Gifts?

Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 8, 2008, 07:57:

gamm2 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 8, 2008, 08:05:

marbelmorales says on Jul 8, 2008, 08:11:

I also forgot to ask. is there a fee or tax that one would have to pay for bringing gifts into Colombia?

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

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viajero123 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 8, 2008, 08:24:

GregYohn says on Jul 8, 2008, 08:27:

Hola!

You can bring in well over $1000 worth of goodies with you to Colombia!

Women love Victoria Secret body lotion!

Bring in assorted varieties of Hershey Kisses with you, then mix them all up in a big cooking pot and give a bundle to the children or other people visiting. I find that WalGreen's has more varieties than the local grocery store or even Walmart. The cherry version is the best loved type. Ten bags is a good amount for a large family! Remember to refrigerate them or they will melt, unless you are going to Bogota!

Guys love tools that have American brands.

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

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Pappassito (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 8, 2008, 08:50:

sloopskipper says on Jul 8, 2008, 08:52:

My Colombian friend took cologne for his mother, and she was so delighted.

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marbelmorales says on Jul 8, 2008, 08:57:

you guys are great this is very helpful! :) as far as toys, what do youguys think of disney stuff or is that too cliche

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

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Mononoke28 says on Jul 8, 2008, 08:59:

I always go to Wal-Mart and find what I need. Children love little things, girls absolutely love the Walt Disney fruity flavored chapsticks. Lotions are great for women as well. Toys like Spiderman, Superman, Batman or Barbies are great for children. They love gadgets and for some reason guys love baseball caps and clothes, which I think it's boring but whatever.

Diana

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Monita Linda says on Jul 8, 2008, 09:18:

For the teens (and young people in their twenties), go to an outlet mall or sale in a brand name store and bring some brand name t-shirts.. like in old navy you get them for $5,-... They will LOVE it and pimp it out for a long time...

Poor but Preppy ______Colombia: the only risk is wanting to lay.

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GregYohn says on Jul 8, 2008, 09:31:

Hola!

I was being conservative with my estimation, since I did not remember the exact info!

Basically, I run out of baggage before I come close to $1000 in gifts. The only time I came close was when I brought in a 32" LED TV, but it just cost $419!

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

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SUERTE GRINGO says on Jul 8, 2008, 09:44:

What's with all the expensive gifts? Are the Colombians asking for gifts upon your arrival?

“If you're gonna eat your crackers in bed, you're gonna have to sleep with crumbs."

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marbelmorales says on Jul 8, 2008, 09:54:

no one is asking but after 28 years it feels funny to go home empty handed.

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

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Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 8, 2008, 10:00:

Tinto (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jul 8, 2008, 10:02:

If you're taking chocolate and flying during the summer, remember to put it in your carry on luggage. A couple of weeks ago I had an afternoon layover in Atlanta waiting for the Delta flight to Bogota. It was during an early summer heat wave...something like 95 or 100 degrees. I had a Homer Simpson "D-oh" moment when I saw the temperature on the TV screen. Sure enough, some of the chocolates started to melt and were no longer an attractive gift. Now I've got about $60 worth of expensive midnight snacks.

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LilaM says on Jul 8, 2008, 10:23:

Bring chocolate and candy bars, jelly beans like these, we appreciate a little detail anytime is always welcome. There is a example for you, easy to carry, and everybody loves candies and chocolates.

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don´t try" B. Sills

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miamimike says on Jul 8, 2008, 10:23:

Gift them with the Honor of your Prescence--Priceless

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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houstongal (Trustee board) says on Jul 8, 2008, 10:27:

Lila - Thanks...I'll remember to bring some for you! :-)

"It is now official: there's no place on earth where you will not find a Peruvian band." David Sedaris

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LilaM says on Jul 8, 2008, 10:29:

MM that is true the presence is priceless, but sometimes is good to show that you care with little things (diammonds apply jejejej) but here you never go anywhere with empty hands, they are going to be happy, because you came and visit but bc you thought of them for a gift.... that is priceless too.

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don´t try" B. Sills

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jul 8, 2008, 10:38:

I always just go to outlets or discount stores like TJ Maxx or Marshall's. They have last season's Polo, Tommy, Nautica, etc. The relatives don't know that the Nautica dress shirt only cost $25 or that the DKNY tshirt cost $8.

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Tinto (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jul 8, 2008, 10:41:

Another idea: La Tienda de Nueve Dolars aka "Barry and Steve's" -- they have all kinds of university logo-wear, sweatshirts and T-shirts with hip/ironic messages and images.

But go soon, it sounds like they're heading for bankruptcy.

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marbelmorales says on Jul 8, 2008, 10:53:

I've gotten a lot of the stuff you guys have suggested so far anyway but I have also gotten some really good new ideas as well. I'm definetly getting the lotions for the ladies and t-shirts or caps for the guys. Thanks so much for your suggestions!
To tell you guys the truth -much to my dissapointment- I am not the one going, my mom is. which brings me to a new question.... I have a little boy who has leukemia and is being treated here at Texas Children's Hospital. My question is, once he is allowed to travel I would like to take him to Colombia to see his "other side" of the family. How is the quality of pediatric cancer care there? Does anyone (hopefully not) have any or know anyone there who is in traetment for pediatric cancer?

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

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pavo says on Jul 8, 2008, 10:55:

washable tatoos

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marbelmorales says on Jul 8, 2008, 10:57:

pavo, that is cute, never would have thought of it...

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

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juicerbud says on Jul 8, 2008, 11:31:

I bring Mars Brand chocolates and Victoria Secret body sprays. The truth is, they can get that stuff at La 14 or anywhere, but they still like it.
I also brought toys, like dolls for the girls and Harmonicas for the boys. Anything is always appreciated.

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jul 8, 2008, 11:47:

I got some USB memory sticks for my brothers in law this last time. I got 2GB units for $15 at Frys. They cost a hell of a lot more down there. The same applies for SD memory cards for cameras, etc.

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LilaM says on Jul 8, 2008, 13:13:

Yesss yes yupiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeee HG bring some!!!! but with no sugar please!!!:P

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don´t try" B. Sills

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Mononoke28 says on Jul 8, 2008, 13:42:

Ross!

Diana

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dwmte7 says on Jul 8, 2008, 16:25:

been goin in and out for 19 years and never...even with computers and flat screen tv's and jewelery, booze, etc. got hassled. ever.

as for gifts...you're a person, what do you like, what would you like. you were young once, you watch tv...follow your heart. colombians are so gracious, they'll love what ever you bring. trust me.

dwmte

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MaFe says on Jul 8, 2008, 16:48:

Victoria secret lotions are good...they have imitations down there= not the same...
chocolate, peanut butter, and toys, toys for the kids...

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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dwmte7 says on Jul 8, 2008, 18:01:

peanut butter?

dwmte

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GregYohn says on Jul 9, 2008, 09:00:

Hola!

Smuckers Natural peanut butter without sugar is REALLY loved at breakfast time on bread.

It beats Skippy, since there is no sugar added! I tried other generic natural peanut butter brands, but have to say that Smuckers wins and should be available almost anywhere in the USA!

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

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GregYohn says on Jul 9, 2008, 09:04:

Hola!

I have imported JASMINE rice to Colombia! Yes, its well liked and unavailable in Cali!

Cherry Wheat Sam Adams beer is another nice gift unavailable in Colombia!

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

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Mononoke28 says on Jul 9, 2008, 09:09:

Also, it depends on your budget but if you don't mind and can afford it, take some LEVI's or Nike shoes and they'll love you forever.

Diana

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marbelmorales says on Jul 9, 2008, 10:22:

Never would have thought of peanut butter hmmmm interesting

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

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dwmte7 says on Jul 9, 2008, 10:39:

greg is absolutely right about smuckers natural (alsowith honey) there is no other brand as pure. peanuts and salt. period. and it's 'licious.

mononoke...they have levis confection at the 'free zone' by por venir (near the airport maria cordoba)

dwmte

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dwmte7 says on Jul 9, 2008, 10:40:

greg...when i started living in colombia in '89, no body had heard of peanut butter. i had to bring it from the states. do they sell smuckers there now?

dwmte

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GregYohn says on Jul 9, 2008, 11:17:

Hola!

I have just seen Jiff Peanut Butter there! I would not buy in the USA, so not worth having in Colombia!

I once saw Skippy in the Philippines, but it had more sugar than the original from the USA!

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

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dwmte7 says on Jul 9, 2008, 13:51:

after eating smucker's natural....that other stuff really is dreck.

dwmte

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Robert Jorge says on Jul 9, 2008, 22:49:

I took about 10 bottles of booze into Bogota on my last trip. Customs didn't bat an eye. As far as my experiences have proven, the Colombian customs could care less about booze. I think they are on the look-out for large amounts of cash and perhaps weapons, ammo, etc.

He who farts in church, sits in his own pew.

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MaFe says on Jul 23, 2008, 09:32:

Mononoke28 says on Jul 9, 2008, 09:09: flag

Also, it depends on your budget but if you don't mind and can afford it, take some LEVI's or Nike shoes and they'll love you forever.


This is very true! Last summer I brought 37 Nike sneakers to my cousins, along with levi's they loved them!

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jul 23, 2008, 10:03:

37 PAIRS!!! Wow. I take a lot of presents, but nowhere near that many. Of course, now that I have to take presents for the wife's family, it's adding up.

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MaFe says on Jul 23, 2008, 10:40:

CG, my mother's family isn't very well off. When I go I make sure to bring everyone the same, equal amount of gifts. I also mail them monthly gifts/money.

I like to spoil them when I go, and I am a true believer of equality. Now that my cousins are married and have babies..I end up bringing for about 68 people..(I brought the females shoes)

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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Tinto (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jul 23, 2008, 10:43:

Can I be in your family?

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jul 23, 2008, 10:43:

I understand Mafe. My family doesn't really need the presents and always give me the "Ay mijo, para que te pones con eso?", but I know better than to show up empty handed.

Still, we have some more distant relatives and sponsored kids that do need the ttle help, so we try to help as much as we can.

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MaFe says on Jul 23, 2008, 10:51:

CG, I understand too, but like I said here, and before my mother's family is poor. They really need what we bring them. Over the years my mother and aunts have helped the family with their homes, and things. I am more of on the education side. My goal is to put every second cousin through college- give them what the opportunities that their parents (my first cousins) didn't have.

CG what you do is very descent! Felicitaciones!

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jul 23, 2008, 10:52:

I remember you telling me about putting your cousins through college. That is really good of you.

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MaFe says on Jul 23, 2008, 10:54:

thanks CG, again they are so smart, but realistically their parents can't afford college for them. The first of my second cousins is actually on a scholarship where I only put $300 a semester!! Imaginate..eso es nada!!

He gets perfect grades..I am so proud of him!!

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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