Shall I take some gifts with me? I know I've read that this is a must if you go to Cambodia, but what about in Thailand?

I'm taking gifts -- the gal I know in Chiang Mai who collects hill tribe art and artifacts suggested sewing supplies for the woman, any old glasses, the kids like stickers (she stressed no candy), and she said whiskey for the guys (that I could buy there). A bit surprised by the whiskey suggestion but, as she lives there and is friends with some of the tribal people she's dealt with over the years -- I tend to trust her advice. She said it wasn't necessary to bring gifts -- but it was nice of me to want to do it. Hope that helps.

My guide suggested saving the little bottles of toiletries from hotels along the way.

Or, give them money via souvenir purchases.

How are the gifts used? Do you just share them in general or is it a courtesy exchange when doing business (tourist)? Could someone tell me how it works?

I had fun haggling them down as far as I could, smiling all the time. We made it a sport usually. Then paid them what they originally asked for and thanked them for the fun. That was quite appreciated and they also had a little story to tell tin the evening. So did I.

My guide decided how gifts were to be distributed. I brought little baggies with pens, cute little notepads, erasers, etc.

My guide would give a group of about 3 0r 4 kids one bag to share. Although I had more, he discouraged me handing out one to each kid because he said they had to learn to share things.

He also discouraged me from haggling too hard for souveneirs. He encouraged me to buy these as an expression of thanks, rather than give things away.

All this happened when I visited an actual village, NOT the site where you pay an entrance fee.

Hi all
if you are on the trek and you want to give something to the vellager, my tourguide told me, its important to let's everyone know because if you are on the trek and you give them money that is the way can detroy the way of theirlife because money can change everything ,the good way if you visit them give something that change from money tobe a product such as football, warm clothes, or medical etc..
On the time that i went on the trek with Tic travel was great and a good gude if anyone go to Chiangmai and want to do trek , let's check at Tourist Information Center or Tic travel ,you will get a good trek and good price ,lets check at http://www.chiangmaitic.com/trekking
Regards,