Gifts for kids from home
Apr 3rd, 2008, 12:16 AM
#1
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Gifts for kids from home
I leave in a few days for my three month trip to SE Asia, and can't decide on what to bring for small trinkets. I will be visiting a school at least once officially on my trip, and probably will end up at a couple before the trip is done.
What are some good ideas for gifts to bring with that kids would like. Someone said pennies to me already. I like that cause I can keep like 100 without problem (trying to save space since I am bringing just my backpack. But would kids over there really want US pennies?!
Im horrible at these kind of things. I can't even figure out what to get a girl for a present, even if we've been dating for some time, hahah. I don't mind it when I disappoint a GF, but I don't want little kids to throw the presents back in my face... lol!!
What are some good ideas for gifts to bring with that kids would like. Someone said pennies to me already. I like that cause I can keep like 100 without problem (trying to save space since I am bringing just my backpack. But would kids over there really want US pennies?!
Im horrible at these kind of things. I can't even figure out what to get a girl for a present, even if we've been dating for some time, hahah. I don't mind it when I disappoint a GF, but I don't want little kids to throw the presents back in my face... lol!!
Apr 3rd, 2008, 01:09 AM
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You might ask the teacher what the children need in the classroom, or if there are particularly needy ones that need uniforms or notebooks or something. Then the teacher can distribute.
I'm a believer in giving, totally, but I'm also a believer in the idea that tourists giving trinkets to children conditions the children to expect trinkets from tourists, and in poor areas even helps to foster the idea that it is better to beg at tourist sites than to go to school (this idea is often the parents' belief). Candy is a poor choice as dental care is not an option for many. Money, any currency, is a poor choice or directly giving to kids, for obvious reasons, but is a great choice for supporting schools.
Don't forget the teachers. In many cases, their salary is very low and they could use some support.
Save your backpack space and buy locally...support the local economy and get exactly what is needed.
On the day of your visit, if you feel you must give something to the kids personally, be sure you have enough for each and every child so noone is left out. An instant camera with lots of film might be just the thing..take photos and give the kids photos of themselves (in addition to a donation towards things they need).
I'm a believer in giving, totally, but I'm also a believer in the idea that tourists giving trinkets to children conditions the children to expect trinkets from tourists, and in poor areas even helps to foster the idea that it is better to beg at tourist sites than to go to school (this idea is often the parents' belief). Candy is a poor choice as dental care is not an option for many. Money, any currency, is a poor choice or directly giving to kids, for obvious reasons, but is a great choice for supporting schools.
Don't forget the teachers. In many cases, their salary is very low and they could use some support.
Save your backpack space and buy locally...support the local economy and get exactly what is needed.
On the day of your visit, if you feel you must give something to the kids personally, be sure you have enough for each and every child so noone is left out. An instant camera with lots of film might be just the thing..take photos and give the kids photos of themselves (in addition to a donation towards things they need).
Apr 3rd, 2008, 02:42 AM
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Excellent comments from KimJapan. I agree 200+% with her opinion.
coolguyinaz,
A gift does not necessarily have to be a thing. Your gift can be a song or a story from your home country, time spent with the children and the teacher at school. I admire your school visits, and hope you get as much from the visits as the children.
coolguyinaz,
A gift does not necessarily have to be a thing. Your gift can be a song or a story from your home country, time spent with the children and the teacher at school. I admire your school visits, and hope you get as much from the visits as the children.
Apr 4th, 2008, 05:40 AM
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I'm packing some Hershy Kisses to give my daughter to give to her kids that she teaches. This is not a "oh, the poor Chinese kids.." it's, "here's a taste of candy from Pennsylvania, where your teacher is from." According to my daughter, the cookies that I sent over at Christmas time were a HUGE hit with the Chinese staff at her school but since she teaches about 1,000 kids a week that would be a few too many cookies to bake!
