What Goes in My Shoebox?
"Wow" Item
Delight a kid! Start with a medium to large item that will capture the child’s attention the instant he or she opens the box.
Ideas include: Soccer ball with pump, Stuffed animal, Toys (puppets, trucks, etc.), Doll (baby, Barbie, etc.), Musical instrument, Outfit, Shoes
Other Suggestions
Toys: Include items that children will immediately embrace such as toy cars, yo-yos, jump ropes, balls, toys that light up and make noise (with extra batteries), etc.
School Supplies: pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
Non-liquid Hygiene Items: toothbrushes, bar soap, combs, washcloths, etc.
Accessories: T-shirts, socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries), etc.
Crafts: Make your own items such as hair bows, finger puppets, and friendship bracelets. Download instructions here.
A Personal Note: You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. If you include your name and address, the child may be able to write back.
Do Not Include
Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.
Girls
2-4
5-9
10-14
A "Wow" Item
Doll
Stuffed animal
An outfit of clothing
Small musical instrument (such as a harmonica or recorder woodwind)
Doll (consider including accessories such as a doll clothes or a small doll bed)
Stuffed animal
An outfit of clothing
Small musical instrument (such as a harmonica or recorder woodwind)
Soccer ball (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated)
Doll (consider including accessories such as a doll clothes or a small doll bed)
Stuffed animal
An outfit of clothing
Small musical instrument (such as a harmonica or recorder woodwind)
Soccer ball (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated)
Personal Care Items
Comb
Hairbrush
Toothbrush(toothpaste can be included this year as long as its expiration date is at least six months after National Collection Week: Nov. 14-21, 2016. Starting in 2017, toothpaste cannot be included in shoebox gifts, but a child’s oral hygiene can still be improved by regular use of a toothbrush alone)
Washcloth
Bar soap (packaged and/or in a container)
Adhesive bandages(Colorful ones can help a child be more willing to wear a bandage. Do not include liquid antibiotic ointment, but you can purchase bandages that are already infused with an antibiotic.)
Reusable plastic containers: cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt-edged utensils(Consider filling an empty container with non-liquid items such as hair bows, bracelets, sunglasses, or washcloths to maximize the space)
Blanket
Comb
Hairbrush
Toothbrush(toothpaste can be included this year as long as its expiration date is at least six months after National Collection Week: Nov. 14-21, 2016. Starting in 2017, toothpaste cannot be included in shoebox gifts, but a child’s oral hygiene can still be improved by regular use of a toothbrush alone)
Washcloth
Bar soap (packaged and/or in a container)
Adhesive bandages(Colorful ones can help a child be more willing to wear a bandage. Do not include liquid antibiotic ointment, but you can purchase bandages that are already infused with an antibiotic.)
Reusable plastic containers: cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt-edged utensils(Consider filling an empty container with non-liquid items such as hair bows, bracelets, sunglasses, or washcloths to maximize the space)
Blanket
Non-liquid lip balm
Flashlight (solar-powered or hand-crank; if battery operated, be sure to include extra batteries of the type needed)
Compact mirror
Comb
Hairbrush
Toothbrush(toothpaste can be included this year as long as its expiration date is at least six months after National Collection Week: Nov. 14-21, 2016. Starting in 2017, toothpaste cannot be included in shoebox gifts, but a child’s oral hygiene can still be improved by regular use of a toothbrush alone)
Washcloth
Bar soap (packaged and/or in a container)
Adhesive bandages(Colorful ones can help a child be more willing to wear a bandage. Do not include liquid antibiotic ointment, but you can purchase bandages that are already infused with an antibiotic.)
Reusable plastic containers: cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt-edged utensils(Consider filling an empty container with non-liquid items such as hair bows, bracelets, sunglasses, or washcloths to maximize the space)
Blanket
Non-liquid lip balm
Flashlight (solar-powered or hand-crank; if battery operated, be sure to include extra batteries of the type needed)
Compact mirror
Nail clipper and file
Stick deodorant
Washable/reusable cloth menstrual pads
School Supplies
Pencils
Small manual pencil sharpener
Colored pencils
Pencil case
Pens
Crayons
Markers
Notebooks
Blank index cards
Solar-powered calculator
Safety (blunt tip) scissors
Ruler
Protractor
Glue stick (do not include liquid glue)
Small adhesive tape
Backpack
Pencils
Small manual pencil sharpener
Colored pencils
Pencil case
Pens
Crayons
Markers
Notebooks
Blank index cards
Solar-powered calculator
Safety (blunt tip) scissors
Ruler
Protractor
Glue stick (do not include liquid glue)
Small adhesive tape
Backpack
Clothing and Accessories
Shirts and pants
Pillowcase dress (non-formfitting sundress)
Underwear
Shoes and socks
Flip-flops
Hat/scarf/mittens
Sunglasses
Tote bag/purse
Hair bows
Friendship bracelets (woven with yarn or embroidery thread)
Shirts and pants
Pillowcase dress (non-formfitting sundress)
Underwear
Shoes and socks
Flip-flops
Hat/scarf/mittens
Sunglasses
Tote bag/purse
Hair bows
Friendship bracelets (woven with yarn or embroidery thread)
Shirts and pants
Pillowcase dress (non-formfitting sundress)
Underwear
Shoes and socks
Flip-flops
Hat/scarf/mittens
Decorative hat
Wrist watch
Sunglasses
Tote bag/purse
Bead jewelry/bead kit
Hair accessories (hair clips, hair ribbons, elastic hair bands, etc.)
Crafts and Activities
Pencils
Small manual pencil sharpener
Colored pencils
Pencil case
Crayons
Markers
Pens
Coloring pads
Coloring books
Picture book
Notebooks
Glue stick (do not include liquid glue)
Small adhesive tape
Watercolor set [Finger paint palette/crayons/markers (non-liquid containers), paint brushes, canvas or paper]
Make-it-yourself craft items or kit
Playdough (Consider adding plastic cookie cutters as non-sharp utensils the child can use with the playdough)
Stickers
Skipping rope/Jump rope
Coloring books
Watercolor set [Finger paint palette/crayons/markers (non-liquid containers), paint brushes, canvas or paper]
Make-it-yourself craft items or kit
Puzzles
Playdough (Consider adding plastic cookie cutters as non-sharp utensils the child can use with the playdough)
Stickers
Chalkboard and chalk
Binoculars
Skipping rope/Jump rope
Puzzles
Binoculars
Compass
Chalkboard and chalk
Sewing kit, fabric (1-2 yards), and ribbon
Laminated decorative pictures with looped ribbon attached as a picture hanger
Gardening kit with gloves and trowel hand tool (do not include gardening seeds)
Playing cards
Skipping rope/Jump rope
Toys
Foam ball
Kickball (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated)
Finger puppets
Slinky
Etch A Sketch
Interactive toys that include push buttons, lights, noise (include extra batteries)
Foam ball
Kickball (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated)
Costume items to play dress-up, such as crowns and costume jewelry
Plastic toys and toy figures
Yo-yo
Small Frisbee
Small kite
Etch A Sketch
Foam ball
Kickball (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated)
Yo-yo
Small Frisbee
Small kite
Etch A Sketch
Kaleidoscope
Marbles
Boys
2-4
5-9
10-14
A "Wow" Item
Stuffed animal
An outfit of clothing
Small musical instrument (such as a harmonica or recorder woodwind)
Soccer ball (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated)
Truck or boat
Stuffed animal
An outfit of clothing
Small musical instrument (such as a harmonica or recorder woodwind)
Soccer ball (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated)
Truck or boat
Stuffed animal
An outfit of clothing
Small musical instrument (such as a harmonica or recorder woodwind)
Soccer ball/football (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated)
Personal Care Items
Comb
Hairbrush
Toothbrush (toothpaste can be included this year as long as its expiration date is at least six months after National Collection Week: Nov. 14-21, 2016. Starting in 2017, toothpaste cannot be included in shoebox gifts, but a child’s oral hygiene can still be improved by regular use of a toothbrush alone)
Washcloth
Bar soap (packaged and/or in a container)
Adhesive bandages (Colorful ones can help a child be more willing to wear a bandage. Do not include liquid antibiotic ointment, but you can purchase bandages that are already infused with an antibiotic.)
Reusable plastic containers: cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt-edged utensils
(Consider filling an empty container with non-liquid items such as combs, markers, sunglasses, or washcloths to maximize the space)
Blanket
Comb
Hairbrush
Toothbrush (toothpaste can be included this year as long as its expiration date is at least six months after National Collection Week: Nov. 14-21, 2016. Starting in 2017, toothpaste cannot be included in shoebox gifts, but a child’s oral hygiene can still be improved by regular use of a toothbrush alone)
Washcloth
Bar soap (packaged and/or in a container)
Adhesive bandages (Colorful ones can help a child be more willing to wear a bandage. Do not include liquid antibiotic ointment, but you can purchase bandages that are already infused with an antibiotic.)
Reusable plastic containers: cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt-edged utensils
(Consider filling an empty container with non-liquid items such as combs, markers, sunglasses, or washcloths to maximize the space)
Blanket
Non-liquid lip balm
Flashlight (solar-powered or hand-crank; if battery operated, be sure to include extra batteries of the type needed)
Comb
Hairbrush
Toothbrush (toothpaste can be included this year as long as its expiration date is at least six months after National Collection Week: Nov. 14-21, 2016. Starting in 2017, toothpaste cannot be included in shoebox gifts, but a child’s oral hygiene can still be improved by regular use of a toothbrush alone)
Washcloth
Bar soap (packaged and/or in a container)
Adhesive bandages (Colorful ones can help a child be more willing to wear a bandage. Do not include liquid antibiotic ointment, but you can purchase bandages that are already infused with an antibiotic.)
Reusable plastic containers: cup, water bottle, plate, bowl, blunt-edged utensils
(Consider filling an empty container with non-liquid items such as combs, markers, sunglasses, or washcloths to maximize the space)
Blanket
Non-liquid lip balm
Flashlight (solar-powered or hand-crank; if battery operated, be sure to include extra batteries of the type needed)
Nail clipper and file
Non-liquid lip balm
Stick deodorant
School Supplies
Pencils
Small manual pencil sharpener
Erasers
Colored pencils
Pencil case
Pens
Crayons
Markers
Notebooks
Blank index cards
Solar-powered calculator
Safety (blunt tip) scissors
Ruler
Protractor
Glue stick (do not include liquid glue)
Small adhesive tape
Backpack
Pencils
Small manual pencil sharpener
Erasers
Colored pencils
Pencil case
Pens
Crayons
Markers
Notebooks
Blank index cards
Solar-powered calculator
Safety (blunt tip) scissors
Ruler
Protractor
Glue stick (do not include liquid glue)
Small adhesive tape
Backpack
Clothing and Accessories
Shirts and pants
Underwear
Shoes and socks
Flip-flops
Hat/scarf/mittens
Sunglasses
Shirts and pants
Underwear
Shoes and socks
Flip-flops
Wrist watch
Hat/scarf/mittens
Sunglasses
Shirts and pants
Underwear
Shoes and socks
Flip-flops
Wrist watch
Hat/scarf/mittens
Sunglasses
Bandana
Crafts and Activities
Pencils
Small manual pencil sharpener
Colored pencils
Pencil case
Pens
Crayons
Markers
Coloring pads
Coloring books
Picture book
Notebooks
Glue stick (do not include liquid glue)
Small adhesive tape
Watercolor set [Finger paint palette/crayons/markers (non-liquid containers), paint brushes, canvas or paper]
Make-it-yourself craft items or kit
Building blocks
Playdough (Consider adding plastic cookie cutters as non-sharp utensils the child can use with the playdough)
Stickers
Coloring books
Watercolor set [Finger paint palette/crayons/markers (non-liquid containers), paint brushes, canvas or paper]
Make-it-yourself craft items or kit
Puzzles
Playdough (Consider adding plastic cookie cutters as non-sharp utensils the child can use with the playdough)
Stickers
Chalkboard and chalk
Binoculars
Building blocks
Tool set
Puzzles
Binoculars
Compass
Chalkboard with chalk
Tool set with work gloves
Fishing kit
Brightly colored rope or twine
Gardening kit with gloves and trowel (no seeds)
Magnets
Kaleidoscope
Skipping rope/jump rope
Playing cards
Marbles
Toys
Foam ball
Kickball (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated)
Tennis ball
Finger puppets
Slinky
Etch A Sketch
Play cars/trucks/boats
Plastic tools
Plastic dinosaurs
Interactive toys that include push buttons, lights, noise (include extra batteries)
Foam ball
Kickball (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated)
Baseball and mitt
Tennis ball
Plastic dinosaurs, animals, action figures (nothing war-related)
Toy cars
Yo-yo
Small Frisbee
Small kite
Etch A Sketch
Hacky sack
Foam ball
Kickball (make sure to include a manual air pump so that the ball can be reinflated)
Baseball and mitt
Tennis ball
Yo-yo
Small Frisbee
Small kite
Hacky sack
Toy cars
‘Can This Go in My Shoebox?’ FAQ:
Are playing cards allowed?
Yes! Playing cards can be included in your shoebox gifts.
How about little toys like spiders, bugs, snakes, etc.?
All of those items are allowed.
Can we include batteries?
Yes. However, if the batteries are loose, both ends must be covered with tape.
Can videos, CDs, and DVDs be included?
Yes, all of these may be included in your shoebox gifts. However, keep in mind that the children may not have a DVD player or CD player available.
Can we include paint sets or glue bottles?
No, both of these items are liquids and can’t be included in your shoebox gifts. However, dry paint sets (such as watercolors) or glue sticks are OK to pack!
Can we include a toolkit with nails, screws, screwdrivers, and hammers?
Yes! The only tools that can’t be included are saws or pocketknives.
Are scissors OK?
Yes! Scissors are OK to include in your shoebox gifts.
Can items with camouflage be included?
If the child can wear or use the items without looking like a soldier, they are OK to include in your shoebox gift. Pink or colored camouflage is safe as are pencils, wallets, or socks.
Are squirt guns allowed?
Squirt guns can be included as long as they do not look like real guns. Brightly colored squirt guns are great to pack in your shoebox gift.
Can glow sticks go in a shoebox gift?
Yes, glow sticks are OK to pack in your gift. If the tube breaks, the liquid does not spill out and can’t damage other items.
Can we include wet wipes?
Yes, wet wipes do not have enough liquid to spill out into the shoebox so they are OK to include in your gift.
Can rubber balls be included if they have liquid glitter inside?
No, these would be considered inappropriate because of the liquid.
What type of candy is allowed in shoebox gifts?
During 2016 collection, appropriate candy includes hard candy, candy corn, gummy bears, caramels, taffy, gum and Tootsie Rolls. For all of these, make sure that the expiration date is at least six months after National Collection Week. You may not include Hershey Kisses, Snickers bars, or any other chocolate, fruit roll-ups, fruit snacks, or drink mixes such as Kool-Aid. Starting in 2017, no type of candy at all will be allowed in shoebox gifts, due to increasing customs regulations. Please email us at occinfo@samaritan.org if you have any questions.
Is lip gloss OK to pack in a shoebox gift?
Lip gloss is a liquid and can’t be included. However, Chapstick, lip balm or lipstick can go!
Can I include toothpaste in my shoebox?
During 2016 collection, toothpaste is allowed in shoebox gifts as long as the expiration date is at least six months after National Collection Week. Starting in 2017, toothpaste will not be allowed in shoebox gifts, due to increasing customs regulations. Please email us at occinfo@samaritan.org if you have any questions.
Is Play-Doh OK to pack in a shoebox gift?
Yes, Play-Doh can be included in your shoebox gift. However, some children might think it is edible.
Can compact mirrors go in a shoebox gift?
Yes. Compact mirrors can be included because if the glass shatters, it will be contained.
Interested in the impact of a “wow” item?
Read about Yuliya’s stuffed dog ❯
Don't wait 'til fall!
Learn about packing shoeboxes year-round ❯