One of the ways our family loves to give during the holiday season is through Operation Christmas Child, the shoebox ministry of Samaritan’s Purse. Each year, millions of children around the world receive a shoebox filled with toys, school supplies, and personal care items—along with the message of God’s love.
When it comes time to pack our boxes, though, I’ve often found myself drawing a blank. What should go inside? What items are useful, safe, and fun for children in different parts of the world?
To help myself (and hopefully you!), I’ve put together a big list of ideas you can reference when it’s time to fill your Operation Christmas Child shoebox.
A Note About Containers
While the cardboard shoeboxes provided by Operation Christmas Child work just fine, our family often uses a shoebox-sized plastic storage container instead. That way, the child can reuse the box for toy storage, carrying water, or keeping personal belongings safe.
Where to Get Operation Christmas Child Boxes
You can pick up free official shoeboxes at participating churches, Christian bookstores, or community collection centers in the weeks leading up to National Collection Week. Many churches that partner with Samaritan’s Purse keep a stack of boxes in their lobbies or welcome centers for families to take home.
You can also order decorative cardboard shoeboxes directly from the Operation Christmas Child website—either individually or in bulk for a group packing party. Of course, a standard-sized plastic storage box with a secure lid works just as well and can serve as a lasting, practical gift for the child who receives it.
Typically, Hobby Lobby partners with Operation Christmas Child and will place a box display just inside the store’s doors. They also will have gift suggestions placed throughout the store.
Keep in Mind When Packing
You won’t know where your shoebox is going, so it’s important to avoid seasonal items like heavy winter gloves or scarves that may not be useful if your box is sent to a warm climate. Likewise, skip any war-related toys or items that could cause confusion or harm.
Operation Christmas Child Ideas
This list is meant as a reminder for me but will hopefully help you pack a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child too.
Remember, National Collection Week is typically in mid-November. Visit the Drop-off Locations page to find the closest collection site. Or, call 1-800-353-5949.
Purchased Toys
Why Toys Matter: Toys are often the most exciting part of the shoebox. They bring instant joy and can provide hours of fun while also helping with motor skills, imagination, and even social play with friends and siblings. Choose items that are durable, safe for children, and don’t require electricity.
Here are some toy ideas:
- Picture books (without text)
- Puzzles (without text)
- Balancing Bird
- Tangle Creations Tangle Jr. Fuzzy
- Mini Building Block Vehicle Sets
- Memory Match Game
- Pixy Cubes
- World’s Smallest Solar Powered Car
- Wooden Bird Whistles
- Light-Up Rail Twirler
- Stuffed Animals
- Dolls (dolls of ethnicity are best)
- Flingshot Flying Monkey
- Slinky
- Strap On LED Fingers
- Maracitos
- Memory Game & Floor Puzzle
(without text)
- Sparkling Spindle Wand
- Jacks
- Marbles
- Glow-In-The-Dark Stars
- Animal Style Finger Puppets Set
- Toy cars
- Dominoes
- Cat’s Cradle Book Kit
- Pull Back Race Cars
- Kazoos
- Cluster Bells
- Flingshot Flying Animal
- Go Fish! Card Game
- Foam Glider Planes
- Leftover toys from kid’s meals
- Pocket Etch A Sketch
- Dinosaur Fossil
- Harmonica
- Super Bouncey Balls
- Action figures (not war-related)
- Tortoise Hatch ‘Ems Egg
- Story Cubes
- Crank Music Box
- Math Dice
- Mustaches Assortment
- Balloons
- Bathtime Star Crayon
- Yo-Yo
- Toy Spy Glasses
- Bath Time Water Squirties
- Jump Rope
- Soccer Ball (deflated with air pump)
- Happy Hamster in Ball
- Family Finger Puppets
- Balloon Twisting Modeling Kit With Hand Pump
- African Animals Pieces
- Bathtime Fun Water Flutes
- Flashing Led Bumpy Ring
- Wooden Puzzle Fidget
Mini Loom Starter Kit
- Mini Foam Football
- Foam Rocket Jumpers
- Pop Toob
- Mini Machine Construction Set
- Rhythm Sticks
- Print Slap Bracelets
- Grow Your Own Dinosaurs
- Fuzzy Nose and Glasses Classic Disguise
- Mini Lalaloopsy Doll
- Memory Game & Floor Puzzle
- Balloon Powered Vehicle Set
- Air pump (for deflated balls)
- Percussion Blocks
- Water Game
- Kaleidoscope
- Nylon Hair Pieces
- Stretchable Flying Frogs
- Toss Up!
- UNO Dice Game
- Plastic Puzzle Balls
- Velcro Play Set
- Zoo Babies
- Mini Plastic Figures
- Rainbow Nesting Wooden Blocks
- Angry Birds Toy
- Counting Bears
- Toy Airplanes
(not war related)
- Dollhouse Accessories
- Mini Princess Dolls
- Bean Bags
- Pocket AM/FM Radio
(with extra batteries)
- Wooden Catch Ball
- Travel Doodler
- Plastic Dragonfly
- Compass LED Flashlight Keychain
- Binoculars
- Survival Whistle
- Hand-Held Simon
- Wooden People
- Mini Flying Discs
- Small Telescope
- Spy Scope
- Lacing Toy
- Garden Tool Set
- Snap Cubes
- Beach Ball
- Cubebot
- Spinning Top
Don’t forget to make your $10-per-shoebox donation online through the label options page and receive a special tracking label to discover the destination of your shoebox gift.
School Supplies
Why School Supplies Matter: Many children who receive a shoebox have limited access to educational resources. A simple notebook or pencil can mean the difference between being able to attend school or not. In some communities, children cannot enroll in school unless they have their own supplies.
Here are some ideas:
- Pens
- Paint pens
- Gluesticks (not liquid glue)
- Adhesive tape
- Decorative duct tape
- Mini Art Painting Set
- Tutti Frutti Scented Gel Pens
- Washi tape
- Pencils (with a sharpener or mechanical pencils)
- Pencil Sharpener
- Crayons
- Sidewalk chalk
- Watercolor paints
- Markers
- Colored pencils
- Secret Message Pen
- Notebooks
- Paper
- Post-it or sticky notes
- Solar calculators
- Coloring books
- Stickers
- Stamps
- Ink pads
- Index cards
- Reusable fabric pencil case
- Mini chalkboard with chalk
- Stencil kits
- Clipboards
- Math flash cards
- Geometry set (ruler, protractor, compass)
- Inflatable globe or world map
- Educational posters (rolled to fit in the box)
- Small dry erase board with marker
- Stickers or stamps with ink pads
- Safety scissors (for older children)
- Ruler
- Measuring tape
- Decorative hole punch
- Neon Mini Scratch Notes
- Lock & Key Diary
- Self-ink Stamps
- Inflatable Globe
- Sketch Books
- Magnifying Glass
- Drawing Pad
Non-Liquid Hygiene Items
Why Hygiene Items Matter: While these may not be as exciting as toys, they are some of the most valuable items in the box. Basic hygiene tools can help prevent illness and give children dignity in their daily routines.
- Toothbrushes (in plastic case)
- Bar soap (in plastic case)
- Comb
- Brush
- Deodorant
- Nail clippers and emery boards
- Chapstick or lip balm (non-medicated)
- Hand wipes
- Washcloths
- Small towel
- Bandaids or small first aid kits (no liquid medications)
- Bath sponge or loofah
- Reusable menstrual pads (for older girls, life-changing gift)
- Small mirror (plastic, not glass)
- Travel toothbrush covers
- Reusable menstrual cup (for teenage girls, if appropriate)
- Breathable cloth face masks (for dust or pollution areas)
Related: 5 Ways to Cure the Gimmees
Personal Accessories
Why Accessories Matter: These items may seem small, but they can brighten daily life. From clothing basics to practical tools, they can bring comfort and usefulness for school, chores, or play.
Here are some ideas:
- Rain poncho
- Flip flops
- T-shirts (kids sizes with no text/images)
- Socks
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Underwear
- Ponytail Holders
- Ribbons
- Hair clips
- Coin purse
- Tote bag
- Jewelry
- Wallet
- Watch
- Pillowcase dresses
- Flashlights (with extra batteries)
- Cup
- Multi-Function Pocket Tool
(no knives)
- Umbrella
- Pocket Screwdriver
- Sewing Kit
- Mini Sewing Machine
- Mini Hand Mirror
- Pocket Fan with batteries
- Reusable cloth bags for groceries or carrying items
- Bandanas (can be used many ways)
- Reusable straws and sporks
- Soft scarf or lightweight shawl
- Small handkerchief set
- Plastic whistle on a lanyard (safety item)
- Kid-sized backpack (can be packed first, then filled with shoebox items)
Final Thoughts About Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes
Packing a shoebox is more than filling it with stuff—it’s about sharing love, hope, and the Good News of Jesus Christ. Every item you choose is a reminder to the child that they are seen and cared for.
Don’t forget: make your $10-per-shoebox donation online through Follow Your Box so you can get a tracking label and see where your gift is delivered.
National Collection Week is usually in mid-November, so mark your calendar and check the Drop-off Locations page to find the site nearest you.
For more ideas or details on how to pack a shoebox, please visit the Operation Christmas Child page.
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