I will be visiting Belize for the first time - arriving July 12th. I am expecting to spend some time visiting local Belizians in Hope Creek (near Pomona) and was wondering if anyone has suggestions regarding what small gifts I could take with me that would be appreciated by locals? Would it look ridiculous if I gave them sugar? and if not, do Belizians prefer brown sugar or white sugar? How likely is it that the sugar "shortage" will still exist a week from now?

Simple things like reading glasses from the dollar store. You would be surprised how many people need a little help to see and read. You can buy unlocked cell phones in the U.S. for $25..here they are about $150. its not really a luxury if you are a fisherman or boat owner....

Hi Howard - I wouldn't bring sugar.
T-shirts from your hometown in a variety of sizes is a sure thing - they are fun, they don't come off as condescending and they absolutely get worn.

Flashlights and fish hooks also first aid kits are very expensive here.

School supplies for the kids. Note books, pens, pencils, crayons, erasers, and children's coloring books. Reading books for a school library.

Jumbo bag of mixed candy!

Mike and I are going to CC in August. Where would we take items such as reading glasses?

Bring candy for Chris if you want to but please, please don't bring it for the kids! School supplies, books, reading glasses, fish hooks, first aid kits are all great ideas. Me being me, I'll add soccer balls/footballs/rugby balls (w/inflation needles), kites, baseball gloves, frisbees or anything that helps keep kids active...but that's just me

My t-shirt suggestion notwithstanding ...... IMHO probably the the best (and easiest for all concerned) thing to do is spend your money in legitimate businesses and allow the people you meet to earn a living. Tip well, go out to eat, snorkel, take tours, buy local crafts and art. Enable our tourism industry to grow - tell your friends about Belize - and come back again!!

Diane, we do plan to do all of that. But when I saw the suggestion for reading glasses I thought maybe a need for them was rising faster than obtaining the glasses.

Mike and I hope to retire there some day....(soon I hope) so we will be coming down often!