Simple Gifts to Send to International Sponsored Children

As a sponsor of several international children, in Colombia, the Philippines, and now Tanzania, I can't wait for my mailbox to bring a simple crayon sketch or letter from my sponsored child. When I send my child letters, I always try to include something to brighten their day as well.

Organizations like World Vision and Compassion International hook charitable families up with children in need around the world. In these child sponsorship ministries the sponsors are encouraged to build relationships with the children through letter-writing and prayer. The letters, these organizations say, are just as important as the money because they teach children the simple truth that they matter. Children born into poverty often believe no one cares whether they live or die.

However, many sponsors, like me, find themselves wanting to send more than just a letter. We see cute toys, necessary clothing and other items we know our children and their families would love, but sending even small gifts overseas can be difficult. Tough customs regulations and high duties on imported gifts can cost charity organizations out-of-pocket money to forward large items to sponsored children. Also, large items run the risk of theft before they even get to the organization's in-country workers, and the majority of the letters are carried by hand or on bicycle to the sponsored communities, making larger items impractical.

There are some simple, paper-based gift ideas you can enclosed in normal letters to entertain and educate your child without causing stress on the organization.

First, remember to keep everything as small and thin as possible. The general guidelines for enclosed items should be smaller than 8 ½ x 11 inches and less than 1/8 inch thick. That may seem very restrictive, but a little creativity goes a long way.

Paper dolls with national outfits from your child's native country are a great interactive gift that fits in the guidelines. You can include an additional outfit from other countries or make your own clothes to send for the doll in future letters.

Make a small photo album with pictures of you, your family, pets, and scenery. Be aware that standards of modesty are tighter in many of these countries, so avoid pictures of bathing suits or other scanty clothing. Also, avoid sending pictures or writing about your material possessions. Focus on the simple things, like your rose garden, new puppy or children playing in the snow. Fold three sheet of construction paper in half and staple to form a thin book. Glue the photos inside for a keepsake your sponsored child will treasure and show off.

Stickers are one of the easiest and cheapest gifts to include. You can send a sheet with each letter. Look for designs that will interest your child, like soccer balls, dolls, flowers, or safari animals. Remember, sports like football and characters like High School Musical may not be as familiar in your child's country, but you can also send them as a fun way to introduce your child to them.

For another spin on stickers, send your child a few colorful band-aids in different sizes.

Sponsored children like crafts like any other child, so send half-sized sheets of construction paper, scrapbook paper, or textured origami paper.

Educate your sponsored child about the plants and flowers you grow with laminated, pressed/dried flowers. Purchase clear plastic laminating sheets at any craft store. Place the pressed/dried flowers between them to seal.

Companies like Dover Press publish small, skinny coloring books, sticker book and reading books. Just double-check the length and thickness. Very thin, skinny books should pass inspection with no problem.

Finally, look for small posters that will fit the guidelines. Pages from magazines or mini-posters showing nature scenes from the United States or your child's country are a great way for her to learn geography.

Items to avoid include anything metal, perishable food items like gum or chocolate, or anything else that does not fit the size guidelines.

If your sponsorship organization has assigned your child a number for their records, include your child's number on every piece you send with the letter to make sure it reaches them.