I am treveling to Cuba for the first time in a couple of weeks and heard that it can be appreciated to brings gifts for the local. What kinds of things would be best?

Is it politically correct to take things like children`s clothes as gifts? I do not want to embarrass anyone by doing the wrong thing. Pam March 2009

Well since I was the one who started this conversation and have since traveled to Cuba, it would be prudent to share my learnings with others who may be visiting this wonderful island. Gifts are appreciated by the locals. I was approached by the locals daily as I strolled along the beached in Santa Lucia. They asked for the following items repeatedly: toothbrushes, toothpaste, pens, coloured pencils, sandals and of course money. In the end they are indeed a proud people but sometimes fund themselves with little to offer their children. I found that generally speaking they are looking for personal hygiene products and school supplies.

I am a native of Cuba. The people would be thankful to recieve toileries. Please give any left over soaps,toilet paper,toothpaste,brushes,deodorant,and, left over pens and paper pads,for school. They have a great need for all these things. If yoiu are concerned about the maids getting in trouble, talk to the manager , chances are she is going to share the items with him(her) also.

On my recent trip to Cuba, we brought several colouring books, crayons, colored markers; we also brought kids sunglasses, candy shampoo, soap, hair accessories for both adults and children. Notebooks, colored paper. We did up a medium sized freezer bag up for each day and left one along with 1 or 2 pesos every day. We didn't need this to obtain good service, but it was really appreciated.

We also tipped the bar staff - it doesn't take a lot and is really appreciated. They remember your drink after awhile and it's almost ready before you get to the bar! We found all staff of the hotel were very pleasant and accommodating.

we will be going to Cuba and wondered if small tools would be appropriate for gifts-ie a socket set, wrenches,etc.

The Cubans will lose 8% on USD - better to exchange your usd to cuc's and give cuç's, euros, gbp or cad as tips.

I HAVE BEEN TO CUBA SEVERAL TIMES AND IT HAS BECOME MY FAVORITE DESTINATION MAINLY BECAUSE OF THE PEOPLE AND THE FACT THAT IT IS NOT AT ALL COMMERCIALIZED. I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN GIFTS FOR THE SCHOOL KIDS IN HAVANA AND HAVE ENJOYED SEEING THE JOY ON THIEIR FACES WHEN I HAND THEM THE GIFTS. I ALWAYS LEAVE A TIP AND GIFTS FOR MY MAIDS EVERY DAY AND IT IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED AS CERTAIN ITEMS ARE EXPENSIVE AND CAN BE DIFFICULT FOR THEM TO PURCHASE. I WILL ALSO TAKE T SHIRTS AND CAPS TO GIVE OUT TO THE GARDENERS AS THEY DO SUCH A GREAT JOB OF KEEPING THE GARDENS SO BEAUTIFUL IN ALL THAT HEAT. AS FOR BAR STAFF AND WAIT STAFF, I ALWAYS TIP JUST AS I WOULD DO AT HOME.
THE FIRST TIME I WENT TO CUBA A WAITER OF THE RESORT ASKED MY HUSBAND IF HE HAD ANY SHAVING GEAR ETC. ON OUR LAST DAY THERE. WE LOADED ABSOLUTLY EVERY THING WE COULD INTO A BAG TO GIVE TO HIM AND HIS WIFE. NOW I AM SURE THAT HE APPRECIATED THAT VERY MUCH AND FROM THAT TRIP ON I HAVE ALWAYS LOADED UP WITH GIFTS TO TAKE WITH ME. I THINK YOU CAN GIVE OUT GIFTS TO CUBANS IN A WAY OF MAKING THEM FEEL LIKE YOU ARE JUST SHARING WITH THEM THE SAME WAY THEY SHARE THERE WONDERFUL SMILES AND APPRECIATION WITH US. SO PLEASE TAKE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN WHEN YOU GO.
HAPPY TRAVELS
P.S IF YOU GO DURING EASTER IT IS ALWAYS FUN TO GIVE OUT EASTER EGGS AND BUNNIES.