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

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

Official Shoebox Gift Suggestions

What Goes in My Shoebox?

Make Your Gift Fun, Full, and Personalized.

Gift Suggestions

Do Not Include

Helpful Links

More