30 ITEMS TO INCLUDE IN A 10-14 BOY OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOX - All From Dollar Tree

[@byrdfeed9071]

For those who are unfamiliar with Dollar Tree, it is a dollar store located throughout most of the USA and Canada. Everything in the store is priced at $1. ($1.25 in Canada).

[@budderkupp1282]

And now, everything at Dollar Tree in the U.S. is a $1..25 as well.

[@cindygardner8649]

I am So Thankful 🙏 for the Dollar 💵 Tree 🌳. It provides the resource/ ability to spread the Gospel and Help many More needy Children and their Families. What A Blessing 🙏 to all of us!

[@byrdfeed9071]

Me, too. There are definitely some good buys to be had at DT for shoeboxes

[@cindygardner8649]

These Games And Toys Are all very Good 👍 Ideas to send in boxes for young boys as well as for young Girls. Especially The Games Such as Checkers, tic- tac, Toe, The deck of cards,, and The jig saw puzzles and marbles and also jacks! The children can play ▶️ with their friends, siblings, entire Family The📕 journals and a pen 🖊 are even a good idea 💡 to keep a point system, etc. For their games.👪 Thank You for sharing ❤

[@byrdfeed9071]

Yes, everything shown here are great gifts for both boys and girls. Thanks for watching and commenting 🥰

[@cindygardner8649]

@@byrdfeed9071 Thanks Again For Sharing 😊 And Yout channel inspiration 😊👍

[@brendaalbers8999]

I love this video,we have gotten several of these same items for our boxes over the years.We do 24 boxes for the 10-14 boys,when we started out they were the ones who got the least amount .We live in the Detroit Mi area and have many stores to pick from.💖💙💝God Bless

[@byrdfeed9071]

Thank you Brenda. Blessings 😘

[@sunrise8752]

Thank you for sharing these ideas! And thank you for packing these boxes 🙏

[@byrdfeed9071]

You’re welcome. Thank YOU for watching 🥰

[@FoothillsFamily365]

Great video Trish! I love the spinning top and the journal, especially. I think that's a great idea to send one to a boy! I personally like to pick up from the Dollar Tree: paracord, measuring tape that has meters, hotwheels, rope, carabiners and water bottles. Thanks so much for sharing ❤ 😊

[@byrdfeed9071]

Thanks Jessica. All great picks for $1. 😊

[@FoothillsFamily365]

I know my 12 year old son would love those items that you chose 🥰

[@katherineflaherty3564]

Love this video. Thanks for all the good ideas to send for these young men! I never thought of the shoelaces or the bungee cords and I think they’re both a great idea!

[@cindygardner8649]

I would suggest for ALL BOXES of Any Age A shower 🚿 curtain/ or reasonably priced Shower 🚿 Liner. In many of the countries Families literally live on Dirt Floor homes 🏡 The Plastic Curtains/ liners will help with playtime as well as provide some semblance of a floor/ flooring for The Entire Family 👪 Just a little Food For thought.

[@byrdfeed9071]

Thanks, Cindy. I love hearing others suggestions and what they are led to pack. It is helpful, not only to me, but, to all who read the comments. TFW 🥰

[@cocosurgerow]

I sent for a 14 year old boy : short socks, flashlight with extra batteries, paints and paint brushes, multi tool, key chain, tooth brushes, and wash cloths. Other ideas would be some legos, or a model car/airplane to assemble, bathing suit. I put a post card in of where I am from, with Christmas greetings.

[@byrdfeed9071]

Those items are great for a 14-year-old boy! I love sending socks! A flashlight with extra batteries and Legos are great choices, as well. Paintbrushes and solid watercolors are fun, too. (I’m sure you are aware, but if not, keep in mind, we cannot send liquid paint.) I’ve often thought about, packing a model car/airplane, but since we cannot send liquid glue, and a glue stick would not hold it together, I’ve never sent one. Is there a particular kit that you like that can be snapped together without glue? I think a bathing suit is a good idea, too. Thanks for sharing your ideas. 🥰

[@cocosurgerow]

@@byrdfeed9071 Oh well - I sent painting in tubes. Directions were not real clear on it.

[@byrdfeed9071]

Oh, boo 😒. Unfortunately, the tubes of paint will be removed at the processing center, but they won’t go to waste. They will be donated to a local charity. For future, though, just remember that liquids of any kind are not allowed. Watercolors, though, are a great option, because they are solid. I’ve gotten into the habit of checking the Samaritans purse website each year, just to check to see if there are any changes in what is allowed and what is not. They publish lists of both.

[@sandyralston5814]

Multi tools usually have a knife on them and would be removed

[@cindygardner8649]

The Crank Flashlights 🔦 Are Great 👍 More Practical for children/ Families with limited resources. And A 🎒 Back Pack Or At least a tote is a MUST for ALL the children. Many of the children will have to travel a long ways/ if not miles to and from their 🏫 School. Same for Water in Many countries just to get water 💧 So Water bottles are extremely important!

[@byrdfeed9071]

👍I couldn’t agree more, Cindy. Thanks so much for watching and commenting 🥰

[@drogers]

Great idea for a video! So many people struggle with this age group. I have used every item you showed! Thanks!

[@work2gather]

I recently saw a YT prepper video that showed the strands in paracord... including a wire!! I can't remember all the different strands but I was amazed. I realized why it was so important as an emergency tool. -- Just wanted to share that because you offered a choice between rope and paracord.

[@byrdfeed9071]

Thank you 😊

[@PamsPackingOCCshoeboxes]

Great video; I always have trouble coming up with ideas for boys 10-14. I never would have thought of things like zip ties, bungee cord, etc-great ideas all!

[@byrdfeed9071]

Glad you enjoyed and picked up some ideas. Thanks for watching, Pam. 🥰

[@KarenYork-t2c]

Thank you for some great ideas for older boys. I’m hoping to pack about 15 or 16 older boys boxes this year and am always looking for better ideas. We always include school supplies, but struggle with what fun items to include. I have packed a few tools before, but hadn’t thought about all the paracord and bungee cord ideas until watching yours and a couple other ladies videos this year that have suggested them. ❤❤❤

[@byrdfeed9071]

You’re welcome. Sometimes when I pack paracord, I include diy how to make a paracord bracelet instructions (free from Hobby Lobby in the craft section), which then turns it into a craft, if he chooses. Also, knot tying illustrations, which I find on the internet, print and laminate.

[@marthaweeks8774]

I was wondering what to pack, and these are great suggestions. Thank you!

[@byrdfeed9071]

You are welcome, Martha. So glad it was helpful 🥰

[@blackwhitemore1468]

Great ideas! I got some of those flashlights for my boxes. They are genius, no batteries needed! I think I will pick up some of those checkers and globes. I saw them both, just hadn't gotten them yet.

[@byrdfeed9071]

Great! Glad to hear the video was helpful. Thanks so much for commenting 🥰

[@joyfulhome1261]

Great ideas! I especially like the parachute cord (my dad loves parachute cord--so many uses), the globe beach ball (fun and educational!), and the erector/bolts sets (didn't know DT sold those). Thanks for sharing this video! :-)

[@byrdfeed9071]

@Joyful Home u r so welcome. I’m happy you found some ideas. 🥰

[@BarretoFamily]

So many great suggestions for filler items.

[@byrdfeed9071]

Thank you, Kayla. I haven’t watched this video since shortly after it was published, so I just re-watched to refresh my memory. Oh my! I cringed with all the “ums” in it 🤣 AND I didn’t include colored pencils and crayons 🤦🏻‍♀️ LOL. Otherwise, everything still holds true 👍👍. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 🥰

[@bluffcitybounty2122]

Great DT items here! Love the marbles, puzzles, duct tape- and more! I may break down and buy my water bottles from DT...that is one item I find is hardest to find on clearance. Enjoyed this video! :-)

[@byrdfeed9071]

Thanks Morgan 😘

[@kellyanderson7624]

Thank you! I have a hard time with the boy 10-14 boy boxes. I have all girls in my family (2 daughters and 3 nieces) so I can buy for girls no problem, but I'm clueless when it comes to older boys. I don't even know what to get for a birthday party and that's one gift lol. This is a hard age group because you're buying for 5th grade to 9th grade and that's a big age difference. I have to watch other videos to see what to put in them, but that's why I don't make too many 10-14 boy boxes. This is really helpful.

[@byrdfeed9071]

Thanks Kelly. Although, I did not touch on WOW items for boys in this age group (maybe that should be another video), just keep in mind that many of these children may have never had a toy before, so anything you send they will cherish. Many people, admittedly, me included sometimes, get caught up in trying to provide age appropriate toys for this age group. Some people fear a 10-14 yo may have outgrown cars, trucks, dinosaurs and superheroes, but in reality we can’t really compare poverty stricken children to those in more developed countries where they are exposed to television, commercials, electronics and the internet. When in doubt, a soccer or playground ball and pump are a sure bet. 😁

[@cammygibson4125]

Excellent ideas--thanks so much for sharing!

[@byrdfeed9071]

Thanks Cammy. I hope it was helpful. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@fullofsoundandfury9589]

Extremely helpful, thank you!

[@byrdfeed9071]

You’re welcome. So glad it was helpful 😊

[@mandarinoranges6320]

Great ideas!! I never thought of dice before

[@christinebarber8311]

I love your channel. It’s always such amazing content. You really are such a blessing to these kids and us whom pack for them also!! 🥰🥰

[@byrdfeed9071]

Thank you Christine. That means a lot to me 😘

[@stefaniew9411]

Very good video, so many great items!

[@lenore8088]

Loving all the good items ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@byrdfeed9071]

Thanks, Lenore. Glad you enjoyed 🥰

[@melissateague3936]

Only the solid red special access boxes cannot have a pair of dice or decks of cards or other gambling games in them.

[@ScotiaGirl902]

on the Canadian OCC site it says that picture playing cards are fine but ones that have Jacks, Queens, etc are not allowed as the countries they go to cause challenges in the communities, they say the same thing with the dice...I find it odd how the Canadian and US rules can be so different, since its the same organization. I had messaged them about toy gun items (like in legos or other sets) and the lady that messaged me back said the rules between USA and Canada are very close but each OCC office is assigned to specific countries and its based on their customs restrictions. Our dollarstore has a better assortment of hot wheels as well, but they are .50 more than Walmart. I love the crank flashlights! I couldnt find any around here but I found them on ebay. Great idea though to show items for an age range, I include many of the items you show! I might do the same if you don't mind :)

[@byrdfeed9071]

I don’t mind at all, Tray. The more, the merrier to get the shoebox filling word out. I’m so glad you explained why different sending countries have different rules. I thought it might be because each sending country typically sent to the same group of receiving countries, but I wasn’t sure and didn’t know it had anything to do with customs restrictions, but that makes sense now. TFS that info. I wouldn’t pay $.50 more for hot wheels either...$.06, no biggie, $.50, no way! 😂

[@ScotiaGirl902]

@@byrdfeed9071 Walmart has the hot wheels usually at 1.00 which I don’t mind paying, but our dollarstore has them for 1.50...and they always have a better selection..I try to get them at $1 when I can

[@byrdfeed9071]

I don’t blame you. I’d do the same.

[@amy7494]

Thank you so much for this! Very helpful!

[@byrdfeed9071]

You’re so welcome, Amy. Thanks for watching and commenting 🥰

[@Lillybidillie]

I like the globe. I was just saying the other day I wanted to include a beach ball in my boxes. Haven't seen anybody else talk about them.

[@byrdfeed9071]

Yes, Lisa, a beach ball is a great item to include, particularly when a regular ball just won’t fit...a flat ball to the rescue! Someone in this OCC YT community included beach balls in their shoeboxes last year. Can’t remember exactly who, maybe Teresa Bell and/or Emily/Love in a Shoebox.

[@ScotiaGirl902]

I got a few beach balls for this year! The only thing with them though that once they get poked their no good, so they will get a real ball too in mine

[@byrdfeed9071]

Great idea Tray. Thanks for sharing.

[@eastcoaststories]

Love this video, Trish! I agree with every item. Very good quality items from DT for filler 10-14 boys. My favorites are the coloring books, duct tape, bandana, and rope. My DTs never carry nice shirts or marbles like yours. Perfect items! Must watch video for those struggling to figure what to pack for the older age group.

[@byrdfeed9071]

Thank you Sharon 😘

[@joanncarlson5762]

Just watching this and chuckling since we know these things are now $1.25. I liked some of your ideas. Been packing for years and I have on occasion put in a pair of colored shoelaces, I have not thought of those in years. I buy lots of things on Amazone in bulk. Too many as I pack many many boxes. I do still think they have a great selection of Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars, although I do watch for them at WalMart when I stop there. Not often. I look at Target also.

[@byrdfeed9071]

Ha ha, but really so sad DT is no longer $1. I am STILL trying to come to terms with it. I was in a DT store today that had rearranged everything so that all of the $3 and $5 items were mixed in with the $1.25 items by classification. I did NOT like it! 😩

[@carolynadams5126]

Umbrellas. Rain ponchos, sunglasses, water purifier bottle

[@byrdfeed9071]

Thank you, Carol, these items are fantastic suggestions to send in a 10-14 yo boy’s shoebox. I’ve never seen umbrellas or water purifier bottles at the Dollar Tree stores in my area, but I did find some great quality, name brand, 100% UVA/UVB sunglasses there this summer. I bought and packed a bunch 😊. I would love to find umbrellas at Dollar Tree, even if they sold them in the Plus section 👍. Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and comment. I appreciate it 🥰

[@carolynadams5126]

@@byrdfeed9071 I didn't find umbrellas at dollar tree but did find $5-10 ones at Walmart. Another idea I have are solar lights at dollar tree. Take stakes point out (might not be approved)... Solar lights are being used around the world in homes. They are attaching them to bottles filled with water and a touch of bleach. Some Christmas string lights are also available (not at dollar tree) PLEASE FOLLOW UP WITH VIDEO ON GIRLS ESSENTIAL BOX. I also believe that reusable period pads/kit for girls is essential. Many girls lose weeks of school, fall behind, are using unsanitary items and trafficked simply because of cost/lack of schooling. Ask your local health department for donations to period kits. Amazon has reusable pads. I believe a little extra money spent on safety, health is more valuable than gifts that will break in a month. I gain this insight from a past mission trip.

[@byrdfeed9071]

Thank you Carolyn. All great ideas. Yes, I agree about reusable menstrual pads. I have packed them in quite a few boxes this year and last. Last year I found some awesome deal on pads on Amazon, $6 for a set of 6 pads and a wet bag. Now THAT was a deal!! I bought a bunch. They’ve gone up quite a bit this year, though. The same pads are $12-$15. Yes, I should do a similar video for 10-14 girls. The one you watched that I did for boys was “30 Items for 10-14 Boys From Dollar Tree”. It was actually kind of a fun challenge to find 30 items of good, giftable quality from Dollar Tree (there are some things from them I stay away from). I think it would be fun to do the same or similar for girls. Thanks for your comments 🥰

[@fedwards2023]

Hi Trish, Thanks for another great Vid. I am not sure what the Dollar Store stocks, but I would also add craft items, e.g paint or drawing sets, coloured craft paper and cut out figures (stars for the space journal). All these items I am adding to all my boxes (Toddlers to Teens). As for the CrazeArt puzzles,🐨, I cut out the back, bag the pieces and return them to the cavity with a small set of blocks or Bolt set. I also do this to protect items like block base boards in transit.🎁

[@byrdfeed9071]

Thanks Fiona. All good ideas.

[@kellyanderson7624]

I would suggest deodorant for the 10-14 shoeboxes too, for boys and girls.

[@cindygardner8649]

I Agree👍

[@melissateague3936]

We pack those in ours.

[@melissateague3936]

For the older girls boxes, too.

[@AngieTreasures]

I know this was 3 years ago and it’s beautiful shoebox. I wanted to let you know the flashlights actually do take batteries they’ve deceived many into thinking they didn’t.. please research it out more and it’s why I started spending money for hand cranked solar powered flashlights and solar powered calculators 🙏🤗

[@byrdfeed9071]

Yes, thank you. I have since discovered they do have a battery in them. However, it is a non-replaceable battery and although their illumination does last for years, I have found that the plastic housing and switch mechanism breaks very easily. I’ve dropped 3 over the years and all 3 shattered in one way or another and no longer worked. I packed that type of flashlight in shoeboxes that one year, but have since stopped, bc they break so easily. Thanks for your comment. I always like to know other peoples opinions about items and what they have found to be the better options. 🥰

[@shescraftea9107]

I wonder if they still have those travel hair brushes. I'm going to look for those next time.

[@byrdfeed9071]

Yes, I’ve seen them in stock in some stores. They get in new batches periodically.

[@shescraftea9107]

@@byrdfeed9071 Thanks for your reply on both videos. I did my first box last year and am doing 3 this year, Haven't found a good small brush. I'm also stocking away somethings for next year and will be looking for good back to school and after holiday sales. Thanks for the great boy ideas!

[@pattytaylor7561]

Curious if you take out of packaging? Not necessary to send.

[@byrdfeed9071]

Yes, Patty, I remove and discard/recycle all packaging. I invite you to take a peek at some of my OCC shoebox unboxings. Thanks so much for watching 🥰

[@crazyjedi338]

I have found that different Dollar Trees have different selections, and the further away the stores are the more different their wares. I have one store by me with lots of softlines, one store with half an aisle full of puzzles, one store with a lot of art supplies, ect.

[@byrdfeed9071]

@Crazy Jedi, yes, so true. Mine aren’t that vastly different, but I certainly have my favorites. I find that some are typically neat, tidy and fully stocked, while others are often a mess with bare shelves. That said, I love DT! It’s always a treasure trove of surprising finds and goodies.

[@crazyjedi338]

@@byrdfeed9071 I always visit DT when I'm out of state or out of my area for one reason or another. They sometimes have different items.

[@byrdfeed9071]

@Crazy Jedi, well, if I ever get to leave my state again 😂 I will definitely check out other DTs. 🥰

[@EDA-nl1te]

I purchased paint brushes ( like paint brushes to paint a room) for boys 10-14

[@byrdfeed9071]

I’ve never thought about sending paint brushes to paint a room. If God placed that on your heart, someone must need paintbrushes😄! As long as you include plenty of toys and other fun items, that should be fine. Thanks for commenting 🥰

[@caridadrevilla2439]

I've really been trying to find those ER flashlights in my area and can't find for the life of me. Great ideas for boys 10 to 14.

[@byrdfeed9071]

Me too. Dollar Tree has carried them for the last few years getting them in at Christmas time as last minute gifts and stocking stuffers. I was so bummed they did not get them this year. I am hoping it is one of the items that they have not been able to provide until they increase prices to $1.25 nationwide. I’m hoping they will get them in next year, maybe for Father’s Day.

[@beckyshelton7282]

Some villages do not allow playing cards or dice because they disrupt the peace.

[@byrdfeed9071]

Thank you for your comment. Yes, that is true in some countries, but not those on the receiving end from the United States. Samaritan’s Purse does constant research through its ministry partners for OCC in all its receiving countries around the world. If OCC allows us to send, we need not be concerned. Both playing cards and dice are allowed to be included in shoeboxes sent from the US. They will not send them to a country that frowns upon those items. This information can be found on the Samaritans purse website under frequently asked questions. There you will find that these items are OK to send (from the US).

[@Brittany.Anderson]

Crayola does make some coloring books that I would say is more adult in style of coloring books too especially the wildflowers on.

[@byrdfeed9071]

Yes, they do. Love those, too. 🥰

[@lanamontgomery8682]

I would sent these items to 5-9 boys

[@byrdfeed9071]

Yes, all of these items would be great for 5-9 year old boys. The video was designed to give ideas of additional little items that could be included in 10-14 boys shoeboxes all from dollar tree, as I had so many people telling me they always get stumped on the 10-14 year old boy boxes. Thanks for your comment and thanks so much for watching.

[@caroljohnston3715]

Needs soap, toothbrush, coloring pencils pens

[@byrdfeed9071]

Yes, you’re right, those are all very important additions. After this year, though, Samaritans Purse is not allowing soap any longer. They are finding that soap is holding up shipments through customs in several countries. SP is allowing it this year, 2024, but it will be on banned going forward. Thanks so much for watching.

[@IdahoHSmom]

Im packing a “Fishing” box, and am wondering if I can include those smelly neon colored marshmallow-looking jars of fishing bait. Anyone know?

[@byrdfeed9071]

I don’t know exactly what you’re referring to, but the words “smelly” and “bait” tell me, no. We cannot include food, which means we cannot include bait. If you’re talking about neon colored rubber worms, then, yes, but anything that was alive at one point in time cannot be packed in a shoebox. I hope that helps answer your question.

[@ernaanspach473]

Don't forget a $1 pack of batteries. 😅

[@angelface22003]

We have ro take all our items out of there packaging. We can put them into snap lock bags but boxes are too heavy and the cost adds u0 in postage. We arent allowed playing cards dominoes or dice .

[@byrdfeed9071]

Yes, I understand. The rules are different in each sending country. I’m in the US. In what country are you located?

[@deb9806]

If you need to mail the boxes is there anything you suggest? I just found this charity googling xmas box charities. Thank you.

[@byrdfeed9071]

Hi Deb. Welcome. Do you live in the US? If so, go to the ABOUT tab at the top of my channel home page. There you will find links for Shoebox Drop Off Locations for each state in the USA, Build a Shoebox Online, How to Pack a Shoebox and Operation Christmas Child (OCC) info. Samaritan’s Purse (OCC is a project of SP) suggests a donation of $10 per box to cover shipping, handling and printed information for the children. I hope this helps. If these links don’t provide the information you need, please come back and ask me for further help or clarification. Thank you, Deb. I hope you will join us in packing shoeboxes for OCC 🥰

[@byrdfeed9071]

Deb, one more thing, to clarify, you don’t need to personally mail the boxes. Use the link to find a nearby drop off location and you just take them there and drop them off during collection week, Nov 14-21. You can donate for shipping online if you wish or if you want to follow your box, which means SP will let you know where in the world it went. My boxes went to Africa and Ukraine last year and the year before.

[@deb9806]

@@byrdfeed9071 Thanks I’m not home right now but I’ll check it out when I get home. I live in Connecticut

[@byrdfeed9071]

Perfect! There should be several drop off locations near you.

[@deb9806]

@@byrdfeed9071 I didnt see Ct They list 6 . Did I miss something?

[@twitchster77]

I have a quick question. Will you be my grandma? lol :D

[@byrdfeed9071]

😂

[@caroljohnston3715]

Cards are not allowed in some countries

[@byrdfeed9071]

That’s true. You should always check the rules of your own sending country. Playing cards are allowed to be sent from the USA, which is where I live and where this video originated. Cards are also allowed to be sent now from Canada, we’re in the past they were not. Yay! Thanks for your comment, Carol 🥰