Going on holiday to cuba what would local people like as small gifts?

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Richard K

Lots of small stuff from the dollar store for kids, pencils, crayons, ball caps, toiletries for women and men, also t-shirts, shorts, running shoes and other gently used but not abused clothing. all that is appreciated and of course don't be shy and remember to tip your servers, the beach guy who gets your lounger for you, towel man etc. etc.

Tropicales

It would be very kind and generous of you to bring some little gifts with you. Dollar store items are good to bring such as pens, pencils, paper, erasers, and little supplies like this. It's very helpful for the children too. Not all dollar store items are disrespectful and bad quality...
Also, feminine products would be very much appreciated by the women. Makeup such as eyeliners, lipstick, eye shadow...things like this are also appreciated and loved. Band-aids, aspirin, lotions, etc would be helpful for them.

If you have any clothing that is still in good condition that you can spare are helpful for them too...running shoes and jeans are hard to come by as well.
But in all honesty, they appreciate your kindness and friendship and if you give these gifts genuinely, they will not feel offended or demeaned in any way.
Other things are toys for children, samples of perfumes and aftershaves, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, magazines, sunglasses, sun lotions.....
Some of the things can even be from what you have left and do not wish to take back home with you.

You will make wonderful friends and they will ever forget you. When you go back, they will remember you. The attendants, waiters/waitresses, and many other friends you meet there will appreciate this. The last time I was there, even one of the girls at the airport asked about eyeliners and pens. So basically, whomever you feel you would like to give, feel free to give.
It's too bad others' comments were very negative and disrespectful.

It's really nice of you to want to do that...very generous of you.
Have an amazing time in Cuba.

â™¥deb bâ™¥

Yes , toiletries are very expensive over there so things like toothpaste, soap, toothbrushes, deodrant, shampoo etc is always appreciated.

thinkingtime

Don't take dollar store items.Take good quality that lasts. These are gifts of respect.

BlueLadyBlue R

I just came back. They would love tylenol,,aspirin, hairclips bandaids, socks you know the anklets, small toys for children, paper books, pens pencils. I brought all of that and ended up giving them other things as well. They are wonderful people those cubans. Warm sincere and honest. Have a great holiday.

Santero

Toiletries are very appreciated: perfume, lipstick, nail polish, shampoo, moisturizing cream, etc.

Clothing is very appreciated. Bring along your old Shoes, T-Shirts, Jeans, and everything you don't need anymore.

Electronics are very apreciated as well. (old CD-Players, Cellphones, etc.)

Leave them your medicine articles before you go home!

Chocolate and chewing gums, etc.

Basically they can use everything you give them. The above are only the most common things. Use your fantasy and surprise them.

Have fun!

Smirkz

Cash will always be graciously taken. I've brought make up, nail polish...Tylenol is difficult for them to get so is baby powder and old cell phones. Canadian ones work on their network. Children's medicine is also greatly appreciated. Don't forget to tip the gardeners. Last year I gave a group of them each a gently used baseball cap and we had fresh flowers in our room everyday! I gave the cooks and dishwashers small travel sized containers of hand creme they loved that and my food was always ready and hotter than others that ordered ahead of me. Nice soaps too are hard for them to get. Be gracious when giving clothing or shoes. You can always ask them if they know anyone who might be able to use these items. That way its not like they're taking charity.

milty12345

CIGGARRSSS too bad u arnt even allowed to bring much back.

By them a small bracelet or something god the are cheap down there and its cool to say u have something from cuba!!!

Rolf W

Personally I think it is in poor taste to do this. The Cuban people are proud and independant and some may consider it presumptuous to to go as a tourist and assume they want something from you. However; if you meet a family and they invite you into their domain, you could do something out of appreciation; give them your email or home add. to keep in touch.
Now; if you were in uganda.... But thats another world.

harry k

Hey Gomez, the gringo's going to Cuba and acting obnoxious aren't Americans. They are Brits and Canadians. It's illegal for Americans to go to Cuba.

You should direct your bile to the appropriate offenders.

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