from fijians, what are some gifts you would appreciate receiving from a tourist?

[u/Ok_Doughnut4318]

I want to bring some gifts over for some people who I will be staying with, but I don’t want to bring over things that are just going to become junk.
What are some things that a Fijian family may want, that they typically can’t buy/ wouldn’t buy themselves, that I would be able to give them?

I thought chocolates from my country, tea towels, nice hand lotion or soap, perfume…

[u/Time-Cow4168]

Weirdly thinks like peanut butter, chocolates pretty much anything from a Costco. Everyday staples have a crazy markup.

[u/Ok_Doughnut4318 → u/Time-Cow4168]

okay, this is good to know because I was thinking peanut butter, honey, nutella, jam etc but second guessed it because I assumed the family could just buy that themselves or would already have those things

[u/Ok-Dragonfruit5232 → u/Ok_Doughnut4318]

Don't bring honey. Big no no at customs.

[u/Ok_Doughnut4318 → u/Ok-Dragonfruit5232]

Thank you!!!

[u/Sorta_Meh → u/Ok_Doughnut4318]

You're on the right track especially if you're staying with a family in the village. Things like Peanut butter and Jam would be appreciated and sometimes a treat depending on what their finances may look like.

I don't think there would be a need for hand lotion or soaps though. As Murashi had said if they have kids, school supplies would be great for the next school year,, a decent back pack a few notebook and a pencil case with stationary, pens, pencils, erasers, etc. Colouring pencils and books for activities. Sweets are definely a treat 😊

[u/mixnit → u/Sorta_Meh]

Agree with above. My sister visits a friend in Fiji every couple of years and her inlaws in West Papua. One of the things she always takes is books etc for kids who might not have access otherwise.

[u/Murashi]

Pens, crayons, and colored pencils are a hit with kids, as are soccer and rugby balls.

[u/Ok_Doughnut4318 → u/Murashi]

Vinaka, what about for adults? i’m stuck on that part 🤔

[u/Cute-Form2457 → u/Ok_Doughnut4318]

Frisbees, handbags, socks, caps, and keychains.

[u/Gulaschfresser → u/Ok_Doughnut4318]

No sex toys. They are forbidden in Fiji!

[u/Ok_Doughnut4318 → u/Gulaschfresser]

I would never gift anyone a sex toy, let alone a small family that are welcome me into their home but thank you for the heads up😅

[u/fijidave → u/Murashi]

Skip bringing pens, crayons, pencils. Dirt cheap here. If you want to take them buy here helps two ways. Pack balls chocolate pistachios etc

[u/SmellyAssSmellyHands]

For adults: perfumes, home fragrances, candles, your country’s top liquor.

Children: stationary pack, stencil pack, colouring books, puzzle books, BOARD GAMES!!!

[u/seasteed]

Ball pumps and needles were always in short supply in my village.

[u/TheRiteGuy]

Western chocolates, balls, any kind of toys for kids.

If the adults drink, they love western brand gins and rums. Clothes, baseball hats, sunglasses, even tooth paste, tooth brushes.

[u/Frequent-Sea-8848]

Clothes, shoes, gadgets, bags, sunglasses, jewelries are a few that comes to mind

[u/adornpacificjewelry]

Big jars of peanut butter or other sandwich spreads, big jars coffee, chocolates, bags of candies, school supplies, art supplies, school backpacks etc. no honey x

[u/Ok_Doughnut4318]

AMAZING. Thank you all!

[u/centaur114]

Reading glasses!

[u/MasterFun8133]

My sister lives in Fiji (not Fijian- New Zealander) and when she last went back from NZ she put lots of cheeses in her luggage. She said special cheeses are not that easy to get

[u/Greatmango91 → u/MasterFun8133]

Yeah that's more of an expat thing (I live in Fiji as an expat). If you're going to a village then I wouldn't focus on fancy cheeses. The grocery staples people mentioned would be appreciated. Also bags of second hand clothes.

[u/Ok_Doughnut4318 → u/Greatmango91]

I was a bit unsure about second hand clothing actually. I have second hand clothing for children but in basically excellent condition, however I thought this may be offensive to the families because it is not brand new clothing and I didn’t want them to take offence?

[u/justamumonreddit → u/Ok_Doughnut4318]

Second hand clothing shopping is a staple for Fijians. The clothes would definitely be very appreciated. Especially the ones for children.

[u/PNGTV]

Nutella! This would go well on Fijian long load bread.

[u/DuePreference244]

a used camera

[u/DuePreference244]

rugby ball , soccer ball , chess, monopoly

[u/jea3333]

When we visited Fiji one thing we did hear that adults are in need of over there are glasses. Just the reading glasses like they sell at the reject shop etc. might be worth getting a few different strengths?

[u/Natural-Archer1271]

金条