Gifts Will Keep On Giving

  Gifts! They're something that many packing lists mention bringing, but many people consider an afterthought when packing. In Peace Corps, one thing that all PCVs have as a common thread in our experiences is the homestay. Whether during training or during your service, one thing Peace Corps likes for their volunteers is for the PCV to live with a local family. It helps with language, it gives the PCV a family/direct connection to the country and community where they're serving, and they can teach the PCV about local culture/traditions/cooking/living techniques. In many cases, these homestays will involve children. As a result, I am making this list a little longer than the last 2. Of course, gifts aren't only something for the host family. Small gifts are a good way to make friends in the community and teach people about where you are from. A good gift will be something the person will enjoy/be able to use AND which will have a meaning beyond just being nice. For the record, this list is the reason I wrote these 3 lists, figuring it would be a good holiday themed post, without doing a cliche "how they celebrate the holidays differently here" or "what I did over my break" posts, though, I assure you, the latter will be coming, once my break actually ends.

Things That I Found Make Good Gifts

• Playing Cards. They're small. They're something you can use on the flight over. Children love them (at least from my experience). You can play games. You can impress the host family with a simple magic trick or 2. And, rather than buying a generic pack, there are novelty packs out there, so you can have something that actually reflects where you come from or an interest you have.
• Balls. Soccer is huge almost everywhere in the world. American football is a nice cultural thing. Both of these can be deflated and fit nicely into a suitcase (the problem with basketballs is that they need a net/hoop, and they tend to be a little heavier). If those are too big, a baseball is as American as it gets. In all likelihood, the ball won't last long. However, children love them. I keep mentioning children because, at least in my experience, they're a key to integrating quickly. They're more likely to be learning English, so they can help as translators. And, if the children trust you, so will the adults. And, like the playing cards, you can get balls with logos of teams you support, so that the gift is more of a reflection of yourself.
• Hats. Again, something that comes in a variety to reflect something of your background, while also being functional. These make good gifts fr both adults and children, but it's good to now about local customs regarding headwear, so you don't offend anyone.
• Pictures. Look around your house/your parents' house/your grandparents' house. You'll see family pictures. Guess what, you're going to be part of the family now. Act like it. A nice photo of yourself, maybe with your parents and/or any siblings you have makes a nice gift, and is a way to teach your new family about the people you left behind. It's also a good way to practice your new language, getting comfortable with describing people (at least "family" terms, and maybe even clothes and colors to point to the people in the photo).
• Food. Preferably something that reflects where you're from. For example, from New Orleans, maybe some creole seasoning, or beignet mix, or hurricane mix, or Tabasco. Or, for Maryland, some Old Bay. Or, if you want something American, but not area specific (or just something you can grab at the airport because you didn't plan ahead), chocolate. Hershey's is quintessential American. Children and adults alike all tend to love chocolate. Just be careful, because melting does happen.
• Flags. Shortly before I came here, I attended President Obama's second inauguration. While I was there, I bought a bunch of American flags, the cheap ones we give to children to play with on the 4th of July. It's something American, so they'll always associate it with you.
• Coins. Okay, so, say you didn't think to get a gift. But, maybe you got a cup of coffee, or some chewing gum, maybe a magazine at the airport. Or, maybe you just never took the change out of your wallet/purse/backpack before you left the States. Well, you're in luck. Because those coins can mae a nice gift. Yes, it's a bit cheap. But people do collect them, and they're certainly something American. But seriously, if you plan on giving coins, make sure you have a complete set at least, and it probably shouldn't be the only thing you bring. This tends to be better for adults or for co-workers, because I gave some to my host children, and immediately found myself being pulled towards the gas station to buy candy with the coins (sadly, the store doesn't take American money).

Give With Caution

• Clothes. T-shirts are a common gift. Problem is whether it will fit the recipient. If not, you can always find someone else. Of course, the other problem is whether people will wear it. In Namibia, they would. In fact, I have people begging for my American clothes, which is thought to be of higher quality. But, in some cases, it may be something that doesn't fit with traditional dress or local trends. So, just be cautious with giving clothes.
• Shot glasses. An easy gift if you want something to reflect where you're from. However, if alcohol is not a thing in your community (even if it is drank elsewhere in the country, in some communities, booze is a no-go, or at least shots), it can be offensive. Granted, if you don't give it, you can use it for yourself. One of the bigger risks with giving shot glasses as gifts is breaking, so plastic ones might be a better choice.
• Anything that has even a remotely political theme. Beware: Not everyone likes the same politics you do. At the inauguration, my mom insisted I get a bunch of Obama things to bring. Truth is, many people in Namibia like Obama (you can even get hats from street vendors with his face on them). But not everyone does. Just make sure that if any of your gifts can in any way be associated with anything political, you know the person you're giving it to.
• Maps. Okay, so, this might not seem like too risky a thing off the bat. And they're not something too bad. But they're ind of hokey and less personal. That doesn't mean they're bad gifts. But, if you're going to give one, at least make it a nice one.

  Obviously, this is not a comprehensive list. For instance, I gave a lot of people Mardi Gras beads. Something that truly reflects who you are, where you come from, what your interests are, etc., are great. This is just meant to be a bit more of a generic gift. While gifts tend to be more of an afterthought in the packing process, they can make a big impression, so put some thought in it.