Christmas shoeboxes are a fun and loving way to show kindness to a underprivileged child this Christmas!
Operation Christmas Child is an appeal run by Samaritan's Purse during the month of November each year, which provides Christmas presents for children in underdeveloped countries. This means that for some children, these are the only presents they will receive for Christmas this year and in some cases, the only gift they will have received in their life.
You may have taken part in this appeal back in your school days, or during your time at children's church, however the need for Christmas shoeboxes is as great today as ever. That's why each year I take great joy in carefully packing a shoebox, ready for it to be received by a hopeful child somewhere around the world!
Packing a shoebox is fun and easy! All you need is a shoebox (or a box of a similar size) an age/gender label, and a willing heart - then, you are ready to start filling your boxes!
Here is what I packed in my November 2023 shoebox for a girl in the 2--4 category. I hope you're able to get some ideas. Happy packing!
Shoebox Contents
When shopping for items, I divide my list into categories, this helps me plan what to buy and ensures I am covering a range of items (from practical to fun!)
School Supplies
A4 notebook
A Colouring Book
Activity Books
Wax Crayons
Chalk
Pencil Case (see contents below)
Although children in this age group may not be at school yet, you can still equip them for their future with basic school supplies such as notebooks and a pencil case! I also included supplies such as colouring books and a chalk board, as these can be enjoyed at all ages.
The chalk board is a great way to make use of the empty space in the box lid. I simply purchased an A4 chalk sheet from eBay (around £1.50) and stuck it to the inside of the box lid! I then purchased some chalks and a cleaning rag from Home Bargains. It's a great way to make use of the extra space and it will last them a long time!
Stationary shopping is so much fun!
Here are some ideas on what to include in your pencil case:
Pens
Pencil Crayons
Marker Pens/ Stamps
A Ruler
A multi-coloured Retractable Pen
A Glue Stick (No liquids)
An Eraser/Sharpener
Safety Scissors
Hygiene
Soap with Soap Box
Flannel
Toothbrush and Toothbrush Case/Head Cover
Hair Brush
Mirror/ Compact Mirror with Brush
Hygiene Storage Bag
Tissues/Wipes
You can read heart-warming 'Shoebox Stories' on the Samaritans Purse website. I will never forget the story of the little girl whose favourite Shoebox gift was a toothbrush. She had previously shared one with nine other girls in the orphanage. What we might consider as a boring or basic gift could mean the world to a child. Never underestimate the basic hygienic essentials!
Accessories
Hat
Scarf
Gloves
Tote Bag
Socks
Hair bobbles/Clips/Hair bands
Costume Jewellery
Water Bottle/Covered Cup
Sunglasses
There are so many accessories for girls that it can be hard to know where to start! Begin with the most practical items, i.e. weather and hair accessories, anything after that is a nice bonus!
Toys
DIY Crafts
Mini Games: Snakes and ladders, Connect 4, Jenga
Cuddle Toy/Doll/Hand Puppets
Bouncy ball
Kaleidoscope
Stickers
Musical Instrument
Jigsaw Puzzle
Don't forget to add some fun toys to your box! Games that involve other children are always a great idea
Once you have packed your shoebox, head over to the Samaritans Purse website to donate and follow your box. The suggested donation is £5 which contributes towards the processing and shipping of your box. Once donated, you will receive a barcode, which you will print and place inside your box. This will be used to inform you where your box has been delivered! (They usually send you an email around February). You can also find your local shoebox 'drop-off' point on their website.
If you're unable to fill a physical shoebox, or have missed the drop-off deadline, you can still pack an online shoebox: SEM Landing (samaritans-purse.org.uk)
Shoeboxes are not only a great way to ensure a child gets a present this Christmas, but they also show children the universal joy of love and kindness!