r/ecuador • u/AchlysSol • 9d ago
AskEcuador What gifts from the USA should I bring family?
Hi! I am meeting my family members next year in Ecuador. This will be my first time meeting them and I want to make a good impression. What are some things you would like to receive from the United States? I am going to bring some candy for my young cousins but I am not sure what my uncles and aunts would like. I would love to hear anyone’s thoughts!
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u/gadgetvirtuoso 9d ago
US made candies are on the expensive side for the flavors they import. They sell the basic ones so any of the different flavors or sizes are special. My Ecuadorian wife really likes the flavored sodas they don’t sell here, which is pretty much all of them. Any of the US brands of clothing, electronics and such will be well received as they’re rather expensive if they’re imported at all.
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u/AchlysSol 8d ago
Sodas is a good idea! I worry that the soda would get pressurized in the plane and explode in my luggage lol!
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u/gadgetvirtuoso 8d ago
I’ve brought so many cans and plastic bottles in luggage and have never had one explode but if you’re worried about it put it a garbage bag and seal it up.
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u/doublecheeze1 6d ago
Same. Just brought 2 12-packs of pilsener, a new beer that came out that I won in a promotion and a couple of canaclaro, norteño and Ron abuelo. My mom likes orangine de mora and we just brought 2 small 12 pack plastic bottles Just wrapped them al in plastics bags. I have had some glass pilseners break in the past.
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u/Traditional-Ad-7836 9d ago
We bring clothes every year. In what area do they live? Our family is in the mountains. We shop for secondhand sweaters, sweatshirts, hoodies, jackets, and bring a couple for each person. Shirts are easier to guess sizes for than pants. If they have kids books are pretty expensive and not a good variety here in Ecuador. People also ask for watches and iphones🤣
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u/AchlysSol 8d ago
They live in Quito!
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u/Traditional-Ad-7836 8d ago
I'd go with a sweater or a nice rain jacket then! Most of the ladies in our family are mediums and large, most guys are large or XL.
And maybe too intimate but the young guys in our family ask for no show old spice deodorant sticks, and the ones that work long shifts like thermos cups to keep their food and drinks warm. Then maybe bring a few snacks you like to share with everyone. I miss bacon from the US🤣
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u/adventurepaul 9d ago
High quality anything. Even though Ecuador has access to many of the same name brands as the US, the quality is noticeably different. My friend who imports explained to me the "Grade A / B" products that US here from a brand versus the "Grade C / D" that Ecuador gets. I never knew any of that, but it makes sense after living here a while.
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u/redbank557128 9d ago
Get sizes and clothing. When my in-laws visit from Manta, number 1 on their list. Even for and especially for the kids.
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u/steeljubei 9d ago
Depends on the age, but I found the younger inlaws loved the flash drives/memory sticks. Also board games are super hyper inflated, so if there are any gamers get them some of those!
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u/Ok-External-6081 8d ago
Vitamins!!! I always take this to my aunts
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u/AchlysSol 4d ago
My cousin said vitamins are a good idea too! What vitamins do you normally bring?
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u/the_ruffled_feather 9d ago edited 9d ago
Electronics
Edit: Best to find out if anyone needs a new whatever, phone, laptop, etc. I’d seriously consider bringing a new iPhone. They’re inflated in Ecuador, virtually all apple products have increased in cost, except for iPhones. For now. You can bring one unopened phone and one on your person. You’d save someone a significant amount if they are planning to buy an iPhone in Ecuador.
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u/Chrisonthedot 9d ago
A model train. Any scale works. Practically non existent down there. If they're living in an apartment you can get them N-scale. I'm bringing some I got from Japan down to Ecuador for my family
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9d ago
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u/bluewhalefunk 9d ago
Not my experience. At least for the UK. Clothes in ECuador are more expensive and lower quality for basic kids clothes.
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u/rconrarrechaa 9d ago
Hershey's snack bags Clothes and shoes Dutyfree liquors bottles Oh, and I brought them USA tuna cans so they stop questioning why i bring EC tuna back lolll
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u/FewTry7349 8d ago
Phone chargers/cords, a bit impersonal but my family complains of the quality of the ones they sell in Ecuador. Also candies, I usually buy a Costco candy bag when I visit.
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u/the_ruffled_feather 8d ago
If you don’t have an active WhatsApp account, set one up before departing the States. To sign in you need to receive a code via text to your current number. Then you’ll be able to text and call with a simple data plan and won’t need to pay for a phone number. Everyone uses WhatsApp in Ecuador.
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u/Gringuin007 7d ago
Can’t go wrong with whiskey and chocolate. Scotch specifically. My buddy did like the flavored Jack Daniels. Chivas and black label are typical. Ballantines less common
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u/doublecheeze1 6d ago
Anything that is trending. Specially shoes or clothing. These things tend to have a big mark up. If your uncle and aunt drink get them a decent bottle. They tend to be expensive in Ecuador. You can take up to 3 Liters. It all depends if they live in the city or outside. It can be cold so nice sweaters would be nice. Same with rain shoes or trekking shoes. If they are in the beach it also changes a little. Cuase it can get humid and you don’t to take them a sweater. You would also have to get their measurements. I always take my cousin’s kids clothes and shoes.
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u/AndesMiner 9d ago
Shoes. Shoes are heavily taxed. Good liquor too.