[carolynpep73]

Hi. As I come closer to pink I'm beginning to think of gifts for Olivia's foster family. There are 2 children that I have met and know of and I belive a third one as well. The oldest child is a 13 yo girl. I was thinking of making a family gift bag with something in it for everyone. For the teen I am considering a portable CD player and a couple of CDs. I was going to put in some current music that is popular with the teens here (PC Dolls, Mariah Carey, Nelly Furtado, Shakira) but I was wondering if the foster mom would be upset/offended by that. Of course, they would all be clean versions (I don't think those come in PA versions) and in english. She takes english at school so I thought she might be able to "learn" some more (ie: doncha ). Has anyone else ever given a teen a gift like that? What other suggestions do you have?

[cerrodelacruz]

I would skip some of those . . . go for PG rated groups. I say so because as a mom of older kids, I wouldnt like it if people have my kids CDs by the P*cat dolls. Shakira is very popular there, so is Ricky Martin. There are some great groups that are popular and not overly . . . sexy out there that may go over well.

Sounds like good ideas though!
Cerro

[Larue]

Greetings -- I agree that some songs that may be acceptable in the U.S., may be offensive in other cultures. I can remember traveling in a country overseas for work where the word "sexy" in a very popular song in the U.S. was dubbed with the word "happy". With quite comical results

For a teenage girl -- I think the CD player is a great idea. But I'd skip the music. And instead maybe get some costume jewelry, i.e. earrings, hair clips, etc.

Best wishes!

[carolynpep73]

I guess I always knew that I'd be straddling the line with the CDs. That's why I figured I'd post just to feel people out. After just a few responses I agree; it's not worth possibly offending a family because my neighbor kids like to listen to PC Dolls over here in the states. I'll keep it simple...thanks ladies!

Will I EVER get pink??

[Mandy4President]

What about a less expensive Mp3 player with a card that she can download her own songs? They have internet cafes over there, don't they? Could she use it there? Just an idea, I don't even know how much that would cost.

[neuromri]

That is a great gift idea for a teen. The CD selections are just fine. I'm sure she her daughter would love such a gift. I don't believe there is anything offensive in these CDs. Good and timely selections!

[Mariais5]

Our FM had two teenage daughters, and a CD player is one of the things that they asked for.. These girls also asked for casual clothes.. We shopped sales racks at American Eagle, Arepostile, Hollister etc...

[Guatemomtobe]

From my experienced in Guate, they love American clothing. Doesn't have to be anything fancy either, they just love anything American. The love American music also but I would be careful about the lyrics as mentioned above.

[saranbr]

I would think that a CD player would be great! On the other hand, I'd keep the CDs sexually clean (considering culture) and being one that doesn't have cable TV (only internet) and much experience with that kinda stuff, being a professional, though previously home-schooled, just listen to it and send the reasonablely clean stuff their way. I wasn't sure what to give (beyond the TV they asked for) and just sent the Costco size box of candy bars.

[krj752]

Yes and it was a great gift. Also some kind of portable radio was happily recieved by a teen in Guatemala. The kids really don't have the money to get these things and they are no different than an American teen they love mucsic and whatever the latest fad is. Have a great trip

Kate

[hbrown24]

Just another idea: lotion, lip gloss, etc. Our foster mom had 2 teenage daughters. For a gift, we got them a bunch of American Girl lotions and lip gloss from Bath and Body Works.

[readytobeamommy]

From our experience we found you can not go wrong with clothes and purses.........I think the CD player is great and don't forgot extra batteries.........

[shelbydog]

I would do clothing and a purse filled with Bath and Body, etc. stuff....I personally wouldn't bring a CD player and CD's....just a lot of stuff to pack/carry and I think they would like the girly stuff better

[sheena7112]

I have a teen and let me tell you clothes all the way! But she does like her music too. But the music she listens to I wouldnt get. Some are ok but now days its hard to find clean music with out some trash in it. In my day if they said a bad word it was off the radio now they get away with everything. I dont alow anything but it is getting hard to get good music with a good beat that is totaly clean. Well as for the clothes anything that has rine stones is a hit. Good luck. Kim