Shelly's SWI & Orphanage Gifts

Our agency suggested bringing 10-12 small gifts and to plan for a couple extra for unexpected people whom we would want to express gratitude toward. The gifts above were purchased for the orphanage director, notarial officers, coordinators, interpreters, and orphanage nannies. We decided on buying multiples and then grouping the gifts as we wrap them while we are in China. We are going to take the set of gift bags and tissue paper (which came pre-sorted to match perfectly) that we purchased at Target to wrap the gifts in China. Here is what we purchased to give:

• 4 Old Navy winter scarves
• 2 Old Navy suit-coat hand-beaded scarves
• 4 deodorants (made in USA) - may add 2 more for men
• 2 men's shaving gels (made in USA)
• 6 lip glosses (American Girl - made in OH)
• 7 decorative soaps, handmade in CA, USA - 2 are blue for men
• 2 necklaces made in Italy - Thailand
• 2 pairs of earrings - USA and France
• 6 Jelly Belly bags of candy
• 12 gift bag set
• tissue paper set
• 3 additional smaller gift bags
  

Above, is a photograph of some of the wonderful handmade soaps we purchased. They were made in California, are wonderfully scented, and we thought very pretty. Also, very practical. We found them at Von Maur at our local shopping mall.

We found these lip glosses at Bath & Body Works - they were made in OH, USA and have a little "American" flair. Plus, we thought they were soft colors, very wearable, and smell good too! Can't forget to mention easy to pack - and saving space!

Our agency recommends that each family plan on giving a gift to their child's orphanage as well. Some ideas they gave us:

• baby bath products
• diapers
• crib sheets and blankets
• sleepers
• crib toys, sport toys
• school supplies

They advised us that many families choose to purchase these gifts while in China instead of packing them, but we had already been collecting sleepers for our gift before we received that information. So we have several Carter's sleepers sizes NB - 3 months. We are planning on bringing these with us - if they fit in the luggage. If not, we will purchase what is needed in China. If they do fit, then we can use that extra space on the way home for lots of wonderful souvenirs.

Melissa's Gifts

I decided to go with hand creams, deodorant, small bags of Dunkin Donut coffee and potpourri pouches. My only regret is that they are all a little bulky BUT we will pro bally travel in summer so I think we may have a little extra space. I will but red bags and tissue paper and then assemble the gift bags when we are in China. I will combine things and give people 2 or 3 things in each bag. When we find out where Lily is then we will buy an appropriate gift for the orphanage director or foster family. I am glad this challenge is behind me!

LAUNDRY TIPS

(that I thought would be helpful for our trip)
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* Fewer bubbles

Less is more when using soap for sink washing. Fewer suds requires less rinsing.

Spot clean areas with a travel-sized stain remover instead of soaping the whole garment.

* Stain stick

If you don't plan to wash your clothes until your trip is over, carry along a stain pretreatment stick. Taking the time to use it on stains before they set ensures that they will wash out when you get home.

* Boxers, not briefs

Wear nylon or silk under garments - avoid 100-percent cotton because it takes longer to dry.

* Drain Plugs

Pack a flat drain plug; the one-size-fits-all kind that lays over the drain without having to be inserted. The plug allows you to convert any sink into a laundry sink.

BAGS AND BUBBLES
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Here are some tips for dealing with dirty clothing on the road:

* Bring baggies

I'm talking about plastic storage bags. The kind that are bigger than a sandwich bag, but way smaller than a kitchen garbage bag. And make sure you get the kind that zip shut.

This is for laundry that hasn't dried thoroughly, damp face cloths, wrung-out-but-wet bathing suits and other damp stuff that shouldn't get mixed in with the rest of the week's wardrobe. You're not just worried about getting dry clothes wet; mold and mildew grow rapidly in humid climates and can turn your suitcase into a giant, stinky petrie dish.

* Dirty duffel

Bring a lightweight, nylon duffel bag for your laundry. As your clothes get dirty, move them out of your suitcase and replace them with souvenirs. You'll end up with an extra bag to check for the return home, but you won't have to juggle an armload of shopping bags filled with fragile things. Plus, you get your smelly clothes far away from your fresh shirts and pants.

This is an outline of this great post that I came across. The original post came from TRAVEL TIPS at http://www.cooltravelmail.com/ Go check them out for other cool stuff.

Stephe