Bali Expat Forum - Bali Travel Forum

[soozarty]

Hi All...We're nearly done packing for our years stay and was hoping for suggestions on types of gifts to bring for locals extending hospitality as well as kids. I've already packed some drawing/coloring stuff, but was hoping you all might have some suggestions as to what would actually be appreciated? We live in California, if that makes a difference... Thanks, Sooz

[JUDY]

I don't know how much you want to spend on gifts; however, I know that ever time I come home to Bali everyone I know--teenager girls, women want lip gloss and lip liner. Perfume for closer friends. Makeup in Bali is quite more expensive as compared to the US. Young boys like lego's. Those type of toys seem difficult to find in Bali or any toys fun and educationally based. Oh yeah eye liner...black...color.

Hope this idea can help you; but lip gloss in various colors is a big hit. Even the ladies at my bank in Ubud always say, "Judy where is my lip gloss and lip liner". Only bring perfume to family.

judy

[soozarty]

Thanks, Judy! I'll head out tomorrow and stock up on the lip gloss and eyeliner. Any other suggestions would be appreciated- especially gifts for those I have yet to meet but who might extend hospitality to us...

[sooze]

That has helped me too Judy. Ta. I was wondering what to take.

[BaliLife]

Not discounting the thought that goes into gifts, we tend to just give money.. That being said, when I was in bali a couple of months ago, staying at a villa belonging to my wife's uncle, the maid was a little too unwilling to do her job.. In disgust, my mother in law who's used to having very helpful maids really objected to me giving her more than 20,000rp (she said in a dissappointed tone, "iya, gendok (pembantu in javanese) di bali gitu... Malas!". Usually we'd pay them the pro-rated amount of their salary so for the period we're there, they earn twice as much, and for the ones who are looking after the kids in the house, they'll get 2-3 times their salary pro-rated depending on how they were with the kids. I know you're asking beyond what to give maids.. Again, we just tend to give money..

Ct

[JUDY]

Naturally, money too is definitely a great gift to give someone; however, since make-up is double what it cost in the US for the majority of women(balinese) that is eye liner and lip gloss is well worth the trouble to bring over. Also face powder for olive colored skin is another very very important gift to give women and teenagers. They always wear it to temple. Also if you have old camera's which you don't want that is another great gift to give a family which will be a lasting memory for them. Also if you have perfumes or cologn's you do not want bring them and when you become good friends with a balinese woman or young women you can offer her one of yours. Forgot to mention PERFUME AND COLOGN much more costly than the US. Trust me I spent double the price for all makeup, and cologn. Money is great but to give them these items will be like giving them a double gift.

You will be remembered for the rest of their lives. What we take for granted they truly appreciate.

[JUDY]

Oh yeah, forgot something....another gift to give those you become close to is eye glasses you get at a drug store or Costco in the US. Specifically, reading glasses. You can get packages of five in Costco in various strengths I believe for around $20. Five dollars a piece. When I go home next time I will bring one measurement up from the weakest prescription set of five, and so on and so forth.

If everyone would bring perhaps 20 glasses (reading that is) in various strengths... which are so reasonable priced this day and age, I believe the greater population of Bali who desperately need reading glasses would be eternally greatful.

will you guys, when I go home I guess I'm bring 100 pairs in TOTAL. I convinced myself.

[Ilu]

I usualy also bring reading glasses. it is so many who need that. I always by a lot of t-shirts, boxers and baby clothes, on sale. I know its cheaper i Bali, but they love to get some from europe. nail polish and cosmetics is also popular.

[Ratih]

Other simple gifts are t-shirt. generally speaking, for younger crowd, anything with" made in USA", is appreciated. Especially if those items can be worn daily, such as cosmetic, clothing and its accesories, etc.

For kids, chocolate bars are great. I know it's a challenge. Those sweet things may melt before you know it.

Ratih

[Person]

I find it difficult to know what to buy for people I know well let alone strangers. When in doubt give cash. That way people don't end up with even more junk they don't need.

[Ilu]

The things I mention abow is for family and friendas. I usualy fill up a sutcase ( or 2) with these things and invite all over and they can litteraly dig in to it and find what they need/want. we always make a big party over this when I came. I is like xmas for our family and friends. and we have a lot of fun when they try on things.

[BaliLife]

Sounds almost charitible ilu?
Ct

[Ilu]

Balilife, I dont think bringing presents to our family and friends is charity. my husbands family is big (like all balinese familys) we have to bring a lot of presents. this is the easyest way to do it. before we bought present to each person and sometime the clothes dont fitt or they dont like it. in this way everybodey gets things thay want. and its a lot of fun. the left overs from this "party" we give away to pour people in the village. that is charity.

[BaliLife]

i hear ya... it's the same in the philipines and accross the region i guess... when you go back, you're expected to take everyone oleh-oleh...

ct

[Jimbo]

Absolutely correct Ilu. Maria brought two large suitcase full of our childrens outgrown clothes. With such a large family its the only way to ensure everyone gets a share.