What Goes in My Shoebox?
Start with a quality “wow” item such as a stuffed animal, soccer ball with pump, or clothing outfit 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 (Make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated.)
- Stuffed animal
- An outfit of clothing to wear
- Small musical instrument (such as a harmonica or woodwind recorder)
- Doll
(Consider including accessories such as doll clothes or a small doll bed.) - Soccer ball (Make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated.)
- Stuffed animal
- An outfit of clothing to wear
- Small musical instrument (such as a harmonica or woodwind recorder)
- Backpack
- Doll
(Consider including accessories such as doll clothes or a small doll bed.) - Soccer ball (Make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated.)
- Stuffed animal
- An outfit of clothing to wear
- Small musical instrument (such as a harmonica or woodwind recorder.)
- Backpack
- Comb
- Hairbrush
- Toothbrush
- Washcloth
- Adhesive bandages
(Colorful ones can help a child be more willing to wear a bandage. Do not include liquid antibiotic ointment.) - Reusable plastic containers: cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt-edged utensils
(Consider filling an empty container with non-liquid items such as hair bows, bracelets, sunglasses, or washcloths to maximize the space.) - Blanket
- Comb
- Hairbrush
- Toothbrush
- Washcloth
- Adhesive bandages
(Colorful ones can help a child be more willing to wear a bandage. Do not include liquid antibiotic ointment.) - Reusable plastic containers: cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt-edged utensils
(Consider filling an empty container with non-liquid items such as hair bows, bracelets, sunglasses, or washcloths to maximize the space.) - Blanket
- Non-liquid lip balm
- Flashlight
(solar-powered or hand-crank; if battery operated, be sure to include extra batteries of the type needed) - Compact mirror
- Comb
- Hairbrush
- Toothbrush
- Washcloth
- Adhesive bandages
(Colorful ones can help a child be more willing to wear a bandage. Do not include liquid antibiotic ointment.) - Reusable plastic containers: cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt-edged utensils
(Consider filling an empty container with non-liquid items such as hair bows, bracelets, sunglasses, or washcloths to maximize the space.) - Blanket
- Non-liquid lip balm
- Flashlight
(solar-powered or hand-crank; if battery operated, be sure to include extra batteries of the type needed) - Compact mirror
- Nail clipper and file
- Stick deodorant
- Washable/reusable cloth menstrual pads
- Pencils
- Small manual pencil sharpener
- Colored pencils
- Pencil case
- Erasers
- Pens
- Crayons
- Markers
- Notebooks
- Blank index cards
- Solar-powered calculator
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Protractor
- Glue stick (do not include liquid glue)
- Small adhesive tape
- Pencils
- Small manual pencil sharpener
- Colored pencils
- Pencil case
- Erasers
- Pens
- Crayons
- Markers
- Notebooks
- Blank index cards
- Solar-powered calculator
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Protractor
- Glue stick (Do not include liquid glue.)
- Small adhesive tape
- Shirts and pants
- Pillowcase dress (loose-fitting sundress)
- Underwear
- Shoes and socks
- Flip-flops
- Hat/scarf/mittens
- Sunglasses
- Tote bag/purse
- Hair bows
- Friendship bracelets (woven with yarn or embroidery thread)
- Shirts and pants
- Pillowcase dress (loose-fitting sundress)
- Wrist watch
- Underwear
- Shoes and socks
- Flip-flops
- Hat/scarf/mittens
- Sunglasses
- Tote bag/purse
- Hair bows
- Friendship bracelets (woven with yarn or embroidery thread)
- Shirts and pants
- Pillowcase dress (loose-fitting sundress)
- Underwear
- Shoes and socks
- Flip-flops
- Hat/scarf/mittens
- Decorative hat
- Wrist watch
- Sunglasses
- Tote bag/purse
- Bead jewelry/bead kit
- Hair accessories (hair clips, hair ribbons, elastic hair bands, etc.)
- Pencils
- Small manual pencil sharpener
- Colored pencils
- Pencil case
- Crayons
- Markers
- Pens
- Coloring pads
- Coloring books
- Picture book
- Notebooks
- Glue stick (Do not include liquid glue.)
- Small adhesive tape
- Watercolor set
[Finger paint palette/crayons/markers (non-liquid containers), paint brushes, canvas or paper] - Playdough
(Consider adding plastic cookie cutters as non-sharp utensils the child can use with the playdough.) - Stickers
- Skipping rope/Jump rope
- Make your own items such as hair bows, finger puppets, and friendship bracelets. Download instructions here.
- Coloring books
- Watercolor set
[Finger paint palette/crayons/markers (non-liquid containers), paint brushes, canvas or paper] - Puzzles
- Playdough
(Consider adding plastic cookie cutters as non-sharp utensils the child can use with the playdough.) - Stickers
- Chalkboard and chalk
- Binoculars
- Skipping rope/Jump rope
- Make-it-yourself craft items or kit. Download instructions here.
- Puzzles
- Binoculars
- Compass
- Chalkboard and chalk
- Sewing kit, fabric (1-2 yards), and ribbon
- Laminated decorative pictures with looped ribbon attached as a picture hanger
- Gardening kit with gloves and trowel hand tool (Do not include gardening seeds.)
- Playing cards
- Skipping rope/Jump rope
- Foam ball
- Kickball (Make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated)
- Kite
- Finger puppets
- Slinky
- Etch A Sketch
- Interactive toys that include push buttons, lights, noise (include extra batteries)
- Foam ball
- Kickball (Make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated.)
- Costume items to play dress-up, such as crowns and costume jewelry
- Plastic toys and toy figures
- Yo-yo
- Small Frisbee
- Small kite
- Etch A Sketch
- Foam ball
- Kickball (Make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated.)
- Yo-yo
- Small Frisbee
- Small kite
- Etch A Sketch
- Kaleidoscope
- Marbles
- 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 (Make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated.)
- Stuffed animal
- An outfit of clothing to wear
- Small musical instrument (such as a harmonica or woodwind recorder)
- Soccer ball (Make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated.)
- Toy truck or boat
- Stuffed animal
- An outfit of clothing to wear
- Small musical instrument (such as a harmonica or woodwind recorder)
- Backpack
- Soccer ball/football (Make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated.)
- Toy truck or boat
- Stuffed animal
- An outfit of clothing to wear
- Small musical instrument (such as a harmonica or woodwind recorder)
- Backpack
- Comb
- Hairbrush
- Toothbrush
- Washcloth
- Adhesive bandages
(Colorful ones can help a child be more willing to wear a bandage. Do not include liquid antibiotic ointment.) - Reusable plastic containers: cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt-edged utensils
(Consider filling an empty container with non-liquid items such as combs, markers, sunglasses, or washcloths to maximize the space.) - Blanket
- Comb
- Hairbrush
- Toothbrush
- Washcloth
- Adhesive bandages
(Colorful ones can help a child be more willing to wear a bandage. Do not include liquid antibiotic ointment.) - Reusable plastic containers: cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt-edged utensils
(Consider filling an empty container with non-liquid items such as combs, markers, sunglasses, or washcloths to maximize the space.) - Blanket
- Non-liquid lip balm
- Flashlight
(solar-powered or hand-crank; if battery operated, be sure to include extra batteries of the type needed)
- Comb
- Hairbrush
- Toothbrush
- Washcloth
- Adhesive bandages
(Colorful ones can help a child be more willing to wear a bandage. Do not include liquid antibiotic ointment.) - Reusable plastic containers: cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt-edged utensils
(Consider filling an empty container with non-liquid items such as combs, markers, sunglasses, or washcloths to maximize the space.) - Blanket
- Non-liquid lip balm
- Flashlight
(solar-powered or hand-crank; if battery operated, be sure to include extra batteries of the type needed) - Nail clipper and file
- Stick deodorant
- Pencils
- Small manual pencil sharpener
- Erasers
- Colored pencils
- Pencil case
- Pens
- Crayons
- Markers
- Notebooks
- Blank index cards
- Solar-powered calculator
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Protractor
- Glue stick (Do not include liquid glue.)
- Small adhesive tape
- Pencils
- Small manual pencil sharpener
- Erasers
- Colored pencils
- Pencil case
- Pens
- Crayons
- Markers
- Notebooks
- Blank index cards
- Solar-powered calculator
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Protractor
- Glue stick (do not include liquid glue)
- Small adhesive tape
- Shirts and pants
- Underwear
- Shoes and socks
- Flip-flops
- Hat/scarf/mittens
- Sunglasses
- Shirts and pants
- Underwear
- Shoes and socks
- Flip-flops
- Wrist watch
- Hat/scarf/mittens
- Sunglasses
- Shirts and pants
- Underwear
- Shoes and socks
- Flip-flops
- Wrist watch
- Hat/scarf/mittens
- Sunglasses
- Bandana
- Pencils
- Small manual pencil sharpener
- Colored pencils
- Pencil case
- Pens
- Crayons
- Markers
- Coloring pads
- Coloring books
- Picture book
- Notebooks
- Glue stick (Do not include liquid glue.)
- Small adhesive tape
- Watercolor set
[Finger paint palette/crayons/markers (non-liquid containers), paint brushes, canvas or paper] - Building blocks
- Playdough
(Consider adding plastic cookie cutters as non-sharp utensils the child can use with the playdough.) - Stickers
- Make your own items such as finger puppets and friendship bracelets. Download instructions here.
- Coloring books
- Watercolor set
[Finger paint palette/crayons/markers (non-liquid containers), paint brushes, canvas or paper] - Puzzles
- Playdough
(Consider adding plastic cookie cutters as non-sharp utensils the child can use with the playdough.) - Stickers
- Chalkboard and chalk
- Binoculars
- Building blocks
- Tool set
- Make-it-yourself craft items or kit Download instructions here.
- Puzzles
- Binoculars
- Compass
- Chalkboard with chalk
- Tool set with work gloves
- Fishing kit
- Brightly colored rope or twine
- Gardening kit with gloves and trowel (no seeds)
- Magnets
- Kaleidoscope
- Skipping rope/jump rope
- Playing cards
- Marbles
- Foam ball
- Kickball (Make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated.)
- Tennis ball
- Finger puppets
- Slinky
- Etch A Sketch
- Play cars/trucks/boats
- Plastic tools
- Plastic dinosaurs
- Interactive toys that include push buttons, lights, noise (include extra batteries)
- Foam ball
- Kickball (Make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated.)
- Baseball and mitt
- Tennis ball
- Plastic dinosaurs, animals, action figures (nothing war-related)
- Toy cars
- Yo-yo
- Small Frisbee
- Small kite
- Etch A Sketch
- Hacky sack
- Foam ball
- Kickball (Make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated.)
- Baseball and mitt
- Tennis ball
- Yo-yo
- Small Frisbee
- Small kite
- Hacky sack
- Toy cars
- 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
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.
Helpful Links
Download Gift Suggestions
Year-Round Packing Ideas
How to Pack a Shoebox
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions or suggestions? Email occinfo@samaritan.org
