Items Jamaicans Want as Gifts

by Jessica
(Texas)

Question: Items Jamaicans Want as Gifts

My mother was born and raised in Kingston, but has been living in the states for the last 30 years.

We return to JA every year for holiday and lately have been staying in resorts.
We always like to make up "goodie bags" for about 5 people that work in the hotel that we make a connection with, just as a thank you.

Including things like earrings, nail polish, coloring books/crayons, candy, etc but we always have a hard time finding things for the men.

We know there are many things that are hard or too expensive to get in Jamaica that we take for granted here in the states so just trying to help out the average people.

I'm looking for ideas/ suggestions of more items people need/want that are easy to carry in suitcase and not too pricey on our end too. Thank you and we love getting your emails! :)

Answer to Items Jamaicans want as Gifts

Hi Jessica,
Thank you for stopping by.
It sounds like you are well ahead of the game though :-)

But thanks for asking.

Today, we get almost everything from the US in Jamaica. The 'harder to get' ones would probably be the more expensive ones that would not be in your budget.

So my suggestion would be just to take basic stuff and share it with sincerity.

You already captured a few above; kids books etc., so here are some additional ones:

• Tee-shirts
  
• Sun Glasses
  
• Candies (including Jolly ranchers)
  
• Lotions & other toiletries
  
• Soccer Balls (deflated)
  
• Caps
  
• Coloring books and crayons
  
• Other school Supplies
  
• DVD's, and...
  
• Smaller household stuff eg. candle holders etc.
  

Of course, this is not exhaustive, and it also depends on who you are giving, eg. children vs workers in a hotel etc. but this might be a good start.

I will also ask for additional ideas here; especially from those who have already visited Jamaica.


Regards,
Wellesley

See also: Items to bring to schools in Jamaica

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