Heading to Cuba soon and am looking for recommendations on what to bring the locals. Thx.

I was just there, trust me they don't need anything

We gave out gum and toothpaste.

Matchbox cars

They were mind blown when they saw a compass

just leave a us 1 they are thrilled with that

The first time I went, my mom packed Canadian made chocolate and school supplies

I used to always bring school supplies, but that was 10 years ago...

I brought down alot of feminine products, hair ties, tooth brushes etc. And left them each day for the housekeeper. She was always so appreciative

I’ve been told by a few local tour guides it’s better to tip generously . Most items gifted end up being sold on the black market so they can buy what they need.
Ie more food like rice and beans. Another good idea is to “tip” wifi cards . Everyone needs to use them. They can be purchased in the lobby of your hotel.

Democracy. Ayn Rand books in Spanish.

Marc they were given a choice on democracy at one point in time and they chose against it

Don't bother. Honestly it's so overrated. No one i met there liked it or will ever go back. Neither did me and the gf. Only nice for it's beach

Unhide
Terry-Ann
Tampons are impossible to find ... even for those who have money. I bring my female Cuban friends a huge box every time I go and they are ecstatic. Any toiletries they also love.

I would go somewhere else safer. Too many instances of Canadians being held for months on trumped up charges. Be careful.

Rey Hunt not joking for a moment

Otis - rare.

This is a nation with industry and a local economy that is stifled in development by punitive embargos. They don’t need your pencils or dollar store junk, that stuff is frankly offensive garbage from North Americans who don’t have any understanding of their political system. Anyone visiting should do a bit of exploration of the history before you go.
Dragging a bunch of crap with you undermines the local economy and reflects a lack of knowledge. This behaviour feels good for wealthy visitors, but is entirely unhelpful.
Bring tampons for yourself because these are indeed, hard to buy there. Otherwise, just spend your money and support their economy, this is how you actually make a meaningful impact

Stephanie Docherty

We loved Cuba last year! People are so friendly & felt so safe. No one bothers you. They have more outside trade now so they don't seem to need anything... just your smiling faces & tips of you can! Enjoy!

Pain killers... aspirin, Tylenol, Advil... feminine hygiene products, school supplies, art supplies, musical instruments, guitar strings, athletic equipment. Both times I have gone, I have taken a big old suitcase full of stuff.. and left the suitcase behind. Best is the suitcase is on wheels.. someone will use it. I found they were super appreciative of any of the above. People in hospitality jobs tend to get most of the handouts. We found other ways to distribute stuff.

My best friend lived there, amongst the locals and we have many friends there. I don't need to Google history to know what they need in the here and now and can tell you with absolute certainty that they cannot get "anything they want". They make so little per month they simply can't buy things. People lucky enough to own homes they can rent out to make money, cars they can use as taxis or the few who hold hospitality jobs make a decent living. Beyond that, they are poor as can be. Those of you who spoke to people who "don't need anything", likely spoke to Cubans who have a bit of money. And yes, a lot of it ends up on the black market. I also bring my friends clothes they can either wear or sell/trade on said market. We have on friend who owns a thriving Casa there and she gives us a list of things to bring her that she pays us for because it's hard to get certain things. Maybe it's getting a bit better but there is a long way to go.

Terry-An then why are you asking on this forum if you have it all figured out . Clearly

It's Mira's post asking what to bring. It got hijacked into a debate about their economy and culture. Nor mally I don't get involved with cyber crap but people posting that they shouldn't bring things to people who not only appreciate but rely on the kind gifts people bring to them pisses me off because it may prevent those gifts being brought and I personally know some of those in need there.

Terry-An my choir director goes down frequently. I was last down with her a few years ago, but she has been a couple times since and I don’t think the need has changed very much, They can NOT get a lot of things they need.. so thank you for your post.

I LOVED Cuba. We brought a little of everything, but mostly a lot of daily basics: shampoos, conditioners, deodorant, pain killers, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, toothbrushes. Even a few extras, including body spray, perfumes, new underwear.
We stayed in airbnb's while there, so I knew who our hosts were going to be and some even mentioned they might have family. They honestly appreciate anything you can give them, because they have very limited access to basic, every day necessities most of us don't think about.
For yourself - maybe try and pack a few spices, salt / pepper. Their food is pretty bland.

When I went there, I took along 6 spark plugs for any 50s car which I pre-ordered from Lordco. I gave them to a fellow I met who owned a 52 Chevy. He was delighted to receive such a gift. I also took along school supplies such as ball point pens and pencils and gave them to a local school in Trinidad (city in Cuba) and they were very well received. I don't know if it's still the same now as far as shortages of stuff. There is also a shortage of guitar strings and oil paints for artists.

Ron very few of the cars from the 50s have their original engines at this point most have been transplanted with the diesel from Russia or China

When we went a few years back we took led flashlites and some extra good quality batteries for same. Still can see the smile on a lonely street cart vendor trying to sell his fruits & veggies on the poorly lit streets. Ones that hang work great for them.