I am planning on returning to my host family in Costa Rica...?

Question

and was wondering if it is considered polite to bring gift(s) to the family, who I lived with for 6 six two summer's ago. They are not very well off, and I know that taking me own even for only a few days as an extra mouth to feed will be a financial burden. However, I don't want to insult their pride and show up with gifts if you know what I mean. Thanks very much!

Answer 1

As long as it is not overly nice, then it just shows that you appreciate what they did for you.

Answer 2

Hey, for sure they'll be happy as soon as they see u walking at the front door. We (the ticos) are really sentimental and may be you will see some tears dropping out. Anyway, it will be nice to take them a gift, that will be a sign of been grateful.

But having u back with them will be enough.

Answer 3

Good upbringing dictates that you should bring a little present BUT considering that they are not well off and kind enough to take you in again, bring something nice but not expensive, otherwise they would might feel embarrassed.

Perhaps a Little something for everyone in the house...something personal that you know would love. This will show you got to know them and know they likes and dislikes.

Answer 4

I have visited my host fmaiy with whom I lived with for six months.  I bring gifts just to say how much I missed them and appreciate what they do.  For the girls I bring nice smelling lotions, perfumes, etc.  For the men a multitool is always an option.  I also like to bring good chocolate and different candy becasue it is fun.  If there are any fmaily members who are children, bring a toy.  I always like to bring out the gifts after dinner or during a relaxed time so it is not a bribe, but a thanks for your hospitality.  Ball caps with logos are popular as well as commuter mugs (it keeps the beer cold)!  Good luck and enjoy your trip!  Oh, I have also gifted my family with camaras and they loved them, I'd never seen smiles wider than theirs.  Check for Costco's cheap summer camaras.

Answer 5

Take gifts.  Belindita has good ideas.

Also while you are there help buy groceries.  You didn't say what area you are going to but I've found that most Ticos really like shrimp )arroz con camerones), and they are a bit pricey for some.  Buy some shrimp as a treat.  Take your own towel and leave it.  

Enjoy

Answer 6

I'd make it like a box of little surprises, so they can try some things for here.  Like you could take them some local candy (like pralines, chocolates or taffy), some t-shirts or ballcaps.;

if there are children take them some of our wild cartoon-character toothbrushes and toothpastes for kids, you could take a souvenir kitchen towel from your state, some fancy natural-made soaps like you see in health food stores, a bottle of California wine, or some local handicrafts, but don't just go buy something made in China.

If it's something fun, they'll enjoy it, but if you were to just openly give them money, they wouldn't want to accept it.

You could also get them to take you on some excursions and insist on paying for everybody.

Answer 7

Being a Costa Rican, I know how excited people get when someone brings them something from the U.S. or other countries.

Women love to get cosmetics, lotions or even shampoos.  They also like clothes, even if it's just a simple shirt.

Men love chocolate bars and gadgets, such as a some kind of special flashlight.  They also like T-shirts.

Kids like chocolate bars, T-shirts, stickers, and toys.

Everybody would enjoy a portable CD player, which is not so expensive in the U.S. but would be in Costa Rica.

Answer 8

anything that says USA and they can hang it on the wall or a stand.