What is a good gift to bring from USA to Vietnam?

Question

I am traveling to Vietnam and am planning on attending a few dinners and events in local homes. I would like to bring a few tokens from the US for the hosts (whom I have not met). Also I am working in an orphanage in Saigon. Good ideas for the children there? Thanks so much!

Answer 1

I try to find inexpensive items made in the US.  Getting hard to find, but native American crafts are a good bet but can be kind of on the high end side.  Otherwise, I look for key chains, pins, etc. either related to the US or the state I am living in at the time (no not state of my mind, physical place). Oh ya, used clothing is good also if you have some extra room in your bags.

   Doug   http://dougsasia.blogspot.com/

Answer 2

Bring 1 USA dollar (the paper 1). It is extremly rare, I know. Vietnamese love that and belive who possess it will get lucky. My grandmother always ask me to bring some back to Vietnam(which I dont think I could find any, If any one know where can I get some, tell me)

When do you want to go to vietnam. Children in orphanage house love any present. They would thanks you for eveything you bring for them( may be bring some books would be good)

I have a question. When you say:" I am WORKING in an orphanage in Saigon" what do you mean?

Answer 3

Well your going to have the time of your life in Vietnam. In my travels there I found most everyone there grows something if they can,so if I ever go back I'm taking seed. Giant pumpkin,melon,vegetable, and flowers. Cheap,lightweight, an very appreciated.

Answer 4

nothing is a good gift beside MONEY............

Answer 5

For the children M & M with peanuts are geatly appreciated.  The chocolate from the US is different than the chocolate that is in VN.  

For dinners with unknown hosts, we usually just pick up some fruit, nuts or veggies of some sort.

Cheers C

Answer 6

For the children, just buy food (rice, cooking oil, noodles, non-perishable) and clothing for the children and things like toothpastes, tooth brushes, diapers.  Don't bring anything from the USA and don't give the orphanage cash either.  Sometimes the children don't get all the benefit when you give the orphanage cash.  Check with the orphanage director too.  I also bring the children candy and chocolates like kisses.

As to the hosts, you have several choices since I don't know the conditions of your hosts.  Are your hosts related to the orphanage?

1.  you can give them a basket of fruits that you buy locally or give a bag of pistachio or almond nuts from the USA.

2.  Skin care products for the ladies.  Maxi Factor or Neutrogena brands.  Stuff you can find in a CVS

3.  Chocolates at the DFS.