Operation Christmas Child Shoebox for 2-4 Year Old Boy

It's been a busy week with packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.  I thought I'd share what my aunt packed in a box for a 2-4 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, 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 all of the items pictured fit 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) can be used. This year we packed in traditional shoeboxes, plastic shoeboxes, as well as a GoBox.  Read more about What Type of Shoebox to Use 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!  Now every box is different. Some had cups or cute plastic bowls added, others had puzzles instead of the building tools, etc.  We try to make each of our boxes different.

What went into this shoebox gift:

• Hygiene Supplies:
• Toothbrush
• Toothbrush case
• Ivory soap (double bagged)
• Washcloth
• Comb 
• School Supplies:
• Pencils
• 2-decorative 
• Enclosed Sharper
• Eraser  
• Pencil case
• Plain pad of paper
• Art Supplies:
• Crayons
• Crayon case 
• Coloring book
• Stickers
• Practical items: 
• Mini blanket
• Couple bandaids
• Drawstring bag
• To wear:
• Shirt
• Shorts 
• Temp Tattoos
• Sunglasses
• Toys 
• To play with others
• Ball
• 3-Hotwheel cars
• To play with alone
• Rocking dog
• Play hammer/nails 
• Train whistle
• To "love"
• Avon Beanie Baby type stuffed animal
• Candy (bagged & in original wrapping) [UPDATE:  As of 2017 candy is no longer allowed]
• 5 Candy Canes
• 2 packs of Smarties 
• 4 Suckers
• 1 Twizzler
• 1 pack of Starburst
• Personal correspondence (not pictured)
• Family photo 

NOTE:  Different countries have different restrictions on what can be packed in a shoebox due to customs, for instance some can't send candy or homemade stuffed animals.  Be sure to check the guidelines from your national organization before packing!

And here's how it was packed:

She tucked a number of the smaller items into the two bags...lots of fun little surprises!

Pad of paper went flat on the bottom, crayons, and the temporary tattoos stacked in the front corner, soap & washcloth on the side, and pencil case in the front. 

Then came the drawstring bag with toys, clothes rolled, and  the ball. 

 Finally the stuffed animal and candy bag.

It closes!  Ready to deliver to the collection center.

You may also be interested in seeing some of our Themed Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes.