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