Official Shoebox Gift Suggestions

What Goes in My Shoebox?

Make Your Gift Fun, Full, and Personalized.

For children around the world, a shoebox is often their very first gift. Given together with the Good News of Jesus Christ, it communicates God’s love to a boy or girl in need. So, it is important to make sure your gift is …

FUN—includes a “wow” item and other quality toys

FULL—packed to the brim with additional school supplies and personal care items

PERSONALIZED—prayed over and contains a note and photo, which are often the child’s favorite items!

Gift Suggestions

Let the following lists organized by 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!

Gift Suggestions for Girls
A “WOW” ITEM
  • Doll
  • Large toy
  • Soccer ball and pump
  • Stuffed animal
  • Musical instrument
PERSONAL CARE ITEMS
  • Comb or brush
  • Toothbrush
  • Washcloth
  • Fun adhesive bandages
  • Eating utensils
  • Nail clipper and file
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
  • Pencils and sharpener
  • Pencil case
  • Erasers
  • Pens
  • Crayons
  • Markers
  • Notebooks
  • Index cards
  • Calculator
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Glue stick
  • Small adhesive tape
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
  • Clothing and undergarments
  • Flip-flops or shoes
  • Cold weather items
  • Sunglasses
  • Bags, backpacks, or purses
  • Hair accessories
  • Hats
  • Wristwatch or jewelry
  • Flashlight
CRAFTS & ACTIVITIES
  • Puzzles
  • Binoculars
  • Compass
  • Chalkboard and chalk
  • Fishing kit
  • Jump rope
  • Coloring books or pads
  • Dry watercolor set
  • Playdough
  • Stickers
  • Craft kits or colorful rope/twine
  • Books or picture books
TOYS
  • Ball
  • Frisbee®
  • Building blocks
  • Finger puppets
  • Slinky®
  • Yo-yo
  • Magnets
  • Kaleidoscope
  • Interactive toys
  • Other small toys and figures
DO NOT INCLUDE
  • Food, candy, or gum
  • Toothpaste
  • Used or damaged items
  • Scary or war-related items
  • Wearable traditional camouflage
  • Seeds or organic matter
  • Liquids
  • Medication
  • Money
  • Breakable items
  • Matches, fire starters, or aerosols
  • Knife, saw, or razor blades
Gift Suggestions for Boys
A “WOW” ITEM
  • Soccer ball and pump
  • Stuffed animal
  • Musical instrument
  • Large toy truck or car
  • Other large toy
PERSONAL CARE ITEMS
  • Comb or brush
  • Toothbrush
  • Washcloth
  • Fun adhesive bandages
  • Eating utensils
  • Nail clipper and file
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
  • Pencils and sharpener
  • Pencil case
  • Erasers
  • Pens
  • Crayons
  • Markers
  • Notebooks
  • Index cards
  • Calculator
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Glue stick
  • Small adhesive tape
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
  • Clothing and undergarments
  • Flip-flops or shoes
  • Cold weather items
  • Sunglasses
  • Bags or backpacks
  • Hats
  • Wristwatch
  • Flashlight
CRAFTS & ACTIVITIES
  • Puzzles
  • Binoculars
  • Compass
  • Chalkboard and chalk
  • Fishing kit
  • Jump rope
  • Coloring books or pads
  • Dry watercolor set
  • Playdough
  • Stickers
  • Craft kits or colorful rope/twine
  • Books or picture books
TOYS
  • Ball
  • Frisbee®
  • Building blocks
  • Slinky®
  • Yo-yo
  • Magnets
  • Kaleidoscope
  • Toy cars
  • Interactive toys
  • Other small toys and figures
DO NOT INCLUDE
  • Food, candy, or gum
  • Toothpaste
  • Used or damaged items
  • Scary or war-related items
  • Wearable traditional camouflage
  • Seeds or organic matter
  • Liquids
  • Medication
  • Money
  • Breakable items
  • Matches, fire starters, or aerosols
  • Knife, saw, or razor blades
Download Gift Suggestions

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? ⇢

Helpful Links

Back to How to Pack a Shoebox
Year-Round Packing Ideas
How to Pack a Shoebox
Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions or suggestions? Email occinfo@samaritan.org

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Operation Christmas Child® is a project of Samaritan's Purse®.
Operation Christmas Child® is a project of Samaritan's Purse®.
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