60 Inexpensive but Useful Gifts to Bring to Cuba for Donations
When traveling to Cuba, bringing small but meaningful gifts can make a huge difference in the lives of locals. Many basic items are scarce or expensive due to economic restrictions, so bringing supplies that are practical, easy to pack, and lightweight can be incredibly helpful. Below is a list of 60 inexpensive and useful items that you can purchase in sets and distribute to men, women, and children during your trip to Cuba.
For Men (20 Items)
- Shaving Cream (Travel Size or Bar Soap Alternative) – Helps with hygiene and grooming but nowhere to be found in Cuba
- Check this pack of 4 shaving soaps
- Shaving creams that are travel friendly
- Men’s Socks (Multipack) – These bring 60 pairs, made of light material and great for warm weather..
- Underwear (Boxers or Briefs, Multipack) – Hard to find in good quality locally. This is a pack of 10, at great aprice!
- Toothbrushes (Bulk Set) – Dental hygiene products are always appreciated. I recommend telling your dentist you are travelling to Cuba. They may wish to donate some for kids and adults.
- Disposable Razors (Bulk Pack) – Razors are expensive and often hard to find in Cuba
- Value pack like this one (for the whole family)
- Toothpaste (Travel Size or Regular) – An essential that can be costly in Cuba.
- Deodorant (Solid or Travel Size) – Hygiene items are often expensive locally.
- Combs and Hairbrushes (Multipack) – Useful for daily grooming.
- Baseball Caps – Popular for sun protection and style.
- Sunglasses (Multipack) – Protects against strong Caribbean sun.
- T-Shirts (Plain or with Designs) – Clothing can be expensive for locals.
- Flip-Flops or Slippers (Lightweight and Multipack) – Useful for home and daily wear.
- Handkerchiefs or Bandanas (Bulk Pack) – Handy for wiping sweat in hot weather.
- Work Gloves (Multipack) – Useful for manual labor and maintenance work.
- Nail Clippers (Multipack) – Small but essential hygiene tool.
- USB Flash Drives (Small Storage Sizes) – Helps Cubans share and store digital content.
- Pens and Notebooks (Bulk Set) – Useful for work and writing.
- Rechargeable Batteries with USB Charger – Battery-powered items are common due to power outages.
- Small LED Flashlights (Multipack) – Essential for power cuts and nighttime travel.
- Portable Mini Fans (USB or Battery-Powered) – Helps combat the heat in homes with limited airflow.
For Women (20 Items)
- Sanitary Pads and Tampons (Bulk Packs) – Very difficult to find in Cuba.
- Hair Ties and Scrunchies (Multipack) – Useful for styling and practicality.
- Hairbrushes and Combs (Multipack) – Good-quality ones are scarce.
- Women’s Socks (Multipack) – Needed for daily wear.
- Cotton Underwear (Multipack) – Practical and expensive locally.
- Makeup Kits (Simple and Natural Shades) – Women appreciate beauty products.
- Lip Balm (Multipack) – Helps with dry lips due to heat.
- Hand Cream and Body Lotion (Travel Size) – Skin care items are costly.
- Shampoo and Conditioner (Solid Bars or Travel Size) – Hair care is a daily concern.
- Bar Soap (Bulk Pack, Unscented or Lightly Scented) – Easier to carry than liquid soap.
- Reusable Shopping Bags (Foldable Multipack) – Plastic bags are limited in Cuba.
- Sunglasses (Stylish and Protective) – Helps shield from the strong sun.
- Small Jewelry Pieces (Earrings, Bracelets, Simple Rings) – Accessories are appreciated.
- Perfume or Body Mist (Travel Size) – Luxury items that many can’t afford.
- Compact Mirrors (Multipack) – Handy for makeup and grooming.
- Thread and Sewing Kits (Small Packs) – Helps with clothing repairs.
- Nail Polish (Multipack, Neutral Colors) – Beauty products are expensive.
- Reusable Water Bottles (Lightweight and Durable) – Clean drinking water is not always accessible.
- Hand Fans (Foldable, Lightweight) – Helps keep cool without electricity.
- Spices of any kind for the kitchen – Very hard to find in Cuba.
For Children (20 Items)
- Colored Pencils and Crayons (Bulk Packs) – School supplies are often lacking.
- Notebooks and Sketchbooks (Multipack) – Needed for school and creative activities.
- Stickers (Fun, Colorful Designs) – Kids love them, and they’re great for school.
- Coloring Books (Mandalas, Animals, Cartoons) – Fun and relaxing.
- Small Toys (Hot Wheels, Action Figures, Dolls) – Toys are expensive in Cuba.
- Jump Ropes (Multipack) – Great for active play.
- Socks (Fun Colors and Designs) – Practical and appreciated.
- Children’s Underwear (Multipack) – Hard to find in good quality.
- Hair Accessories for Girls (Clips, Bands, Ribbons) – Loved by young girls.
- Lightweight Summer Hats or Caps – Protects from the strong sun.
- Birthday decorations and balloons – Fun decor, useful for everyone in the family.
- LED Keychain Flashlights – Useful for kids who walk home after dark.
- Fever or cough medicine – Not always available when kids are sick.
- Small Backpacks or Pencil Cases – Helps kids keep their school supplies organized.
- Musical Instruments (Harmonicas, Small Maracas) – Encourages music and culture.
- Mini Soccer Balls or Inflatable Beach Balls – Sports equipment is scarce.
- Stuffed Animals (Small and Lightweight) – A comfort item for young children.
- Candy (Non-Melting, Individually Wrapped) – A rare treat for kids.
- Toothbrushes and Kids’ Toothpaste (Fun Designs and Flavors) – Encourages dental hygiene.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Stickers or Small Night Lights – Useful during power outages.
Final Tips for Packing & Giving Away Donations:
- Pack Smart: Opt for vacuum-sealed bags to fit more items in your luggage.
- Distribute Thoughtfully: Instead of giving everything to one person or organization, consider handing out items personally to those in need.
- Be Respectful: Give gifts as gestures of kindness, not charity. Many Cubans are extremely resourceful and proud despite economic hardships.
- Ask Before You Give: Some places, such as schools or community centers, may have specific needs.
By bringing useful and thoughtful gifts, you can help make a real difference while also sharing a moment of kindness and cultural exchange with the Cuban people.
Here you can find a few ideas for buying your drums and other retreat items
Inexpensive drums on Amazon
Beautiful goddess drum, smaller than in the picture but nice solid sound. Packs well. Not expensive at all.
Turtles are a symbol of patience and love. It represents the pace of our journey, the steps we take towards our goals not needing to be rushed, but needing to be firm and certain… This is a very nice and solid drum. Packs well. Not expensive at all.
This is a very nice and solid drum. Handmade. Made of wood and leather. Small size. Packs well. Not expensive at all.
This is a nice small African Djembe, measuring 9 x 20 inches, crafted from high-quality mahogany. This standard model features a 9.5-inch goat skin drumhead, which contributes to its rich, resonant sound. Its compact size makes it perfect for portable use, allowing musicians to easily pack it for travel or outdoor events. Whether you’re jamming with friends or practicing solo, this djembe is an excellent addition to any percussionist’s collection.
The Mandala Drum
Embrace the mesmerizing artistry of this shaman drum, where wood and leather unite to create a practical and beautiful masterpiece. Its smooth surfaces and comfortable feel generate a clear and resonant sound that will leave you in awe.
Size: 10 inches. Comes with drumming stick, as shown.
Other musical instruments to play at the beach
Ocean drums are an amazing addition to your meditation session, as they create soothing, rhythmic sounds that mimic the gentle ebb and flow of ocean waves. The unique auditory experience they provide helps to enhance relaxation and deepen your state of mindfulness. By incorporating ocean drums into your practice, you can transform your meditation environment into a serene coastal retreat, allowing your mind to drift peacefully while you concentrate on your breath and intentions.
Tambourines are awesome for beach circles, as they provide an engaging way to accompany songs, fostering a lively atmosphere and encouraging everyone to join in. Their vibrant sound makes for nice percussion rhythms that can elevate the mood and add energy to gatherings, creating a sense of unity among friends and family.
The Gong Lotus Wind Gong 20 Inch is an extraordinary instrument that truly captures the essence of Chinese culture, overflowing with a rich heritage. Meticulously crafted, this stunning Wind Gong arrives with a specially designed Gong Mallet and Hanging String, providing you with everything needed to unleash breathtaking sounds that will mesmerize your audience. Its impressive size empowers this authentic Chinese Wind Gong to generate profound and resonant tones that enchant listeners, enveloping them in a powerful and beautiful auditory experience.
Beautiful table gong
- Size: 8″(H) x 7.5″(L) x 1.75″(D) approx.
- Material: Wood and Copper
- Idea for meditation. Perfect home decor to create Zen environment at home or in office. Good Feng Shui!
Other unique items to pack for a retreat at the beach
Awesome Collection of Essential Oils: I highly recommend the Pure Aroma Oils, because they are 100% Pure Therapeutic Essential Oils, yet cost a fraction of what all these would cost if you bought them individually at any store. Plus, this box contains the most sensual oils you can find. Pure Aroma products have no fillers, no additives and no carrier oils added. They are a set of 6 Oils including Lavender, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lemongrass & Sweet Orange. Each box includes 6 Amber Brown Bottles – 10Ml with Dropper.
This is my very favorite of all oils. Sweet orange essential oil, extracted from the peels of ripe oranges, is a burst of citrus sunshine. Its invigorating and uplifting aroma not only adds a delightful fragrance to your space but also helps alleviate stress and anxiety. The fruity and sweet notes of sweet orange create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for kindling sensuality.
Tip: This pure Brazilian Orange is a large 118 ML bottle for the price of a small one.
This 16-piece scented candle collection is more than an olfactory journey. Elevate your surroundings with this exquisite box of scented treasures, where each fragrance tells a story and every burn is an experience to cherish. Scents: jasmine, rose, vanilla, bergamot, fig, lavender, lemon, spring, gardenia, strawberry, rosemary, peppermint, Blue bell wood sage & sea salt peony cherry blossom, English pear & freesia.
Best Seller – Yoga Pants: These pants are so popular for a reason: They are the epitome of comfort and functionality. Crafted with a blend of cutting-edge features, these pants are designed to elevate your yoga experience: They are Squat Proof so you can conquer your workouts with confidence, 4-Way Stretch so you can embrace flexibility and move seamlessly in every direction. They are Buttery Soft: Experience pure indulgence against your skin. These pants are luxuriously soft, ensuring a gentle touch throughout your practice. They have a compression High Waist over Belly Button and have a hidden Waistband Pocket.
I personally use this exquisite Sage Bundle kit, carefully curated to elevate your smudging experience. It includes premium California White Sage, known for its potent healing properties in driving out negative energies. It also comes with a mystical charm of our smudge bowl, featuring an authentic 5-6 inch Abalone Shell with a mesmerizing Mother-of-Pearl finish, sourced from the depths of the ocean. Paired with a hand-carved wooden cobra tripod stand, this natural heat-resistant bowl provides a captivating sanctuary for your smoldering sage bundles.
Please note that each shell and stand is unique, adding a touch of individuality to your spiritual practice. Complementing this enchanting ensemble is a 10-12 inch natural turkey feather, meticulously chosen to elegantly fan the cleansing smoke in the direction of your intentions.
My favorite yoga mat: A yoga mat is a personal thing! I do not understand the concept of borrowing mats from the studio. It is like a bed, a place where you lie down, put your face, dream good dreams and rest your energy. So your mat is to your class the same thing that your bed is to your bedroom. Just like you do with your bed, choose your mat well. Invest time in finding the ideal mat for you. Consider factors like thickness, material, and texture. Personally, I also consider colour and design. I don’t know if you know this, but I love dragonflies. So I became fascinated with one I saw in Chapters with the design of a dragonfly and dream-wishing dandelions. I had to buy it!
The Gong Lotus Wind Gong 20 Inch is an extraordinary instrument that truly captures the essence of Chinese culture, overflowing with a rich heritage. Meticulously crafted, this stunning Wind Gong arrives with a specially designed Gong Mallet and Hanging String, providing you with everything needed to unleash breathtaking sounds that will mesmerize your audience. Its impressive size empowers this authentic Chinese Wind Gong to generate profound and resonant tones that enchant listeners, enveloping them in a powerful and beautiful auditory experience.
Beautiful tapestry for your wall. Amazon has many sizes. A center ornament inspiring meditation and chakra alignment. Perfect art for your livingroom or bedroom. Zen and minimalistic look.
Books you may wish to bring to the retreat
In The Four Agreements, bestselling author don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love.
The Power of Now has sold over 16 million copies and is available in more than 30 languages. This book guides readers on a spiritual journey to discover their true selves and achieve personal growth. In the first chapter, Tolle discusses enlightenment and the mind’s role in creating pain, offering insights on living in the present to attain a pain-free identity. The author emphasizes connecting to our true essence, the “One Life” beyond physical existence. With a new preface, this paperback illustrates that true Enlightenment comes from being aware, free from the mind, and focused on the Now.
Best chakra healing book – ever! I recommend this awesome book. What an awesome guide to everything you need to know about Chakra Healing. It is a practical guide that applies ancient wisdom to the problems and stresses of modern life. It tells you all you need to know about the seven chakras, the vital energy centers in the human body. It teaches you what the chakras are and how they function; it provides personality tests so you can determine where your strengths lie and what you need to work on.
#1 New York Times bestseller What would it be like to free yourself from limitations and soar beyond your boundaries? What can you do each day to discover inner peace and serenity? The Untethered Soul offers simple yet profound answers to these questions.
#1 NYT’s bestseller by Mark Nepo, who has been called “one of the finest spiritual guides of our time” and “a consummate storyteller.” Philosopher-poet and cancer survivor Mark Nepo opens a new season of freedom and joy—an escape from deadening, asleep-at-the wheel sameness—that is both profound and clarifying. His spiritual daybook is a summons to reclaim aliveness, liberate the self, take each day one at a time, and savor the beauty offered by life’s unfolding. Reading his poetic prose is like being given second sight, exposing the reader to life’s multiple dimensions, each one drawn with awe and affection.
This is a beautiful book for coloring mandalas, and positive affirmations is designed to be part of your transformative journey of self-discovery and healing. It provides a captivating world of MANDALAS blended with powerful POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS. It serves as a comprehensive healing companion. It provides insight into the meaning and significance of each affirmation and helps you can delve deeper into your personal growth journey. It also offers guided journaling sessions to help you write thoughts that arose during your coloring.
Mindfulness Coloring Book For Adults: Feel the Zen With Stress Relieving Designs
Looking for a way to relax and unwind? Check out this awesome mindfulness coloring book for adults! With stress relieving designs like animals, mandalas, and zentangle nature art, you’ll be able to chill out and embrace the zen. Give it a go and let your creativity flow!
This “Gratitude Journal,” offers 100 days of guided gratitude prompts, including counting blessings, writing thank-you letters to your past and present self, and reflecting on moments of joy and appreciation.
Positive affirmation Cards: As a Tarot card reader, I love cards, and I particularly love this set. People will tell you that you cannot read your own cards, but when you are doing yoga, or meditating, you are in (or very close to achieving) full alignment with your spiritual guidance system. So cards and Yoga are the perfect match. Plus, these positive affirmation cards are simply gorgeous.
Book about Cuba (Cuban novels in Spanish, by Jocy Medina)
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This link is for participants booking their spot, not sharing a room.
This link is for two Wellness Retreats participants, sharing a room.
Jocy Medina 
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