Mount Gilead Baptist Church
Friday, March 29, 2024

Operation Christmas Child

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