Operation Christmas Child - Packing a shoebox from the Dollar Tree for a Boy 10-14! 2023

[@NikiChicote]

i love this video! some people have a limited budget and buying from the dollar store doesn't mean sacrificing the quality. thanks for sharing Denise! 💖💖💖

[@drogers]

Exactly Niki! Thank you for watching! 💕

[@eastcoaststories]

Love when you do this type of videos! The walkthrough was great - showing what great quality items from Dollar Tree to pack for OCC. Great shoebox! I can't believe you found that shirt at Dollar Tree! So awesome you included a full pack of pencils and pens. I agree the colored pencils are a wow item. I just bought the same Dominoes this past weekend. The paint set is a WOW. Love all the colors. Great story from the boy from Malawi. I would have never guessed this shoebox was packed full of items from Dollar Tree! Fantastic selections for this young man. Thanks for sharing, Denise!!

[@drogers]

Thanks Sharon! I enjoy these types of videos also! The shirt… right? Such a nice one with a great graphic! Lucky to find I guess. Love those dominoes. Nice set! Well… that is my goal…shopping at DT can be quality plus! You just need to know what to look for! TFW friend!

[@-attemptingtherandom-2777]

Your videos are helping me through chemo and radiation. You bring me Peace. To God be the Glory. . . . .

[@drogers]

Oh I’m so sorry you are going through chemo and radiation. Please know I will pray for you and keep you in my thoughts. You got this. Stay strong in His faith. God bless. 🥰🤗

[@debbiegraczyk6270]

Love tht you chose 10 to 14 year old boy cuz they are forgotten so many buy for the little girls and boys. Great suggestions I hve 5 boxes to pack 😊😊❤️❤️

[@debrabarr6097]

Great box from the Dollar Tree! Thank you for sharing. I was thinking it might be helpful to show how someone can track their boxes by paying online. If you could show the whole process, it could help some people just starting out, like where to go on the website, step by step. I know I was a bit confused my first time paying online & tracking my boxes. Some churches just hand out boxes without a detailed explanation of what to do next! 💕 I appreciate you!

[@drogers]

Glad it was helpful! Great idea! I might try to do that or at least next year when I have a little more time. You’re right, it can be confusing. TFW and I appreciate you too!

[@MaryHarwell-c3l]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm doing boys 10-14 for 2024. I found some great artist kits at Michaels after Christmas. They were normally $19.99 but I got them for $5 each. After reading comments on other sites, I was afraid they wouldn't be fun enough for that age group. However your story of the boy from Fiji made me realize that God will put those boxes in the hands of young boys who will enjoy painting and drawing. Thank you

[@drogers]

You are so welcome! I absolutely believe that and I’m sure your boxes with the art kits will be loved! What a great deal you got also!

[@shescraftea9107]

Good ideas. Thanks for the note that you added watercolor paper! I'm starting to collect to do boy boxes next year, I've been putting together my girl boxes and they're almost done.

[@drogers]

Wonderful!!!! The older boys definitely need more boxes! Congrats on getting your boxes for girls almost done this year!

[@bernievandewalker1420]

Great video, I'm doing a tool shoebox and I think it may have too many tools and not enough fun. I am going to rethink this shoebox or get more small toys inside.

[@drogers]

Yes, OCC changed their recommendations for tools this year due to customs. I think if you just add a few toys you will be fine! They just don’t want a full box of tools or a toolbox full of only tools. Customs considers this aid and not a gift. I can understand that.

[@denise5457]

Your DT challenge turned out wonderfully, and for a 10-14 boy no less! 👏🏻 And it looked like a fun challenge too. I guess there will always be an item or two you'll struggle with if you're shopping one store, but at least they did have some adult coloring books. Sometimes there are none at all in my stores. I will also pick up Sudoku books for the older kids. I loved puzzle type books as a teen and still do. I like the ones that have instructions in English, Spanish and French. But if I was trying to pack a box for around $20 and had to choose limited items, Sudoku probably wouldn't make the cut. Other things are more important. 😄

[@drogers]

I love the idea of sending a sudoku book. My daughter loves sudoku so that could be for a boy OR a girl! Oh I put a lot of things back. I could have spent more but I was trying my best to stay close to $20. It was a fun challenge and I hope it helps DT packers to know what types of things to look for. I might try it again but for a girl… but my time is running out. Soooo busy of late! TFW my friend! 🥰

[@melindaatencio213]

Fun video hope to see one for a girl you found some neat things

[@drogers]

I hope so too! Great idea if I can fit it in this year! Thanks for watching!

[@batmansboxes4936]

Great video and tutorial Denise. DT has stepped up since the .25 increase and much better quality. I’m glad you showed viewers that they don’t have to spend a fortune on items to make it full, fun, and lasting. TFS, I’m sure this helped more people than you know!

[@drogers]

I think DT has really stepped up also. And the fact that they have. Dollar plus section makes it easier to find a nice wow! I forgot to mention their legos and Lego cases. But I haven’t seen them in a while. Thanks for watching friend! ❤

[@kimmclean9933]

Thanks for sharing! This is a good example of some great items from the DT. I stop at my nearby DTs quite often to see what's new. 😊🙏

[@drogers]

Thanks Kim! I hope it will help packers!

[@gladyskelley]

That was wonderful. Thank you!!!

[@drogers]

Thank you!

[@judyfrazier2462]

I was hoping you would do a shopping trip at Dollar Tree like Wal-Mart. There's so many people that can't manage the walking at a large store and have to do their shopping at a smaller store. There is a water bottle I like to get there. It's the one that comes in pink, grey, blue, and I think turquoise that is ribbed at the bottom. I usually get them by the case shipped to store only if it's free shipping. This was a great video !

[@drogers]

Such a great point about the walking Judy! So true! Ahhh… water bottles! I knew I missed something to show. Great idea! Yes, I know the water bottles you are talking about. Those are great to include! Thanks for mentioning those! Thanks for watching!

[@stillintheheartrebornnurse4072]

I love your videos you inspired me to do this I lost of school supplies and toys stickers clothes and musical so I'm getting ready to do mine on youtube

[@drogers]

That’s great! So happy to hear it! God bless you for packing!

[@valswain]

A wonderful, quality, fun-filled box, Denise! I love all the school supplies and games, and especially the Wow item - the watercolor paint set. This was fun to watch 😁

[@drogers]

Thank you Val! I’m glad you enjoyed it! I’m hoping it helps DT packers know what to look for. I may have to try it for a girl also! TFW friend!

[@tracystoaks6573]

Thank you for doing this video. Now that Dollar Tree has the plus section, wow items are available. You did a great Dollar Tree box. Im sure it will people who only have time yo shop at one store.

[@drogers]

The plus section is perfect for wows! You are right, Tracy! That makes it easier to do a complete box from there if you choose. Thanks for watching! 💕

[@caridadrevilla2439]

That paint set was great for a wow gift.

[@drogers]

Yes it was! I hope he likes as much as my friend from Malawi liked his! Thank you for watching!

[@eveb446]

You packed a lovely box. How about a face cloth/face towel and bathing soap?

[@drogers]

Those are all great items to pack!

[@byrdfeed9071]

Great video, Denise! Can’t believe you’re still seeing Prang 36 count colored pencils! 👍 I loved hearing more about the boy from Malawi and that his favorite gift from his box was a paint set. I actually bought the same one from DT early this year for a box that doesn’t look like I will finish this year, but now, I’m really excited about it for next year. Thanks for sharing this one Denise ❤

[@drogers]

Yes! I can’t believe it either but the Prang seem to keep popping up for me! Perfect for this box! The paint set is a great wow and looks beautiful when you see it on top! You really say WOW! The plus section has some pretty nice items to choose from. I’ll look forward to your unboxing next year with that paint set! TFW Friend!

[@beckyshelton7282]

Some countries and villages don't allow playing cards or dice as they are considered to disrupt the peace (dominoes are allowed)

[@stillintheheartrebornnurse4072]

I have ordered several quantity of different things to start my shoes boxes I'm doing this for the kids but also in memory of my 31 year old granddaughter I lost she would have wanted to do this.

[@drogers]

Oh I’m so very sorry to hear about your granddaughter. 🥰I started packing shoeboxes after my dad died. Just wanted to give back and spread the Gospel in his memory.

[@apriljackson4435]

I like the paracord ,the hair stuff and the coloring books from the dollar tree.

[@drogers]

Thank you April!

[@elena-n5q]

Thank you for this video. Once again you have packed a very nice shoebox gift at a reasonable price.

[@drogers]

Thanks Elena! I hope this video helps DT packers know what to look for. Thank you for watching!

[@JonathanWirth-c3p]

Have a good day production ideas Let there be peace

[@theresabell4107]

Great video. I love getting theme items at Dollar Tree- color books, puzzles, etc. I am impressed you found colored pencils still, I haven't seen them in weeks. Very nice

[@drogers]

Thanks Theresa! DT does have such a great selection of coloring books! Yep, the Prang are still popping up! Great item! TFW!

[@DandyLight]

Denise, I think, that if I ever find the elusive Prang colored pencils here in Tennessee....that you will hear me shout for joy...all the way in Maryland! 🙂

[@drogers]

Well I hope I hear you shouting soon! That’s the way I feel about the Little Miss Mismatched socks! lol it’s really strange sometimes how Dollar Tree distribution works across the country. Fingers crossed for you!!!!🤞🏻

[@deborahcarr2177]

I always add soap and wash cloth to every box.

[@drogers]

Those are great to add!

[@bernievandewalker1420]

Thank You for the advice I was able to get 2 Hotwheels and a flashlight in the water bottle. Some UNO cards and a T-shirt so hopefully a good shoebox for him plus prayers he will be happy with the useful items.

[@drogers]

Sounds great! I’m sure he will love it!

[@isabelcranston8771]

Thank you for this! I have been packing shoe boxes for a long time but the boys age 10 to 14 is always a challenge. Thank you for the tips!

[@drogers]

Thanks for watching Isabel! I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@privateinfo1711]

I usually pack a box for the older boys. I figure that a lot of people want to concentrate on younger kids, particularly girls. I like to get dominos and baseballs for older boys!

[@drogers]

@privateinfo1711 the older boys definitely need more boxes! Thanks for packing them! Baseballs and dominoes are perfect to pack! 💕

[@loissorensen3109]

I love to shop for shoeboxes at the DT, and we have quite a few stores within easy driving distance, and often different items in stock at some, as you mentioned. Would you leave space in the box as shown? I try to fill to the brim. Easy items from DT to fill that space for about three more dollars could be an inflatable globe, or towel/washcloth, a couple of hot wheels, a bandana, and/or flashlight. In the checkers box you could put stickers. Just a few more possibilities, all from DT. I think most stores have those items. In the past, when everything was just $1, I would take my grandkids there, and each one would have their own shopping cart and pick out items to pack. So much fun to watch what they choose, and how carefully they pack.

[@drogers]

Hi Lois! I usually fill my boxes to the brim and then some just like you! However the purpose of the video was to show viewers that you can pack a quality box using quality items from the Dollar Tree within a budget. So originally I was trying to stay within $20 but ended up going over. I also wanted packers to see the nice items you CAN find there! I definitely could have bought more but I was keeping budget friendly in mind. Oh I bet it was so fun to take your grandkids there to pick out items! It’s so sweet coming from their hearts. Thank you for watching! I’ll try to do this again only for a girl next time!

[@rolmaguiland21]

Lovely 🇹🇹

[@drogers]

Thank you! Thanks for watching!

[@girlygirlwoman]

This was GREAT!!! THANK You So Much. This REALLY HELPED ME!!!

[@brendarocheck3988]

My first year packing a shoe box. Great video and very helpful. I bought my shoe box and it is plastic preprinted. Looks kind of small.

[@drogers]

Hi Brenda! So happy to hear you are packing a shoebox! The boxes are small but you can fit a lot in them. You’d be surprised! I’m so glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching!

[@beckyshelton7282]

I noticed some of the questions. Toothpaste is not allowed. Some villages don't allow playing cards or dice as they are considered to dispupt the peace. (Domino's are ok).

[@drogers]

Hi Becky! Thanks for watching! Playing cards and dice are allowed in boxes from the US. Check your sending country rules for this list.

[@beckyshelton7282]

I meant what some of the missionaries say

[@beckyshelton7282]

@drogers I'm sorry. I think my reply was harsh. I appreciate wonderful people like you working hard to help children and spread Jesus to the world. We pray over these boxes, and God knows what each child needs. I'm always blown away with how well people are able to pack these boxes and get so much stuff in them.

[@gailschultz878]

🙋‍♀️ At the end you mention that boxes for this age group are really needed. I've been looking everywhere trying to find data/stats breaking down what percentage of all boxes are designated for each age group and gender. Is this information published and if so, could you direct me? Thanks in advance. ❤God bless.

[@drogers]

It is listed on their website but not easily found. This is what it says: “In general, we receive more gift boxes for girls than boys. Overall, we receive the most shoebox gifts for girls 5-9. We receive the fewest number of boxes for boys 2-4 and 10-14.” Although not a statistical breakdown, I hope it helps. Thank you for watching and God bless you!

[@suereadnour2968]

I found this video to be very helpful. Thank you for sharing!

[@drogers]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@cindyscrafts9018]

Thanks for the ideas Denise!

[@drogers]

You are so welcome Cindy!

[@lucyl6425]

Can you include the sample size of shampoo, conditioner and lotions in the 10 to 14 age groups? Thank you for your videos.

[@drogers]

Thanks for watching Lucy! No, liquids are not allowed in our shoebox gifts. Thank you for watching!

[@Hazel_aka.cadie08]

A tip for any shoe box packer. Please do NOT but the store brand stuffed animals and the pencil pouches with animals on them! They will break within a few months, which to us doesn’t seem like a big deal but to the kids these go to it will be really sad and most likely not replaceable. The stuffed animals like the minions and Ty that she shows are fine and with most likely last a long time, same with the plastic and tin pencil cases and any name brand pouches will also last. Please just be careful buying the store brand!!!

[@sheilanichols3647]

Hi D Rogers. Where did you find the wooden cross on the cord lanyard?

[@drogers]

The wooden crosses come from Hobby Lobby and I purchased the lanyard string at Michael’s. Hope that helps!

[@carolsmith9120]

That was really helpful, thank you! Are toothpaste and batteries (for calculator) not permitted?

[@drogers]

Toothpaste is not permitted. Batteries are ok but just make sure to tape both ends. Thanks for watching!

[@kristiprice9419]

❤❤❤

[@BLESSEDandOCCobsessed]

You have mentioned a few times “we are allowed to send here in the US”. Is their restrictions in other places that prohibit religious items to be packed?

[@drogers]

Yes, In the UK, Canada and Australia there are different guidelines. No playing cards amongst other things and no religious items for some.

[@BLESSEDandOCCobsessed]

@@drogers that is sad to hear. Adds to my being reminded that we are blessed to live in the US.

[@cindygardner8649]

Thank 🙌 You for sharing this video. It was very informative.😊❤👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@drogers]

Glad it was helpful! You are so welcome!

[@melaniep5370]

Please be careful. Buy quality items.

[@drogers]

Thanks for your feedback Melanie! The point of the video is to show packers quality items from Dollar Tree because not everything there is quality. I agree. While typically I don’t purchase my wow gifts at DT, it can be done. Many packers with limited budgets shop there and I want them to be careful in their selections in packing a good quality box. Thanks so much for watching! ❤️

[@ששבריבוע]

Super awesome :) :) I love all the fun games you included 🃏🀄♟🎲:) :) it seem to be a very artsy box, both colored pencils and paint set :) :) 🎨 (hopefuly his parents is a bit less strict about art in the house then mine loll, always were worried about mess despite me never actully making any mess)

[@drogers]

Thanks Math! Parents are funny like that, right? Always worried about the little things. I hope he enjoys it! I’m hoping to help packers know what to look for at the Dollar Tree store that is great quality. Hope it works! TFW friend!