[fluffkin79]

OK, I have a new project. My kids have been asked to make boxes for Operation Christmas Child. I love the idea and am kinda excited about it. I would really like to find cheap world maps, atlases, or globes to put in the boxes. Since this is a world-wide project, I have no idea were our boxes will go. I would like to include a note about us, our family, and our home - and a map to go with it so they know where it came from. It doesn't have to be great, I'm thinking of the small globes that Target had in the dollarspot for back-to-school time, or something like it. So have you seen any world maps anywhere?

I am also open to other ideas of things to put in the boxes that I could get for free or cheap. Why spend money when we can get it free, right? I already have toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, trinkets left over from our birthday gift bags and when I overbought $spot clearance. I'm sure I can find cheap candy. Where is the best place to use those $1 Lifesaver Qs? I thought about nail polish, lip gloss, and emery boards - but I don't know where in the world these are going to, so I decided against any make-up type stuff. I'm pretty sure I can find t-shirts on clearance around $2, have you seen any lately? Then I will let my kids pick something special for each box. I am thinking cars for the 2-4 boy, a doll for the 2-4 girl, a bead set or other crafty thing for the 10-14 girl, and a maybe a rubik's cube for the 10-14 boy. Do you have any better ideas for the older kids? Mine are still young, but I know that there is often trouble getting donations for the older kids so I want to include them, too. Thanks for your help.

[mrsmacs]

it sounds like a great idea. We just always put a picture in ours and a note from my son. Good luck on your search. We always put the same things in ours..mostly what you listed. For older kids..good luck!!! it gets harder as the kids get older..but i'm sure they appreciate whatever they can get!

[treasurehouse]

What a WONDERFUL thing you are doing!! Blessings to you and your little people.

[sar1]

If you belong to AAA, I think you can get their maps for free. Not sure if they have a world map, though. And it's been several years since we went there for maps, sooooo, maybe not that helpful here.

[macy]

maybe print map off the computer and laminate it.

[Fohrenburger]

Free World Maps - Physical maps
Free World Maps - Physical maps
printable maps - About.com : Geography

AAA Link to Contact Them

PLEASE tell them your project and see if they can give you any FREE World Maps. It never hurts to ask.

AAA Auto Club South-Tours

PLEASE let us all know how you make out, Thanks.

[imhisclay]

Sounds like the boxes will be packed full of great stuff! Just remember, not to include anything that might break i.e. nailpolish. My church participates in OCC every year. Last year I was not able to afford making any boxes, but this year I have some good supplies to include!

Sunglasses, jumpropes, flashlights, hats, balls are also good to send. I always like to include crayons and a coloring book.

Good luck!

[lwilsonide]

Our Church & preschool does this every year. We generally get a list of needs, i.e school supplies, match box cars, personal hygiene, small stuff liek that

[baybeenurse]

what a great idea about the maps..i enjoy making the boxes up as much as giving them..it is a wonderful thing to teach our own children as well!!

[pudding]

The maps are a great idea! For the older kids, I usually add a small ball, an art pad with pencils, a yo-yo, hair things for the girls, sometimes socks, gloves, hats, a small flashlight with extra batteries, a diary or journal. I usually add a small stuffed animal for the younger ones, along with cars, balls and coloring books with crayons. BLESSINGS!

[justmelome]

Flip flops are a huge hit even if they are a little big if you know your box is going to a tropical area.

[Cadnil]

inflatable globes: 12" Inflatable Globe - Item No: 2063H

These aren't fancy, but they're functional. They'd be GREAT in a shoebox.

[Cadnil]

inflatable globes: 12" Inflatable Globe - Item No: 2063H

These aren't fancy, but they're functional. They'd be GREAT in a shoebox.

[GrannyGodley]

This video from Samaratan's Purse is very good. It is large so may take time to load or do it in bits 'n pieces.
Samaritan's Purse | Multimedia

Remember the Polly Pocket $5 coupons last year???? Well, I got bunches of them and was planning to give them at the school I work at for the kids to use in their Shoeboxes. However, they skipped last year. So this year, I gave them to my daughter to use for her family's Shoeboxes. They did 12 and the Polly Pockets have gone out for 12 little girls.

[lwilsonide]

Our preschool has already started collecting boxes for tis year.

[shopperlite]

This is an awesome program. I watch the clearance bins for the Dollar Spot section all yr long to help fill the boxes!

I also use good deals on soap (oh, I should use Buddy Bars...). I usually run into a good deal on washcothes at Target sometime during the yr. Leftover (or clearance) non-chocolate Halloween candy also works well in the boxes.

[simba123]

The compressed washcloths at the Dollar Tree are great for this . They do not take up alot of space in the box. Saves room for more goodies. Another good small thing I put in is the unlined stationery notepads that you get 2/$1 at Walgreens. Can be used for coloring or writing (along with colored/regular pencils & sharpeners or twist up crayons) and fit niecly in the bottom. HTH

[morgansmom]

My kids are doing this for 4-H. I will have to remember to check the Dollar Tree for the washcloths! That's a good idea!

[GrannyGodley]

This teen who has been adopted along with her 2 sibilings from orphanages in Russia by Americans. She received a shoebox when she was 10 and is now 18 and involved in getting shoeboxes out to children. Watch her story.
Samaritan's Purse | Multimedia

[luv2sav]

My husband and I did this one year. Instead of giving each other gifts, we put together a bunch of shoe boxes for orphans in the Ukraine;that was the best Christmas gift we ever gave each other!!!

[marbear]

We have done this before and it is SO good to do. It is so fun finding a "special gift" and then finding lots of fun things to take up the space perfectly. Little boys love those snakes at party stores that are 33 cents and they take up almost no space. We did toothbrush, soap, etc too...but I like to make sure they are jam packed. I don't think we will do it this year because we might be movign and we have put our entire life on hold right now...but it is a fabulous program. The videos always make me bawl at church-embarrassing!

[aidan&logansmommy]

We do this every year and our church sends volunteers to the warehouse in Boone to help prepare the boxes for shipping. It is an awesome program, and a great way to teach our children about giving, as well as the true meaning of Christmas. Aidan loves to help pick out items for our boxes and pack them with me.

[treasurehouse]

We do this every year. It is a great way to teach our children about the true meaning of Christmas, giving from the heart not getting. It is a way to share our many blessings. Like the other posters, we too stockpile things all year to use in the shoeboxes. The back to school sales are great things to gather for the boxes (pencils, earasers, pencil sharpeners, pens, small notepads, crayons, ect....)

[Brandi0329]

Our family has decided to do as many boxes as we can this year but I need some ideas for cheap/free stuff to put in the boxes. If you are not familiar with the boxes it is where they ask for shoeboxes full of everything from toys to tolietries for children around the world including the US that would not receive anything for Christmas. But just like everyone else we are hurting this but I think it is extremely important this year so my kids understand that there are people hurting worse then us. Anyway, I need ideas for free and cheap stuff. Any ideas would help.

Thanks
Brandi

[OttoFamily]

not really sure about ideas - but could you post more information about this program. What a great way for my kids to give to other kids this holiday season!!!!