Gift for Locals and Supporting the Community

School supplies
General school supplies are always needed – these include pencils, pencil sharpeners, rulers, erasers, solar calculators, and chalk. Other popular supplies include English–Swahili dictionaries, world maps, and even age-appropriate storybooks in English.

First aid and health
Bandages, band-aids, antibiotic ointment, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, soap, hand sanitizer, and feminine care products (such as sanitary pads) will be used and appreciated.

Clothing
New or gently used children’s clothing is always well received; and if you have a few soccer jerseys to spare, the children will absolutely love them. You may even spot a few locals sporting their favourite team’s jersey along your travels. The big English clubs are always the best to go for if you’re in doubt!

Many clients have asked about other gifts such as candy, balloons, and toys. We wouldn’t recommend gifting candy, as many children do not have access to adequate dental care. And regrettably, balloons pose a choking hazard for both children and wildlife if not disposed of properly.

Toys that can be easily shared (such as football/soccer balls) are not a bad idea and will bring much joy to the children. However, if you plan to bring individual toys to give to children, be prepared to have a toy for every single child you meet! Once you give one child a toy, another seems to appear, followed by another, and another, and eventually the entire community. Unfortunately with toys, the largest kid often wins and not every child will receive a gift. If you are keen on bringing toys, you could give them privately to an adult to distribute when they feel it is appropriate – such as for a birthday or as a reward for doing well in school.

If you’re not sure whether your gift would be appropriate, please feel free to ask us. Additionally, many of our suppliers participate in Pack For A Purpose, and their lists are really helpful and full of ideas about what you could donate. Ultimately, it’s great to donate gifts to the communities you visit, but it’s essential to think carefully about what you are giving.

If you are struggling with Christmas present ideas for a frequent traveller to Africa, we have a few suggestions! You could foster an orphaned elephant at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust or support Project Playground (a non-profit organization that aims to improve the life opportunities of children in South Africa), simply by purchasing bracelets or cufflinks for your loved ones! Check out their websites for more details.

If you are interested in taking a gift on your travels, feel free to contact us,  or send us an email at [email protected] for more information.