One of my favorite things to do all year long is to gather items for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Now that I’ve been doing it for several years, I’ve kinda put a stipulation on myself that I cant spend more than $1 on anything. It really is amazing when you look and wait for the “deals” that you can find. I kinda know what to keep my eyes out for, but every year there are some fun surprises that I come across that are just too good to turn down.
Before I go too much further and you have no idea what I’m talking about, let me give you a couple links:
–Operation Christmas Child
–Steps from OCC for packing a shoebox
–How to pack a shoebox video
–How shoeboxes make their way around the world
My favorite places to shop for items to put in my shoeboxes include:
- Walmart clearance aisle – year-round
- Walmart holiday aisle – the day after the holiday – any holiday – Easter, Valentines, St. Patrick’s, Halloween….
- Walmart Christmas aisles the day or even week after Christmas
- Dollar Tree – holiday/seasonal section
- Target – end caps and after holidays
- Dollar General – have to be picky and willing to dig a little
- Walgreens – after holiday or season clearance
- Target – bullseye section and holiday change, they always mark things at least half price if not more, and outside of a few Halloween type things any season is fair game!
Did you notice a pattern there?? I’ve learned from people who have traveled with OCC and from being around kids in the poorest country in the world that lots of things are considered a gift and something they can’t afford for themselves.
Over the next week, I’d like to share with you some ideas on what to pack for different age groups. In the meantime, see where your local collection spot is and how you can get involved. You don’t have to go all-in like I do. Each box goes to an individual child and makes a difference one open lid at a time!
My Suggestions and General Rules for packing an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox
- keep it basic – your items don’t have to be extravagant
- try to find things $1 or less
- think about the kids receiving these – ethnic colored dolls might be appreciated and books in English may not be read
- anything is usable – the box is a gift, a cup is a gift, they may have never had a doll or a ball of their own
- give them new things, this is a gift
- cover all the categories – hygiene, school supplies, toys, clothing/accessories
- follow the “things to avoid” list
- always include a “wow” item
- include a personal note, make it special your words will mean so much
If you have not seen some of my other tips for packing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, you might check out these posts.
- Why do I support Operation Christmas Child?
- General Tips for Packing an OCC Shoebox
- Shoebox Packing Items for a 5-9-year-old GIRL
- Shoebox Packing Items for a 10-14-year-old BOY
- Shoebox Packing Items for a 10-14-year-old GIRL
- Setting up and Hosting an OCC packing party
- How small businesses can participate in OCC
I didn’t know until recently that the boxes we pack this year are actually those that are sent out next year. Makes sense tho. This is one of my fav projects. I’m not nearly so good as you though.
yes, I think its a kinda “throughout the year” kind of thing. i remember we got pictures of our boxes last year getting delivered in MX sometime later in the year. I did tracking on a few boxes this year, I’m anxious if I get to see where they land!