An REI gift certificate covers a lot of bases if you don't want to give just cash.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of what they need, Peace Corps will provide, or they will be able to get there. They won’t want expensive gadgetry. And chances are, they will wind up wearing cheap flip flops and locally-made clothing most days.

I’d suggest classic novels in paperback, a good sunhat, and a handful of small lightweight trinkets/souvenirs (postcards, stickers, keychains) from their hometown that can be handed out as gifts as they travel. And yes, money.

This would all depend on where they are going. Even the novels - has Peace Corps been in that country for years? There is probably a decent library of used books that has accumulated at headquarters or satellite houses.
Peace Corps will give them a packing list.
Money is really the best gift.

RPCV I’m guessing ^

I’d hope that all of us responding are RPCVs!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of what they need, Peace Corps will provide, or they will be able to get there. They won’t want expensive gadgetry. And chances are, they will wind up wearing cheap flip flops and locally-made clothing most days.

I’d suggest classic novels in paperback, a good sunhat, and a handful of small lightweight trinkets/souvenirs (postcards, stickers, keychains) from their hometown that can be handed out as gifts as they travel. And yes, money.

This would all depend on where they are going. Even the novels - has Peace Corps been in that country for years? There is probably a decent library of used books that has accumulated at headquarters or satellite houses.
Peace Corps will give them a packing list.
Money is really the best gift.

RPCV I’m guessing ^

Anonymous wrote:Most of what they need, Peace Corps will provide, or they will be able to get there. They won’t want expensive gadgetry. And chances are, they will wind up wearing cheap flip flops and locally-made clothing most days.

I’d suggest classic novels in paperback, a good sunhat, and a handful of small lightweight trinkets/souvenirs (postcards, stickers, keychains) from their hometown that can be handed out as gifts as they travel. And yes, money.

This would all depend on where they are going. Even the novels - has Peace Corps been in that country for years? There is probably a decent library of used books that has accumulated at headquarters or satellite houses.
Peace Corps will give them a packing list.
Money is really the best gift.

If they don’t already have it, a sturdy backpack that fits a lot of stuff. Money is great, because it allows them to travel around the region on vacation. Maybe plane ticket or hotel vouchers if you’d rather not give money?

The best Peace Corps related gift I got was a check for $500 from my grandmother when I got home from Peace Corps and rented an apartment and got a job - I bought an IKEA couch and chair with it, and I have never loved an item like I loved that couch.

Leatherman

Money

Solar powered electronics/phone charger.

Western movies dubbed in the native language, e.g., Harry Potter in Swahili ... thoughtful & actually useful because s/he will struggle with the language

shovel

Most of what they need, Peace Corps will provide, or they will be able to get there. They won’t want expensive gadgetry. And chances are, they will wind up wearing cheap flip flops and locally-made clothing most days.

I’d suggest classic novels in paperback, a good sunhat, and a handful of small lightweight trinkets/souvenirs (postcards, stickers, keychains) from their hometown that can be handed out as gifts as they travel. And yes, money.

Cash always works. But if you wanted a physical present, maybe some stuff from REI with a gift receipt (if they live near one). Things like above headlamp, uv filter, portable charger, small collapsible solar lantern (depending on where they are going).

Water bottle that has built in purification system
Headlamp

Money

Is the easy answer just cash?

Would love to give a good family friend something nice at their graduation/bon voyage party. Any suggestions on what would be great to have while serving in the Peace Corps??