[GRKinWisc]

We are SEVERAL months away from a referral, but I am feeling the need to "stock up" and I have been thinking about what we will need to take along with us to China. I am also thinking about trying to spread the expenses out over several months rather than purchasing everything all at once.

My question is - - -

What have others taken along to China as appreciation gifts? Are you able to bring things along for the children who are still in the orphanage (even if you do not get to see the orphanage, etc)? Who should be presented gifts and how much should we be spending for each??? I know that their annual incomes are less than what we typically make in one month, so how do you handle that? I also do NOT want to take "Made in China" items. That just doesn't seem right. I have some ideas, but thought I would get some other ideas.
ANY HELP OR ADVICE is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks,
GRK

[Lissa]

I went to "The Kentucky Store" for most of my gift items.

I gave Derby Tarts with Kentucky Derby pins attached. I gave Bourbon flavoured coffee, Small Mint Jelly and pens with the university where I work insignia on them. Also I put in post cards of the university and my immediate surrounding area so they could see where Lydia would be growing up.

One of the gentlemen we went with is a train conductor and he and his wife took all train themed stuff...including a whistle that sounded like a train. I thought that was pretty cool!

My daughter's SWI is closed...so we sent all care packages for the orphans through our agency. You may want to check with your agency before starting a care package.