My friend is going to volunteer for the peace corps in Africa. I need some useful gift ideas for her! Any suggestions?

My daughter is in the Peace Corps in Peru. I gave her a Swiss Army knife – the one they call "Camper". It doesn't have all the blades known to man, but each one is useful. I think it is the best compromise between size and utility they make.

Once your friend gets there she will find things she wishes she had; small things, like paperback books. Ask her to ask you for stuff every once in a while. Keep it small and inexpensive. You don't want her to be the material queen of Kenya.

When I was a PCV, many years ago, my grandmother wrote short, cheerful letters every week, and enclosed a week's worth of "Peanuts", my favorite comic strip. It was the nicest thing anyone did for me in the 27 months I was gone.

11 Responses to “What are some gift ideas for a 23-yr old girl going to the peace corps?”

  1. smangie Says:

    At Barnes and Noble they have this really cool diary book thing…it's better than a basic pretty notebook.

    send a diary and a framed picture of all of her friends. She'll want to record her memoirs while having a piece of home with her
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  2. Crypt Says:

    Leatherman multi-tool.
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  3. Mar Mar the Candy Bar Says:

    Hand sanitizer, a dictionary with common phrases in it of many languages, lip balm, one of those cheap portable water filters, good for about 100 uses (look it up, there are a few different names and I forgot all of them) batteries, cheap toys for her to hand out to the kids where ever she's going, waterless face cleansing wipes…
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  4. LV Says:

    Toilet paper. Seriously, my friend rose had to use her hand when she was in Turkmenistan.
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  5. mizshaionex Says:

    A Journal, with out a doubt she will most likely love it and write all of her experiences in it. Maybe a camera, extra SD card for the camera to make the most out of her experience. Maybe a voice recorder if she wants to verbally record her thoughts. But I would Deff go with a journal, maybe a leather one that ties together, dont forget a pen/pencil to go with it. Barnes and Nobles have leather journals there from 20-35 dollars, trust me I know, I just bought one lol.
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  6. Pat Says:

    A good, sturdy journal and a package of pens.
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  7. neerajpandey Says:

    If you really want to give something charismatic then give your friend some good books or diary. You can find good books and also gift idea books in following site.
    Have A Nice Day
    Bye
    References :
    http://www.vinayakalibrary.i8.com

  8. lar Says:

    Where in Africa-My Daughter spent 2 years in the Gambia. I would suggest the following:
    1. Soap
    2. Dried foods
    3. Towels
    4. Music-
    5. Phone cards-make sure they're compatible with the country.
    6. Toilet accessories-Combs, shampoo, etc.
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  9. Ted Pack Says:

    My daughter is in the Peace Corps in Peru. I gave her a Swiss Army knife – the one they call "Camper". It doesn't have all the blades known to man, but each one is useful. I think it is the best compromise between size and utility they make.

    Once your friend gets there she will find things she wishes she had; small things, like paperback books. Ask her to ask you for stuff every once in a while. Keep it small and inexpensive. You don't want her to be the material queen of Kenya.

    When I was a PCV, many years ago, my grandmother wrote short, cheerful letters every week, and enclosed a week's worth of "Peanuts", my favorite comic strip. It was the nicest thing anyone did for me in the 27 months I was gone.
    References :

  10. Amy Says:

    Get her something that is useful for her like hand bag
    watch or sandals
    Do take these printable discount coupons with you that are offered for free by this website when going for shopping for your friend
    http://www.clickmycoupon.com/
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  11. Jenny S Says:

    Hi there :) Giving her a care package before she leaves will really show her that you care and wish her well. I'm a fan of the "Sunshine Care Package" from http://BisketBaskets.com at http://www.bisketbaskets.com/sunshine-care-package.html. I love the name of it and she'll be able to indulge in some chocolates, delish cookies, popcorn, and a ton of other scrumptious goodies before she leaves.
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