<p>I'm leaving for Durban, South Africa in about a week and it was recommended that I bring small gifts for my Zulu host family. In addition, we are supposed to bring some little gifts appropriate for children (for when we visit orphanages, schools, etc). Does anyone have any experience buying these types of gifts?</p>
<p>When I studied abroad, they suggested that we bring something that reminded us of home. A good chunk of the time, people host students because they want to learn about that student’s home culture as well as teach them about their culture. </p>
<p>Personally, I brought cherry jam (from the cherry capital of the world) and my host family loved it. I’m not sure what you would bring for children except for maybe crayons or coloring books- you can get those very cheap.</p>
<p>In Afghanistan for Christmas we just handed out boxes of just about anything. Good soccer balls are a huge hit, and dolls for the girls. Sounds cliche’ but it made a lot of kids happy.</p>
<p>Yes, they can be just little gifts, and the kids will be thrilled. </p>
<p>mcel123, have a great time! My parents were in Durban over the weekend! My dad is a professor who lectures all over the world, and South Africa is my parents’ very favorite place. This is their seventh trip to SA. I got to take my boys on one trip with them, and my daughter on another. I would love to go back. Are you going to get to go to Kruger National Park? It is worth a special trip if you can make it.</p>
<p>I’m sure you’ve heard you have to be very careful and safe - find out from your host family what places are safe to go to. One time in Johannesburg, we were driving through downtown and my mom rolled down the window to take photos. Our host yelled, “CLOSE THE WINDOW! It’s not safe!” Most houses in SA have fences and security systems. Mom said their friends in Jo’burg have to unlock FOUR gates to get from their house to their garage! Having said that, my parents have never had any problem over the years.</p>
<p>^
Did you spot any of those pesky prawns?</p>
<p>Hmm, no, I’m not sure I know what you mean! Shrimp?</p>
<p>^
I was referencing the movie “District 9” which took place in Johannesburg. :(</p>
<p>Oh, I forgot about that movie! That was wild.</p>
<p>Which part of Durban are you going to?Also,don’t assume that your host family is Zulu without being sure(there are several tribes in SA and you could easily offend say,a Xhosa person by calling them Zulu.You might want to learn a few of these cultural nuances before getting there)RE: Gifts,I’d say toys for the kids and household items for the mother(light vases,household ornaments,clocks etc) and for the male figure/dad american paraphernalia ex. a picturebook,us flag,US map etc.</p>
<p>I dont know which part of Durban, but I know we will be close to the University of KwaZulu Natal. I know they will be Zulu because the study abroad program said so</p>
<p>Edit: We will be staying in or close to the township of Cato Manor</p>
<p>soccor balls, jump ropes, those types of things would be good for any child.</p>
<p>Also, for host familys get something “special” from your state.</p>
<p>Ok, I live in South Africa. The family will almost most definitely be Zulu because Kwa-Zulu Natal is the Zulu province (hence the “Zulu” in the name). Honestly, bring anything that represents your country/state. They’ll enjoy learning about you and where you’re from. Kids at orphanages will basically take whatever you give them. Toys are always a good bet and of course candy.</p>