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