Every year I pack a box for Operation Christmas Child and then blog about it. This year I'm doing something slightly different in that I'm giving you 50 Ideas for various items to stuff into those shoe boxes before they have to leave mid-November for Christmas... which is why I'm sharing this in September. (Christmas isn't that far off!) For those of you who may be unfamiliar with Operation Christmas Child, I invite you to visit their website and check out this video here for more information, as well as packing guidelines.
- Flashlight with Batteries (Included)
- Sunglasses
- Flip-Flops
- T-Shirts
- Socks
- Ball Caps
- Small Flannel Throws
- Toy Jewelry
- Pencils/Pens/Sharpies
- Pencil Case
- Pencil Sharpeners
- Erasers
- Notebooks(or Pads)/Post-Its
- Solar Calculators
- Coloring Books or Coloring Rolls
- Crayons/Colored Pencils/Sidewalk Chalk/Markers
- Watercolor Set with Paintbrush
- Individual Sealed Play-Doughs
- Ink Pads with Stamps
- Stickers
- Small Stuffed Animals or Dolls
- Inflatable Beach Balls
- Bouncy Balls
- Slinkies
- Etch-A-Sketch
- Puzzles
- Legos*
- Jump Ropes
- Picture Books
- Small Noise Making Toys (Harmonica, Mini-Shakers, etc.)
- Toy Cars
- Candy**
- Small Card Games
- Balloons
- Any Other Small Toys You :)
- Fat Quarter Bundles (For Girls in The Age 10-14 Category)
- Colorful Duct Tape
- Small Tupperware***
- Hand Wipes
- Nail Files/Nail Clippers
- Lip Balm/Chapstick
- Colorful Kid Band-Aids
- Hair Clips/Hair Bands
- Hair Ties/Scrunchies
- Hair Brush/Comb
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental Floss
- Bar of Soap
- Washcloth
*Every once in a while I'll see small/mini Lego boxed set (or bag) go on sale for a steal, so I snag them. (Something along the lines of these or this to give you an idea of what I'm trying to describe.)
**Be sure the candy is within the guidelines (hard candies such as lollipops, Jolly Ranchers, Ring Pops, Starbursts, etc.)given and that you pack it in a plastic baggie before putting it in your box. That way, in case if any of it melts in the shipping process, it won't melt onto the other items and ruin them.
***Small Tupperware is great because the kids can use it for other uses. Just pack some of your items in the small Tupperware first and then pack it into the shoebox so you don't waste space. Plus it's always kind of fun to open up multiple containers of goodies, isn't it?
You can read previous posts I've written over the past few years for more ideas and to see how I pack my boxes (as well as some money-saving shortcuts) here.
Happy Packing!
I LOVE Operation Christian Child! I have been doing it for many years and am so excited for this year! Thanks for the reminder! I have to buy the materials!
ReplyDeleteGet packing girl! ;D
DeleteLoved this! This is another reason why you're so cool. The list was extremely helpful, especially since you mentioned things I've never thought about adding before. We have done OCC, as well as with our church, and it's one of those things that incredibly blesses you to just do it. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, it does bless us too!
DeleteAnother item I like to include is a set of flash cards. Target usually has some nice ones, such as wild animals, famous international landmarks, and so on. For younger kids, there are shapes and number flash cards. Also, a fabric tote bag is a nice item that kids can use -- a foldable one that doesn't take up much space. And for younger girls, a skirt or sundress.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Natalie, this really helped.
ReplyDeleteHi this is the first time I've made a shoe box and sent it. I put in pj s ,blanket,toothbrush,pen,sweets and a note. Warmth for the child was my main concern.Toothbrush for hygiene,sweets for pleasure and something to write with.I was excited to make this and found pleasure in putting it together.
ReplyDeleteA note with a message and a poem to express love.Thankyou to the samaritans
Christmas child appealfor organising this.Blessings to all love Victoria x.