How to make crafts for young children?

When I taught the littles we used to make pinecone bird feeders with festive ribbons so the kids could take them home and decorate the trees outside as "gifts" for the animals. You can make them with shortening or suet instead of peanut butter if there are nut allergy concerns. All the supplies could be easily wrapped individually in zip bags and fit in the box. Perhaps it will work for you...

What a wonderful idea. I had never heard of shoe boxes for Christmas. I just googled it. Also very thoughtful of you all to keep the spirit of Christmas in mind while helping those of other faiths. What a great message for the kids! Maybe finger puppets, hair bows, friendship bracelets, those iron bead kids with a little note from the kid who made it saying why they chose it (chose a heart to say "love," etc.). Good luck!

https://www.facebook.com/craftingforshoeboxes

https://www.pinterest.com/danfan72/shoebox-craft-ideas-operation-christmas-child/?lp=true

http://www.simplyshoeboxes.com/2013/11/diy-crafts-for-shoe-boxes-how-tos-and.html

https://za.pinterest.com/santashoebox/

http://faithfulprovisions.com/101-operation-christmas-child-shoebox-ideas/

Here are a few more sites:

https://www.laurengreutman.com/8-things-not-to-put-in-an-operation-christmas-child-shoebox-and-lots-more-you-should/

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/what-goes-in-my-shoebox-suggestions/

Dollar stores will have great items. Crayons and coloring books, puzzles, water color paints, jump rope, simple games like tic tackle toe, etc. I would toss in colorful socks, tooth brush, ribbons and bows for girls.

What a great idea! And it looks like you got some good suggestions.

Yarn necklaces with beads paint sea shells for trinket trays for by the sink for rings