Host family gift Costa Rica?

Question

I am going to Costa Rica in a couple of days and have been having trouble thinking up something to bring for my host family. According to my teachers it could be something small, they reccomended Applets and Cottlets but they are not in season here. We were also thinking a book on Spokane, however I would like some other suggestions. I want to know something for either the entire host family or for the host sister who will be showing me around. She is 13. Thanks.

Answer 1

A small detail of your state of origin is a good gift.

Answer 2

Apparently coke and ice cream are considered expensive treats in Costa Rica, this link has a good basic questions and answers and mentions that.  Although it would be hard to bring ice cream, bringing a case of coke is plausible.

http://www.costaricahostfamily.com/faqs....

Another site says this:

If you would like to bring your host family a gift, we suggest that you keep it simple. Things like chocolates, pens, pencils, caps, t-shirts, postcards from the U.S. and children's books in Spanish are always appreciated. Gifts that reflect where you are from are also very good. A couple of examples are; Maple syrup from Vermont or Smoked Salmon from Washington. You might also like to bring pictures of your hometown and your family because they are a great way to begin the cultural exchange.

Here is that link.

http://www.isls.com/costarica/destinatio...

And this link has a lot of good info on being a polite guest and what to expect.

http://www.spanishabroad.com/costarica/s...

Hope that helps and enjoy your experience in Costa Rica!

Answer 3

Nice handmade portraits or paintings made from photos are always a good gift idea. You can find more such ideas at http://www.paintyourlife.com

They make all types of personalized and unique portraits on oil, pencil, charcoal or on canvas.

This company also has a studio for oil paintings reproductions. In case you are looking for an affordable gift urgently, you can take a look at their 'stock on sale'. Visit http://www.oil-paintings-reproductions.c...

Answer 4

Forget about cokes!!! Please, this is not the jungle!!! coke is as common as in USA... bring something that is traditional in your hometown: like tshirts, caps or some special food.  For your host sister, anything a teen would like: a shirt, jewelry, or something like that.

Answer 5

Ipod

diskman

wristwach

pair of boots

Answer 6

T-shirts or souveniers from your place.

It is a multicultural interaction for them too.

Answer 7

I usually bring something from my local area.....so If you are from Texas bring a cowboy hat and some BBW sauce and if you are from Vermont then bring real maple sirup.

A book (coffee table book) about the USa is also very nice.

For the 13 year old sister bring something what teenagers here at that age also really like.