Ideal gifts for Papuans

What would be the ideal small present for the people of PNG ? When I was in West Papua 2 years ago, cigarettes were fine as everyone seems to smoke there. But then I was in Indonesia where shaggys are cheap. Now I fly from the west into PNG (via OZ). I was considering pens, cheap watches, or whatever ? Any idea appreciated. Leaving in 2 weeks.

Globetrotters.be

Cigarettes are an option because everyone seems to smoke here too. Pens are OK. Very few national seem to wear watches because time's irrelevant for many of them but it may be appreciated. Other option are betel nut (buai in the local language) or local foods such as sweet potato (kawkaw), rice, taro or local fruits.

Hi,

I stayed at Kavieng, New ireland about 2 years ago, and saw how poor some of the village schools are. Have you considered taking stationery items for the smaller viallage school? Pencils, crayons and erasers are light to carry.

Betel nut is a narcotic and the government is trying to convice the locals that its not good for them. I didnt say it was working!

cheers

Cigarettes are a terrible option. Promoting an addiction seems very inappropriate.

In addition to school supplies, postcards, calendars with photos, picture books, magazines, things that show what the rest of the world looks like.

Ruth

I would also suggest you bring used clothes and shoes if you go to remote areas and a little warmer clothes if you head for the highlands. Most of the things you put into the trash bin normally are better than what they have in remote places and I can assure you it is very much appreciated. Since we returned back from our "Around The World in 365 Days" we send our used clothes and fundraise shoes to PNG.

Watches are also appreciated!!

Best regards EvAnders

Swimming goggles are really appreciated in villages in New Ireland/New Britain

So far I have pencils, heaps of candies and chocolates for the children and some garment. A company gave me a bag with perhaps a thousand balloons too. Would it be a good idea to bring them along for the children ? I was afraid that maybe it would be too small as a gift.
Thanks for all your input ! I appreciate your ideas. Leaving this friday 27th.

Globetrotters.be

I sure hope you are planning to give those gifts for children to their parents and guardians and not to the children themselves.

Your intentions may be innocent but the next person might be evil. I remember hearing "Don't take candy from strangers" numerous times when I was a child. Plus you don't want to turn them into beggars chasing after tourists for a treat.

In Bolivia, Candies are a no no, it causes an untoward expectation later for others and is not the best for their teeth! Pencils / cheap pens and small thin notebooks (20 to 40 pages about 5" X 8" ) are the most appreciated by far (many notebooks have been erased so many times that the paper is see thru) Plain fish hooks also go a long way.