Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ideas & How To Pack a Shoebox
Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, delivers shoebox gifts filled with toys, hygiene items, and school supplies to children in need around the world. It’s a meaningful way for individuals, families, and churches to come together and spread the love of Jesus. Each shoebox is a simple but powerful gift, and for many children, it may be the first one they have ever received.
If you’re wondering how to pack a shoebox, what to put in an Operation Christmas Child shoebox, or need creative shoebox gift ideas by age or gender, this guide will walk you through it all. You’ll find step-by-step tips, approved items, and helpful suggestions for making your box both fun and practical. After receiving a shoebox, children are invited to join The Greatest Journey, a 12-lesson discipleship program that teaches them about Jesus and how to share their faith. One shoebox can start a ripple effect of hope that reaches entire families and communities.
Click here to watch past year’s videos of me filling Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes!
First, choose a gender and age range for your box:
Gift Suggestions and Ideas:
• Reusable Water Reveal Activity Pages With Water Pen
• A WOW Item (Doll, soccer ball with pump, or stuffed animal)
• Personal care items
• Comb
• Washcloth
• Shower curtain
• Toys
• Finger puppets
• 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), paintbrushes, canvas or paper]
• Building blocks
• Playdough (Consider adding plastic cookie cutters as non-sharp utensils the child can use with the playdough.)
• Stickers
• Slinky
• Etch A Sketch
• Water bottle
• A personal note
• Crafts and activities
Do Not Include:
• Toothpaste
• Bars of soap (new in 2025)
• Food items including candy, gum, chocolate, seeds, fruit rolls or other fruit snacks, drink mixes
• Used or damaged items
• Liquids or lotions
• Medications or vitamins
• Breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers
• Aerosol cans
• War-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures
National Collection Week is Nov. 17–24, 2025.
Every year, National Collection Week takes place the third week in November when over 4,000 drop-off locations are open across the country.
Find a drop off location near you.
Get a label:
Donate $10 online and receive a label to Follow Your Box and discover the destination of your shoebox gift.
Common Questions about Operation Christmas Child
What is Operation Christmas Child?
Operation Christmas Child is a global project run by Samaritan’s Purse that delivers shoebox gifts to children living in poverty, war zones, or remote areas. Each box is packed with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies, sharing both joy and the message of Jesus with every child who receives one.
How do I pack a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child?
To pack a shoebox, use a standard-size cardboard or plastic box, select the child’s gender and age group, then fill it with new toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and a personal note or photo. Finish by donating $10 online to cover shipping and program materials, then drop it off during National Collection Week in November.
What are good gift ideas for Operation Christmas Child?
Popular shoebox gift ideas include things like small stuffed animals, soccer balls with a pump, dolls, coloring books, pencils, toothbrushes, and clothing accessories like socks or hats. Choose gifts that are fun, durable, and age-appropriate to make the biggest impact.
What type of shoebox should I use for Operation Christmas Child?
You can use a standard-size cardboard shoebox, a clear plastic shoebox with a lid, or an official preprinted shoebox from Samaritan’s Purse. The box should be sturdy, easy to close, and no larger than a typical adult shoebox to ensure consistent shipping and packing. Avoid oversized boxes or gift bags, as they may not be accepted.
What should I not put in an Operation Christmas Child shoebox?
Do not include liquids, toothpaste, food, candy, soap, breakables, war-related items, or anything that could leak, melt, or be held up in customs. These restrictions help ensure the boxes are safe, legal to ship internationally, and appropriate for the children receiving them.
Where do I drop off my Operation Christmas Child shoebox?
Shoeboxes can be dropped off at participating churches, schools, or community centers during National Collection Week, typically held in mid-November. You can search for the closest drop-off location using the official tool on the Samaritan’s Purse website.
Can I track my Operation Christmas Child shoebox?
Yes, when you donate your $10 shipping fee online, you’ll receive a barcode to attach to your box that allows you to track where it’s delivered. Later, you’ll get an email telling you which country your shoebox was sent to, making the experience more personal and rewarding.
What is The Greatest Journey program?
The Greatest Journey is a 12-week discipleship course offered to many children who receive a shoebox. It teaches them about who Jesus is, how to follow Him, and how to share their faith with others in their community, helping multiply the impact of your gift beyond just one child.
How many items should I put in a shoebox?
There’s no strict number, but aim to pack the shoebox full with a mix of toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and extras like accessories or stickers. Most shoeboxes include 10 to 15 items that provide both joy and practicality to the child who receives it.
Can I include a note or photo in my shoebox?
Yes, including a handwritten note or photo of your family is encouraged and often cherished by the child who receives your gift. It helps create a personal connection and lets the child know they are loved and prayed for, even from across the world.
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