5 Simple Steps to Shoebox Success

It's Easy to Turn an Empty Shoebox into a Beautiful Gift!

1. Decorate your empty Shoebox

  • Please wrap the top and bottom of the Shoebox separately. If you have trouble, watch a tutorial.
  • Don’t have enough empty Shoeboxes lying around?  Consider picking up decorative boxes from a dollar store or craft store.
  • Please use standard sized Shoeboxes, not oversized boot boxes or child-sized boxes. We want everyone to receive a gift similar in size and value.
  • Use good quality paper and avoid using bows and intricate ribbon, as boxes are usually stacked on top of one another and undergo some degree of wear and tear during transport
Tip: Shoeboxes that come in two-pieces are much easier to wrap then the one-piece boxes with lids that fold over.

2. Fill your Shoebox

​Each shoebox...
  • must be valued at approximately $50 -- see our guidelines for what you cannot and can include in your Shoebox 
  • can be lined with tissue paper first for a more polished, elegant look
  • should not be overstuffed: Please make sure the lid fits on properly and doesn’t pop off
  • should not contain items that are overly delicate and could be broken in transit​
​Tip: The high quality of our gifts is an important element that sets The Shoebox Project apart from other donations the shelters receive throughout the year. Select only items that you would like to receive as a gift or items that you might purchase for a relative or a close friend, NOT discarded, used or expired items from years past, hotel toiletries, cosmetic samples or daily necessities such as pads and tampons.

When we deliver your donated Shoeboxes, we want the women to feel:
- they are receiving a bit of luxury, not daily necessities; and,
- the way they would when they receive a gift from a friend, not charity.  
Items to include:
These are some suggested items to include as they can make the recipient feel special and loved!
  • ​Something pretty: nail polish lipstick , lip gloss, lip balm, mascara, eye liner, eye shadow, blush - do not include foundations
  •  Something warm: mittens, gloves, scarf, toque, socks, hand warmers
  •  Something special: gift cards , movie passes  (Please write the amount on the card or include the receipt), costume jewelry (i.e. earrings, bracelet, necklace), accessories  
  • Something personal: body wash, shower gel, shampoo & conditioner, dry shampoo, hair oil treatment, in-shower hair treatment, comb, brush 
  • Something fun: small colouring book, coloured pencil crayons, small journal, small pens, playing cards, travel-size game
  • Something practical: Presto card, sunscreen, small cosmetic bag, makeup removing cloths, cleansing facial wipes/cloths, face cleanser, nail polish remover and cotton pads, purse-sized Kleenex, purse-size mirror   
  • Something soothing: body lotion/cream, hand lotion/cream, foot cream, face masks (i.e. clay, overnight),face and body scrub/treatment, face serums/tonics, sleep mask, specialty teas 
  •  Something sweet: nut-free candy, nut-free chocolate  (without alcohol) 
  • For more details, click here
Please do NOT include:
  • Used or old/expired goods - anything which has been held in a home for years and has surpassed its  expiration date (i.e. cosmetics, shampoo, lotions etc.)  
  • Anything opened/not packaged
  • Any item from a second-hand or thrift shop
  • Items you have secured from the home of a pack rat or hoarder 
  • Old, unpackaged jewelry 
  • Hotel toiletries and free samples (i.e. Cosmetic company promotions) Many of the women who will receive your gift struggle with self-esteem issues. Seeing "not for sale" or "free" on a gift does not send a kind message.
  • Anything containing alcohol (i.e. Mouthwash, nail polish remover, hand sanitizer, chocolates, first aid kits) 
  • Anything containing nuts (i.e. candy, chocolates)
  • Feminine hygiene products or any other necessities  (i.e. Pads, tampons, panty liners, band-aids, first aid kits, deodorant etc.)
  • Candles, matches, lighters  
  • Perfume or scents of any kind as most shelters are scent-free 
  • Anything sharp that could be used to do self-harm (i.e. razors, manicure sets, tweezers, scissors) 
  • Foundations or concealers
  • Anything for a bathtub (i.e. Bubble bath or bath bombs), as most shelters do not have bathtubs
  • Jumbo-sized items or bulk-size containers that take up almost an entire Shoebox (i.e. shampoo, conditioner, lotions)
  • Anything religious in nature (i.e. Books, cards etc.)
  • Books 
  • Sized clothing  (i.e. S, M, L, XL) should not be included because beautiful women come in all different sizes

3. Write an Inspirational Message

4. Drop it off

Our Ottawa Shoebox Project drop-off locations open Tuesday, November 12, 2019 and close Sunday, December 15, 2019. We will not accept Shoeoboxes after December 15. There will be no exceptions. 

Please click here for a full list of our  Ottawa drop-off locations. 

Please note: We do not issue charitable tax receipts for donations of Shoebox gifts.

Tip: If you plan to drop-off at one of our public drop-off locations more than 50 Shoeboxes at a time, please contact us.

5. Don't forget to share!

It's fun to share photos of your Shoebox or your Shoebox Making Party on social media. Remember to use the hashtags #ShoeboxProjectOttawa and #ShoeboxProject.