I did not realize how organized and dedicated you are to these shoeboxes. Your organization area is top notch. God bless you and each and every one of the children for which you prepare boxes.
This kind of video is wonderful. Thanks for the insight into your process of packing. 🙂 I'm fascinated by how easily you manage to wrap a box in wrapping paper. 👏
You are welcome, Elena. Don’t forget that wrapping process was sped up x10 😂. I have to admit, though, I have wrapped so many shoeboxes for a OCC over the years that I could wrap them blindfolded 😄
Great video, Trish! My favorite part was the organization of your OCC room espcially the door organization. As you already know, i also love packing in multiples so I do similar packing - it's just easier to pack in multiple sometimes. Love those coloring books, and totes. Great inside lid cover. 4 adorable shoeboxes, Trish. Thanks for sharing! 👶👶👶👶
As a huge doll lover I loved these boxes Trish and the swaddling well what can I say I have struggled big time doing it BUT watching you do it gave me inspiration so baby dolls and blankets on my shopping list. Thank you for all you do I so appreciate it. Your skill at packing your boxes goes beyond words and I learn something new every time. I might be old but I’m always learning. God Bless You.🏴🌈🌻
Oh, I am the same way, Margaret. I am old, but I learn something new almost every day. Sometimes it’s from packing my own boxes or filming videos 😆. I am so happy to hear you enjoyed the video and it was helpful for you. FYI, I’ve done a video on how I gift wrap shoeboxes with an attached lid. The link to it is in the video description of this video and my last dozen, or so. I will include the link in all my video descriptions going forward, as I keep hearing so many people have difficulty wrapping them. Have a lovey 4th🎇
This video was the most helpful of all of your videos I've watched since finding your channel. I've begun collecting for my first year as a shoebox creator and donator but have limited space. Love the shoe bag on the door idea! I read through your comments on this video and found the answer to "Where do you get your boxes?" also loved your reply to the person who didn't think some items were age appropriate. I will now re-think how and what I pack. Your channel should be required viewing for anyone / any group beginning with Operation Christmas Child! Thank you!
Oh, goodness! What a lovely and sweet comment! Thank you so much. I appreciate hearing that. Now you’ve peaked my curiosity because I can’t remember what my response was to that person so I have to go back and read it, L O L. 🥰
Your videos are full of helpful information. I love packing for the little kids. I'm fairly new to your channel & enjoyed seeing you pull items from your stash & how you store/organize
Oh, thanks, Susan. I actually did a UA-cam video back in 2021 “how to gift wrap a shoebox with attached lid”. I recently started including the link to that video in the video description of all my videos, if you’d like some instruction at regular speed 😆.
Thanks, Tray. The shoe bag rack idea was inspired by Val from V Swain’s Shoebox Sundays. She told me she organizes a lot of her smaller OCC things, like jewelry and underwear in hanging organization bags (the type you put in your closet). I got some of those, too. The are much shorter than the shoe bags and are supposed to be for lingerie, but I filled them with fidget toys and jewelry. I found the hanging shoe bags to be the most functional and hold the most product, though. I’m storing hygiene items in one, on one side of the door, and school supplies in another on the other side of the door. It works fabulously! I love them. Got them cheap on Shein. They were on sale, less 15% code, less my rewards…cheap! The only issue with the shoe bags is that you’ve got to have the doors to hang them on, whereas the closet organization bags hang on a closet rod.
i do identical unthemed boxes every year. I know in advance that I will do 12 boys 2-4, 12 boys 10-14, 12 girls 2-4, 12 girls 10-14. After I finish my 48 and save for shipping, anything else is for filler. It helps me keep organized.
These boxes turned out adorable!! It was so cool to see your packing process. When I pack my baby doll boxes, I'm going to go back to this video to relearn how to swaddle them. You make it look so easy! Thank you for all of the inspiration! 💗
These boxes were so much fun to pack since they were all the same. Once I figured out how to fit the first one, the following 3 were a breeze! So how many did you pack last night? 😆
Sweet baby doll Shoeboxes! The swaddled baby dolls with the outfits are my faves in the boxes. I love the shoeboxes you used. Several different family and friends have given me those same shoeboxes with the runners printed on them. I love them! To me, they are a perfect size lol- just a tad bigger than a GO box.
Thank you Val. The outfits were a last minute inclusion. As it turns out, I had exactly 4 outfits in my stash left over from last year. TFW my friend 🥰
wonderful blessings! seeing you gift wrap is a bonus for me, i love pretty paper! it was fun to watch, 4 little mommas are going to be so happy! thanks Trish! 💖💖💖
Thanks, Niki. Well, you saw me a gift wrap at 10x the speed 😆. If you ever need to watch at regular speed, I do have a “How to gift wrap a shoebox with attached lid” video. I’ve been including the link in the description of my last dozen, or so, videos. Have a happy 4th 🎇
Great job Trish! The baby dolls are so cute and a great deal. Nice tutorial on the swaddling. I like that these were no theme yet full of great quality items. I agree about the DT blankets. They are very nice and I’ve washed one over and over on purpose. The hold up well and minimal balls accumulate. TFS!
Thank you, Jeannie. Good to know about the DT baby blankets holding up. I only know from how they look and feel. I was quite impressed. Have a happy 4th 🎇
This was so helpful. I have many of the same things you’ve packed. As an OB RN the swaddle was the only thing I did well. How you packed showed me the best way to pack the baby doll. Thank you!
That was a fun video to watch. Such sweet baby doll boxes! With July looming, l'm ready to start bulk packing as well. It's a really satisfying feeling when you can move more stash into boxes at once. 😄
Thank you, Denise. It really was very satisfying to pack 4 at a time and to rehome 4 baby dolls. They are big ‘uns, though. I really couldn’t fit too much else besides the doll in each box, but I think 4 little girls are going to be over the moon with their doll and baby blanket that I don’t think they will notice 😉
Excellent shoeboxes and video, Trish. I have a bunch of these baby dolls, but always thought I couldn't send the full size blanket along. Your swaddling instruction was very helpful. I also love the idea of giving baby dolls there own stuffy. I do have some small, inexpensive ones that I didn't love the quality... but this may be a great solution, as I can still send along a nicer one for the child. I did send some of these dolls last year and needed a good size box. Can I ask about doll clothing sets: Did you buy in store or online and if so, where did you purchase? I didn't have an extra set of clothes last year. Thanks for taking your time to share your ideas and techniques. BTW, you are much more organized than me. Have a blessed 4th.😊
Thanks, Lolly. That’s how I felt about those little bears that I packed for the dolls. I got them at Dollar General for $.10 each after Valentine’s Day. They aren’t the best quality, but I knew they would come in handy for something and figured I couldn’t go wrong for $.10 each. If nothing else, I would have stuffed them in a pencil pack 😄. The doll clothes were purchased on Amazon by viewers from my wishlist last year. They are two different brands. The two pants/top styles w/hat & hood are from ebuddy. The pack came with 3 outfits (7 pcs) and, IMO, were the best fit and quality for the 12” dolls. However, the set is currently unavailable. The other brand is ARTST (red/wht polka dot dress & pink/yellow unicorn dress) and came with 7 outfits, mostly dresses. Those are available, however, they are not actually for 12” dolls. I used them last year on 8” and 10” dolls, but the two dresses that I had left, that I put in this shoebox, were the biggest fit, and worked ok with the 12” dolls. They were a snug fit, but they fit. I added the links for both brands/sets of doll clothing to the video description. I honestly wouldn’t recommend the ARTST for the 12” dolls, though. Hopefully, the eBuddy styles will come back in stock. Have a great holiday, Lolly 🎇
@@byrdfeed9071 I so appreciate your taking the time to let me know about the doll clothes. I will be on the lookout for the better fitting ones you mentioned. This year, I really would like to send an extra outfit, and I will be copying your blanket swaddle and added stuffy for the doll. Love the box!
Of course I thought the dolls were cute, but your little outfits for the girls were very cute as well! I liked the second box with the blue items best 😍
Thanks, Angie. What’s funny is that 3 of those baby dolls could have been boy, baby dolls, because their outfits were gray or blue, and the top of each of their bottles was blue. So, when I purchased the blankets, I made sure to purchase 3 colors and prints for boy dolls. Then when I was digging through my stash, I found the leftover baby doll outfits, but, of course, they were all girl doll outfits 😬. That kind of foiled my plan of having 3 boy, baby dolls, LOL. So, 3 of the little girls who receive these gifts can pretend their baby doll is a boy one day and a girl, the next 😂😂
Great video Trish! 4 blessings for 4 precious girls! My favorite was the outfit for each baby! Where did you find those? Adorable! Great job getting those Walgreens babies in! They are big! They will be so loved! I bet it felt so good to get those all packed up! Oh and I’m always impressed with your box wrapping! I’m not so good at that! 😅 Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful weekend! ❤👶🍼
Thanks, Denise. You’re not kidding! Those babies are big! Bigger than I thought. Thank goodness they are soft bodied. Otherwise, I don’t think they would fit in a 12 inch box. Yes, it feels fantastic to get them all rehomed to 4 little girls who I know will love them. The doll clothing was on my Amazon wish list last year. Two different brands, 3 outfits from ebuddy and 7 outfits from ARTST. The ones from ebuddy are the nicest quality and fit the 12 inch dolls, best, IMO, but are currently unavailable. I will add the links to the video description.
I just realized the ARTST clothes are for 8-10” dolls, which is why they don’t fit the 12” doll as well as ebuddy, which is for a 12” doll. I had some 8 inch dolls last year that I used the ARTST for, but they were really too big for 8”.
I love your heart for blessing children you do not know. I would consider in the future looking for baby dolls with darker skin tones. Also, please consider this: The $9 (or whatever the current shipping and handling rate is) per box could possibly do much more good helping parents in the receiving countries to get vocational training or to purchase a goat or chickens, etc., or to provide a microloan to begin a business. That would allow the parents the DIGNITY of purchasing items for their own children. Or the collective funds could be put toward sponsoring a child or financing a community well for clean drinking water - a natural bridge to a local missionary teaching about the Living Water. Aside from the shipping costs, the donors who put the boxes together could very possibly make their contribution go further by allowing a reputable mission agency purchase the items at wholesale cost to be distributed by local missionaries. Whenever we’re purchasing items for the shoeboxes from Dollar Tree or Hobby Lobby or wherever, a portion of the purchase price is profit for that store.
Thank you so much, Lynn. I totally understand your concern and I used to feel the same way about the doll’s skin color. I always pick up dark skinned dolls, whenever I see them, and I actually do pack more dark skinned dolls than I do light. These particular 4 shoeboxes just happen to have the light skinned, baby dolls that I had remaining in my stash this year. However, not all my shoeboxes go to countries in which skin color is predominantly dark. Half of my boxes often go to Ukraine each year (at least for the past three years in a row ). So, I don’t worry too much about the doll’s skin color anymore, particularly after hearing directly from 2 different missionaries, not to be concerned about doll's skin color, because no matter the child’s skin color, it’s the blonde haired, blue eyed dolls, which are often the most popular, even amongst the darkest skinned children. The important thing is that they are receiving love and a toy from a complete stranger, arranged by Jesus. All your points regarding physical aid are excellent ones, and I appreciate your heart. There is so much need in the world. Food, clothing, shelter, and financial aid are some of those needs and Samaritans Purse does an excellent job with that. Love, hope and spiritual are other great needs, which is where Operation Christmas Child excels. Samaritan’s Purse does provide physical aid to victims of war, natural disasters, disease, famine, poverty and persecution, in more than 100 countries throughout the world. Operation Christmas Child, however, is a project of Samaritans Purse, but collects and delivers gift filled shoeboxes to children around the world to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way. The OCC project is not meant to be aid or charity. The shoebox gifts are meant to have an eternal impact. Delivered into the hands of children through local churches, every shoebox gift is an opportunity to share about Jesus Christ and God‘s love. The love of humanity is displayed in many forms. I choose to practice my philanthropy through spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.
Thank you for your response. I appreciate your heart, too. I am VERY familiar with the work of SP and OCC. Years ago our family participated. It's just that over the years I've come to learn more from other missionaries (who are not connected to OCC) that our boxes aren't always received as well as OCC media and staff portrays. You are correct, the love of humanity is displayed in many forms. There are many ways of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ! I'm just wondering if our philanthropy would be more effective in another form. What if some of the funds used for shipping these shoeboxes around the world were instead used to do something very similar within North America? What if we were to spread the love of Jesus (in a shoebox form) to children in the hospital, foster care, or impoverished school districts? Everyone needs to hear the Good News of Jesus, not just those in other countries. I'm just questioning if we could be better stewards of the gifts. We could still bring joy to the kids who are supposed to receive the shoeboxes, but what if instead of spending so much in the shipping, we allow missionaries already there to do something that would spread joy and Jesus? I get it. The shopping, finding good deals, making up theme boxes, wrapping, etc. is fun. My kids loved doing that 15-20 years ago. When one of them realized that the recipient might not even know what to do with some of the items, it was eye-opening. Sending one stick of deodorant to a kid doesn't really make sense. What happens when it's gone and they have no way of getting more? Sorry for my rambling. I just have wrestled with this for years and have found alternative organizations that, in my opinion, use my donations in a more stewardly way. Blessings to you as you follow where God is leading you to give. Sorry if I stepped on toes. @@byrdfeed9071
Those particular boxes, yes. Last year I befriended an asst store manager at DSW, who was happy to collect boxes for a week for me. She did the same for me this year. Out of the many, many shoe stores I have approached, she has been the only one willing to do this. It’s something they have to make a conscious effort to do, because most shoe store associates are taught to immediately break down any shoeboxes that customers do not take with them. So, some stores view it as an inconvenience to them to have to remember to save them, but this manager at DSW has been very accommodating. She even tries to save me the sizes I specify. Many of my shoeboxes, however, I have collected over the years by placing an ad on NextDoor each year. The ad explains what I need the boxes for and I include a picture of the wrapped shoeboxes and one with toys and such in it. My area neighbors have been very helpful in donating shoeboxes to me over the last 3 years. My family also saves them for me. I’ve collected hundreds.
Hi Christina. What I like to pay depends on my need, but if I am purchasing just because they are a fantastic deal and/or to beef up my stash, they really have to be a “can’t walk away” price. That’s what these were. I did not need baby dolls, nor was I looking for any, but these were on sale at Walgreens for the “can’t walk away price” of $2.39 each last December (12/15). (December is usually a good time to purchase toys.)
11.01.2023 I haven't watched the whole video yet, but I don''t believe you'll be able to pack all that in 1 box. I've packed several boxes, there's much less room than you think. Also, some of those items didn't seem appropriate for 2-4 yr olds. 🤔 A 2-4 yr old doesn't need a large lined notebook &/or school supplies. 😵💫 I'll continue to use my own judgement in packing, but thanks anyway.
Thanks for your comment. Yes, you should definitely pack the way you feel lead, but if you watched the whole video, you would have seen that I easily fit all of that into each of 4 standard shoeboxes. A child receives only one OCC shoebox in a lifetime. Paper, whether lined or solid can be used to doodle and draw on. Something a 2-4-year-old loves to do. A notebook can also be saved for the next year or so when a child will go to school. Also, many times a 5 to 9-year-old might receive a box intended for a 2-4-year-old. That has happened to several of my boxes after hearing from the recipient. Thank God I included school supplies and a notebook. If it was not for the school supplies that 8 year old child would not have had too much else in the box to get excited about.
This was so fun to watch! I loved seeing your process, your wrapping, your swaddling, your packing! Thanks for sharing such cute boxes with us. 💞
Thank you, Debra. Glad you enjoyed. That makes me happy! 😁
I did not realize how organized and dedicated you are to these shoeboxes. Your organization area is top notch. God bless you and each and every one of the children for which you prepare boxes.
Thank you so much! 🤗
This kind of video is wonderful. Thanks for the insight into your process of packing. 🙂 I'm fascinated by how easily you manage to wrap a box in wrapping paper. 👏
You are welcome, Elena. Don’t forget that wrapping process was sped up x10 😂. I have to admit, though, I have wrapped so many shoeboxes for a OCC over the years that I could wrap them blindfolded 😄
I’m happy for the little girls that will get this gifts I am sure they will love it !!!!!!
Thanks for watching ❤🎉
😊
A+ swaddling from a L&D nurse! 😌 I love this type of video with your thought process, organization, and strategic positioning of every item! TFS
Hee hee, thanks for the vote of confidence, Kadie Bopp. Glad you enjoyed the video. I appreciate your sweet comment.
Great video, Trish! My favorite part was the organization of your OCC room espcially the door organization. As you already know, i also love packing in multiples so I do similar packing - it's just easier to pack in multiple sometimes. Love those coloring books, and totes. Great inside lid cover. 4 adorable shoeboxes, Trish. Thanks for sharing! 👶👶👶👶
Thanks, Sharon. Yes, you are the queen of packing in multiples. I hope we get to see some of your OCC shoeboxes soon. 🥰
As a huge doll lover I loved these boxes Trish and the swaddling well what can I say I have struggled big time doing it BUT watching you do it gave me inspiration so baby dolls and blankets on my shopping list. Thank you for all you do I so appreciate it. Your skill at packing your boxes goes beyond words and I learn something new every time. I might be old but I’m always learning. God Bless You.🏴🌈🌻
Oh, I am the same way, Margaret. I am old, but I learn something new almost every day. Sometimes it’s from packing my own boxes or filming videos 😆. I am so happy to hear you enjoyed the video and it was helpful for you. FYI, I’ve done a video on how I gift wrap shoeboxes with an attached lid. The link to it is in the video description of this video and my last dozen, or so. I will include the link in all my video descriptions going forward, as I keep hearing so many people have difficulty wrapping them. Have a lovey 4th🎇
I love baby dolls
And so will be’s little girls 🥰
Where did you get all the baby dolls from
Walgreens. They were on sale two weeks prior to Christmas for $2.39 each.
That was fun to watch. Great job. Adorable boxes!! They will be loved!!😊
Yes, I think so, too. thanks, Anne. 🥰
Love the idea of shoe holders to store school supplies😎
They work great for all sorts of things. I love them. 🥰
You did an excellent job swaddling 😉I'm sure the girls will love the babies. Thank you for teaching & sharing your video.
Thank you, Christine. You’re welcome. 🥰
What a perfect box! You are amazing at this!
This video was the most helpful of all of your videos I've watched since finding your channel. I've begun collecting for my first year as a shoebox creator and donator but have limited space. Love the shoe bag on the door idea! I read through your comments on this video and found the answer to "Where do you get your boxes?" also loved your reply to the person who didn't think some items were age appropriate. I will now re-think how and what I pack. Your channel should be required viewing for anyone / any group beginning with Operation Christmas Child! Thank you!
Oh, goodness! What a lovely and sweet comment! Thank you so much. I appreciate hearing that. Now you’ve peaked my curiosity because I can’t remember what my response was to that person so I have to go back and read it, L O L. 🥰
This was fun! Thanks for sharing the swaddling tips and really enjoyed seeing everything you include w/ this age. Great job!
Thanks, Morgan 🥰
Your videos are full of helpful information. I love packing for the little kids. I'm fairly new to your channel & enjoyed seeing you pull items from your stash & how you store/organize
Thanks, Deborah. Welcome to my channel. I’m thrilled to have you here 🥰
Love those full boxes for little girls. I keep getting more and more ideas from you. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Karen. I wish I could be there to see the look on four little girls faces when they see their new baby dolls. Thanks for watching 🥰
I actually loved watching you wrap the box. I am always trying to find better and faster ways to wrap the boxes,
Oh, thanks, Susan. I actually did a UA-cam video back in 2021 “how to gift wrap a shoebox with attached lid”. I recently started including the link to that video in the video description of all my videos, if you’d like some instruction at regular speed 😆.
oh Trish I love the shoe bag rack idea!! these are such cute boxes! love the steps!
Thanks, Tray. The shoe bag rack idea was inspired by Val from V Swain’s Shoebox Sundays. She told me she organizes a lot of her smaller OCC things, like jewelry and underwear in hanging organization bags (the type you put in your closet). I got some of those, too. The are much shorter than the shoe bags and are supposed to be for lingerie, but I filled them with fidget toys and jewelry. I found the hanging shoe bags to be the most functional and hold the most product, though. I’m storing hygiene items in one, on one side of the door, and school supplies in another on the other side of the door. It works fabulously! I love them. Got them cheap on Shein. They were on sale, less 15% code, less my rewards…cheap! The only issue with the shoe bags is that you’ve got to have the doors to hang them on, whereas the closet organization bags hang on a closet rod.
@@byrdfeed9071 I think they have them at my dollarstore, or they used to. I need a room just for this project and sewing
Thank you! I am binge watching these videos😊
You’re welcome, Peg. Have fun. 🥰
That's fun. You do like I do and take a shopping bag to the storage area =)
Haha, yeah, but I don’t often pack 4 boxes at a time, so I had to make two trips, LOL. TFW, Theresa 🥰
i do identical unthemed boxes every year. I know in advance that I will do 12 boys 2-4, 12 boys 10-14, 12 girls 2-4, 12 girls 10-14. After I finish my 48 and save for shipping, anything else is for filler. It helps me keep organized.
👍👍 Awesome plan!! I love your routine, Sheila!! ❤️❤️❤️ Keep up the good work.
These boxes turned out adorable!! It was so cool to see your packing process. When I pack my baby doll boxes, I'm going to go back to this video to relearn how to swaddle them. You make it look so easy! Thank you for all of the inspiration! 💗
Oh, you are so welcome, Kayla. Glad you enjoyed.
your organization system is awesome.
Oh, thanks. It works! I’m lucky to have a basement. 🥰
Love this video, makes me want to pack a couple boxes when I get home tonight!
These boxes were so much fun to pack since they were all the same. Once I figured out how to fit the first one, the following 3 were a breeze! So how many did you pack last night? 😆
None, I fell asleep on the couch.
Sweet baby doll Shoeboxes! The swaddled baby dolls with the outfits are my faves in the boxes. I love the shoeboxes you used. Several different family and friends have given me those same shoeboxes with the runners printed on them. I love them! To me, they are a perfect size lol- just a tad bigger than a GO box.
Thank you Val. The outfits were a last minute inclusion. As it turns out, I had exactly 4 outfits in my stash left over from last year. TFW my friend 🥰
wonderful blessings! seeing you gift wrap is a bonus for me, i love pretty paper! it was fun to watch, 4 little mommas are going to be so happy! thanks Trish! 💖💖💖
Thanks, Niki. Well, you saw me a gift wrap at 10x the speed 😆. If you ever need to watch at regular speed, I do have a “How to gift wrap a shoebox with attached lid” video. I’ve been including the link in the description of my last dozen, or so, videos. Have a happy 4th 🎇
@@byrdfeed9071 yes, i've seen it! the neat and crisp edges are 😍😍😍 ! half the fun of Christmas for me is gift wrapping! 🤭
Great job Trish! The baby dolls are so cute and a great deal. Nice tutorial on the swaddling. I like that these were no theme yet full of great quality items. I agree about the DT blankets. They are very nice and I’ve washed one over and over on purpose. The hold up well and minimal balls accumulate. TFS!
Thank you, Jeannie. Good to know about the DT baby blankets holding up. I only know from how they look and feel. I was quite impressed. Have a happy 4th 🎇
Great ideas!
Very sweet boxes!
Thank you, Rachel 🥰
Loved seeing your organizing ideas
Thanks for watching, Elaine 🥰
This was so helpful. I have many of the same things you’ve packed. As an OB RN the swaddle was the only thing I did well. How you packed showed me the best way to pack the baby doll. Thank you!
You are welcome, Mel. I’m so glad it was helpful. Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment 🥰
Adorable baby dolls and outfits for the dolls and girls really nice boxes thanks for sharing with us i love seeing everyone's boxes
Thanks, Donna. Glad you enjoyed. Happy 4th 🎇
So creative and sweet ❤
Thank you, Jessica. I’m glad you enjoyed. 🥰
That was a fun video to watch. Such sweet baby doll boxes! With July looming, l'm ready to start bulk packing as well. It's a really satisfying feeling when you can move more stash into boxes at once. 😄
Thank you, Denise. It really was very satisfying to pack 4 at a time and to rehome 4 baby dolls. They are big ‘uns, though. I really couldn’t fit too much else besides the doll in each box, but I think 4 little girls are going to be over the moon with their doll and baby blanket that I don’t think they will notice 😉
Love it those boxes were just to cute I love watching how easy it seem to wrap your boxes
Thanks, Melinda. I have wrapped so many OCC shoeboxes over the years, I could do it blindfolded 😆😂
Amazing boxes! the baby dolls are a HUGE wow item!
HUGE is right!! They were a tight fit in those shoeboxes. 😂 A huge wow is a good thing, though 😉
Excellent shoeboxes and video, Trish. I have a bunch of these baby dolls, but always thought I couldn't send the full size blanket along. Your swaddling instruction was very helpful. I also love the idea of giving baby dolls there own stuffy. I do have some small, inexpensive ones that I didn't love the quality... but this may be a great solution, as I can still send along a nicer one for the child. I did send some of these dolls last year and needed a good size box. Can I ask about doll clothing sets: Did you buy in store or online and if so, where did you purchase? I didn't have an extra set of clothes last year. Thanks for taking your time to share your ideas and techniques. BTW, you are much more organized than me. Have a blessed 4th.😊
Thanks, Lolly. That’s how I felt about those little bears that I packed for the dolls. I got them at Dollar General for $.10 each after Valentine’s Day. They aren’t the best quality, but I knew they would come in handy for something and figured I couldn’t go wrong for $.10 each. If nothing else, I would have stuffed them in a pencil pack 😄. The doll clothes were purchased on Amazon by viewers from my wishlist last year. They are two different brands. The two pants/top styles w/hat & hood are from ebuddy. The pack came with 3 outfits (7 pcs) and, IMO, were the best fit and quality for the 12” dolls. However, the set is currently unavailable. The other brand is ARTST (red/wht polka dot dress & pink/yellow unicorn dress) and came with 7 outfits, mostly dresses. Those are available, however, they are not actually for 12” dolls. I used them last year on 8” and 10” dolls, but the two dresses that I had left, that I put in this shoebox, were the biggest fit, and worked ok with the 12” dolls. They were a snug fit, but they fit. I added the links for both brands/sets of doll clothing to the video description. I honestly wouldn’t recommend the ARTST for the 12” dolls, though. Hopefully, the eBuddy styles will come back in stock. Have a great holiday, Lolly 🎇
@@byrdfeed9071 I so appreciate your taking the time to let me know about the doll clothes. I will be on the lookout for the better fitting ones you mentioned. This year, I really would like to send an extra outfit, and I will be copying your blanket swaddle and added stuffy for the doll. Love the box!
👏👏👏
Of course I thought the dolls were cute, but your little outfits for the girls were very cute as well! I liked the second box with the blue items best 😍
Thanks, Angie. What’s funny is that 3 of those baby dolls could have been boy, baby dolls, because their outfits were gray or blue, and the top of each of their bottles was blue. So, when I purchased the blankets, I made sure to purchase 3 colors and prints for boy dolls. Then when I was digging through my stash, I found the leftover baby doll outfits, but, of course, they were all girl doll outfits 😬. That kind of foiled my plan of having 3 boy, baby dolls, LOL. So, 3 of the little girls who receive these gifts can pretend their baby doll is a boy one day and a girl, the next 😂😂
Great video Trish! 4 blessings for 4 precious girls! My favorite was the outfit for each baby! Where did you find those? Adorable! Great job getting those Walgreens babies in! They are big! They will be so loved! I bet it felt so good to get those all packed up! Oh and I’m always impressed with your box wrapping! I’m not so good at that! 😅 Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful weekend! ❤👶🍼
Thanks, Denise. You’re not kidding! Those babies are big! Bigger than I thought. Thank goodness they are soft bodied. Otherwise, I don’t think they would fit in a 12 inch box. Yes, it feels fantastic to get them all rehomed to 4 little girls who I know will love them. The doll clothing was on my Amazon wish list last year. Two different brands, 3 outfits from ebuddy and 7 outfits from ARTST. The ones from ebuddy are the nicest quality and fit the 12 inch dolls, best, IMO, but are currently unavailable. I will add the links to the video description.
I just realized the ARTST clothes are for 8-10” dolls, which is why they don’t fit the 12” doll as well as ebuddy, which is for a 12” doll. I had some 8 inch dolls last year that I used the ARTST for, but they were really too big for 8”.
Thank you for the video. Great tips. I was wondering where you got the outfits for the baby dolls?
Thanks, Stephanie. The outfits were purchased on Amazon, but they are no longer available ☹️
@@byrdfeed9071 Thank you for answering my question. The outfits are really cute.
I love your heart for blessing children you do not know. I would consider in the future looking for baby dolls with darker skin tones.
Also, please consider this: The $9 (or whatever the current shipping and handling rate is) per box could possibly do much more good helping parents in the receiving countries to get vocational training or to purchase a goat or chickens, etc., or to provide a microloan to begin a business. That would allow the parents the DIGNITY of purchasing items for their own children. Or the collective funds could be put toward sponsoring a child or financing a community well for clean drinking water - a natural bridge to a local missionary teaching about the Living Water.
Aside from the shipping costs, the donors who put the boxes together could very possibly make their contribution go further by allowing a reputable mission agency purchase the items at wholesale cost to be distributed by local missionaries. Whenever we’re purchasing items for the shoeboxes from Dollar Tree or Hobby Lobby or wherever, a portion of the purchase price is profit for that store.
Thank you so much, Lynn. I totally understand your concern and I used to feel the same way about the doll’s skin color. I always pick up dark skinned dolls, whenever I see them, and I actually do pack more dark skinned dolls than I do light. These particular 4 shoeboxes just happen to have the light skinned, baby dolls that I had remaining in my stash this year. However, not all my shoeboxes go to countries in which skin color is predominantly dark. Half of my boxes often go to Ukraine each year (at least for the past three years in a row ). So, I don’t worry too much about the doll’s skin color anymore, particularly after hearing directly from 2 different missionaries, not to be concerned about doll's skin color, because no matter the child’s skin color, it’s the blonde haired, blue eyed dolls, which are often the most popular, even amongst the darkest skinned children. The important thing is that they are receiving love and a toy from a complete stranger, arranged by Jesus.
All your points regarding physical aid are excellent ones, and I appreciate your heart. There is so much need in the world. Food, clothing, shelter, and financial aid are some of those needs and Samaritans Purse does an excellent job with that. Love, hope and spiritual are other great needs, which is where Operation Christmas Child excels.
Samaritan’s Purse does provide physical aid to victims of war, natural disasters, disease, famine, poverty and persecution, in more than 100 countries throughout the world. Operation Christmas Child, however, is a project of Samaritans Purse, but collects and delivers gift filled shoeboxes to children around the world to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way. The OCC project is not meant to be aid or charity. The shoebox gifts are meant to have an eternal impact. Delivered into the hands of children through local churches, every shoebox gift is an opportunity to share about Jesus Christ and God‘s love.
The love of humanity is displayed in many forms. I choose to practice my philanthropy through spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.
Thank you for your response. I appreciate your heart, too. I am VERY familiar with the work of SP and OCC. Years ago our family participated. It's just that over the years I've come to learn more from other missionaries (who are not connected to OCC) that our boxes aren't always received as well as OCC media and staff portrays.
You are correct, the love of humanity is displayed in many forms. There are many ways of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ! I'm just wondering if our philanthropy would be more effective in another form.
What if some of the funds used for shipping these shoeboxes around the world were instead used to do something very similar within North America? What if we were to spread the love of Jesus (in a shoebox form) to children in the hospital, foster care, or impoverished school districts? Everyone needs to hear the Good News of Jesus, not just those in other countries.
I'm just questioning if we could be better stewards of the gifts. We could still bring joy to the kids who are supposed to receive the shoeboxes, but what if instead of spending so much in the shipping, we allow missionaries already there to do something that would spread joy and Jesus?
I get it. The shopping, finding good deals, making up theme boxes, wrapping, etc. is fun. My kids loved doing that 15-20 years ago. When one of them realized that the recipient might not even know what to do with some of the items, it was eye-opening. Sending one stick of deodorant to a kid doesn't really make sense. What happens when it's gone and they have no way of getting more?
Sorry for my rambling. I just have wrestled with this for years and have found alternative organizations that, in my opinion, use my donations in a more stewardly way.
Blessings to you as you follow where God is leading you to give. Sorry if I stepped on toes.
@@byrdfeed9071
Wouldn't a smaller unlined notebook be better,one they can use for writing and drawing?
Not necessarily. I think the important thing is that they get some sort of paper. Thanks for watching.
Do you get the shoe boxes donated from local shoe stores?
Those particular boxes, yes. Last year I befriended an asst store manager at DSW, who was happy to collect boxes for a week for me. She did the same for me this year. Out of the many, many shoe stores I have approached, she has been the only one willing to do this. It’s something they have to make a conscious effort to do, because most shoe store associates are taught to immediately break down any shoeboxes that customers do not take with them. So, some stores view it as an inconvenience to them to have to remember to save them, but this manager at DSW has been very accommodating. She even tries to save me the sizes I specify.
Many of my shoeboxes, however, I have collected over the years by placing an ad on NextDoor each year. The ad explains what I need the boxes for and I include a picture of the wrapped shoeboxes and one with toys and such in it. My area neighbors have been very helpful in donating shoeboxes to me over the last 3 years. My family also saves them for me. I’ve collected hundreds.
What is the price you like to pay for those babies? Trying to figure out what is a good price.
Hi Christina. What I like to pay depends on my need, but if I am purchasing just because they are a fantastic deal and/or to beef up my stash, they really have to be a “can’t walk away” price. That’s what these were. I did not need baby dolls, nor was I looking for any, but these were on sale at Walgreens for the “can’t walk away price” of $2.39 each last December (12/15). (December is usually a good time to purchase toys.)
11.01.2023
I haven't watched the whole video yet, but I don''t believe you'll be able to pack all that in 1 box. I've packed several boxes, there's much less room than you think.
Also, some of those items didn't seem appropriate for 2-4 yr olds. 🤔
A 2-4 yr old doesn't need a large lined notebook &/or school supplies. 😵💫
I'll continue to use my own judgement in packing, but thanks anyway.
Thanks for your comment. Yes, you should definitely pack the way you feel lead, but if you watched the whole video, you would have seen that I easily fit all of that into each of 4 standard shoeboxes. A child receives only one OCC shoebox in a lifetime. Paper, whether lined or solid can be used to doodle and draw on. Something a 2-4-year-old loves to do. A notebook can also be saved for the next year or so when a child will go to school. Also, many times a 5 to 9-year-old might receive a box intended for a 2-4-year-old. That has happened to several of my boxes after hearing from the recipient. Thank God I included school supplies and a notebook. If it was not for the school supplies that 8 year old child would not have had too much else in the box to get excited about.