In Reply to: Things to give locals posted by gwmw on Sunday, 14. May 2006 at 16:07 Bali Time:
We returned home 2 weeks ago. We took as many gifts up with us as we could carry. Here are a few ideas:
*Postcards of Australia/the State were you are from, it might sound daggy but they all loved these. I also purchased a small book full of pictures of Australia from Angus & Robinson which everyone enjoyed looking at.
*Freddo Frog and Caramello Koala multi Packs.
*Natural Food Company lollies-Blinky Bill & Snakes & Dinosaures.
*Body Spray/Deodorants (male & female).
*Carry bags, Red Dot $2 had colourful designs like flowers, dolphins on them. Coles green recycle bags. Every one who saw these asked if we had a spare for them when we were leaving.
* Key rings,especially the ones with anything Australian on them.
*Biscuits in Australian Design Tins -Kookaburra on front from Big W.
*McDonalds toys for children. They really loved these.
*Beany Bears. A bit more expensive but great for someone special!
We took alot more but I won't bore you with the rest.
Before we left Bali we shopped at the supermarket for grocerries for our Special Family Friends.Coffee, sugar, powdered milk, biscuits,cooking oil etc.Things that helped them out alot and will see them good for a while.
We quite often would buy breakfast or evening meals for the locals in Tuban outside the Rani. Only 3000Rp each. Often they had not had any business all day so they were very gratefull.
For all of those who have said that the locals are pushy and hard sellers, we found if we did the right thing by them, ie: a meal then they became great friends and no longer tried the hard sell on us.Just a big smile and hello when you walked past each day.
We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday this time and these people were mostly the reason why.
Take someone to KFC for an Icecream Sunday, it will give you great satisfaction!
Enjoy your trip.
Regards Helen.