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what gifts to take to host in Cambodia from the U.D.

what gifts to take to host in Cambodia from the U.D.

Old Mar 1st, 2014, 09:28 PM
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what gifts to take to host in Cambodia from the U.D.

I would like to take a few gifts for the host family in Cambodia from the U.S.

Any suggestions?
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Old Mar 2nd, 2014, 07:03 AM
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You might ask them what they would like that they can't get locally.
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Old Mar 2nd, 2014, 11:21 AM
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Thank you Kathie for your reply, but I don’t know who they are. I’ll be placed when I get there, so my question remains.
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Old Mar 2nd, 2014, 11:21 AM
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By the way, I meant U.S. not U.D.
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Old Mar 2nd, 2014, 01:08 PM
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It's obviously much harder to buy something for someone you don't know. The usual advice is to bring something unique to where you live.
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Old Mar 2nd, 2014, 01:31 PM
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We took some calendars and diaries with photos of US scenery. Everyone seemed very happy.
Often we also like to take a variety of candy and chocolates. When not sure how many people and what age we will meet, I always rely on candy boxes of various sizes. Thus take small stuff, a variety is always helpful.
Some little kids were even fascinated by the US coins, I just gave them to make them happy.
Hope you will enjoy shopping for your travels.
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Old Mar 2nd, 2014, 02:25 PM
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Candy is not a good option to give children - or even adults. There is essentially no dental care available to them. And chocolates will melt in that hot climate. Find something else to give.
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Old Mar 3rd, 2014, 08:34 PM
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Most things are readily available in Cambodia if you have the money. (I saw a pink Ferrari on my last trip!) How wealthy are your host family likely to be? A lot of Cambodians are very poor while there is a small very rich elite.

If there are small children, nice picture books are an option but if you don't know who your host family is it becomes very difficult as well as potentially embarrassing.

Probably the best option would be to email the people who are organising your host family and ask their opinion.
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Old Mar 18th, 2014, 07:22 AM
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Kathie, Ileen and silverwool: thank you! All of your ideas are good.

A pink ferrari? I have a feeling I won’t be staying with people who own a car like that.
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Old Mar 23rd, 2014, 07:24 AM
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Actually the very best gift is a small envelope with some cash (preferably in local currency), stuck inside a nice basket of fruit. Although giving cash would be tacky in may western cultures, it's typically thought of as the apex of gift giving here. Go to any wedding, funeral, family event, ceremony, graduation, any celebration at all... All gifts are made in cash.
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Old Mar 24th, 2014, 06:56 PM
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Offwego: I haven’t heard this idea before. Would you do that just before you leave as a thank you? Or when you arrive?
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Old Apr 15th, 2014, 06:47 AM
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Sorry, didn't see this till just now....On arrival, with your thanks for their hospitality.
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Old Apr 16th, 2014, 06:37 AM
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I'd give cash and a nice photo book from your geographic area.
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Old May 3rd, 2014, 03:50 PM
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Thank you all: great ideas.
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