Packing for Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child is something that my family participates in every fall. We're still fairly new to this (our 3rd year), but consider ourselves fortunate enough to be able to bless children around the world in this way. Another connection is with my MOPS group! Each table packs 1-2 (or more!) boxes as a group. This is a great way to split the costs of a box; maybe you can find a friend, neighbor, or church group to share with you.

Just some of the items awaiting a box at my house this year.

Last year I distinctly remember both boys trying to stuff their boxes full of their very own toys because they knew they had too many and wanted to share with kids that didn't get toys like their own. It warmed my heart and is the very reason I introduced this project to my kids. I want them to know they can show love to kids they don't even know by sharing a Christmas present with them.

In my searches for items to pack and not to pack, I've come across many blog posts of great lists. BUT they originate from different areas of the country, or even the world. I can't find all of those items and sometimes I don't want to spend that much money on one particular item when I can fill the space with many other, smaller priced goodies.

 

These are just some of the items that went in boxes last year at MOPS.

 

Our group collectively put together 20 boxes last year. I would love to see even more this year.

So, Northwest Iowans, here is your giant list of great items that YOU can pack in your very own Operation Christmas Child Boxes. In case you are stretched for time, check out this feature where you can build a box online!

Before you start, check the link here so you know what NOT to pack in your box.



Apparel: Nothing with gang, violence, cigarette, drug, or alcohol references on them.

1. Socks
2. Underwear
3. Shirts *I look for $1 shirts at WalMart and stock up when I can!
4. Dresses
5. Skirts
6. Tutus *To help pack this you can put it in a sandwich ziplock bag
7. Flip flops *You can find these at most stores for $1 or less
8. Sandals
9. Water shoes *WalMart in Sioux City on Lewis has a cart near the front of the clothing section with $1 water shoes!
10. Bandanas
11. Winter hats, Gloves, Scarves *Consider making your own
12. Baseball hats/Visors
13. Jewelry: stick on earrings, clip on earrings, bangles, rubber bracelets, necklaces, novelty rings
14. Sunglasses
15. Watch

Hygiene: Nothing liquid or breakable

1. Bar of soap* and washcloth- Put in a freezer ziplock baggie so the smell does not permeate everything in your box! Stick with original scents, nothing floral or musky.
1. A soap box would also be great! $1 in the travel sections at many stores
2. Comb/Brush- check with your local beauty salon- sometimes they have free ones!
3. Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss- check with your local dentist for sample sizes!
1. Toothbrush holders are also a great idea!
4. Lip balm- something in a package that won't leak
5. Travel tissues
6. Band aids *character band aids would be fun!
7. Hair ties, headbands, bows/flowers, clips *There are many tutorials on Pinterest to make your own
8. Fingernail files (non-metallic)
9. Feminine hygiene items

Academic Supplies

1. No. 2 Pencils
2. Pencil top erasers
3. Big pink erasers
4. Pencil sharpeners
5. Ruler
6. Glue sticks
7. Glitter glue sticks
8. Safety scissors- you can find great ones with lids!
9. Compass
10. Protractor
11. Magnifying glass
12. Notebooks
13. Looseleaf paper
14. Post it note pads
15. Construction paper
16. Penmanship paper
17. Reading books* Your recipient may not speak English, so choose wisely!
18. Stickers
19. Markers
20. Crayons
21. Colored Pencils
22. Rubber bands
23. Paper clips
24. Stationary set
25. Coloring books
26. Activity books: word finds, puzzle books, etc.
27. Mini stapler with staples
28. Watercolor paint set
29. Chalk and mini chalkboard
30. Mini dry erase board and markers
31. Solar powered calculator
32. Craft supplies: beads, pipe cleaners, wooden sticks, pompoms, felt, string, etc.
33. Washi tape

Toys/Activities: No weapons or army figures! Also, use keep in mind the age of the child you're packing for!

1. Marbles
2. Yoyo
3. Jump rope
4. Glow sticks
5. Stuffed animals
6. Dolls
7. Balloons
8. Bouncy balls
9. Silly putty
10. Etch-a-sketch
11. Magna-Doodle
12. Tea set
13. Card games like Crazy 8s and Old Maid *NOT decks of cards (gambling problems in some countries)
14. Legos
15. Small figurines
16. Frisbees
17. Helicopters
18. Kazoos
19. Koozie balls
20. Harmonicas/Recorders
21. Animal figurines
22. Hot Wheels Cars
23. Small toy trucks
24. Chess, Checkers sets
25. Paddle ball
26. Jigsaw puzzles
27. Hacky sack
28. Binoculars
29. Uninflated beach ball
30. Toy doctor kit
31. Key chains
32. Bendy/spiral straws
33. Hard candy in the original packaging plus a ziplock baggie

Life skills/Practical Items

1. Small sewing kit with fabric, buttons, thread, etc.
2. Jewelry making kit
3. Bicycle repair kit *Found one at Walmart for $1.48
4. Screw driver set
5. Small tool kit (I believe you can package screw drivers, screws, nails, hammer in their original packaging PLUS plastic bags) *For the 10-14 age boys
6. Flashlight with batteries
7. Canteen/Water bottle
8. Compass-directional, not mathematic
9. Draw string bag, small purse, canvas tote, zippered pouch, etc. *Consider making some!
10. Mosquito nets *found in the camping section at WalMart, Scheels
11. Plastic poncho
12. Camping eating utensils (no knives)
13. Small size soccer ball with pump
14. Duct tape roll

Homemade Items: Check out what OCC has on Pinterest!

1. Lovey - taggie, small animal, blanket, etc.
2. Finger puppets
3. Fabric chess set
4. Alphabet set *Remember, your box may not go to an English-speaking country
5. Bean bags
6. Clothing items* see above
7. Cloth feminine pads
8. I-Spy blanket

I counted and this list has more than 110 items that you can pack in a shoe box, and THAT'S NOT ALL. Get creative and find, buy, make items to put together your own box today!