A Child Chosen - Perspectives of an Adoptive Parent

Gift Ideas for Adoption Caregivers

by Marcie on February 12th, 2008

Adoptive parents are always looking for unique ideas and ways to thank caregivers for caring for their children whether it be foster care or orphanage care. There are protocols that should be followed though when gift giving, especially in international countries.

• In Russia it can be frowned upon to give fragrances because it might be considered insulting (although some women love special perfumes and often request it from families).
• It is most often customary in a two trip adoption to wait until the second trip to give gifts because it may be considered a bribe if a gift is given before hand.
• When giving money in international countries make sure to give larger bills (if giving American money) because this is difficult to exchange.
• Chocolates are not necessarily a good gift because every country has great chocolates.

Gift Ideas for Russian Orphanage Directors, Doctors, Representatives, and Caregivers

For Men:

Wallets (with money), Watch, Scarves, Gloves, Hats, Key Chains, Money Clip, Jewelry for their wives or children, etc.

For Women:

Scarves, Gloves, Body Lotion, Bath Soaps, Hand Creme, Hand Bags, Shopping Bags (nice market bag), Nice Jewelry, Vases, Picture Frames, Fruit and Flowers, Candles, etc.

For the orphanage

Donate some new plants, diapers, NEW (for health reasons) clothing (or if acceptable, gently used), a new tricycle, medical supplies that don’t expire (or donate OTC medications with translations) toothbrushes, combs, crib sheets, blankets, hats, mittens, coats, swaddles, bottles, nipples, crib toys, teethers, Neosporin, alcohol wipes, band aids, underwear, socks, etc.
For International Foster Mothers

Most Foster Mothers have families and children of their own and probably appreciate money more than anything else so why not a great new handbag, a pretty piece of jewelry and some cash for the family?

Many foster mothers might also like a gift from your home town. For example, ideas include: t-shirts, sweatshirts, or baseball caps (for a child) of a sports team, postcards, trivets, books, or toys for their children.

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POSTED IN: Agencies, China, Countries and Domestic, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Korea, Preparation, Russia