pgm07 - 1-30-2013 at 07:16 PM
I'm a newbie to this site, but couldn't find an answer to my question in the forums.
I'm headed to San Felipe and Ensenada by motorcycle in a couple of weeks. Any suggestions on some inexpensive gifts I could have for children I might
encounter, for example at gas stations?
Some ideas I have are stickers, temporary tattoos. My wife suggested pencils or crayons.
Thanks for any ideas.
Ian
paranewbi - 1-30-2013 at 07:37 PM
Most of the 'kids' I encounter at Mexico gas stations and seem to be at the gas stations on the way to San Felipe are teen girls selling burritos or
tamales, etc.
If you stop in a CVS int he states, they usually have a makeup area with lots of stuff for under $5...the multi packs of different finger nail polish
are a big hit with teens...treasured by the girls in the orphanages I visit.
Other items we carry are hard candy, tooth brushes with small toothpaste combo (I know pretty ironic when passing out hard candy)...rarely do we see
or approach a child small enough to desire crayolas on the street.
Reality is...in places like Ensenada or San Felipe...unless your in an impovershed area of those towns...most kids would just like to have a 5 or 10
peso piece.
shari - 1-30-2013 at 07:51 PM
I like the temp tatoo idea alot!
liknbaja127 - 1-30-2013 at 07:58 PM
Stickeeeers, they love stickers! any thing to do with racing! And my wife usely has candy! they like that too!
Bajaboy - 1-30-2013 at 07:58 PM
We stock up on art supplies and lotions/lip balm at Target in the dollar aisle. Also matchbox type cars are also pretty cheap at Walmart.
pgm07 - 1-31-2013 at 04:39 AM
Thanks for the ideas folks - the kids thank you all too.
mcfez - 1-31-2013 at 08:11 AM
Good man!
We do the same in San Felipe. 99 cent store is great for stuff to give away. I will warn you....do not go into the off streets to give away stuff to
the kids....you will get mobbed. I saying this NOT in a negative way towards the kids. They come running...sometimes as many as 10-20....and then you
are creating a problem.
Being on a bike......I suggest giving out stickers, penny candy, sports cards, and perhaps crayolas. All can be bought at the 99 cent stores.
There is Jessica....she operates the town's nursery at the south end......she can help direct you where the needy is. She usually does the Xmas run
with us. Tell her Deno sent you.
Have a great ride BTW.......and pictures of your trip......here !
BajaBlanca - 1-31-2013 at 09:32 AM
they do love pencils ! they do love the small containers of shampoo/bars of soap that one gets from hotels. they love stickers. believe it or not -
little plastic pencil shapeners are a primo gift ! and the coins are a good idea too since they can then go to the store and pick out something for 5
pesos.
Do any of you remember going to the 5 and Dime when you were a kid? We so had fun going and spending our own pennies there.
Do any of you remember going to the 5 and Dime
mcfez - 1-31-2013 at 09:59 AM
I'm not old 
Wow......what a flash that was!
The small containers of shampoo/bars of soap....(!)
I'll have to remember that great idea.
Baja Bucko - 1-31-2013 at 10:04 AM
I always bring down books in Spanish from Amazon (or from yr local Barnes & Noble-age appropriate)-and in yr case, thin books. Also notebooks,
pencils, sharpeners, crayons w color books, hairclips for the girls, hotwheels for the younger boys, granola bars, children's English-Spanish
dictionaries, marbles, small card games for kids w Spanish instructions inside.ie go fish, flower seeds for the mom's container garden, hand lotion
for the older girls....my list is endless. BUT I take MOSTLY books.
Mula - 1-31-2013 at 11:50 AM
I never give money or candy.
One look at a lot of the kid's teeth and you know they don't need any more sugar. And never stickers because they will adorn everyplace.
I bring soaps, shampoos, dental stuff, jacks, marbles, kites, hair ribbons, baseball hats, books. Pens, pencils, coloring books.
bajagrouper - 1-31-2013 at 07:55 PM
I never give sweets with Diabetes being the number one child's decease in Mexico, and if you need to get rid of stuff without kids around just find a
church and give the stuff to the priest, he will know who needs what.......
desertChild - 2-2-2013 at 12:58 PM
Being on a bike you're somewhat limited as to what you can carry. I agree with the others, give them stickers. They love it and it puts a big smile
on their faces. We also let them sit on the bikes and take their picture. They love posing for the camera.
pgm07 - 2-5-2013 at 03:42 PM
Thanks everyone!