Operation Christmas Child

We love putting together the Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes each year and it’s such an easy way to get our little ones involved, from going to the store and buying a few items with their own money to actually putting the items in the box, coloring a picture and praying for their new friend who will receive it. We typically choose a little gal box because it’s easiest to connect with that for my girls. Here are some cute ideas that I’ve found that may be making their way into our box this year (or something similar)! I’ve found the best place to head is to the Dollar Aisle at Target, here at Amazon, or Hobby Lobby!

Are you noticing a theme here? My oldest just loves all things pink and princess right now so our sweet little gal around the world just had to get pink and princess too! We will be adding other items in the box too like flip flops, a shirt, a little notepad to color in, a toothbrush and of course a “masterpiece” that is already in the works!

What have you put in your box this year? Where have you found the best deals? Do you let your little one help you pick out the items? Be sure to check out the Service Idea link for ways to get your little one involved with you as you pack your shoebox! Also check out Samaritan’s Purse for GREAT ideas to fill those boxes and for a list of items that you CAN’T put in the box!

*I am participating in an affiliate program so I do make a small percentage when you buy from the links that I have provided! Thank you for supporting On Mission Moms through your purchase!

It feels weird posting about Christmas Shoe Boxes when we just celebrated the first day of Fall but it’s time! Shoe boxes have been around for quite some time and are a great and easy way to get your kiddos involved in serving and thinking of others. If your church is focusing on the shoeboxes during this time, just grab a box from them and pack it full of fun items for either a boy or girl, depending on their age. Then return the filled shoe box back to your church. If not, be sure to follow the instructions on their website (link below).

Here are some great ideas to do with your box as you prepare and pack and serve with your kiddos.

1. Let your children go shopping with you!

I know, I know.. it’s so much faster and easier to just go grab the items while the kids are in school but that takes part of the fun away from the kids. Let them make a list of things that you could put in the box, let them use some of their money, and let them actually buy the items from the store. It becomes their own project at that point.

2. Draw a picture or write a note for the kid receiving the box!

Samaritan’s Purse has a great little letter template on their website too that you can download for your kiddos to color and fill out. Let them draw in the box too! Be creative and fun and it will be fun for your kiddos – and the child receiving it.

3. Pray over the box (or boxes) as a family!

It’s so important to model to your kiddos and it helps them become a bit more attached to the box and who might be receiving it, what their story will be, and how we can have a part in a child’s life that lives around the world.

4. Talk about the Box and how it will get to where it’s going!

This could lead to some great conversations with your kids about why you are packing a box, what their child might be like, how you can pray for children around the world, poverty and serving others. Don’t shy away from these conversations! These are great building blocks for our children to learn and be a part of! You can even track your box too, which is fun!

For more info about Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes and how to pack, etc. be sure to check out Samaritan’s Purse Website !

Also, hop on over to our Pinterest Page for more Shoebox Ideas and Wisdom!

Have you packed a shoe box before? If so, what items do you pack? How do you involve your kiddos? Hop over to OMM Instagram and share those ideas so we can learn from one another!

Tag: Operation Christmas Child

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Service Idea: Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes