Ideas for cheap and light items for Africa mission trip?

[swan01]

My parents are going on a mission trip to Africa next month. I want to get them a bunch of stuff to take with them, but with the new luggage weight restrictions, it is tough! Any ideas on cheap and very light items they can stuff in their suitcases? I was thinking maybe stickers, inflatable beach balls?

Thanks!

[elephantmeg]

for the kids/people I assume? Hmmm. I grew up there, I should have more ideas. Pretty much anything we had , small cheap toys (think oriental trading/dollar store stuff), dolls, hair stuff, cars, stickers sound good... candy and gum was popular but melts fast (chocolate especially is hard). What are they doing there and where are they going?

[MamaMolly]

Stickers and balls would be a fun light toy, and a great gift, too. I also think that anything school supply related would be appreciated. Maybe pencils and some pocket sharpeners? With back to school sales starting I think they could stock up on a lot and not spend much. Crayons might get melty and gross, but chalk, ballpoint pens and pencils are always appreciated.

[lilycat88]

When I was in Zimbabwe at an orphanage for a few weeks, stickers were extremely popular with the kids. I have pictures where the kids and I were both covered in them. Inflatable balls were as well.

[lowrioh]

Depends on where in Africa they are going. I would agree with the PP that school supply related gifts would be great. Fun pencils, sharpeners, tablets, stickers etc. Generally clothing isn't a great idea because there are a lot of importers of used clothing.

[hillview]

We took a bunch of shampoo and other hotel mini bottles of stuff. The women loved that. Other things folks gave away money, pens, postcards from the US (or where they are from) I have heard folks like to get photos of you. Bring a poloroid with you and give them pics of you with them.

Tell your folks to have a wonderful time!
/hillary

[lowrioh]

Originally Posted by hillview

We took a bunch of shampoo and other hotel mini bottles of stuff. The women loved that. Other things folks gave away money, pens, postcards from the US (or where they are from) I have heard folks like to get photos of you. Bring a poloroid with you and give them pics of you with them.

Tell your folks to have a wonderful time!
/hillary

I totally agree! We always take over the glycerin soaps and other small things from Bath and Body works when we go over to give to the domestic workers who work for my DH's family.