Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Packed for 10-14 Year Old Boy

It's been a busy week with packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.  I thought I'd share what my dad would pack in a GoBox for a 10-14 year old boy.   If you'd like ideas for other ages be sure to check out my posts on boxes from this year for:  Girl 2-4 years, Boy 2-4 years, Girl 10-14 years, & Boy 10-14 years...as the middle range 5-9 gets the most boxes, we chose to do the other ages this year.

It took some careful packing but he was able to get all of the items pictured into the pre-printed "Go box" in the picture. Now, if you don't have an Operation Christmas Child GoBox, that's no problem-any shoebox (cardboard or plastic) or something of the same size (normal box, new tool box, etc). This year we packed in traditional shoeboxes, plastic shoeboxes, as well as a GoBox. Check out more about pros and cons of different boxes in this post:  What Type of Shoebox to Pack for Operation Christmas Child.

First I'll share a list of what went into it, then I'll share how it was packed!  Remember this is just an example, other boxes substituted Legos for the game, or added a flashlight, or other variations.  We try to make no two boxes exactly alike!

What went into this shoebox gift:

• Hygiene Supplies:
• Toothbrush w/cap
• Ivory soap (double bagged)
• Washcloth
• Comb 
• School Supplies:
• Pens
• 2-black
• 2-blue
• Pencils
• 2-regular
• 3-decorative
• 1-mechanical 
• Sharper
• Eraser
• Paper & binder clips
• Lined paper in composition book
• Pencil case
• Art Supplies:
• Colored Pencils
• Scissors
• Plain paper (computer paper)
• Envelope   
• To wear:
• Shirt
• Socks
• Hat
• Toys & games
• To play with others
• Bag of marbles
• Tennis ball
• Travel Parcheesi style game
• 2 Hot Wheel type cars
• Balloons
• To play with quietly alone
• Mini slinky
• Mini top
• Mini clapper
• To "love"
• Beanie Baby type stuffed animal
• Draw-string backpack type bag
• Candy (bagged & in original wrapping) [UPDATE:  As of 2017 Candy is no longer allowed.]
• 7 Candy Canes
• 5 Bubble Gums
• 3 Suckers
• 2 packs of Smarties 
• 1 Twizzler
• 1 Starburst
• Personal correspondence (not pictured)
• Family photo
• Letter 

NOTE:  Different countries have different restrictions on what can be packed in a shoebox due to customs...be sure to check the guidelines from your national organization before packing!

And here's how he packed it:

He tucked the plain paper and envelope in the front of the  composition book.

Which he then put in the bottom of the box-tucking the comb in the corner space.

Then came the tote bag & toothbrush.

Then came the pencil kit with school & art supplies and some of the toys and games.

Then the candy on one side and soap on the other with more toys and stuffed animal added.

It closes!

You can see another of his boxes here:  Operation Christmas Child Shoebox for a 10 to 14 Year Old Boy.