Traveling To Cuba On August 23rd, What Should I Bring As Gifts To The People There?

Question

What sort of things would the Cubans appreciate most? I am already planning to bring some old clothing and cosmetics; but what sort of gifts could I leave them that would really be useful? Last time I brought them all sorts of pharmacy medication (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc). What can help them most?

Answer 1

Cubans would be appriciative of any gift you present to them.  The items you have mentions as those listed by pinkwhitegreen sound great.  I'm sure you've realized that most of these items are either not available to them of they cannot afford.  Do be carefull when presenting gifts though, it can get them (and yourself) into legal problems for accepting them.

Answer 2

If you were already there, why you ask ?

COSMETICS ? Are you serious ? Ha !

I really doubt you were in Cuba

Answer 3

All the women I have met there appreciate pantyhose and cosmetics, as well as disposable razors. Men also appreciate the disposable razors and hats. School supplies seem to be much appreciated, not just by school children, but by doctors. Don't forget that unlike here, doctors in Cuba make the same money as the maids, but unlike the maids or the rest of the resort staff, they often get overlooked. We went off the resort last time and I brought pens and notebooks to a physician I had met who did not have much in the way of these supplies. I brought some baby clothes last time which one family loved. Candy and gum are liked by just about anyone. As you mentioned before, over the counter meds are great to bring to give away as it is really expensive to get them there. I also brought stickers and small toys (like the kind you get in Happy Meals), and little packages of cookies. I think pretty much anything you bring and are willing to share will be helpful! Oh, and if you're from Canada, they really like things with the Canada flag on them, like hats or shirts! Have a great trip!

Answer 4

If you wish to give gifts make them small token gifts such as gum, candy, and pencils or pens.  Give them discreetly to individuals you deal with and NOT randomly in public.