around the world. An idea for a young girl would be a moon cup, l definitely will be looking at this today.
Two Pink Peonies says
I’m so glad you stopped by, Ava! Thank you so much.
Cathy says
I know very little about Christmas Child Shoebox. What a meaningful activity. Thank you for sharing the great ideas for what to put inside the box. I think about letting my child selects the stuff to put inside the box because a child will get more ideas about what do children want.
Two Pink Peonies says
I love this, Cathy! Not only is that such a good idea to think of great toys but what a great way to teach children about the importance of considering others as well.
becky says
My church always packed these during VBS in the summer and these are fantastic suggestions! I loved watching the kids pack boxes for others.
Two Pink Peonies says
These are a great idea for VBS! I love that.
megan beaver says
I love this idea! I was looking for something to do with my kids to teach them to be of service to others this Christmas and Operation Christmas Child Seems perfect.
Two Pink Peonies says
So very true!
Janeane M Davis says
These boxes are a nice way to give kids a treat. It is a wonderful idea.
Two Pink Peonies says
Thank you so much for your comment, Janeane!
Abby says
These are such great ideas if very necessary and comforting items. Thanks so much for sharing.
Two Pink Peonies says
Thank you so much for stopping by, Abby!
Morgan says
These are great ideas! We are packing our shoebox here soon for our sharing/gratitude tot school theme. I can’t wait to take some of these ideas and send a box!
Two Pink Peonies says
I love that- what a cool theme for tot school!
Rachel says
This awesome!! Thank you for your wonderful ideas ✨ bless your heart!
Two Pink Peonies says
Thank you so much for stopping by!!