Ideas for Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Gifts

Several years ago, I found out about Operation Christmas Child, which is organized by Samaritan's Purse.

I was only able to make two shoebox gifts, on for a boy and one for a girl, a few years ago, and have been wanting to make more ever since.

Operation Christmas Child is a ministry that collects gifts for children in need, all over the world.

The boxes are divided into 3 age groups for boys, and 3 for girls: 2-4, 5-9, and 10-14. The group that gets the least amount of gifts are boys ages 10-14, so if you are able, please consider packing shoeboxes for that group.

You can either use a standard shoe box that you get from shoe stores, or there is an option on the Operation Christmas Child website where you can purchase boxes/containers to use.

You can also order free materials here, to learn more about what they do.

Each year, there is a collection week throughout the country (this year, it is November 18-25), but you can also mail your boxes to their offices (you can go here for more information).

Here are some ideas of what you can put in the shoebox presents:

Girls

• Skirts
• Embroidery floss
• Beads
• Compact non-breakable mirror
• Notebooks
• Pencils
• Pens
• Markers
• Crayons
• Colored pencils
• Reusable menstrual pads (for older girls)
• Solar calculators
• Hair ties
• Water bottles
• Dolls
• Stuffed animal toys
• Watches
• Puzzles
• Cups
• Bowls
• Utensils
• Purses
• Backpacks
• Non-liquid lip gloss/balm
• Bouncy balls
• Frisbees
• Sewing kits
• Toothbrushes
• Bar soap
• Washcloths
• Shirts
• Jackets/coats
• Brush or comb
• Pencil sharpeners
• Nail clippers/files
• Deodorant (for older girls)
• Jump ropes
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Flip flops
• Loofahs
• Underwear
• Play Dough
• Hats
• Gloves
• Sunglasses
• Scarves
• Picture books
• Coloring books
• Erasers
• Stickers
• Headbands
• Band aids
• Recorder (the musical instrument)
• Barrettes
• Bracelets
• Glue sticks (no liquid glue)
• Pencil cases/pouches
• Blocks
• Cards (go fish, etc.)
• Small kites
• Play jewelry
• Scissors
• Rulers
• Mini chalkboards and chalk
• Pajamas
• Sports bras (for older girls)
• Matching games
• Plastic reusable dishes

Boys

• Shirts
• Shorts
• Underwear
• Deodorant (for older boys)
• Notebooks
• Pens
• Pencils
• Colored pencils
• Markers
• Crayons
• Pencil sharpeners
• Erasers
• Stickers
• Binoculars
• Solar calculators
• Brush or comb
• Water bottles
• Toothbrushes
• Bouncy balls
• Sport balls
• Stuffed animal toys
• Toy cars
• Bar soap
• Washcloths
• Socks
• Play Dough
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Flip flops
• Hats
• Sunglasses
• Gloves
• Scarves
• Jump ropes
• Jacket/coat
• Picture books
• Coloring books
• Band aids
• Hacky sacks
• Recorder
• Harmonica
• Glue sticks (no liquid glue)
• Pencil cases/pouches
• Blocks
• Cards (go fish, etc.)
• Small kites
• Scissors
• Rulers
• Mini chalkboards and chalk
• Pajamas
• Matching games
• Plastic reusable dishes

DO NOT INCLUDE:

• Toothpaste
• Liquids
• Things that melt (like chocolate, etc.)
• War related items
• Weapons or blades
• Drink mixes
• Vitamins
• Aerosol cans
• Breakable items
• Candy
• Anything camoflauge
• No seeds or plants
• No used or damaged items
• No medicine
• No matches or lighters
• No sharp items

Please consider making shoebox presents for kids in need, as this presents may be the only time they may ever get anything new all year. It is well worth the time, money, and effort spent putting these together!