Christmas Shoebox Packing Tips

Thank you for helping share the joy of Christmas with a child!


Your shoebox is more than a gift—it is an opportunity to show a child that they are loved and remembered. As you pack, pray that God will use your gift to bring joy, hope, and the message of His love.

How to Pack Your Shoebox


1. Get a box.
Use a sturdy shoebox or a similar-sized box with a secure lid.


2. Choose a child.
Decide whether your gift is for a boy or girl, then select one of these age categories:

5–8 years | 9–12 years | 13–16 years | 17–20 years


3. Fill your box.
Choose a variety of useful, fun, and age-appropriate gifts from the suggestions below.


Toys & Games
Soccer ball & pump • Stuffed animal • Puzzles • Jump rope • Playing cards • Yo-yo • Coloring books • Action figures


School Supplies
Pens & pencils • Pencil sharpener • Colored pencils • Crayons/markers • Pencil case • Notebooks • Safety scissors • Ruler • Glue sticks


Personal Care & Useful Items
Toothbrush • Bar soap • Washcloth • Comb/hairbrush • Nail clippers • Stick deodorant • Lip balm • Flashlight • Compact mirror • Blanket • Reusable cup/water bottle


Clothing & Accessories
Shirts & pants • Underwear • Socks & shoes • Hats/scarves/mittens • Sunglasses • Purse • Wristwatch • Hair accessories


Please do not include: Food or candy • Seeds or plants • Used or damaged items • Nail polish • Toy guns, knives, military figures, or other war-related items • Liquids or lotions • Medications or vitamins • Glass or other breakable items • Aerosol cans


4. Complete the Christmas Shoebox Form.
Be sure to complete the form before wrapping your box. List the contents of your box as specifically as possible for customs purposes.


5. Wrap your box.
Wrap the box and lid separately so the box can be opened for inspection. Fasten lid to box securely with ribbon or rubber bands. Attach the completed form securely to the outside of the box.


6. Pray.
Ask God to use your gift to show His love to the child who receives it.


Help Share the Message of Christ

Your shoebox brings a child the joy of receiving a special gift. You can also make an additional donation to help Bread of Life provide Christian literature in the child's own language with shoebox gifts.


Want to help? Simply include an additional donation with your shoebox.


7. Mail your shoebox to:



Bread of Life Ministries
910 Center Church Rd.
East Earl, PA 17519

Thank you for your interest in Bread of Life Ministries. We have been able to accomplish a lot with the help of our supporters around the world. There is still more for us to do. Please prayerfully consider how you might help support Bread of Life as we provide support to children and families in need.

Become A Partner

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