Need Ideas for Gifts

what does your daughter know about the family? what do they do? etc? if they are well-off enough to host a student, they must have moderate means.

how about a picture frame and a promise that she'll send the family a photo after her return to the US?

or a little basket of bath soaps, etc. something somewhat useful, but also a little pretty and different too. it should cost too much?

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I know it will sound crazy but when we have traveled like this koolaid is always a hit. Frisbies are fun if their are kids. She will have to teach them but they pick it up pretty quickly. Flip flops can be a great thing if it is an especially poor area. I know a lot of the ladies I have come in contact with like nail polish. It is nice and something they can not get their hands on readily. When I went to paraguay I took knitted hats I had made (you could buy some) we went in the summer here and their winter. It was great to see all of them wearing them as we left. at the airport I took mine off and gave it away too. Hope this gives you some ideas.

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ITA with Kimberly, she had great ideas. Many children don't have proper shoes. I am not exactly sure of the conditions in Nicaragua but I started an international volunteer program in Subsarahan Africa. Make sure to bring as many pictures as possible, showing where you're from and your family. Anything distinctively American is special. School supplies are always appreciate even just pencils for a class. Books, calendars, post cards, souvenirs, hard candies, stickers... I hope that gives you some ideas!

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Flip Flops are a great gift and Old Navy has them 2 for $5.00. I also heard that the parents love coffee from America (I don't know why because it all comes from Central & South America) I know Candy from the States is always a big hit and I understand about promoting Tooth Decay but one box of Chocolates can't hurt. Also, Bring a huge bottle of Aspirin. It seems that it is hard to get Aspirin there and it is very expensive. Coloring Books and Paper or Journals is also a great idea. I hope she has a fantastic time.

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I found that the best gifts are the simple things. Like a set of pens or colorful pencils. She shouldn't give candy since it will lead to bad habits and tooth decay. It shouldn't be a surprise if her hosts decline the gift, but she should attempt to give it to them a few times. She should give the gifts in private and not in a big group where others (who won't get a gift) are around. Also, she should consider wrapping the gift if possible if she is buying the items in the States before departing.

Sometimes the best gifts are those that are chosen after she finds out what they might need. If she spends enough time with them, she could figure out what might be helpful - maybe a container of flour or sugar. Some new kitchen supplies. A hair barrette or clip for their daughter?

The best gift I gave was a small container of Tiger Balm to a porter on the Inca Trail. I walked out of my tent and found the 20 year old grasping his battered feet in pain. The Peruvian porters carry 40 pounds of gear the entire 30 miles of the Inca Trail... at least five times a month! Most of them make more than Peruvian teachers or doctors (but that isn't saying that they make a lot in global terms) and they aren't treated well by their bosses. Worst of all, they wear sandals made of old bicycle tires! The smile on his face when he first experienced the deep heat soothing of the balm will stay with me forever. He soon shared it with the other porters and the container was empty in just a day!

I hope this helps.

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