What gifts do I bring for a friend in Tanzania and her family?

November 3, 2006 4:00 AM

I'm going to Tanzania next week, and I'll be visiting a friend (native Tanzanian) who will be hosting me. I need a nice gift for her...

I should also arm myself with some non-specific gifts for any family members I meet (kids and adults). Luggage space is VERY limited as I'm traveling primarily for work, and this visit is an extension of the trip. I've never been to Tanzania before. I know this friend from her time in the US, but have no idea what sort of gift would be useful to her in her home environment; generally, I am not very good at gift-giving anyway.

Obviously, everything I take has to be able to withstand rough handling and blistering heat. (Food may not survive the trip.)

posted by bchaplin to travel & transportation (8 comments total)

You could always bring very nice silk scarves for her, perhaps an artisan scarf purchased at a craft fair or something like that.
As for the rest of the family, maybe some very small little Americana trinkets from Archie McPhee or something equally as goofy. Nothing too formal, something lighthearted and something that will make people laugh and think of you when they look at it in the future. I heartily suggest the Mexican Wrestling Masks (I can't find the link, sorry)
posted by banannafish at 5:25 AM on November 3, 2006

When I went to Kenya, sight unseen and knowing nobody, I was told that pop-culture-type Americana stuff would go over well. When I arrived in Nairobi, it turns out that the really popular stuff was relatively current rap/hip-hop music, and the type of clothing and accessories that might be worn in videos for same.

The thing is, this kind of thing only appeals to a certain urban-African demographic, and it's a little sensitive because people of another political persuasion might regard those kinds of gifts with a sort of "yeah, like we don't get enough American crap around here already" attitude. Not that anyone would come out and say this, mind you; Africans are meticulously curteous and appreciative of any effort you expend with them in mind.

So, it would probably help to know a bit more about the situation, like whether your friend lives in Dar Es Salaamm Zanzibar, or in one of the smaller towns - each has a distinct culture. If you want to also bring stuff for her kids, it would be useful to know their ages and whether they've gone to school or not. I anticipate that you will also meet an extensive cast of non-nuclear family members, but you are totally not expected to bring gifts for them. In general, remember that Africans, at least those in urban areas, have much greater awareness of our culture than we have of theirs, so they'll know if any pop culture trinkets are dated.
posted by rkent at 8:56 AM on November 3, 2006

Um, that was supposed to read "..Dar Es Salaam, Zanzibar, ..."
posted by rkent at 8:58 AM on November 3, 2006

If the person in question drinks alcohol, something exotic will likely be appreciated.
posted by tkolar at 8:58 AM on November 3, 2006

For young school age kids, cute pencils and a cute pencil sharpener; a little box with pretty top to put their own little treasures in; toy cars; plastic finger monsters; Rubik's cube type puzzle/brainteaser; simple game like one of these:
-Rat-a-tat Cat ages 5+
-K-9 Capers ages 6+
-Top Speed (race-cars) ages 8+
-Match of the Penguins ages 6+
-Chomp (sharks) ages 5+
-Hisss (very cute cartoon snakes) ages 3+
-Coloretto ages 8+, great for older kids and adults. (Re: getting card games for adults. Be sure there isn't a strong anti-gambling stance in the family; some families love card games, some are suspicious of them. If your friend is very religious, maybe steer away from this one.)
-Quarto 8+, great for older kids and adults.

For very young kids (under 5) , a toy is better than a game.
posted by LobsterMitten at 10:39 AM on November 3, 2006

For the generic gifts, enamelled pins from your city, state or country like these. Pin collecting and trading is popular with adults and children all over the world. Easy to carry, and if you don't give them all away, you can keep them for future trips. Check your local visitors center gift shop.
posted by Joleta at 10:40 AM on November 3, 2006

Oh - I should have mentioned; the games I list are all card games in boxes that are less than 6" x 4.5" x 1". Exception: Quarto has slightly different dimensions, but is the travel version so it's close to 7" x 7" x 1".
posted by LobsterMitten at 10:42 AM on November 3, 2006

Thanks, everyone!

rkent, she is an older woman. I don't think she's into hip-hop, though I could get her other music that I know she likes (vocals, country). She lives in Moshi, near Arusha.

She does drink but I'd rather bring something with less negative consequences to my luggage if it breaks.

I like the pin idea!
posted by bchaplin at 3:45 PM on November 3, 2006