Choose from the age/sex categories below and make up your box appropriately. We have also listed some ideas for items you might include in your box.
The Labels/tags button will take you to printable labels that you can stick on the lid of your box and so tell us who your present is for.
The suggestions below are not exhaustive and you don’t have to put all these things in, but please try to include the following in every box you make: toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, sweets, toy (for children), scarf, gloves and hat.
We always need more boxes for older boys and men.
Things to consider when preparing your box:
Variety – something warm, something fun, toiletries, sweets etc.
Condition – new or nearly new in good, working order
Quality – “would I be happy to receive this box..?” All boxes are checked and unsuitable items removed (see below).
If you make your shipping donation online, we will e-mail you a printable confirmation slip which you will need to put inside your box.
Suggestions for items to include in your Christmas box
Please note items that should not be put in your Christmas boxes at the foot of this page.
BOY
0-1
GIRL
0-1
Hat/mits/booties, baby soap, baby wipes, soft toy, small blanket, dummies, rattle, other toy suitable for age, baby-grow…
BOY
2-3
GIRL
2-3
Hat/scarf/gloves, socks, other clothing (t-shirts, pyjamas, underwear), soft toy, doll, other toys suitable for age, colouring pencils, colouring book, small ball, toothbrush and toothpaste (appropriate for age), soap, face cloth…
BOY
4-6
GIRL
4-6
Hat/scarf/gloves, socks, clothing (t-shirt, pyjamas, underwear), soft toy, doll, other toy suitable for age (e.g. yo-yo, very simple craft, foam aeroplane etc.), stickers, chalk, colouring pencils, colouring book, pencil case, other stationery, small ball, jigsaw, small vehicles/figures, hair accessories, comb/brush, sweets/chocolate, toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, face cloth…
BOY
7-10
GIRL
7-10
Hat/scarf/gloves, socks, clothing (t-shirt, pyjamas, underwear), soft toy, doll, other toy suitable for age (e.g. Lego, yo-yo, very simple craft, foam aeroplane etc.), skip rope, marbles, watch, stickers, colouring pencils, colouring book, pencil case, other stationery, small ball, jigsaw, small vehicles/figures, hair accessories, comb/brush, fun makeup, sweets/chocolate (wrapped), toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, face cloth…
BOY
11-15
GIRL
11-15
Hat/scarf/gloves, socks, (t-shirt, pyjamas, underwear), toy appropriate for age (e.g. yo-yo, simple craft, foam aeroplane, simple lego/construction toy etc.), stickers, stationery, note book, pencil case, small ball, jigsaw, small vehicles/figures, hair accessories, bag/purse, comb/brush, fun makeup, jewellery, sweets/chocolate (wrapped), toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant (roll on), face cloth…
MAN
WOMAN
Hat/scarf/gloves, belt, socks, stationery, note book, tin cup, dominoes, jigsaw, playing cards, small tools (no blades), wind-up torch, candles, sewing kit, hair accessories, bag/purse, comb/brush, perfume, makeup, jewellery, sweets/chocolate, wash-bag, razor (packaged), toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, face cloth…
Enjoy making up your Christmas boxes!
Items we cannot accept:
All boxes are opened and unsuitable contents are removed before shipping, so please help us by not including any of the items listed here.
Foodstuffs (apart from wrapped sweets/chocolate)
Books in English
Items which rely on someone reading instructions, e.g. a complex toy or puzzle/game
Battery operated toys
Aerosols
Talcum powder
Medicines
Seeds
Broken, dirty, or obviously well-used items
Bulk items
We would love to receive items in bulk, if that’s the way you would like to support the appeal. This list gives you an idea of the sort of things we are looking for. Please bring or send your items, by the second Friday in Nov, to us at:
Contact Rich on 01722 580192 or rich.parsons@houseofopportunity.org
Clothes
Gloves, hats, scarves
Stationery
Colouring books, colouring pencils, notebooks, pens
Sweets
Toiletries
Disposable razors, facecloths, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving gel, soap
Toys
Small dolls or teddies, small vehicles, Lego