Another year and I thought I’d see if I could still fill a shoebox for £10.00.  I’m pleased to say yes you can!  It is getting tougher and there are fewer extra items, but if you use some of the suggestions in the fill a shoebox for free page, you should be able to pack a shoebox full of great gifts.

As with last year’s challenge, the First Family box is filled with bargains that I’ve picked up during the year, so some items will no longer be available or will be more expensive. 

I start out with the minimum requirements based on the Link to Hope leaflet and show the total for the minimum requirements, i.e. the 6 essential items and 5 additional items. I always try to add at least 4 toothbrushes in my family boxes, as I want more of the family to receive a toothbrush but that’s not a requirement, you could add less.

The first photo shows the 6 essential items and the second the 5 additional items.

As this came to under £5.00 that left plenty of money to add extra items.

The full box with all the items in.

Second family box

The second box is packed with items available in September, October – but Temu prices fluctuate.  As with last year I’ve assumed the soft toy would be £1.00 and the one I’ve included did cost £1.00, but you may be able to find them cheaper in some charity shops. 

This still leaves over £3.00 to add some extra items to bring more joy to a family.

The full box with all the items in. 

I’m sure any family would be pleased to receive this Shoebox.  You could use some of the ideas from the Fill a Shoebox for free article, https://bramleybuttons.co.uk/shoebox-challenge-2025 or even if you have to buy wool, you can still get wool for around £1.00 that would be enough to knit a couple of beanie hats.  I would probably add more sweets to this box, but there are lots of combinations to make a wonderful shoebox for a family.