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Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ideas
100
items I absolutely love doing these Christmas shoeboxes! I'd rather do these boxes instead of getting presents myself.
Sections
5
In General
Ages 2-4
Ages 5-9
Ages 10-14
Personal Care/Clothing Items
In General
What the operation is and basic items that would cover any age group for either boy or girl.
Please please please look into doing this!! It's such an amazing organization and it's awesome what they do
Operation Christmas Child | Shoebox Outreach of Samaritan's Purse
#2 pencils are requested for the younger age groups but can be used for any age
(4 pack) NO.2/HB WOODCASE PENCILS, UNSHARPENED 24CT
Erasers to go with the pencils of course
Paper Mate Pink Pearl Erasers, Large, 3 Count
I usually do these for the younger kids and the pencil pouches or c-sliders for the older kids, but these will do for any age.
EGNMCR Plastic Pencil Box Large Capacity Pencil Boxes Clear Boxes with Snap-tight Lid Design and Stylish Office Supplies Storage Organizer Box - Back to School Savings
Tissues is on the list of recommended fillers. Plus these individual packs are good for backpacks or pockets
Kleenex Trusted Care Facial Tissues, 8 On-The-Go Travel Packs (80 Tissues Total) (Packaging May Vary)
This is actually on one of the lists from the organization's Amazon storefront!
Collapsible Water Bottles Two Pack
This is an item I would've never thought to pack but something they highly recommend!
Simpli-Magic 79148 Cotton Washcloths, 50 Pack
Might adjust size to age group but in general should work for any age
Kids Winter Beanies 12 Pack Warm Hats
Another item wouldn't have thought of but I found on their Amazon storefront
20 Pack Drawstring Bags
A "FUN" item that I thought was suitable for any age
JOHOUSE Rainbow Magic Spring, 12 PCS
Flashlights are great for any age. The list does request hand crank only!
Treela 36 Pcs Hand Crank Flashlight Bulk
Soccer ball is great for any age, both girl or boy. Great gift to play outside with
Jesus Loves You Size 3 Soccer Ball
Perfect for any age since all need toothbrushes and all regular toothbrushes should fit into these
Limei5 Pack Portable Travel Toothbrush Box
These are fun for any age!
6 Pack Kids Binoculars Shock Proof Toy Binoculars
A fun noisy toy for any age. Lots of fun colors for both boys and girls
Rhode Island Novelty Neon Whistle Necklaces
Something soft and cuddly for any age!
12 Pack Small Stuffed Animals Bulk,4.5 Inch Mini Plush Toys School Prize
Shaped sticky notes to add something a little fun and colorful
6 color star shaped sticky notes, 30 sheets per color, 7cm * 7cm
Something fun for any age!
20-300PCS Cute Animal Stickers - Waterproof Vinyl Sticker Pack for Kids, Laptops & Water Bottles
I recommend taking a lot of the items out of their unnecessary packaging, and putting smaller items in these, due to not having a lot of ways to dispose of trash in the areas these boxes go. (besides writing utensils and hygiene items)
24 Pack Mesh Zipper Pouch Bags, EEEkit 4.5 x 9.4 in Clear Plastic Pencil and Multipurpose Organizer Pouches for Cash Storage and Travel, 10 Colors
Website states that one of the most favorite gifts a lot of these kids get is a personal note! Something that doesn’t cost a lot but holds a lot of meaning for the recipient.
Dessie 50 Blank Greeting Cards and Envelopes with Unique Designs for All Occasions, 4” x 6”
Ages 2-4
Age group around preschool age. Second least age group to get boxes filled, especially the boys.
I knew this age group was around preschool age, and crayons are one of the basic things on the school list
Trail maker 12 Pack Bulk Crayons | Washable
Plushies are one of the main "fun" items they ask for
Golden Puppy Plush
Hair accessories for the little girls
Scunci Kids Mini Butterfly Claw Clips, Assorted Colors, 12 Ct
An item on the toys list that works for either boy or girl.
Play-Doh 4 Pack, Sweet Colors Collection
Another fun toy for both girls and boys to enjoy
iKeelo 12PCS Classic Kaleidoscope
Thought these were fun bandaids for the girls
BioSwiss Bandages, Unicorn Shaped Self Adhesive Bandage, Latex Free
Fun bandaids for the boys! I don’t know many boys that aren’t obsessed with dinosaurs
BioSwiss Baby Dino Self Adhesive Bandages
Amazon has a lot of bulk coloring book options for those filling multiple boxes.
Geefuun 28PCS Mini Coloring Books for Kids
Something I didn't expect to find on the list was eating utensils. I know for baby age but my 3 year old nephew still uses these
Parent's Choice Baby Feeding Fork & Spoon Set, Multicolor, 9+ Months, 10 Count
Small for the littles and lots of colors!
Little Kids Backpack - Toddler Preschool Backpack
Building blocks are always fun for the littles. This set should be small enough to go in shoebox
Infantino Squeeze and Stack BPA-Free Plastic Toy Blocks, Multicolor, 8-Piece Set
Toy that doubles as a flashlight and makes sound. Something fun for the littles that can attach to backpack
6 Pieces Animal Flashlight Keychain
Fun active toy for the littles!
Hape Frog Pull-Along Wooden Toy, Bright Colors
Toothbrush set for the littles with a little hour glass so they learn how long to brush for
GuruNanda Extra Soft Toddler Toothbrush for Age 2 Years +, with Tongue Cleaner, Rubber Grip & Brush Cap
Something fun that’s younger child safe! Or could do a basic rubber ducky instead
Munchkin® Wild™ Animal Baby and Toddler Bath Toy Squirts, 8 Pack, Unisex
Can’t forget the brush and comb! My 3 year old son absolutely loves his!!
Dr. Brown's Healthy Baby Essential Care, Soft & Safe, Baby Brush Plus Comb for Infants & Toddlers
Airplanes are another great toy item, but be careful to not get any war related ones. These are perfect for this age group.
ToysYGift Toddler Airplane Toy for Boys & Girls, Friction Toy Airplanes, Ages 18 Months Old and Above
Fisher Price and Little People are great brands for this age group! Lots of different toy options
Fisher-Price Little People Farm Animal Friends 8-Piece Figure Set for Toddlers Age 1Y+
The smaller sized sports balls are perfect for this age! Make sure to include a hand pump for every box you fill if add these
Sports Balls For Kids - (Pack of 4) 5-inch Sports Balls Set Includes Basketball, Small Soccer Ball, and Playground Balls, Fun Indoors & Outdoor Toys (hand Pump Included)
Musical items are another fun item! Both a fun activity but also a great learning tool
Silipull 72 Pcs Shaker Musical Instrument Set for Kid Toddler Early Music | Musical Tools Bulk Shaker Wrist Hand Band Bells Maracas Percussion Tambourine Cymbals Plastic Castanets
Ages 5-9
Elementary ages. K-3rd grade. The girls age group is most filled box.
Thought these were cool bandaids that could go for either boys or girls
Welly Flex Fabric Bandages, Assorted Pattern Family Pack, 80 Count
Fun, cute brush for the girls
Red by Kiss Detangling Hair Brush (Unicorn)
Hair accessories for the little girls
Wonder Nation Girls Assorted Bow Salon Clips, 12-Piece, Multi
A fun school supply that any kid loves this age!
Cra-Z-Art Classic Multicolor Broad Line Washable Markers, 10 Count
Fun erasers for either boys or girls
Pen+Gear Eraser Pals, Safari Theme, 25 Count
Sticker books are a fun activity at this age!
Ultimate Sticker Book The Ultimate Disney Sticker Book, (Paperback)
Loved playing these card games at this age with my grandma.
LotFancy Kids Card Games, 6 Decks, Include Go Fish, Old Maid, Crazy 8's , Memory Match, Slap Jack
A Fun item that can be played with inside or outside
Jerify 12 Mini Footballs for Kids - Assorted
A fun toy that I thought would be cool for the boys
Hot Wheels Color Shifters 1:64 Scale Toy Car, Transforms Color in Water (Styles May Vary)
Me and my sister would play Barbie's forever at this age!
Barbie Soccer Player Doll & Accessories
A fun toy that can be attached to their backpacks or pencil pouches
128 Pcs Pop Fidget Keychain It Fidget Toys Bulk
A game they can play with friends. Growing up we played this both inside and outside
Aunnitery Kids Toys - Toss and Catch Ball Set
Fun toothbrushes for both girl or boy. Suction cup so wouldn't need a case or cover
Equate Kid’s Healthy Fun Manual Toothbrushes with Suction Stand, Soft Bristles, Child, 4 Count
Hoping this will fit into a shoebox. Great game to play with friends or family
Lewo Wooden Stacking Blocks - 48 Pieces
Small enough to fit into shoebox and something the little girls will love! My niece is this age and loves hers
Mommy & Me Mini Baby Doll Set, 8 Assorted
Boys need something to maintain their hair as well!
Wet Brush Men's Detangler Hairbrush, For Scalp and Beard, Black, 1 Ct
Puzzles would be a great gift to add!
Green Sea Turtle Mini Puzzle
A great WOW item! Something compact but built for lots of playing, learning and creativity
MAGNA-TILES microMAGS Travel Magnetic Construction Set, The Original Magnetic Building Brand, 26 Piece Travel Toy for Boys and Girls
A fun, creative item to add! Great for learning as well
Spirograph Travel – Arts and Crafts
Another fun toy for both inside and outside!
Maxx Action Construction Vehicle 3pk - Front End Loader, Dump Truck and Excavator
Ages 10-14
Older elementary and middle school ages. The least age group to get boxes filled for. Girls tend to get more boxes than the boys
Fun bandaids for the older kids
Band-Aid Brand Flexible Fabric Bandages, Water Color, Assorted, 30 Ct
I swear by this brush and small enough to pack in the box. So thought it would be a perfect gift for the girls
Wet Brush® Mini Detangler - Purple - On-the-Go Detangling
Great for getting together with friends and spending time
Mattel Card Game Set (Skip Bo, Uno & Phase 10)
Thought this would be really nice for the girls to have
Striped 7-Piece Manicure Tool Set with Case for Tweens, Teens, and Adults
Nice brush and comb set for the boys.
Heldig Hair Brush-Natural Wooden Bamboo Detangler Paddle Brush and Comb Set
Loved doing these at this age and still love doing them.
Brain Teasers Metal and Wooden Puzzles for Kids and Adult
If wanted to add something for cold weather. These work for either boy or girl
10 Pack of Bulk Wholesale Adult One Size Fleece Behind the Ear Warmer Earmuffs
Used for both school supplies or crafts at home
Crayola Super Tips Washable Markers for Kids, 50 Ct
A fun craft kit. I know probably for girls but I know a lot of boys that wear the paracord bracelets too
JOIFULI PARACORD BRACELET Kit
Another brain teaser puzzle that can be fun for this age group
LMC Hexagon Wooden Puzzle Toy for Kids
I remember doing these at this age and they were so fun. Lots of laughter but also some thinking
Mad Libs: Goofy Mad Libs : World's Greatest Word Game (Paperback)
I felt like the pencil sharpeners were more suitable for this age group
XIAOLE 4pcs Pencil Sharpeners
A cool fidget toy that you can turn into anything
Gokeey Transformable Fidget Spinners 4 Pcs
Glitter pens for the girls! Something fun with a diary or journal
Kingart Soft Grip Glitter Gel Pens, XL 2.5mm Ink Cartridge, Set of 12 Unique Colors
Another game to play with friends or family. Or something could play with on their own. Lots of possibilities!
Spin Master Games, Classic Double 6 Dominoes Set, 2-4 Players, Ages 6 and up
Something they could use for school or personal
Feela Pocket Notebook Journals, Mini Cute Small Hardcover College Ruled Notepad Office Supplies, with 3 Black Pens, 3.5”x 5.5”, 3 Pack, A6, Solid Colors, Yellow, Orange, Emerald
Thought this would be something nice for the older girls
Batiyeer 50 Pcs Small Travel Jewelry Organizer
Mini LEGO kits are a great idea for this age group. Lots of fun kits for both boys and girls
LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Retro Camera Toy 31147
A great school item to add for this age group! Make sure solar powered or add extra batteries
Casio FX-260 Solar II Scientific Calculator, Black
Reusable water bottles is something on the list I wouldn’t have thought about! Can always add stickers to customize or pack it full of items to save space.
Your Zone 16 Fluid oz Plastic Water Bottle with Flip Top Chug Lid, No Straw, Clear with Black Lid, Reusable
Personal Care/Clothing Items
Hygiene/Personal Care items, Clothing and other items typically not thought about but needed!
Bulk set of items most probably wouldn’t think about but are definitely needed!
Potchen 60 Pcs Operation Christmas Gift Box | Fillers Kit Include Mini Travel Sewing Kits, Toothbrushes, Wide Tooth Combs Fuzzy Socks, Colorful Wash Cloths for Charity
Another bulk set of personal care items! Great for any age too
Foxtell 24 Set 96 Pcs Operation Christmas Box Gift Includes Cotton Washcloths, Toothbrushes, Comb, Zipper Bag for Christmas Box
Tool kits is not something I would’ve thought of but apparently it’s on the favorites list! Obviously for the older age groups
Mini Tool Kit Bulk - Compact Set for Gifts
Silverware sets are a great item to add! Easy to find sets for each age range as well
Jinei Reusable Travel Utensils Set Wheat Straw with Case,Elegant | Portable Cutlery for Kids Adults, Eco-friendly Flatware for Camping Lunch School, 3-piece Spoon Fork Knife, Storage Case
Water bottles are a great gift to add for every age range as well! Just make sure small enough to fit in box. Can even add items to customize them as an extra fun item
Bulk 12-Pack 18oz Kids BPA-Free Water Bottles
Sunglasses are an item I wouldn’t have thought about but highly recommended to add!
Kids Sunglasses Bulk for Ages 3-5 4-8 8-12 & Adults, 32 Pack Party Favors Neon Sunglasses with UV400 Protection
Hats are another great item to add! Can even add markers or pins to customize
Hello Hobby Fashion Trucker Hat, Polyester
Socks are another highly recommended item. These are perfect for the 2-4 age group!
Toddler Boy 6-Pack No Show Socks - Black
Underwear is another recommended item. Personally I’d add a couple of different sizes so they for sure get a set that fit.
Toddler Girl 7-Pack Bluey™ Brief Stretch Cotton Underwear
Can’t forget underwear for the boys too! Again, I would maybe add a couple different sizes so they have at least a pair that fits
Hanes Moves Boys’ Performance Stretch Boxer Brief Underwear, 5-Pack
Bealls always has great options for entire outfit sets at a reasonable price!
Boys 3 Pc Active Shorts Set Online
This was an amazing find for me! They make shoes that can be adjusted to size for each age group.
The Shoe That Grows: Christmas Shoebox
T-shirts are another great clothing item to add. Personally I’d stick to solid colors and add a couple different sizes.
Hanes Boys' 4pk Crew Neck T-Undershirt
Nightgowns are a great option for the girls. They can wear them even if a little big.
Girls 2-Pack Floral Loose Fit Night Gown - Green/Pink
Cold weather items like hats and gloves are another recommended item!
Wonder Nation Kids' Cold Weather Beanie Hat and Gloves Set, 5-Piece
Bracelets are another great personal item for both girls and boys! Always add multiple so they can share with family and friends
Landical Colorful Elastic Polymer Clay Bracelets
Watches are another recommended item! Plenty of color options for both girls and boys
DTKID Digital Kids Watch 30M Waterproof
A cute mini bag or backpack would be great for the girls. Can keep all their hair stuff and small items in it for safe keeping
Wonder Nation Girls Mini Backpack with Keychain
Had to do some extra research but wet wipes are another item you can add! I’d personally go with the tiny, travel packs to save room.
Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes, Fresh Scent, 20 Ct Travel Pack
From what I’ve read, non-medicated and non-liquid lip balm are allowed!
ChapStick Ice Cream Colllection Flavored Lip Balm Sticks, Variety Pack, 3-Pack, 0.15 oz Each