Ideas for Operational Christmas Child Shoeboxes.

QueenB.

catkins wrote:

I have done this in the past and would like to do it this year. I now live in Essex and cannot find a drop off point. Can anyone help me on this?

I am not sure where abouts you live in Essex but i know the Lakeside shopping centre normally have a drop off point though i am unsure if they will be doing so thise year.

I normally do a couple of these each year, though i didn't last year, however i had decided this year to focus more on boxes for the teenage boys as i heard these are the ones that are often least in number so thanks to everyone for the ideas. Now i just have to find some shoe boxes.

Floss

Nothing religious - families may not all be of Christian faith

I always used to put soap, flannel, toothbrush & toothpaste, socks, hat & gloves, pens, pencils & sharpener, crayons & little note book, sweets, hair bobbles, carded party-bag type presents (bangles/marbles/bouncy balls etc), football stickers, sanitary towels, hand cream.

Caramelapplebetty

I have found one of their leaflets from last year and it suggests the following:

Items to include could be:
A cuddly toy
A toothbrush, toothpaste, bar of wrapped soap and flannel
A notepad, colouring book, picture books
Pencils an dpens
A set of crayons or felt pens
A hat, scarf, cap, gloves
A small ball or tennis ball
A puzzle, e.g. small jigsaw
For boys: a toy car, truck, passenger plane or similar ite
For girls: jewellry e.g. pair of clip earring, make-up or hair accessories
A greetings card or a phot of yourself!
Sweets (must me at least March 2007 sell-by-date)

DO NOT INCLUDE FROM ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES
No chocolate due to customs regs in some countries
No other edible items eg crisps, biscuits, tinned food or cake
War related items e.g. toy guns and soldiers, knives
Clothing other than listed above
Glass containers, mirrors or fragile items
Liquids of any type - bubbles, shampoo or aerosols
Marbles or sharp objects
Anything political, racial or religious nature
Medicines
Books with words.

Hope that Helps - last year I bought some little musical instrument: shakers, etc from Early Learning and put those in. I have a box and collect throughout the year when I seen things on offer.

Lyndsay_21

i really wanna do it this year i've seen loads of bits and bobs about but not sure what age to buy for? i couldn't find on the website which age catagories they're are.

Churchmouse

QueenB. wrote:

I am not sure where abouts you live in Essex but i know the Lakeside shopping centre normally have a drop off point though i am unsure if they will be doing so thise year.

I normally do a couple of these each year, though i didn't last year, however i had decided this year to focus more on boxes for the teenage boys as i heard these are the ones that are often least in number so thanks to everyone for the ideas. Now i just have to find some shoe boxes.

I do a couple of these every year, and like to concentrate on this age group!! They do not evoke the aaah factor and can be quite neglected!! I admit to overfilling my boxes, but it is fun packing as much as possible into every nook and cranny! Having had four boys myself, when I consulted them they thought the single best item to put in was a mini football. They can be a bit expensive but I budget over several weeks so it doesn't matter. I also put in beanie hats, mini rucksack bumbags etc. Cheap coloured pencils pads etc can be found on promotion often. BOGOF is just made for doing a couple of identical boxes. In the past I have included sunglasses alongside winter scarves and gloves!! Really anything that we in our overindulged way call "stocking fillers". I met with someone involved in Samaritans Purse who said their faces have to be seen to be believed when they open the boxes. I'd love one year to be there!!

thriftmonster

I sometimes include a not so girly skipping rope as well. We also try and do the older boys - and do footie related stuff as well. Marbles are also an idea.

Churchmouse

thriftmonster they always say no marbles, but I'm not sure why since marbles don't break (well not easily!!)

Chipps

and don't forget the cuddly toy - yes, even for the older boys! (mind you I always try to make sure it's a tiger or something a bit more macho!)

Chipps

Age groups are (if my memory serves me correctly) 2-4; 5-9; 10-14

GardenMillie

Loads of great things in Poundland (I've just discovered one fairly near me).


Boys: Balloons, yo-yo, playing cards, key-ring, postcards (you get some really nice ones), small ball, gloves, sweets, pens, pencils, stickers, note-book.

We did a large box for a family and had so much fun putting things in and it makes you really thankful when you add in basics that we take for granted. Great scheme - well done to all who participate.:T