As with the family box, I’ve challenged myself to see if I can fill an elderly shoebox for under £10.00. 

The first box is filled with items I’ve bought throughout the year.  If you follow my monthly blogs, then hopefully you’ve managed to pick up some of the bargains.

The Link to Hope leaflet outlines 6 essential items they would like every box to contain and then ask you to add at least 5 other items. 

So yes, it is possible to produce a shoebox that meets the minimum requirements for well under £10.00. 

However, as that leaves over £4.00, I’ve used the remaining money to make the box extra special. 

The additional items are listed below.

That comes to a combined total of £9.97 and I’m sure it would be really appreciated by anyone receiving it.

Full shoebox with the basic shoebox and extra items combined.

Second Elderly Shoebox Challenge – filled with items available in September and October 2026.

The initial table and photos show the costs for the minimum contents for an elderly shoebox.  That’s 6 essential and 5 additional items.

The hairbrush in this box is actually cheaper than the one in the first box.  You can only buy one at this price on Temu with the particular seller.  This is the cheapest I’ve seen this style of folding hairbrush this year.  You also need to bear in mind that you need to spend £15.00 to get free postage on Temu and Amazon Haul.

As the total is £6.52 this still leaves over £3.00 to add some extra items to make the box special.

That comes to a total of £9.97.  Although I’m sure any recipient would be pleased with the basic box, the extra items make the box extra special. 

If you shop around, it’s possible to fill a shoebox without having to spend too much.  If you combine these suggestions with suggestions from my fill a shoebox for free https://bramleybuttons.co.uk/how-to-fill-a-shoebox-for-free-2026 you could produce a really full cost-effective shoebox.