I often hear this question: “I am going to Brazil. What gifts should I bring to family and friends there?”
It is easy to choose gifts that are valuable to Brazilians when you are visiting from abroad. This is because things in Brazil tend to be much more expensive than they are almost anywhere else in the world. Below I share my personal experience in getting gifts that my friends and family in Brazil really appreciate.
Important things to consider: Internet connection is not equally available and accessible everywhere in Brazil. Not all foreign cell phones work well in Brazil. Before choosing your gifts, check with friends and family what is appropriate and what is not. I am offering suggestions, but the responsibility to make sure you are getting something that works in Brazil is yours. The usefulness of my suggestions will vary greatly depending on where in Brazil you are going and the living situation of the people you are visiting.
Additionally, please consult Brazilian customs policies. There are limits to how much you can bring into the country in shopping and cash.
Now to the fun part!
Technology
Technology in Brazil costs many times as much as it does in the US. Prices in Brazil are unbelievably high. Here are a few gift ideas, from fancy to simple yet very useful.
Brazilians love everything Apple. iPad, iPhone, and iPod are all great gifts to bring to Brazil. Please double check if you need to purchase unlocked equipment.
Other tables and phones: In my last visit to Brazil, three family members asked me for a Samsung Galaxy tablet. The item seems to be pretty popular in Brazil. For fear of trouble with the Brazilian customs, I only got one.
A Kindle is also a great gift (if you know the person likes to read, of course). Again, please check the appropriate specs.
An ultrabook or a laptop are the ultimate gift that will make anyone ecstatic.
Point and shoot photo cameras are highly appreciated. If you get a camera that is a little more sophisticated, you will be a rock star. In each of my last two trips I brought this Canon by request.
Phone and Ipod Accessories
Each time I go home, my nieces ask for iPod and Iphone covers. While here in the US I order them on Amazon.com for about $1 or so, in Brazil they can cost up to R$100. Here is the cover my 13-year-old niece asked for and here is the one requested by my 19-year-old nice.
Cables and chargers are also very appreciated. I get them super cheap at Amazon.com. In Brazil they are expensive. Here is the charger my niece asked for before my last two trips to Brazil.
Shoes and Clothing
Each time I travel home, I need to bring a pair of Asics running shoes to my brother. He can get his sneakers in Brazil too, but the difference in price is stupid. Nike and Puma shoes and clothing will also be highly appreciated.
Brand name clothing is sure to be a hit because they cost way too much in Brazil. Brands that are highly valued in Brazil by both mean and women are: Aeropostale, Abercrombie & Fitch, Oakley, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and Diesel.
Accessories
When I went home earlier this year, my nieces asked for makeup. Any nice makeup set will be a good gift. Or you can pick a known brand like Revlon or a luxury, trendy brand.
Wallets for men and women and purses for the ladies are also appreciated.
Watches are a great gift for men and women, especially if you pick a brand name.
Perfume and Body Lotion
Brand name perfume for men and women and body lotion for the ladies are great gifts. Victoria’s Secret is very popular in Brazil for fragrances and lotions for women.
I hope this makes your shopping list easier to manage!
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