Does anyone know of any trinkets I could bring to Jamaica that the locals would love.?

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Island Girl

Man these Jamaicans are antsy! LOL

I would also say trinkets is a strange word because it implies a small a small trvial trifle of little value. No matter where they live, which grown adult do you know who would want that?

I believe the more appropriate term is a token... as in a token of appreciation. Make sure you say that when giving the gift...Jamaicans love to use that term as if to be self effacing and endearing at the same time. Token usually means a small but valuable gift that is not too expensive and is given to express some positive feeling or sentiment.

My family and friends loves colognes and perfumes - personal toiletries. I get the ones in the smaller bottles. I also buy Victoria's Secrets body wash, lotions and body sprays en masse when they are on sale and distribute liberally. Depending on the recipient books of inspiration, e.g. daily readers, can be good as can be self help and motivational books or religious paraphanalia eg prayer wall plaque. If its a more upscale crowd some good samples of unique foods may be interesting. People may also appreciate scented candle sets and unique gift soaps.

Many ordinary Jamaicans have acces to these foreign things anyways, albeit more expensive, and will just appreciate your gift if it is sincere and of good quality. Honestly, we are offended by foreigners giving us cheap goods as if we nuh use to nuttin good. So the number one rule to follow is that if you wouldn't give it to someone in your home country don't expect Jamaicans to appreciate. Even if they are poor like people everywhere they have their self respect.

I also like the sugestion of taking school supplies and think many basic or primary schools would appreciate a gift of this kind. Its not a personal token but will certainly help in a bigger cause.

Enjoy your trip.

Serendipity

I suggest you tip generously whenever possible. Everyone, everywhere needs money. You might consider taking school supplies, crayons, paint sets, coloring books, little toys for children, but I don't like the idea of "trinkets" for adults. If you want to give a gift, I suggest a gift bag filled with nice toiletries, lotions, perfumes, soaps,etc for the ladies and perhaps shaving cream, cologne, etc. for the gentlemen. Respect.

tyrone c

we arnt poor and desperate darling.... You can give the same things to them as u would in your country

hello

listen most people live a very good life in jamaica, like myself, like every other country we have poor people, so dont come and treat us as if we are desparate or as if we are all suffering. volunteer your consideration at a childrens home or something BUT never give a ''trinket'' to some body like that.

not bcuz we are black that means we are poor. the media has already done bad by highlighting all the negatives esp. about jamaica.

so dont bring something to the country buy something to support the craft vendors and our economy and take back to your home as souvenirs. they need $

â™¥JAMAICAN â™¥

globar

Beads and blankets ..you are kidding right ? trinkets ? what do you think Jamaicans are backwards natives ?

Soccer (football) balls, jerseys, soccer(football) boots, socks. The kids love them and so do the adults! Very nice of you to want to do something for others. Make sure Tyrone doesn't get any....he wouldn't appreciate it.

Tyrone: YOU might not be desperate, but I have spent time with many from areas all over Jamaica that suffer.

The Muse

Because most everything has to be brought by boat or plane, it's all very expensive compared to what we pay on the mainland, just like the expense of things in Puerto Rico or Hawaii. Any cosmetics or toiletries for the ladies would be appreciated. Please take skin tones into consideration if you're getting things like lipsticks. Lip balms with SPF are a great idea for anyone. Sports equipment like basketballs and baseballs would be popular, too. Just remember to take pumps for the basketballs. The climate (heat) may make them swell and if you let out too much air, you need to re-inflate them until they equalize.

jalady

I believe a gift box of assorted cheeses. Some have cans of ham in them, honey roasted peanuts.....Food is very expensive there. Some things like that, they may be able to find easily.
On my last trip, that is what was most appreciated there.

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