Should I come bearing gifts?
We suggest that you bring about 5lbs of gifts for the people you will meet in Cuba – This may include any or all of the following (NOTE: Do not let this list limit you. If you have an idea for a gift, simply ask us if it will be okay to bring!).
Please give your gifts to a Copperbridge Foundation Representative while in Cuba. The CBF Rep will ensure that these gifts are given to the people who are most in need of them.
Remember this is simply a suggestion. You are NOT required to bring gifts.
-Soap is in high demand! It is expensive and hard to find in Cuba right now.
-Art Supplies (Canvas, oil paints, brushes, sketchpads, watercolors)
-School/ Writing Supplies (pencils, note pads, pens, envelopes)
-Medical Supplies
-Medicine (Tylenol, Advil, Vitamins, cold medicine, flu medicine, etc.)
-Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant
-Sunglasses
-Sunblock
-AA batteries
-Make-Up
-Fabrics
-Clothes (old/new)
-Baby needs – baby clothes, disposable diapers, baby wipes.
-Sewing kits
-Mosquito repellent
-Condoms
-For women: Make-up, Perfume, costume jewelry, tampons, and nail polish and hair accessories.
-For men: Men’s cologne, disposable razors.
-For children: Toys, books, chewing gum, backpacks with logos
-For musicians: guitar strings, reeds for woodwind instruments and drumsticks
-Music – CD’s of jazz, R&B, and hip hop music
-For dancers: tank tops, dance pants, sports bras, and ballet, jazz, split sole dance shoes
——Whatever you bring will be much appreciated!
You are not required to bring gifts, but once you are there you will probably wish that you had. In addition to the aforementioned, small tokens of appreciation are greatly appreciated such as miniature chocolate bars! This will come in handy when you meet local kids or want to show your appreciation for good service (cab drivers, hotel workers, etc.) You may also want to bring a perfume/cologne or handbag you never use to give to someone you had an especially memorable encounter with. They will appreciate the gesture.
