Official Shoebox Gift Suggestions

What Goes in My Shoebox?

Start with a quality “wow” item such as a stuffed animal or soccer ball with pump that will capture the child’s attention the instant he or she opens the box. See our gift suggestions according to age and gender listed below for other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies to fill the shoebox.

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Gift Suggestions

Let the following lists organized by age and gender spark your creativity about what to include in your shoebox gifts. As an optional resource, Operation Christmas Child now also has an Amazon storefront with additional lists of quality items that are recommended for shoeboxes. As you shop, don’t forget to ask God to lead you to what will particularly delight the heart of a child!

  • Doll
  • Soccer ball and pump
  • Stuffed animal
  • Musical instrument
  • Other large toys
  • Doll
  • Soccer ball and pump
  • Stuffed animal
  • Musical instrument
  • Other large toys
  • Doll
  • Soccer ball and pump
  • Stuffed animal
  • Musical instrument
  • Other large toys
  • Comb or brush
  • Toothbrush
  • Washcloth
  • Fun adhesive bandages
  • Reusable eating utensils
  • Comb or brush
  • Toothbrush
  • Washcloth
  • Fun adhesive bandages
  • Reusable eating utensils
  • Nail clipper and file
  • Comb or brush
  • Toothbrush
  • Washcloth
  • Fun adhesive bandages
  • Reusable eating utensils
  • Nail clipper and file
  • Pencils and sharpener
  • Pencil case
  • Erasers
  • Pens
  • Crayons
  • Markers
  • Notebooks
  • Index cards
  • Calculator
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Glue stick
  • Small adhesive tape
  • Pencils and sharpener
  • Pencil case
  • Erasers
  • Pens
  • Crayons
  • Markers
  • Notebooks
  • Index cards
  • Calculator
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Glue stick
  • Small adhesive tape
  • Clothing and undergarments
  • Flip-flops or shoes
  • Hats
  • Sunglasses
  • Hair accessories
  • Cold weather items
  • Clothing and undergarments
  • Wristwatch or jewelry
  • Flip-flops or shoes
  • Hats
  • Sunglasses
  • Bags, backpacks, or purses
  • Hair accessories
  • Flashlight
  • Cold weather items
  • Clothing and undergarments
  • Flip-flops and shoes
  • Hats
  • Hair accessories
  • Wristwatch or jewelry
  • Sunglasses
  • Bags, backpacks, or purses
  • Flashlight
  • Cold weather items
  • Pencils and sharpener
  • Pencil case
  • Crayons
  • Markers
  • Pens
  • Coloring books or pads
  • Notebooks
  • Glue stick
  • Small adhesive tape
  • Dry watercolor set
  • Stickers
  • Jump rope
  • Coloring books or pads
  • Dry watercolor set
  • Puzzles
  • Playdough
  • Stickers
  • Chalkboard and chalk
  • Binoculars
  • Jump rope
  • Craft or jewelry kits
  • Puzzles
  • Binoculars
  • Compass
  • Chalkboard and chalk
  • Drawing pad
  • Dry watercolor set
  • Craft or jewelry kits
  • Books or picture books
  • Sewing kit
  • Jump rope
  • Ball
  • Finger puppets
  • Slinky®
  • Etch A Sketch®
  • Interactive toys
  • Building blocks
  • Other small toys and figures
  • Ball
  • Yo-yo
  • Frisbee®
  • Etch A Sketch®
  • Interactive toy
  • Slinky®
  • Kaleidoscope
  • Building blocks
  • Small board games
  • Other small toys and figures
  • Ball
  • Yo-yo
  • Frisbee®
  • Etch A Sketch®
  • Kaleidoscope
  • Interactive toy
  • Slinky®
  • Small board games
  • Other small toys and figures
  • You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself, your family, or group. If you include your name and an address, the child may be able to write back.
  • *Samaritan’s Purse encourages Operation Christmas Child shoebox donors to include a personal note in each shoebox gift to encourage the recipient child in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Some donors also include photos and addresses. Occasionally, pen-pal relationships have developed over the years between shoebox packers and the recipient.

    Samaritan’s Purse encourages donors who include their mailing address to be cautious of correspondence from shoebox recipient countries, especially letters written to children. Correspondence from a stranger should be treated with caution and awareness. Samaritan’s Purse does not encourage shoebox recipients or ministry partner churches around the world to solicit support from our donors.

  • You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself, your family, or group. If you include your name and an address, the child may be able to write back.
  • *Samaritan’s Purse encourages Operation Christmas Child shoebox donors to include a personal note in each shoebox gift to encourage the recipient child in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Some donors also include photos and addresses. Occasionally, pen-pal relationships have developed over the years between shoebox packers and the recipient.

    Samaritan’s Purse encourages donors who include their mailing address to be cautious of correspondence from shoebox recipient countries, especially letters written to children. Correspondence from a stranger should be treated with caution and awareness. Samaritan’s Purse does not encourage shoebox recipients or ministry partner churches around the world to solicit support from our donors.

  • You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself, your family, or group. If you include your name and an address, the child may be able to write back.
  • *Samaritan’s Purse encourages Operation Christmas Child shoebox donors to include a personal note in each shoebox gift to encourage the recipient child in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Some donors also include photos and addresses. Occasionally, pen-pal relationships have developed over the years between shoebox packers and the recipient.

    Samaritan’s Purse encourages donors who include their mailing address to be cautious of correspondence from shoebox recipient countries, especially letters written to children. Correspondence from a stranger should be treated with caution and awareness. Samaritan’s Purse does not encourage shoebox recipients or ministry partner churches around the world to solicit support from our donors.

  • Soccer ball and pump
  • Stuffed animal
  • Musical instrument
  • Other large toys
  • Soccer ball and pump
  • Large toy truck or car
  • Stuffed animal
  • Musical instrument
  • Other large toys
  • Soccer ball and pump
  • Large toy truck or car
  • Stuffed animal
  • Musical instrument
  • Other large toys
  • Comb or brush
  • Toothbrush
  • Washcloth
  • Fun adhesive bandages
  • Reusable eating utensils
  • Comb or brush
  • Toothbrush
  • Washcloth
  • Fun adhesive bandages
  • Reusable eating utensils
  • Nail clipper and file
  • Comb or brush
  • Toothbrush
  • Washcloth
  • Fun adhesive bandages
  • Reusable eating utensils
  • Nail clipper and file
  • Pencils and sharpener
  • Erasers
  • Pencil case
  • Pens
  • Crayons
  • Markers
  • Notebooks
  • Index cards
  • Calculator
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Glue stick
  • Small adhesive tape
  • Pencils and sharpener
  • Erasers
  • Pencil case
  • Pens
  • Crayons
  • Markers
  • Notebooks
  • Index cards
  • Calculator
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Glue stick
  • Small adhesive tape
  • Clothing and undergarments
  • Flip-flops or shoes
  • Hats
  • Sunglasses
  • Cold weather items
  • Clothing and undergarments
  • Flip-flops or shoes
  • Wristwatch
  • Hats
  • Sunglasses
  • Bags or backpacks
  • Flashlight
  • Cold weather items
  • Clothing and undergarments
  • Flip-flops or shoes
  • Wristwatch
  • Hats
  • Sunglasses
  • Bags or backpacks
  • Flashlight
  • Cold weather items
  • Pencils and sharpener
  • Pencil case
  • Pens
  • Crayons
  • Markers
  • Coloring books or pads
  • Picture book
  • Notebooks
  • Glue stick
  • Small adhesive tape
  • Dry watercolor set
  • Building blocks
  • Playdough
  • Stickers
  • Coloring books or pads
  • Dry watercolor set
  • Puzzles
  • Stickers
  • Chalkboard and chalk
  • Binoculars
  • Craft kits
  • Puzzles
  • Binoculars
  • Compass
  • Chalkboard with chalk
  • Fishing kit
  • Jump rope
  • Activity books
  • Drawing pads
  • Dry watercolor set
  • Craft kits
  • Ball
  • Finger puppets
  • Slinky®
  • Etch A Sketch®
  • Toy cars
  • Plastic dinosaurs, animals, and action figures
  • Interactive toys
  • Other small toys and figures
  • Ball
  • Plastic dinosaurs, animals, and action figures
  • Toy cars
  • Yo-yo
  • Frisbee®
  • Etch A Sketch®
  • Slinky®
  • Interactive toys
  • Kaleidoscope
  • Building blocks
  • Other small toys and figures
  • Ball
  • Yo-yo
  • Frisbee®
  • Toy cars
  • Slinky®
  • Etch A Sketch®
  • Kaleidoscope
  • Small board games
  • Interactive toys
  • Other small toys and figures
  • You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself, your family, or group. If you include your name and an address, the child may be able to write back.
  • *Samaritan’s Purse encourages Operation Christmas Child shoebox donors to include a personal note in each shoebox gift to encourage the recipient child in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Some donors also include photos and addresses. Occasionally, pen-pal relationships have developed over the years between shoebox packers and the recipient.

    Samaritan’s Purse encourages donors who include their mailing address to be cautious of correspondence from shoebox recipient countries, especially letters written to children. Correspondence from a stranger should be treated with caution and awareness. Samaritan’s Purse does not encourage shoebox recipients or ministry partner churches around the world to solicit support from our donors.

  • You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself, your family, or group. If you include your name and an address, the child may be able to write back.
  • *Samaritan’s Purse encourages Operation Christmas Child shoebox donors to include a personal note in each shoebox gift to encourage the recipient child in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Some donors also include photos and addresses. Occasionally, pen-pal relationships have developed over the years between shoebox packers and the recipient.

    Samaritan’s Purse encourages donors who include their mailing address to be cautious of correspondence from shoebox recipient countries, especially letters written to children. Correspondence from a stranger should be treated with caution and awareness. Samaritan’s Purse does not encourage shoebox recipients or ministry partner churches around the world to solicit support from our donors.

  • You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself, your family, or group. If you include your name and an address, the child may be able to write back.
  • *Samaritan’s Purse encourages Operation Christmas Child shoebox donors to include a personal note in each shoebox gift to encourage the recipient child in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Some donors also include photos and addresses. Occasionally, pen-pal relationships have developed over the years between shoebox packers and the recipient.

    Samaritan’s Purse encourages donors who include their mailing address to be cautious of correspondence from shoebox recipient countries, especially letters written to children. Correspondence from a stranger should be treated with caution and awareness. Samaritan’s Purse does not encourage shoebox recipients or ministry partner churches around the world to solicit support from our donors.

do not include Do Not Include

Candy; toothpaste; gum; used or damaged items; scary or 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.

FAQ: Can This Go in My Shoebox? ⇢

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