Fitting a Chess or Game in an Operation Christmas Child Go Shoebox

Sometimes I want to send something in a shoebox I pack for Samaritain's Purse's Operation Christmas Child, but have a hard time figuring out how to get it to fit in the box.  So, I thought I'd share ideas and tips I've learned in this series of posts about making it fit.  So today, I'll share about chess and/or checkers games.  

Sometimes you just can't fit them in standard shoeboxes depending on the board, and sometimes they come packaged in such a way you can just pop them in like this one from Dollar Tree (affiliate link).   Or you can craft one from cloth, so it'd be soft and fit in just fine.

For others the board is folded and could fit easily in the box, but the packaging cannot.  So first step is to get it out of the packaging,  But we want to be sure no pieces are lost in packing, transit, processing, and the child unpacking.  You also want to be sure they know they go together.  A simple zippered plastic bag will wok, or for a more permanent option-a sewn bag is great!

I'm currently hoping to find simple, illustrated instructions with minimal text of how to play both games to include when I send them.

This post contained affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, this helps me afford the time to write this blog and keep up the Facebook page.  

Size of OCC Shoebox Items

As another year of shopping for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes begins, it's time to think about what we're buying.  We make lists.  We also have to make decisions on individual items.  We make these based on appropriateness, quality, cost, etc.  Another thing to consider is size.  We have a limited amount of room to fill, and some things are just too big to start with.  Others just take up a lot of room.  While it's important  to have a "Wow" item something nice sized (we're instructed as a first step to "select a medium to large 'wow' item"),  there is also an advantage to small items.  Maybe our Wow item or just our lists of "must send" or something that was laid on our heart, or we found to send took up too much room, and we have trouble fitting everything in, that's when finding small things can help.  I tend to send mainly mid-sized items, but always like some small things to tuck in the corners and holes, it lets me put more things in, and gives them something to share if they should so desire.

As an example, I packed two shoeboxes, with the exact same list of items inside, just different sizes of those items.  Here's a mini and a massive box packed as an example (NOT actually sent).

Now, I think all of these items are great things to put in shoeboxes-almost all were just pulled out of shoebox packing stash, had their photo taken, and went back to be packed in shoeboxes in a more mixed manner.  I just don't think they should all be put together like this because it makes one box too big (I'm not even sure it would fit in the shipping carton) and one too small.  Operation Christmas Child tells us to "Start with an average-size cardboard or plastic shoebox."  and as you can see below, compared to an official OCC Go Box, they're nowhere near average.  The small one is a third the size of a Go Box, and the large boot one, the size of three!

Also, if you're curious, this is what the boxes looked like inside (remember, neither of these were sent, just put together as an example.

Now sometimes a larger item has obvious advantages of durability-how long the child will be able to use them:

Some things, it doesn't really matter about the size, for instance nail clips, so getting the smallest we can will give us more room.



And, sometimes, the smaller version of an item may actually be the more sturdy option.  Like this Hotwheel car that's die-cast compared to all plastic.

Here's a size comparison of the various items by category (with a list of what was included)

And, finally, just a cute photo of the dinosaurs for size comparison!

Removing Packaging to Fit In a Go Box through Operation Christmas Child

One of the things I struggle with when packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child is being able to send everything I would like to in the box.  In the past I've sometimes packed larger boxes, but the more I've learned the more I realized the importance of using normal sized boxes, the more I worked on learning more ways to get things to fit.  One of the biggest things I've learned is to remove packaging.  This also helps reduce trash int he receiving countries (which often don't have good infrastructure), and opening tricky containers

If you left all the items above in their packaging, they'd fill the giant silver boot box...which is a bit too big!  I'm not even sure the big box would fit in the shipping carton.

Here's what went in from the different categories:

Fitting a puzzle in an OCC Go Shoebox

Sometimes I want to send something in a shoebox I pack for Samaritain's Purse's Operation Christmas Child, but have a hard time figuring out how to get it to fit in the shoebox.  So, I thought I'd share ideas and tips I've learned in this series of posts about making it fit in an OCC shoebox.  So today, I'll share about fitting puzzles in boxes.

The first thought might just be to open the puzzle box, take out the bag of pieces,

Fitting a Spiral Notebook in an OCC Go Shoebox

One important thing to send in Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes is school supplies.   One thing we always like to include with that, is lined paper.  One of the most cost effective and substantial ways to include that is with a spiral notebook.  There's even a great story about recipients and their notebooks: Shanika & Sherika -and- the Notebooks.   However...it can be hard to figure out how to make them fit, but once you know the trick, it's pretty easy.  There are actually two schools of thought.

First, some people put them in the bottom of the shoebox, and then pack on top of

What Kind of Shoeboxes to Use for Packing OCC Shoebox Gifts

So, we all read about packing Operation Christmas Child "shoeboxes", but what exactly does that mean?  Should I use normal shoeboxes, boot boxes, plastic shoeboxes, GO Box, or will just a normal box do?  In the USA, Operation Christmas Child gives these guidelines on shoeboxes:

"Operation Christmas Child ...we prefer medium-sized shoeboxes, since more of these fit in our larger shipping containers, which helps us maximize your shipping donation. This also helps ensure children receive similar sized shoebox gifts at outreach events. We do accept and ship every shoebox we receive, regardless of size." (OCC Facebook page)

So, let's look at some of the options.

GO Box

(Theses are often available at local churches, Christian stores, etc.  You can also order

How to Pack a FULL OCC Go Box for a 10-14 Year Old Girl

One problem I run into when packing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, is how to fit in everything I want to send.  A shoebox just doesn't seem to hold everything I want to give to the child.  Over the years I've learned some things to help me fit more things in, and love testing to figure out new ways to make things fit.  So I thought I'd share some things I've learned in case it could help someone else!  You can see in the photo at left everything I got in this one box.  Here's a list of what fit in (in no particular order):

1. Pencils-14
2. Puzzle

How to Pack More into Less Space in an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox ~ Guest Post

One of my greatest "trials" in packing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes is fitting in everything I want to send-lol! So, I'm always trying to figure out how to get one more thing in. I love to hear other's ideas on the subject, and as there doesn't seem to be much out there on fitting more in OCC GO shoeboxes, I decided to start a series of posts on it. The first is a guest post I asked Amy Lukens to write!

How to Pack More into Less

You Really Can Fit a Lot into the Preprinted Boxes.

By Amy Lukens

Just as any of you reading this, packing shoeboxes is my passion. I am an Operation Christmas Child Area Coordinator in the Upper Midwest Region and have been packing shoeboxes for over 15 years. Lots of practice and natural spatial awareness have helped me to figure out ways to pack a lot in a little shoebox.

Before I go any further, I want to point out that this is how I pack my boxes. It is not the “right” way to pack. God has placed certain items on my heart to pack or not pack. He may have placed different items on your heart and that is perfect. The shoeboxes go to a variety of children with different needs and wants. Also I do pack mostly in OCC’s Preprinted boxes, but I will also pack a slightly larger box if needed. Certain items like teenage boy’s tennis shoes will not fit into the Preprinted boxes no matter how much you try. I will pack a little larger box such as a 6qt plastic box if necessary.

Here is how I pack my shoeboxes:

1. Remove packaging!

"Nesting" When Packing Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes

I've posted a couple times (here & here) about how to get more to fit in your Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes by removing packaging.  Today I'd like to share another way we fit more in.  I've decided to term it "nesting" for lack of a better term.  It is the idea of putting one shoebox item inside another one.  I first really got into doing this when I had a couple small puzzles to send...didn't really want to take it out of the box as I had with toys, but it seemed to take up too much

Removing Packaging when Packing Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes

So...have you ever wondered how to get more items in your Operation Christmas Child shoebox?   I think many of us have more things we'd like to send then we can fit.  Well, one good first step is to remove extra packaging.  I mentioned this in a post last year, and gave one example.  But thought I'd share some more info, ideas, etc.

This came to mind recently when I came across this "Lego" type kit on clearance-the box was WAY to big to fit in any shoebox I'd use to send, but I shook it and it felt small inside so I got it-turns out I was right, I slide the instructions and pieces into a small zippered bag and it took up ver little room in the Go Box, you can see it overwhelmed it before.  I may cut the image off the box and tape it in the lid or line the bottom so they can see what it's supposed to be, but as it has instructions I'm not too worried.  Alternatives to a zippered plastic bag would be to buy small purse, pencil case, etc. or you could sew a small drawstring bag or crochet a small drawstring bag as well.

Thanks to Debora Clark photo from processing center

That's obviously one big item, but here's an example of how much room a few smaller items left in packaging can take up.  This is a box that came through the Dallas Processing Center.  Looks like a cute box-toys, hygiene & candy items that we can see, plus lined with tissue paper-supper cute & thoughtful idea.  It even looks pretty full...but if you took those candy canes out of their box and double bagged them, took the doll off the blister pack back, you could fit in even more (& sending more is always one of my goals!! :) ) This also is a good illustration as it shows one thing I might not take out of packaging-toothbrush.  There's no hard and fast rule on this, but personally I wouldn't take it out of packaging unless I had a cap or case to put it in, or maybe if it was a multipack I might put it in a ZipLock type bag, but I don't think I'd send it lose.

Removing packaging is something that I hesitated about doing for some time as I was concerned about it looking new, but I've learned as long as it looks new it's not necessary, and I can fit so much more in, plus they often don't have a good way to throw away trash in other countries.

A few questions I consider when removing packaging:

1. Does it need the packaging (or replacement packaging like a zipper sealed bag, or sewn bag) to keep it in good condition?  Like the toothbrush I mentioned above, or some doll's hair may get rumbled if not tied back
2. Does it need the packaging (or replacement packaging) to keep the other shoebox items safe?  For instance scissors that might open and cut something or toothpaste that might squeeze out.  Or soap, always needs bagged.
3. Does it need the packaging (or replacement packaging) to keep it together, small pieces from being lost (Lego kits, etc.)
4. Does it need the packaging to identify it? Maybe soap or something like that.
5. Does it need the packaging, or at least part of it to explain it.  For instance some games, puzzles, etc.  Most Lego type kits should come with instructions, but some times the packaging can show something else to build with the same pieces.  If it needs only part of the packaging, you can cut it off and send just the needed part, or like I've done with puzzles before, keep the box but tuck other items in.

Unless the answer to one of those questions is yes, and there's not a better replacement packaging, I'd like to encourage you to consider removing it.  I'd like to close with this video I found to be a good illustration of this principle.

You may want to check out our posts in the series:  Making More Fit in Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes.  And if are wondering what type of shoebox you can use?  Check out our post:  What Type of Box to Use for Operation Christmas Child.

Reducing Packaging for More Room in an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox

We are always trying to find more room in an Operation Christmas Child shoebox.  I am sure you all do, too.  Sarah recently was working on reducing some packaging on gifts for her girls' boxes.

She cut out the image from the front of the box and included it with the pieces inside a zipper bag.

You can see from the side view how much less space will be used for this toy in the shoebox.  Sorry about the poor quality in these images, not sure why they are so dark and discolored.

Sarah has since written several posts on Making it Fit in an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox.  One of the most popular is How to Fit a Spiral Notebook in an OCC Go Box.

What ways have you found to make room in your boxes?

To Wrap or Not to Wrap! ~ Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes That Is

We have always wrapped our shoe boxes for our Operation Christmas Child shoe box gifts.  I always evaluate everything I spend time and money on.  Especially when it comes to my shoeboxes: am I spending my time & money on the best things for my shoeboxes.  Wrapping them is no different.

It does take time and money to do it, tho not much in the scheme of the complete shoe box.  Yet what could I do for the shoe box child if I didn't wrap them?  Include one more small item with the money I save?  Craft another item with the time I save?  But the bright paper and fun designs surely will brighten the child's day -- even if only for a moment, before they possibly rip it off when opening.

As you can see from this image I have compromised.  I wrap the lid only.  This way I reduce my expense of time and money by half and the child still receives a brightly colored box wrapped with love.

Ever wonder what type of box is best to pack in?  You can read Sarah's post What Type of Shoebox to Use to Pack for Operation Christmas Child for some pros and cons.

Do you wrap your boxes?  Do you find yourself evaluating everything you do?  I think I need tips on how to kick back and enjoy the process!

How To Find and Enter Blog Giveaways for Packing More Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes

This year I am depending on Blog Giveaway Wins as part of my "Packing OCC Shoeboxes For Free Experiment."  I will be seeing how many of my Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts I can pack for free.  Many readers have shown an interest in learning more about entering blog giveaways.  I will share my knowledge and personal experiences here.

Can you really win blog giveaways?  YES!!  Blog giveaways have much better odds of winning than giveaways from large companies.  But it is usually a large company sponsoring and fulfilling the prize, but less people enter on blogs.  I have entered giveaways with as little 35 entries and as many as 35,000.  My average odds are 1 in 100 chances of winning.  Check out some of my wins this past year below--they

A Surprise Source for Empty Shoeboxes to Pack for Operation Christmas Child!

Last year when we were putting on a spur of the moment Operation Christmas Child packing party for the kids at church we found we were short on shoeboxes.  We asked a friend with a small business to put out a plea on her Facebook page for empty shoe boxes.  We received several dozen.  One of her customers remembered this and when they had empty shoe boxes from their youth soccer team they sponsor they called her to ask if we wanted them.

Of course we did!  Twenty-two youth sized, sturdy boxes -- just perfect for 2 to 4 year old boy shoeboxes, I don't even plan to wrap them as they are a nice bright blue.

So if you need more empty shoeboxes for your OCC shoebox packing, check out your local youth sports teams and ask them to save them for you.  For more information on boxes to pack in check out this post:  What Types of Shoeboxes to Use for Operation Christmas Child Packing.

Tips on Writing a Letter to Include in Your Operation Christmas Child Shoebox

An important part of packing an Operation Christmas Child shoebox is a letter to the child.  It helps make the gift more than just "things" but a reminder that they are cared about.  Some recipients are in orphanages and may have no one who "belongs" to them.  We all want to feel special and that we "belong" to someone.  So, this is a great thing to include.  And if at all possible, please include a photo.  It gives them a real connection to you, helps them picture you/know you are a real

My Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Gifts Stockpile Organization

When we moved into our new home I immediately claimed the large downstairs laundry room as my Operation Christmas Child packing and crafting room. I have my sewing machine & cutting table set up so I can easily sew my pillowcase style dresses and other goodies to tuck inside my OCC shoebox gifts. My husband added the ceiling tiles so my room would be neater and cleaner and added extra lighting so it's nice and bright to work in.

There were a couple of storage closets in our new home with this white wire shelving inside that we did not want to keep so my husband removed it.  EUREKA!!  Perfect to put up around the top of the

Beanie Baby Collections for Operation Christmas Child ~ Free Collection Poster

Beanie Babies are the perfect size and quality to tuck into shoebox gifts for Operation Christmas Child.  There are thousands around the states just tucked away whose owners don't know what to do with them.  Asking for donations of them for shoe boxes has been very successful for many packers.  My daughter found these at a Hospice thrift store for 25 cents each.  And we received the Avon ones in the image below from posting a sign.  We were thrilled as we include a stuffed animal in each OCC shoebox we pack.

Avon Full O' Beans babies -- received new in packages as a donation.

I made this image for a friend to use on her small business Facebook page.  I added her business name and address.  I wanted to share it here so if anyone was interested in using it they could.  You have my permission to save this image and use it for your own Operation Christmas Child collections if it would be of help to you. Just fill in your own personal information in the Deliver To box.

You can find a second collection poster, more suitable in size for printing here:  WANTED! Poster for Beanie Babies.

We've also designed other Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Packing Printables to help you collect or pack your shoeboxes.

How to Make an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Filler Collection Box

Several years ago we wanted to collect items for packing shoeboxes in our AWANA clubs at church.  The kids' church leader wanted to have the kids pack boxes for Operation Christmas Child in their Sunday morning program and needed fillers.  So we took empty copy paper boxes and made giant wrapped shoeboxes as collection receptacles.

I cut a large hole in the top of the lid for the items to be dropped into.  I wrapped the top and bottom

Upcycling Christmas for Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Gifts

These are some ways we have up-cycled our Christmas wrappings into Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts.

These are some ways we have upcycled our Christmas morning wrappings into Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts.

• When wrapping presents, have a shoebox or two nearby--if you have a small piece left over that will be hard to save, wrap the top or bottom of

An Operation Christmas Child Christmas Themed Gift

Franklin Graham's Newly Released Book.
Proceeds go to help OCC.

Giving an Operation Christmas Child themed gift can be great for the right person.  You can give to the ministry while honoring the person.

My father in law married again after loosing his wife of 40+ years.  His new wife always dreamed of a big wedding--he planned one and gave her the wedding of her dream.  They love working with children, so much so that they had their whole Sunday school class (12 girls) as flower girls (my father in law bought all of their dresses for them).  They asked their guests to donate to their favorite ministry/charity instead of giving gifts.  In keeping with that wish, we have, over the past  nine years, tried to do their birthday and Christmas gifts in themes of giving or serving.

This past year we gave his wife a handmade tote bag (proceeds went to sponsor a Ugandan woman) filled with crafting supplies she could use with her "kids."  We also included some "fuel" for her--for snacks and Wendy's meals.  We have done several things like this, including gas cards for Dad as he works