Operation Christmas Child Shoebox for 2-4 Year Old Girl

It's been a busy week with packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.  I thought I'd share what my mom packed in one box.  It was for a 2-4 year old girl.  If you'd like ideas for other ages be sure to check out my posts on boxes from this year for: 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 planning and packing but I was able to get all of the items pictured into the pre-printed "Go box" in the picture.  Packing in standard sized boxes, especially the pre-printed boxes helps them get a lot of shoeboxes in each carton they send out and they're more sure they'll have enough for the kids that show up at the distributions. But remember-if you don't have an Operation Christmas Child Go box any shoebox sized box: shoebox, plastic box, even a traditional box will work!  See the pros and cons of different shoeboxes here:  What Type of Box to Use.  First I'll share a list of what went into it, then I'll share how it was packed.

What went into the shoebox gift:

• Hygiene Supplies:
• Toothbrush
• Toothbrush case
• Ivory soap (double bagged)
• Washcloth
• Comb
• Hair clips/bows
• School Supplies:
• Pencils
• 1-regular
• 2-decorative 
• Enclosed Sharper
• Eraser 
• Small lined paper pad
• Pencil case
• Art Supplies:
• Crayons
• Crayon case
• Plain pad of paper
• Coloring book
• Practical items: 
• Mini blanket
• Silverware 
• To wear:
• Shirt
• Skirt
• Socks
• Flip-flops
• Hat
• Toys 
• To play with others
• Ball
• To play with quietly alone
• Rocking dog
• Lacing Dog
• Board picture book
• To "love" [see Why We Pack a Stuffed Animal in Each Operation Christmas Child Shoebox]
• Beanie Baby
• Sewn bear 
• Candy ( bagged & in original wrapping) UDPATE 2017:  Candy no longer allowed.
• 3 Candy Canes
• 2 packs of Smarties 
• 3 Suckers
• 1 Twizzler
• 1 pack of Starburst
• Personal correspondence (not pictured)
• Family photo
• Letter 

NOTE:  Different countries have different restrictions on what can be packed in an OCC 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:

 First the letter and plain pad of paper went in.

Then the coloring pad (more info on making them here) and board book flat on the bottom and the rocking toy tucked in a corner.

Then came the candy wrapped in the hat the lacing card on the bottom, flipflops on the side with flat sides out, and soap & washcloth on other side

Then came the crayons in their case and the lined paper, pencils, sharpener, eraser, etc. went in the pencil case.

Then came the ball, shirt tucked in one flipflop, socks & blanket (info on making those here) in the other. In the middle was the skirt that is tightly rolled and rubber-banded to keep it tight.

Finally came they new, stuffed "friends" 

It closes!  The rubber bands hold it tight.

We often pack themed boxes.  If you are interested in seeing some of those you can find the posts in this link:  Themed Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes.