Donations To Cuba

My boyfriend and I are going to cuba for a week next month and since I started couponing in April, I've recieved so much and saved even more, so I wanted to give back! I want to make little gift bags to give to the nice Cuban villagers I encounter during my trip! I have read many reviews on tripadvisor.com saying that people have given away their leftover shampoo, lotion etc and that they were very greatful. I also read that the average minimum wage in cuba is about $220 Canadian a month, meanwhile some of us spend that a week. I thought it would be nice to compose little bags of things to give to the villagers! I also read they are on shortage of things like toothpaste, pads, aspirin etc! Apparently a bottle of shampoo because of supply and demand is about 28 pesos which is $28.46 Canadian. I'm sure they are going to be quite happy after my visit! :)

I'm going to check out the dollar store tomorrow. I plan on getting pens, coloring books, sweets etc.

So far I have:
30 soap
6 ladies full size shaving cream
10 mens full size deoderant
10 tampons
14 toothpastes
3 aspirins

If you have any suggestions of deals w/ coupons, let me know thanks :)

you are so sweet!!

if you use the 6.00 off coupon for aspirin at Walmart they are free.

Thanks!!! :)

sorry I just noticed you already noted the 6.00 coupon.

There is the 2.00 off LaCoupe product. The travel sizes are available at Walmart for 1.66. The Walmart I was at on the weekend had hairspray and mousse left.

Sorry to be such an party breaker, but I think that you're not allowed to bring pressurized stuff on plane as long as the luggage part is not pressurized enough to assure that your stuff won't ''explode'' under the depression.

I agree, don't think your aloud to bring it! I will look into that though! Where can I find the coupon! Thanks for your help and thanks to all who have left PMS or reps helping! This is my first trip and I would love to really make a difference! :)

I went to Cuba in February. LOVED it! Can't wait to go back. Which resort are you staying at?

My suggestion is to bring hair accessories for the lady who will be cleaning your room, also pens, pencils, paper! (Paper is a huge thing for them) Also bring children's colouring books, crayons. They love the educational material and children's items.
I brought enough items to give to her for each day we were there as well as a peso or 2. Like for one day I gave her pens and paper and 2 pesos. Another day I left hair accessories, brush, and pesos for her. Keep tipping everyday, don't wait until the last day because she took 1 day off while we were there and another lady cleaned our room. I left all items that I had leftover from my Dollar Store trip behind for her with a small note and whatever pesos I had.

I also suggest that IF you and your BF go on a jeep safari tour, BRING more items for the children. We did this and left all of our give away items in the hotel. I wish we hadn't because these kids that you see along the way and at the stops need it way more than the kids that live closer to Veradero. Depending on the size of your bag that you're bringing all these items in I would bring sandals for the kids, basically anything for these kids. They walk up alongside the jeeps looking for anything! All I had was gum, so I gave all my gum to them.

PM if you want more details. Enjoy Cuba.

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Originally Posted by ClayLex

My boyfriend and I are going to cuba for a week next month and since I started couponing in April, I've recieved so much and saved even more, so I wanted to give back! I want to make little gift bags to give to the nice Cuban villagers I encounter during my trip! I have read many reviews on tripadvisor.com saying that people have given away their leftover shampoo, lotion etc and that they were very greatful. I also read that the average minimum wage in cuba is about $220 Canadian a month, meanwhile some of us spend that a week. I thought it would be nice to compose little bags of things to give to the villagers! I also read they are on shortage of things like toothpaste, pads, aspirin etc! Apparently a bottle of shampoo because of supply and demand is about 28 pesos which is $28.46 Canadian. I'm sure they are going to be quite happy after my visit! :)

I'm going to check out the dollar store tomorrow. I plan on getting pens, coloring books, sweets etc.

So far I have:
30 soap
6 ladies full size shaving cream
10 mens full size deoderant

If you have any suggestions of deals w/ coupons, let me know thanks :)

Deals to check out this week:
Aspirin + $6.00 Coupon = Free

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thanks everyone for your help so far! will take a pic and post it soon!

Hello, I used to do that, until we got to spend some time with a Cuban family. Yes, they don't make a lot of $, they have a huge underground trade system. A lot of family's have a person or two who work in the hotels and around tourists. The family we stayed with, the wife worked in a hotel. Under her whole bed was FILLED with stuff from the tourists they dont use. They trade for other things, but when most of the family's are trading the same stuff, it doesn't work very well. We met a few of their neighbors.. same thing.

The dangerous part is they had a huge bag of medicine they didnt know what it was or what it was for. We sat there and went through a bunch of it to try and explain what it was for and what the dosage was etc. In talking to them, things that they could use were things they could use to make an income...little tool sets, fishing line, lures, and they LOVED the bike locks.. most get around by bike and most dont have a bike lock.
I also brought sawran wrap they thought that was the neatest thing ever! just a fun thing we brought.

Anyway that has been MY experience. Our friend says they are always polite when they get the make up, toothpaste hair stuff etc.. but it goes in the box.....

Have a great trip to Cuba!!! Its my happy place! Going back to visit in Feb, can't wait!!

I went to Cuba in January. We took lots of shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc, etc. I took crayons, coloring books, flip flops, and little toys for the kids and they loved it!

The one thing I really wish we had taken and will take next time is flea collars for the animals. The cats and dogs are everywhere. They aren't pets but they are used to strangers. They come up to get fed. We had a little black cat that stayed in our room at the resort. Sweetest little thing and she had the worst fleas and ear mites. I wish I could have helped her.

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Originally Posted by daypassdel

Hello, I used to do that, until we got to spend some time with a Cuban family. Yes, they don't make a lot of $, they have a huge underground trade system. A lot of family's have a person or two who work in the hotels and around tourists. The family we stayed with, the wife worked in a hotel. Under her whole bed was FILLED with stuff from the tourists they dont use. They trade for other things, but when most of the family's are trading the same stuff, it doesn't work very well. We met a few of their neighbors.. same thing.

The dangerous part is they had a huge bag of medicine they didnt know what it was or what it was for. We sat there and went through a bunch of it to try and explain what it was for and what the dosage was etc. In talking to them, things that they could use were things they could use to make an income...little tool sets, fishing line, lures, and they LOVED the bike locks.. most get around by bike and most dont have a bike lock.
I also brought sawran wrap they thought that was the neatest thing ever! just a fun thing we brought.

Anyway that has been MY experience. Our friend says they are always polite when they get the make up, toothpaste hair stuff etc.. but it goes in the box.....

Have a great trip to Cuba!!! Its my happy place! Going back to visit in Feb, can't wait!!

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So true. Everyday the cleaning girls and entertainment staff would be in the gift shop spending their tips on the perfume and the like. The next time we go, I'll give the toiletries to the people in Havana and leave more appropriate things for the maids, etc.

And don't give them toonies and loonies as tips. They can't do anything with them.

I brought mousse with me when I went, I had no issues with it exploding. When I went to Cuba my husband asked what type of things they wanted. To our surprise makeup. The female bartender's really wanted nail polish, and eye shadow and mascara.
The hotel staff make more money then the village people as they don't have to claim their tips. A doctor in Cuba makes the same amount of money as a taxi cab driver, because of Cuba being socialist? (not sure if I got that right, but I know they all make the same across the board)

Another thing is medication, polysporin is something they like and advil ect. If you do a tour, sometimes you get taken to a school. Some people will buy candy and school supplies for the schools.

When we went, 1 day money was left on our bed, the next day was some sort of goodies, then money again, and goodies the next. Every second day we left money on our beds. :)

I also like to take food from the resort and when my husband and I walk aroundout side the resort we feed the animals (mainly dogs). I generally did that every morning and night. As they're are a lot of ABUSED/starving animals in Cuba. I once witnessed a shop owner kick a dog, and got so angry at him. A lot of people don't care about animals in need.

That is such a great idea, My DH has been to Cuba before we met and he said they were really thank-ful for anything that they get because if you tip them money your money you get on the resort is not the same so it isn't that much to them, So they will appreciate anything good thinking.

Makeup and perfume are a huge thing. If you have the $2 coupon for covergirl and a dollarama where you are this is a good thing to bring down. Like a pampering thing for us women up here too. As well as perfume samples like from the bay and sears too.

aww this is so nice of you. I know there is a covergirl deal at WM Eyeshadow was on sale for 2.47 with the 2.00 off coupon it makes it only .47 I got alot of them last week! Dont know what else. But this is so great of you, you are so kind!

I have been to Cuba many times. The people there are wonderful. We often travel to smaller villages. If we see a small school we always stop. They will stop the class to say hi and we bring chicklets (the little packages from Halloween), pencils and paper for the kids. If you bring pencils a few sharpeners would also be a good idea. We like to leave a few packages of pads/tampons at the school for the older girls. They would love the packaging of U by Kotex. They seem to appreciate anything you give them. I love bringing things to give the kids. They love those little bottles of bubbles. You will need to show them how to blow them. The ladies love perfume samples and cosmetics. Have a great trip!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by daypassdel

Hello, I used to do that, until we got to spend some time with a Cuban family. Yes, they don't make a lot of $, they have a huge underground trade system. A lot of family's have a person or two who work in the hotels and around tourists. The family we stayed with, the wife worked in a hotel. Under her whole bed was FILLED with stuff from the tourists they dont use. They trade for other things, but when most of the family's are trading the same stuff, it doesn't work very well. We met a few of their neighbors.. same thing.

The dangerous part is they had a huge bag of medicine they didnt know what it was or what it was for. We sat there and went through a bunch of it to try and explain what it was for and what the dosage was etc. In talking to them, things that they could use were things they could use to make an income...little tool sets, fishing line, lures, and they LOVED the bike locks.. most get around by bike and most dont have a bike lock.
I also brought sawran wrap they thought that was the neatest thing ever! just a fun thing we brought.

Anyway that has been MY experience. Our friend says they are always polite when they get the make up, toothpaste hair stuff etc.. but it goes in the box.....

Have a great trip to Cuba!!! Its my happy place! Going back to visit in Feb, can't wait!!

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Wow, very interesting!
Thanks for the tips everyone! :flowers:

My mom went to Cuba twice this past year for nursing courses and she said common items like toothpase is rediculously expensive, so that would be something to give that I'm sure they would appreshiate!

Make sure you go to GT or Dollarama and get yourself some of the puffs paks to carry with you. Public toilets do NOT have tp...found that out the icky way!

Lots and lots of sunscreen, start out with your SPF 30+ and work your way down and it will surprise you the amount of it you will use! I went through 3 bottles in 7 days but I am a sun worshiper and spent most days on the beach.

The food is not great, even at the 'better' resorts. If you are a picky eater take some snacks with you as you will want/need a taste of home.

DO NOT exchange your money at the restort!!! You will pay much more than at a bank. There is an exchange place right in the airport although you don't have a lot of time before jumping on the bus to head to your resort. One of you could go change money while the other waited for your luggage.

Stay off of the beach at night!!! Yes, I know it is romantic BUT there are sand fleas that come out at night when the sun goes down and the sand cools off and you will end up with big swollen painfull bites from your knees down. Bug repellant does not work on these nasty beasts!! I thought of taking flea collars and wrapping them around my ankles but decided to just stay off of the beach at night instead.

Learn a few greetings and basic mannerly words in Spanish...the effort is appreciated

Cuba is a wonderful place in this world of ours. The people are very warm and friendly, you will enjoy yourself and I am sooooo jealous!!! I guess I will have to wait until Spring to go again....boo!

As far as gifts...honestly, a peso goes a long way and I will not bother lugging stuff down again as most of the resorts require staff to turn in the goodies they receive from well meaning vacationers before they leave work for the day (they have to try to smuggle it out)...could not really get a straight answer as to where the goods went after confiscated. Don't forget your luggage weight restrictions!!!

And one last thing....Cuban rum is a WONDERFUL thing!

Just watch your weight, my DH and I go every year, the 28 peso is actually about 3.10, but they don't pay that for shampoo or anything else, they get it all subsidized. Having said that, they love our brands especially clothing as they don't get any US products there currently. You are very nice to do this, just watch the weight, I had to pay an extra $72 the first time I did this. Now I am much more aware , LOL. WTG!!!

so kind of you and lots of great tips here. all the best with your trip! looking forward to hearing your update when you get back

Very nice and thoughtful of you....that being said I've been to Cuba twice and the cleaning ladies do leave with HUGE bags full of stuff. The first time I went to Cuba I was a bit shy but the second time I asked more questions. Did you know that there are two kinds of pesos in Cuba. The pesos that tourists buy and the peso that Cubans have. Our tourist pesos is worth so much more than theirs, so when you tip 1 peso you are actually giving then a huge tip. One gentleman on the beach who traded our clothes for seashells said that sunscreen is something that they do not have. You will notice a lot of workers with long sleeve shirts and long pants it is because of the lack of sunscreen. Our maid did all of our braids and she made a killing in tips.....good reason I geuss for her wearing nikes and talking on a cell phone :} Anyways, she said that they use balloons to tie braids as they last longer, in Dominican I was told they liked tinfoil for the ends - the maid in Cuba never heard of tin foil....something to thing about. Lots of people asked for sunglasses as a trade. I think next time I go I will be bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, work gloves (those poor gardeners have the worst gloves), and more practical things like that. Oh and regarding toilets seats and why there are none.....on a tour we were told that a toilet seat costs more than a months worth of wages. Wow....this was a long reply, have a great time in Cuba!!

I brought shaving creams that are presurized in a plane before NOTHING HAPPENS and my trips are halfway around the world. layovers etc. ... just make sure you buy packing tape and use it on the caps of all bottles, then also bag them in grocery bags (plastic) so if they do spill your clothes will be fine.

This is such a great idea! I'm going to Cuba in October and I generally just leave clothing - didn't even think to bring some of my coupon stuff! Thanks for the great idea.

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Originally Posted by PenniePincher

Make sure you go to GT or Dollarama and get yourself some of the puffs paks to carry with you. Public toilets do NOT have tp...found that out the icky way!

Lots and lots of sunscreen, start out with your SPF 30+ and work your way down and it will surprise you the amount of it you will use! I went through 3 bottles in 7 days but I am a sun worshiper and spent most days on the beach.

The food is not great, even at the 'better' resorts. If you are a picky eater take some snacks with you as you will want/need a taste of home.

DO NOT exchange your money at the restort!!! You will pay much more than at a bank. There is an exchange place right in the airport although you don't have a lot of time before jumping on the bus to head to your resort. One of you could go change money while the other waited for your luggage.

Stay off of the beach at night!!! Yes, I know it is romantic BUT there are sand fleas that come out at night when the sun goes down and the sand cools off and you will end up with big swollen painfull bites from your knees down. Bug repellant does not work on these nasty beasts!! I thought of taking flea collars and wrapping them around my ankles but decided to just stay off of the beach at night instead.

Learn a few greetings and basic mannerly words in Spanish...the effort is appreciated

Cuba is a wonderful place in this world of ours. The people are very warm and friendly, you will enjoy yourself and I am sooooo jealous!!! I guess I will have to wait until Spring to go again....boo!

As far as gifts...honestly, a peso goes a long way and I will not bother lugging stuff down again as most of the resorts require staff to turn in the goodies they receive from well meaning vacationers before they leave work for the day (they have to try to smuggle it out)...could not really get a straight answer as to where the goods went after confiscated. Don't forget your luggage weight restrictions!!!

And one last thing....Cuban rum is a WONDERFUL thing!

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Thank you for the wonderful tips! I actually discovered today charmin basic to go!!! Its travel size toilet paper, had to use up my $1.25 wub 2 and bought a bunch! Travel size toilet seat covers too. Hopefully I can score some more dollarama sunscreen for when I go! Thanks for the airport tip as well never would have thought about that, also I am fluent in Spanish, thank god! That will certainly come in handy! Our resort is actually giving us a bottle of free cuban rum! :shock:I plan on tipping afew pesos each day and giving acouple items, I will talk to the maid in Spanish hopefully she tells me if shes allowed :shrug:

I was there in November and did the same thing.
A big must is Razors(dollarama's work fine)
Tampons for the dancers
Make-up
SunScreen
Panty Hose for the waitresses
Baby supplies( bibs, pacifiers, cloths)
and remeber your housekeeper receives a duffel bag of freebies each day in all the rooms she cleans so no need to tip her everyday, the waitresses, dancers and lifeguards are often left out.
Have fun and enjoy.

BTW Westjet lets you take 50lbs of humanitarian supplies.

Thanks, never thought of the lifeguards, gardeners eetc!