What Goes in My Shoebox?
Make Your Gift Fun, Full, and Personalized.
For children around the world, a shoebox is often their very first gift. Given together with the Good News of Jesus Christ, it communicates God’s love to a boy or girl in need. So, it is important to make sure your gift is …
FUN—includes a “wow” item and other quality toys
FULL—packed to the brim with additional school supplies and personal care items
PERSONALIZED—prayed over and contains a note and photo, which are often the child’s favorite items!
GO! This item can be packed in shoeboxes. Discover more great gift ideas below.
CAUTION! This item may or may not be packed in shoebox gifts. For a list of recommended items, see our Gift Suggestions PDF. Please refer to the Gift Suggestions FAQ for more information.
STOP! This item cannot be packed in shoebox gifts. Discover more great gift ideas below.
For more information on this specific item, please email your search term to [email protected]. Thank you!
Gift Suggestions
Let the following lists organized by gender spark your creativity about what to include in your shoebox gifts. As you shop, don’t forget to ask God to lead you to what will particularly delight the heart of a child!
Gift Suggestions for Girls
- Doll
- Large toy
- Soccer ball and pump
- Stuffed animal
- Musical instrument
- Comb or brush
- Toothbrush
- Washcloth
- Fun adhesive bandages
- Eating utensils
- Nail clipper and file
- Pencils and sharpener
- Pencil case
- Erasers
- Pens
- Crayons
- Markers
- Notebooks
- Index cards
- Calculator
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Glue stick
- Small adhesive tape
- Clothing and undergarments
- Flip-flops or shoes
- Cold weather items
- Sunglasses
- Bags, backpacks, or purses
- Hair accessories
- Hats
- Wristwatch or jewelry
- Flashlight
- Puzzles
- Binoculars
- Compass
- Chalkboard and chalk
- Fishing kit
- Jump rope
- Coloring books or pads
- Dry watercolor set
- Playdough
- Stickers
- Craft kits or colorful rope/twine
- Books or picture books
- Ball
- Frisbee®
- Building blocks
- Finger puppets
- Slinky®
- Yo-yo
- Magnets
- Kaleidoscope
- Interactive toys
- Other small toys and figures
- Food, candy, or gum
- Toothpaste
- Used or damaged items
- Scary or war-related items
- Wearable traditional camouflage
- Seeds or organic matter
- Liquids
- Medication
- Money
- Breakable items
- Matches, fire starters, or aerosols
- Knife, saw, or razor blades
Gift Suggestions for Boys
- Soccer ball and pump
- Stuffed animal
- Musical instrument
- Large toy truck or car
- Other large toy
- Comb or brush
- Toothbrush
- Washcloth
- Fun adhesive bandages
- Eating utensils
- Nail clipper and file
- Pencils and sharpener
- Pencil case
- Erasers
- Pens
- Crayons
- Markers
- Notebooks
- Index cards
- Calculator
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Glue stick
- Small adhesive tape
- Clothing and undergarments
- Flip-flops or shoes
- Cold weather items
- Sunglasses
- Bags or backpacks
- Hats
- Wristwatch
- Flashlight
- Puzzles
- Binoculars
- Compass
- Chalkboard and chalk
- Fishing kit
- Jump rope
- Coloring books or pads
- Dry watercolor set
- Playdough
- Stickers
- Craft kits or colorful rope/twine
- Books or picture books
- Ball
- Frisbee®
- Building blocks
- Slinky®
- Yo-yo
- Magnets
- Kaleidoscope
- Toy cars
- Interactive toys
- Other small toys and figures
- Food, candy, or gum
- Toothpaste
- Used or damaged items
- Scary or war-related items
- Wearable traditional camouflage
- Seeds or organic matter
- Liquids
- Medication
- Money
- Breakable items
- Matches, fire starters, or aerosols
- Knife, saw, or razor blades
Do Not Include
Do Not IncludeCandy; toothpaste; gum; used or damaged items; scary or war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; seeds; fruit rolls or other fruit snacks; drink mixes (powdered or liquid); liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.
Helpful Links
Have questions or suggestions? Email [email protected]
