What should I bring as a gift to a family in Mexico that is letting me stay at their place?

Question

I'm traveling down to Jilisco in Mexico with a friend who has family living in the area. They are letting us stay at their ranch for a week and i wanted to give them a thank you gift for the generosity they are showing us.

Any ideas on an appropriate gift?

Answer 1

You might want to talk with your friend to find out a bit more about their interests or needs.  Some items imported into Mexico are MUCH more expensive than in the US or other countries, so if they are looking to purchase an iPod or something similar for a family member, it would be a great gift for you to bring that.

Also, you might want to consider items made or produced in your home area.  These do not have to be expensive.  For example, I have purchased maple sugar, maple sugar candy, and children's books about sugaring for gifts for my son's school when he was here in Mexico.  (We had lived previously in northeast Ohio).

If there are younger children in the family, you might want to bring each of them some special small item.  Or, if you wish, you can learn more about the family members while you are there and then send additional gifts back with your friend at a later date.  

Another option (if you are a cook!) is to prepare a special meal or dessert for the family while you are there.  If it requires ingredients unique to your region, make sure you pack them with you (and make sure you are allowed to bring them in!)

But most of all, enjoy your time in Jalisco... what a wonderful opportunity!

Answer 2

electronics, dvd, movies,  video games.

Answer 3

I used to take fancy canned foods with me to give to my Mexican friends (Restaurant quality lasagna and soups sell for a huge premium in Mexico and are cheap and easy to buy wholesale in the US).  

I really stocked up on stuff for kids I met.  I bought tons of crayons and colored felt pens and coloring books (those were a big hit).  Cheap Frisbees and water pistols were also in big demand and we had fun squirting each other.  I bought dozens of gaily painted t-shirts at thrift shops and discount stores and almost started a riot when I gave those away.  

I got into the habit of cooking large amounts of food and had plenty of coffee, sun tea and Kool Aid on hand.  I invited folks to join me in a meal which often started an impromptu pot luck affair.   Passing around my guitar for a group sing-a-long was fun too.  It was a great way to enjoy meeting the people.  

The generosity of the people I met was heart warming.  I always had to be careful not to admire something a poor person had because they would literally give you the shirt off their back if they thought you would like to have it.  I am not a wealthy person, but I was wealthy by the standards of the people I met.  Keep that in mind and try to maintain a humble attitude.

Answer 4

Yes! After all they are being kind to let you live at thier place, while others would say no. You should them a gift card if you are not certain what they might like.

Answer 5

I'll say that the easiest thing will be a shirt of your city, the big apple, the windy city, etc etc....

And yeah electronics are expensive in Mexico.

Answer 6

A cash gift always welcome.