Hi, john-
We've been to Veradero, Mexico, Costa Rica, all places where the local standard of living is not equitable with that in North America, and I have found that the maids really appreciate lipstick, nail polish, hair "doodads" like clips, etc. - in short, the types of things that we can pick up handfuls of for a few bucks at the dollar stores, but that they regard as luxuries. For some reason, the little (ie-teenaged) "working girls" we saw at our resort in Veradero used to go to the gift shop after being paid and bought toothpaste & toothbrushes!
ja

Instead of bringing your used clothes why not just tip them well and let them buy what they need on their own.

I would be reluctant to suggest old, used clothing, as Cubans are an extremely proud, very industrious people, very reluctant to accept charity. They do appreciate useful gifts of new merchandise, especially for their children. Here are some items that were suggested to us by Cubans and would be well accepted and appreciated. Over the counter medications.. aspirin, advil, cough medicine, polysporin, bandaids, etc. particularly geared for children. Toothpaste, toothbrushes and essential toiletries. Sox, underwear, new T-shirts etc .. particularly with a baseball logo. Ball point pens, markers, etc. These items are all very expensive in Cuban stores and often difficult to obtain.

It is not that they don't want money, it is just that they can't buy, nailpolish, bath and hair stuff in Cuba.

Its VARADERO, not VERDERO!