Christmas in a Shoebox: How to Pack Joy for Children Worldwide

What is “Christmas in a Shoebox”?
This global initiative provides children in need with a personalized Christmas gift. In addition to German-speaking countries, nations such as Australia, New Zealand, Finland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Spain, South Korea, and the United States participate in the campaign. The goal is to deliver high-quality packages that convey respect and dignity. Many children are especially delighted by the smell of something new, as it conveys a sense of being valued.

Why a Shoebox? Practical Reasons for the Size
The shoebox, measuring 30 x 20 x 10 cm, is ideal for two important reasons. First, the uniform size ensures a fair distribution of gifts. Children receive similar packages, which prevents them from making uncomfortable comparisons. Second, more boxes of the same size fit into a truck. This significantly reduces transportation costs and makes logistics more efficient.

New gifts to make children’s eyes light up: What should you put inside?
Pack only new gifts in the shoebox. This is crucial because the import regulations of many recipient countries prohibit used items. These include, for example, used shoes of all sizes, clothing for children ages 0–3, and used toys.
Each package should contain a “WOW gift” that will really delight a child. Supplement this with other useful items such as hygiene products (toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.), school supplies (pens, erasers, pencil sharpeners, etc.), and clothing (cap, gloves, scarf, etc.). For a personal touch, include a greeting (in English) and/or a photo (voluntarily).
Trained volunteers inspect every box. They remove any items that do not meet the guidelines and donate them to charity. Volunteers fill any half-empty boxes with donated items. Please follow the packing instructions to ensure your package arrives as intended.

Choose your gift recipient: boy or girl, young or old?
You decide whether you’d like to pack a shoebox for a boy or a girl and select an age group between 0 and 14 years old. Experience has shown that boys between the ages of 10 and 14 are the least likely to receive gifts. Girls between the ages of 5 and 9, on the other hand, receive the most packages. If you don’t have a preference, we recommend giving gifts to older boys. They’ll be happy to receive, for example, school supplies, warm clothing, a cool stuffed animal, a toy car, or a ball.

Drop-off: When and where?
This year’s drop-off week takes place from November 9 to 16, 2026. During this time, you can drop off your packed shoebox at one of the thousands of drop-off locations in German-speaking countries.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Package
1. Decorate the shoebox: Decorate a shoebox (30x20x10 cm) with wrapping paper and attach the appropriate labels.
2. Pack new gifts: Fill the box with a “WOW gift” and other new items (hygiene products, school supplies, clothing).
3. Greeting & photo: Include a personal greeting (in English) and/or a photo. (optional)
4. Drop off the shoebox: Secure the box with just a rubber band and take it to a drop-off location.

More Than Just Gifts: A Global Movement
“Christmas in a Shoebox” is much more than just shipping packages. It is a movement that trains and supports thousands of volunteers. Volunteers ensure that every package brings joy and meets all import regulations. Logistics companies transport the packages safely to their destination. Public relations efforts raise awareness about the impact of the campaign and inspire new volunteers to pack boxes.