Jump to content

Gifts for hotel staff


teacherbride

Recommended Posts

  • Replies 39
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

When my parents have traveled, they leave cash and often some stuff for kids like stickers and crayons. I also agree about the ball caps and t-shirts!

 

They say the staff is always really appreciative because although the cash is always nice, they don't always have these items available to buy.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We have given both cash and gifts when we have gone. If we run out of little gifts, then we leave the cash. Some items that we have taken are crayons and little colouring books (especially to the Dominican as they don't have these!), pencils & erasers if visiting an local school, bath goodies, key chains from Canada, hmmm.......

Basically you can give them anything and they are very grateful. One thing that I found out too, was that if they get something that they do have already, some times they will trade it with another staff member. I think for our wedding we will just take $ for them, since we will have so much packed already, but we will see. I really like taking crayons and colouring books.

 

Oh yeah, one tip if you take pencils and erasers, make sure they are attached, or hand them out in the actual school. Don't toss pencils and separate erasers off the back of the jeeps at the kids running behind. They think they are candy and try to eat them. We learnt that lesson. Also try to avoid candy, as a lot of the countries don't always have access to great dental care!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Aside from school supplies, we often take toiletries. They don't need to be primo quality - but things like shampoo, soap, disposal razors, panyhoses, even nail polish - these things are quite expensive from what we've been told. I normally go to the dollar store and stock up before we leave.. oh and the LOVE things with Canada on them so hats are awesome!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Although cash is a preferred gift in many Carribean countries,

 

In my opinion Cuba is different - many items we buy daily are unavailable to them (or if they are they are very expensive).

 

For example - shampoo is around $6 CUC at stores in Varadero - the same stores used by locals earning $6-$8 CUC per month.

 

In the past we have brought:

 

- toiletries,

- medical supplies (bandaids, antiseptics)

- makeup (the ladies LOVE this) - I gave one of the fantastic showgirls a palatte of eyeshadow and thought she was gonna faint!

- baby supplies - soothers, powders, etc

 

This year we are bringing our dear Cuban friends a stroller a really nice one that you or I would register for when it is our turn to have a baby... *they are free to take on the plane b/c they are classified as sporting goods

**b/c one of those $20 Walmart Umbrella style strollers cost upwards of $60-$80 CUC's

 

Thus Cubans who have babies don't generally have strollers, b/c even if you could afford one - who would pay $60 for an umbrella stroller huh.gif really?

 

 

Another cool items to bring - guitar strings or picks for the musicians!

 

I think bringing gifts is really thoughtful and appreciated.

 

NOTE: I have heard that some resorts will not allow employees to take gifts without a note - to be sure I have always left a note stating.

 

To my dear friend ____ (insert name if you know), please accept these gifts from your Canadian friends, A&C.

 

I wish I had a good version of the above in Spanish.... can anyone translate that?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quote:
Originally Posted by Amarillis View Post
Although cash is a preferred gift in many Carribean countries,

In my opinion Cuba is different - many items we buy daily are unavailable to them (or if they are they are very expensive).

For example - shampoo is around $6 CUC at stores in Varadero - the same stores used by locals earning $6-$8 CUC per month.

In the past we have brought:

- toiletries,
- medical supplies (bandaids, antiseptics)
- makeup (the ladies LOVE this) - I gave one of the fantastic showgirls a palatte of eyeshadow and thought she was gonna faint!
- baby supplies - soothers, powders, etc

This year we are bringing our dear Cuban friends a stroller a really nice one that you or I would register for when it is our turn to have a baby... *they are free to take on the plane b/c they are classified as sporting goods
**b/c one of those $20 Walmart Umbrella style strollers cost upwards of $60-$80 CUC's

Thus Cubans who have babies don't generally have strollers, b/c even if you could afford one - who would pay $60 for an umbrella stroller huh.gif really?


Another cool items to bring - guitar strings or picks for the musicians!

I think bringing gifts is really thoughtful and appreciated.

NOTE: I have heard that some resorts will not allow employees to take gifts without a note - to be sure I have always left a note stating.

To my dear friend ____ (insert name if you know), please accept these gifts from your Canadian friends, A&C.

I wish I had a good version of the above in Spanish.... can anyone translate that?

Wow, you've given me some really great ideas! Thanks for taking the time :)

I'm hanging out with a spanish speaking friend tonight, I'll get her to translate that for me. I'll post it up here to share with you.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



  • Best Destination Wedding Sponsors



    Facebook Pinterest Google+ Twitter
  • Posts

    • Hi everyone! I have been doing lots of research on various wedding venues all around Mexico, my fiance wants a destination wedding and I am happy to have a wedding wherever so long as the vibe is right and guests are happy!  I have been seriously looking at Cabo Azul and was trying to find potential costs for them, but only found a page about their wedding costs from 2010. Does anyone have any updated information on costs / reviews they would like to share of this venue? Or advice in general, anything helps. Thanks so much, happy wedding planning to all!
    • Hello everyone, I am dreaming of a wedding in Costa Rica and was wondering if I could get any help with venues and wedding planners. I am thinking Tamarindo because a close friend of mine lives there and I've been in town more than a couple of times, she's being helpful but is at a loss when it comes to this subject really so I was wondering if anyone here had recommendations. I am not closed to other town suggestions either, if I happen to find a good place and staff somewhere else. These are the places I have so far, has anyone had any experience with any of them?  Stay In Tamarindo Luxury Villas in Costa Rica Luxury Villas Pinilla Tropical Homes of Costa Rica The Point Luxury Villa Thank you so much for your help!
    • Have you ever considered having a wedding inside a bubble? With the current global situation, many couples are looking for unique and creative ways to celebrate their special day while keeping their guests safe. A wedding inside a bubble could provide a whimsical and intimate setting for your ceremony and reception. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by a beautiful bubble filled with twinkling lights and flowers, creating a magical atmosphere for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
    • Adult only resort or not? Let's discuss the pros and cons of choosing an adult-only resort for your honeymoon. While some couples may appreciate the peace and quiet that comes with an adults-only environment, others may prefer a more family-friendly atmosphere. What are your thoughts on this? Have you had any experiences at adult-only resorts that you'd like to share? Let's hear your opinions and recommendations!
    • When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the most exciting parts is choosing the perfect wedding favours for your guests. These small tokens of appreciation are a great way to thank your loved ones for being a part of your special day and to make them feel appreciated.
  • Topics

×
×
  • Create New...