Wednesday, March 9, 2011

What should I bring my host family in Costa Rica?

They live on a small farm. There is a mother who is 38, and we are considering bringing her an apron from Anthropologie, which are about 38 dollars, and very nice. The husband is a driver, and he is 45, I don't know what to bring him. There is an 18 year old boy, and again, I don't know what to bring him. There is a 12 year old girl, should i bring her something like nail polish, or slippers( cute girly ones)? And last, there is an 8 year old girl, and I am thinking to get her something similar to what I get the 12 year old. And last, I am thinking to get them a family gift of linens or towels. My mom lived in a foreign country, and was poor when she was young, so she thinks towels would be nice. It is most likely that the family is very poor, so I will NOT be bringing candy or coffee, or gift baskets, I would like to bring something nice and useful. Also, I'm a girl and 14, if it makes a difference. thank you
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I would suggest toys for the girls, especially if they are poor this is something that they probably don't have a lot of them. Something traditional for your home country/cultural might be nice or you could go with dolls, or a stuff animal...Or even something like jumping ropes or chalk could be fun, and you could teach the girls songs/games that they play from where you are at. ie. A good gift and a cultural sharing experience. I would try and be unique and think of things that they do not have where you are going. I would not rule out chocolate and candy either, if they do not have much money these things are probably a luxury that they rarely or never get to experience. When I was in Africa I shared some toffee with the local kids, and you should have seen how their faces lit up! It was an experience, but it wasn't a practical object they could use, you're right there. Could you ask them what they need? As for a family gift towels or linens are nice, maybe with a theme that is again representative of you, or country or heritage. I would also suggest maybe bring a flag or magnet that represents your home country for them...I brought wind chimes with Canadian flags for my host family in Korea and they were a big hit, they put them outside there window. Stickers are always nice too, depending on what is available. With gifts I have also tried to get things that they people would not buy themselves (because of money and having to meet basic needs first) could not buy themselves because of the design/symbols/ect on it, or could be used to share culture. Another idea is to buy the family gift in country that why you have a chance to get to know the family and see what they like and/or need. For the boy, maybe books, a picture or model of a car/other "boyish" things. Another thing do they speak English? If they do English books magazines are probably hard to come by, and if they don't maybe get they some workbooks for beginners so they learn and practice there English. Good Luck gift choosing is always hard, I hope I was of some help...and just remember it is the thought that counts and no matter what you get them they will be very appreciative of the fact that you took the time to pick something out for them.
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