How to Fill a Shoebox for Operation Christmas Child
The most important thing to remember is to make sure you include a good mix of basic necessities and fun items. If you can make the basics seem fun with bright colors or patterns, even better! Also, filling small plastic containers with smaller items within the box can maximize space as well as create additional gifts.
Personal Care Items:
Comb/Brush
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Washcloth
Bar of Soap (in a baggie or box)
Bandaids
Tissue packs
Hair ties
Small sewing kit
Clothes:
Shirt/Pants (probably only for younger kids, otherwise they’re probably too big)
Underwear
Socks
Hat/scarf/mittens
Sunglasses
Flip flops
Cloth bag/backpack
Crafts/Activities/School Supplies:
Pencils and manual sharpener
Colored pencils
Pens
Crayons
Markers
Pencil case
Coloring books
Notepads
Notebook
Glue sticks
Sticker sheets
Watercolor and brushes
Scissors
Glitter, Pom poms, small craft items
Post-it notes
Highlighters
Chalk
Solar calculator
Toys:
Foam ball
Finger puppets
Slinky
Small etch a sketch
Toy cars
Legos
Marbles
Rubik’s cube
Puzzle
Plastic dinosaurs
Play-doh
Yo-yo
Hackysack
Silly putty
Having a bigger WOW item is also a great idea so the child feels super special when he or she receives the box!
Ideas for WOW items:
Ball and pump
Stuffed animal or doll
Whole outfit (younger kids)
Small musical instrument e.g. recorder, harmonica
Travel sized game e.g. checkers, barrel of monkeys, deck of cards
Bracelets/necklaces
Jump rope
Something silly! e.g. fake teeth, plastic bugs/snake
There are often fewer boxes done for older kids because they seem to be harder to buy for. Here are some full box ideas specifically for older kids so you can put together a box they will enjoy!
Older boys:
Personal care items
Drawstring bag
Ruler
A level
Screwdriver
Bungee cord
Work gloves
Marbles
Ball and pump
Pencil pouch with pencils, pens, etc
Adult coloring book with colored pencils
Deck of cards
Flashlight
Older Girls:
Personal care items
Clothesline with clothespins
Safety pins and sewing kit
Thread and fabric
Journal with a cute pen
Bead kits
Watch or bracelets/necklaces
Pencil pouch with pencils, pens, etc
Adult coloring book with colored pencils
Jump rope
Deck of cards
Flashlight