Sunday, 19 June 2016

Shoebox ideas for boys aged 10-14

Every year, we are told by the major shoebox appeals that shoeboxes for older boys are in short supply.   Out of all six categories, this is the one that they receive the fewest boxes for.  Some shoeboxers say that this is a difficult age to pack for, so here's a list to help you.





I love making boxes for the older kiddos....especially boys.  They get the least number and the joy in their eyes makes it all worth it!” Judy F L












Important - we have followers all over the world and each shoebox appeal has their own rules as to what is acceptable.  Just because something is suggested on our list does not mean that it is allowed by your specific shoebox appeal.  The items listed with * after them may not be allowed in your country.  Please consult the list at the bottom of the post.  


Toys & Games

playing cards *
dominoes *
Rubix cube
puzzle / brain teaser
jigsaw
stuffed / cuddly toy *
puppet
table tennis set
Lego kit
Meccano kit
wooden or plastic construction kit
deflated football (soccer ball) with pump
mini football (soccer ball)
tennis ball
bouncy ball
beach ball
baseball and mitt
toy car or other vehicles
kite
yo-yo
whistle
recorder
harmonica
kazoo
football- or sport-related items
binoculars
marbles
balloons
kaleidoscope
slinky
pop-and-catch / cup-and-ball
juggling balls
hackey sack
small frisbee
jacks
travel game e.g. jenga, connect 4, chess or snakes & ladders
whoopee cushion
inflatable toy
non-military-themed glider
spinning top
fishing tackle
pick-up sticks
origami kit
tic tac toe / noughts and crosses
skipping rope
joke / novelty items
scraper foil picture
plastic magnifying glass
magnet
wind-up toy
tools




I like doing boy 10-14 boxes.  I know they get the least boxes donated.  Also I think it may be a boy's last chance to be a child, before they are grown up and expected to be a man.  Many of them may already be the man of the family.  For many children in that age group, this may be their last chance of ever receiving a shoebox.” Carol S











Educational Supplies

notebook
drawing pad
paper
colouring book
pens
pencils
coloured pencils
felt tips
crayons *
solid watercolour paints
mechanical pencil plus refills
highlighter
rubber / eraser
pencil sharpener
stickers
solar-powered calculator
ruler
geometry set
pair of compasses
scissors
stapler with staples
paper clips
sticky tape
glue stick
crafting materials
loom band kit
post-it notes
world map
inflatable globe
sudoku



Hygiene Items

bar soap *
flannel / face cloth / wash cloth
sponge
toothbrush
toothpaste *
comb
brush
solid stick deodorant
tissues
nail clippers






"I concentrate on older boys as I hear that others find them hardest.  Having two teenage boys, I find them easier than girlie boxes.” Heather Q










Other Items

hat
baseball cap
sun visor
scarf
gloves
balaclava
belt
key ring
karabiner
wallet or purse
badge
drawstring or tote bag
rucksack / back pack
handkerchief
clothing *
footwear *
socks
underpants
sunglasses
bandana
tool belt
wooden bead bracelet
friendship bracelet
sweat bands
torch or wind-up torch (flashlight)
duct tape
twine or string or paracord
red nose / clown nose
tape measure
plastic water bottle
sweets / candy *


*

It's important to remember that not all shoebox appeals allow the same items.  It is always advisable to check their list of excluded items using the official website or leaflet.

Here are the most common differences for the major appeals - please let me know if I have missed any or have made an error.

Standard playing cards - not allowed in boxes sent with OCC Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein

Dominoes - not allowed in boxes sent with OCC Australia, New Zealand

Handmade stuffed toys - not allowed in boxes sent with Link to Hope (but they will accept them separately from shoeboxes)

Crayons - not allowed in boxes sent with OCC Australia, New Zealand

Bar soap - strong-smelling bar soap is not allowed in boxes sent with OCC Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein unless it is really well packaged to prevent the scent escaping, such as by placing it in a 'ziploc' bag or similar

Toothpaste - not allowed in boxes sent with OCC UK, US, OCC Canada, Australia, New Zealand 

Clothing - rolled up t-shirt only allowed in boxes sent with OCC UK (no dresses, skirts, shirts, shorts or trousers)

Footwear - flip-flops only allowed in boxes sent with OCC UK (no shoes or boots)

Sweets / candy - not allowed in boxes sent with OCC UK, US, OCC Canada, Australia, New Zealand 

It's also important to note that some appeals do allow items that are not permitted in shoeboxes sent with other appeals.  For example, you can send chocolate and liquids in shoeboxes sent with OCC Germany and Link to Hope.   To avoid confusion, I have not included these in the list.  To make sure your boxes reach the recipient in the same state that they leave you, please take time to double check what the rules are for your specific appeal.




I love to make boxes for older kids because they are the least served and don't have much longer to be "kids" (and many of them have needed to become adults WAY too soon!)” Heather L N
The completed shoeboxes featured were all sent with Operation Christmas Child UK

2 comments:

  1. I'm sure those older boys LOVE the boxes even if they act cool about it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They sure do. If there aren't enough boxes for them, they have to take ones suitable for other age groups or even a girl's box so it's particularly important to pack these boxes.

      Delete

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