what kind of gifts?

hi fellow travellers,
in 14 days i am leaving for Western Samoa. As i sort my plans out some other questions cross my mind. One of these is what kind of small presents you usually give to kids, villagers or/and your hosts?
I was thinking about t-shirts and small souvenirs, in my case with australia elements. Im not talking about gifts in return for accomodation since money there prevails...

Please develop your thoughts

jirikoo

HI again,

When I go... I bring things like blowpops.. (a huge favorite of the little kids in the villages).
They do love Tshirts.. volley balls... footballs.. make great gifts. (they are hard to come by there..)
I always end up leaving my towels.. and sheets and anything that I really dont need to take back home.
I often give away flash lights... pens, notebooks..

The thing about gifting.. is... Do it in private. If you bring something out.. and the children descend upon you.. they are very sad when they are left out. So, it's best.. if you make friends with a small group.. to wait til they are alone either early in the morning.. or before they go to bed.. and gift it to them.

With re: to the adults in the villages, many need allot... so, if your suitcase can fit things like extra sandals, toothbrushes.. strong cooking utensils.. or anything like that.. you will bring a smile to their faces.

Be careful though...

often.. they immediately feel they must reciprocate. So, use your best judgement on how and when.. to gift.

While you are there.. feel free to call my friend Carol.. 777-1914... if you hit a snag. She will give you some pointers.. she lives there and knows all the nice places to go visit.

Have a great trip... You will just miss the South Pacific games.. so things will be calmer by then.

STay in touch... Kristin Taylor

Check your personal messages, Jirikoo.