How to make a 12 days of Christmas Box :
Below some guidance on how to make a box :
You can download written instructions on how
to make up a box by clicking on this PDF form
You can also download it in coloured picture version-
much more fun and ideal for children and adults alike
Step 1: Pick up an empty box -see above for a link to a location close to you. If you need lots of boxes, please contact us directly via the contact button on top of the page.
Drop off your completed box by the 15th of November at the latest or get in touch if you would like us to pick it up.
Step 2: Choose who you are making the box for :
Boxes can be made for children and adults, boys, girls, men and women. Please choose who you would like to make a box for. Here are our age categories:
- 1-5 years
-
5-11 years
-
12-16 years
-
17 years and above
Choosing who you are making the box for
will help you select appropriate presents
and make it much more fun
Wondering about making a box for a teenager, but not sure what to get?
Some amazing teenagers have sent us photos and brief descriptions of presents they chose for themselves and therefore think someone their age might like too. (between £3- £8). Check them out here:
Teenagers: We would love your help to post more gift ideas for teenagers- please click the button : 'Gift ideas for teenagers' to find out more details.
Step 3 : Choose your 12 gifts - here are some ideas
1 x Item of clothing (hat, socks, scarf, gloves)
1 x Item of toiletries
2 x Seasonal foods such as Christmas biscuits, panettone, chocolate coins,
gingerbread, chocolate Santa, Christmas log etc.
2 x Other special foods treats such as chocolates, a tin of salmon, cheese biscuits, sweets, crisps, nuts, chutney, special pasta, biscuits (or more seasonal foods)
3 x Christmas items e.g. Christmas tree decorations, crackers, fairy lights, tinsel, seasonal serviettes
3 x Presents e.g. toys, games, books, candles, art and craft materials, make-up or anything additional from the above categories
Step 4: Please add £3
Last year, with this money (plus other donations), we were able to cover all our costs and buy additional presents to make up our total of 400 boxes.
Things to consider when choosing your gifts:
-
No fresh foods or foods that need refrigerating (or lovely home-made treats)
-
Shelf dates lasting until at least mid January
-
Nothing containing alcohol - watch out for alcohol in Xmas cakes, chocolates etc
-
Please do not wrap your presents as we need to double check the boxes
And here the same instructions in the fabulous coloured picture version
designed by Emma Aldrich
Q: Can I use my own box and envelope?
Of course, that is absolutely fine too and will save you having to pick up a box.
When we come to sorting out the boxes we will transfer your gifts into one of 'our' boxes, which are approx 46cm x 31cm x 26cm. This will allow us to stack and transport them safely to the Ryedale Community Foodbank hubs.
You can still drop off your box at one of the designated places.
Some feedback from people who made boxes last year
From a grandma who made a box for a boy aged 5-11
" I went shopping with my grandson and together we chose the 12 items. My grandson loved thinking about the boy. He had chosen to make a box for a boy his age. This helped him decide what the little boy might like. He even said that he had wanted a new lego-set but decided to give it to the little boy instead as it was a bit expensive. We both had so much fun"
A lady making a box for a teenage girl
"I really wanted to make a box for a teenage girl as I so much feel for young girls who are struggling. I think it must be so hard for them and I wanted her to feel that someone in the community was thinking of her"
A family who made a box for a boy
"We decided to go shopping during half term. My two boys agreed to each pay for one present and my partner and I paid for the other items. We all had a real sense of Christmas spirit which so easily gets lost amongst all the hustle and bustle of Christmas."