Best Items To Pack Operation Christmas Child Shoebox 2024 | Samaritan's Purse | Giving On A Budget

[@freedominabudget]

Check out my blog for more information on Operation Christmas Child Shoebox: freedominabudget.com/operation-christmas-child-shoebox-ideas-what-to-pack/

[@paulinecinco5666]

I used to live in a 3rd world country and received one of these boxes when I was a kid. Now that I’m older and have migrated to America, I praise God so much that I’m able to pack my first boxes to give. I know THE THRILL of opening these boxes as a kid and I want more young people to experience that. These ideas are great, but if there’s one thing I’ll ask is to keep some of the packaging on (like the crayon box since it keeps them all together) and there’s a certain excitement when you get to open NEW things yourself. It doesn’t feel like a hand-me-down. :)

[@rrosemccoy]

What were some things you actually needed? I always want to make sure to pack stuff that’s needed as well as fun.

[@patriciagriswold6060]

I generally remove the packaging I have started, including heavy-duty zip lock bags in the bottom of the box since they are so useful and may not be available in the receiving country.

[@Kibatsume1]

I was mixed on that,in the end I ended up opening a couple things simply because I ran out of room .I added 150 sheet/300page note books. I wish they'd make the boxes just a little wider so we can have one lay flat. Items just wouldn't fit without removing a few boxes

[@carolinagurl22]

@@Kibatsume1Roll paper (40 sheets) into an empty paper towel cardboard tube. It fits perfectly.

[@madmovements619]

I remember getting one of these as a child. I remember the joy of opening the containers. This unlocked a precious memory ❤️

[@oliviaann5535]

For older children I recommend a smaller toy hygiene item keyrings water bottle school supplies are a must small packs of Lego a ball i think a lot of people think doing the older children is more challenging than it is don’t forget that children in 3rd world countries are often younger so a 14 year old in our world would play computer games but they would still play with a ball.

[@BarretoFamily]

Yes, we are missionaries overseas. We have served in Ecuador and Colombia. And in both locations teen boys always loved clothing and sports items. They really enjoy soccer balls, but don't forget to send a pump and extra needles for it. ;)

[@vermontnative5676]

A deflated soccer ball with a pump is great for the older boys. The love them.

[@BrynWilliams-bt2xq]

I hope some boxes will go to the children in areas where Helene has devastated this year

[@screaminmimi330]

The only thing I would question is taking everything out of the packaging. Crayons, colored pencils, markers, etc. are a lot easier to keep together and not lose, if they're kept in their boxes. Lose items like these will be lost in a week, if they're not in their boxes. 🎄 Merry Christmas!

[@frankbatista.official]

A big part of Financial Freedom is having your heart and mind free from worry about the what-ifs of life! Have an amazing week everyone!!!

[@freedominabudget]

So true! I loved being able to not think twice on if we could give this year or not!

[@celtichound9889]

When I was a child my mom and dad would get us to pack some of our Halloween treats in the shoebox each child was making. Now that treats aren't allowed, I get some of the smaller toys from the pocket money section of the toy shop.

[@BarretoFamily]

Thank you for sharing these great tips! These boxes are such a blessing to kids, as they not only share God's love, but each box provides the Gospel message for that child. This video is such an encouragement and gives some great ideas for packers. :)

[@ap301307]

I choose ages 2-4 we have 4 boxes to fill this year . I have 4year Ike twins so there input was amazing. I got flex tubes for sensory and pop it’s I choose 2 boys and 2 girls . I felt like I hit the jackpot at dollar tree I found backpacks 🎒 and silly cups w straws and play dough kits and wash cloths and socks and a plate and silverware plastic kid kits soap and brush for girls and combs for boys I also included braid elastics for the girls boxes I also picked up activity box from target dollar spot w paper , stickers and crayons ❤ and bandaids Stuffed dolls for girls and plastic truck for boys . I pray these are helpful

[@eileenoconnell3295]

This will be my first time doing this.

[@AmberDennis001]

I’m doing it this year and packing a box for a 10-14 year old girl.

[@jandarmul2000]

I remember getting these when i was a child. The stuff was great, very useful... i still have a Hotwheels car from my last box. One thing i would recommend is keeping things in the wraper so they look and feel new, not have stuff bought in bulk that can seem old. Some of these kids would have not had anything brand new just opened by them.

[@celtichound9889]

Sometimes my local Chinese takeaway will send food in little plastic containers. I wash and reuse them as they almost perfectly fit. A wash cloth, stick of deodorant, bar of soap, covered childs toothbrush and small comb.

[@dalehighnote6958]

Thanks for sharing and inspiring. Batteries need to be taped at ends. Hope many more join in packing for 2023.

[@brendarocheck3988]

I bought ny shoe box at Hobby Lobby.

[@ngs5554]

Chick Fil A gives them out for free.

[@therealsunnylife]

Great video! Very encouraging

[@freedominabudget]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Kibatsume1]

Unfortunately i didn't have enough room to add a small sketchbook. I was wondering what peoples thoughts are about folding printer paper/soild white paper in around the edges? I can get 20 sheets easy filling them in the awkward tight gaps. I was told some countries paper is rare and people frequently erased what they write. So they could reuse.

[@Zoe-dy4uk]

I think that would be fine

[@PPorell]

Don't forget to add a Christmas card with a personal note and/or a photograph.

[@katrinamlw]

Is it ok if the box or container is a tad bigger than the average shoebox?

[@minicafe888]

Hi. I’m doing a shoebox, for the first time. So, can I unwrap the plastic off the package? Like if the plastic water bottle is wrapped in plastic? Also, do we scratch through prices that are written on items? 😊

[@oliviaann5535]

Yes you can do this however I always leave packing on tooth brushes or buy tooth brush heads to keep them hygienic

[@BarretoFamily]

Yes, I am a missionary and we receive shoeboxes... Most people take packaging off so that they can fit more in the boxes. The only thing that absolutely has to stay in it's packaging is soap... but I also recommend leaving toothbrushes in the packages so that they don't get dirty in transit.

[@dianeplescia5565]

How do I get a box? Or what is the measurements of the box? I have purchased enough for 4 boxes.

[@odd_shoes]

So are American shoeboxes are plastic?

[@lindatohara6438]

I saw a warehouse full of unsent Christmas boxes???? I believe the organization has become corrupt. I help through local social services who has a list of families every year.

[@gailmorgan2788]

Ok I’m going to stay calm about the remark that you have posted here. I want to know when & where did you see this warehouse of unsent boxes?!? We have worked personally with Samaritans for years, people go every year & work the distribution part along with the packing of the boxes. They mail out the boxes all the way up to Dec.31. I truly believe what you’ve posted is untrue; Samaritans Operation Christmas Child is not corrupt! Just give a location!

[@lindatohara6438]

@ I saw a video clip on FB or KZbin some years ago.Sorry it may or may not be true? God knows ….