_holly_25_

Just wondering what kind of small gifts would be appreciated by local jamaican's?

babyblue78

Yes, I am interested in this also, would like to leave a few goodies for the staff at the resort....

tivertonhouse

Not to sound meretricious, but crisp cash is always most appreciated. Also:moisturizers and women's shower and
skincare products/name brand ,new t-solid color cotton t-shirts/larger sizes, sneakers (tho you'll not know their size) are prized,
paperback books, crayons/paper/storybooks for kids
and specialty foodstuffs (jelly,jams,
syrups,candy,etc.) from your hometown area. Leave all the stickers on ,wrap in tissue and put in original bag-- Jamaicans are brand-conscious and style-conscious. Don't bring used/vintage/second hand clothing or jewelry.

tivertonhouse

Colin Channer and other black/Caribbean authors on the paperbacks...

babyblue78

I understand cash is always king, I just wanted to also leave them something nice as well... I think that I may go with a bag with brand name lotions/goodies, along with a few books.....

tivertonhouse, thanks for the info. I have been to Jamaica/Negril several times. I had no idea they are brand-conscious! Thanks!

JAGIRL

Seconding the cold hard cash suggestion. A nice tip will always be more appreciated than any goodies...r even together with any goodies.

_holly_25_

Thanks, I just wanted to bring something nice in addition to cash

JAGIRL

I disagree with Tiverton about the "new t-solid color cotton t-shirts/larger sizes, sneakers (tho you'll not know their size) are prized, and specialty foodstuffs (jelly,jams, syrups,candy,etc.)"
If you really want to bring something inaddition to cash, I would stick to little things like paperback books. Chances are that if you leave skincare products etc, they may just end up in the trash.

tivertonhouse

Shucks, JAGIRL, guess my staff and workers have been lying to me since 1981. Holly, bring cash -- and what YOU'D like to give for 'brawta' -- or a little extra. No gift will go unappreciated.

uh_no_ying1

nuts, chocolates and other snacks

anything to help satisfy the munchies!

oh and maybe some visine

&gt

Sam_Salmon

" Chances are that if you leave skincare products etc, they may just end up in the trash."
is nonsense-as anyone who has seen the maids from a hotel going through what was left in a departing guests bathroom can tell you.

Rusty

It has been stated repeatedly that there is NOTHING that will be appreciated more than cash. Why would you want to give something other than money ?

Robert

Another option is school supplies for their children. Many islands require school uniforms for the school kids, and many parents have difficulty coming up with the money for them. In Nevis, my wife and I met a 11-year-old boy who was selling peanuts at the 4 Seasons beach to get money to pay for a uniform. You could find out where the uniforms are made and buy a gift certificate from the uniform shop, and give it to any employee who has a child you'd like to help out. Robert

mm

Depending on the situation I suggest any/all of the following:

- batteries
- canned hams that do not require refridgeration
- telephone calling cards
- rolling papers

During past trips I've brought automobile tires, a chain saw, and clothes.

MM

tivertonhouse

Like anyone, Jamaicans appreciate a little luxury and thoughtfulness -- god knows, their lives are tough enuf. So besides cash, nothing touches the soul
like cash PLUS a gift. Whether you help someone special put a water tank on their roof or buy a refrigerator or pay for a child's schooling (US$100/a course/a semester at the high school level), true warmth and human kindness is in the little details as well, even a pack of Rizzlas.

shak

I hope tivertonhouse was trying to be humorous in suggesting "a pack of rizzla" as a gift. i agree that jamaicans are having it rough but i refuse to support ganja smoking and hope Holly_25 feels the same way.

tivertonhouse

Cho,Shak--lighten up. It's but a simple riff off the previous post by MM

crosbie

yes, cash is king and I always tip well but i do like to bring clothes. LAst night i was going thru clothes to send to Salvation Army but I couldnt help but put most aside knowing that there are many people that would appreciate these items in JA. Alot still had the tags on them. I am not suggesting hostess gifts of used clothes and shoes but the staff at hotels etc have really seemed to be glad to get them. I would never bring anything worn out.
I bring Tshirts with sports teams and USA city names etc, Calvin Klien jeans or Tommy Hilfiger, cute skirts and dresses, any kids clothes i can scrounge up-- and shoes and sneakers.
I bring little toys like fun toy cars and trucks and colored pencils and books for the kids.
For "gifts" for staff etc I make a couple packages of nail polishes etc.
Right now is a great time to buy for the schools. Everyone is having great sales on back to school items and places have sales to get you in there. I JUST saw someplace like walgreens that had Crayola colored pencils that are normally about 1.99 for 39 cents.
One MAJOR item I know people love there are great boom boxes and electronics. They are much cheaper in US.
Have a great time!!

JAGIRL

I still disagree with the skincare products idea...but hey...if Tiverton says they'll like it then I guess he should know. My experience has been that those items tend to end up in the trash...UNLESS they're presented as gifts- maybe wrapped or something. People tend to be picky about what they put on their skin - especially products with which they're not familiar. Of course if you bring Victoria's Secret lotions and body washes etc. that'll be appreciated!! ;-) So I guess it does depend on what the product is.
I agree with the back to school supplies though...sounds like a great idea.I'm even warming to the idea of the NEW clothes. I'm still iffy on the sneakers though...anyway...if you give from the heart and not because you feel obligated I'm sure it'll be appreciated.
;-)

mm

Rather than Rizzla's which are readily available in Ja, I suggest Club's. They are made from rice and burn perfectly every time.

Hey Shak, a large segment of the Jamaican people indulge in or tolorate smoking ganja. Why should you care? It's not your body or your culture.

Regards,

MM