What presents from here would Brazilians most appreciate?

Oi MaryLee,
 
After talking to some Brazilian friends, and also thinking about my own experience when I go there, I came up with a list of presents that are not expensive and people will really appreciate.
 
For Women in their 20s, bring make-up items, perfumes and body wash/lotion (from Victoria Secrets to Chanel). Perfumes are very expensive in Brazil so any kind will be very welcome and appreciated..  :) Handbags, wallets and watches are other great option, any brand will do, but if you find Guess, Tommy Hilfiguer, Liz Clairborne at good prices (I usually find them at Ross or TJ Maxx), take them. The ones in their 50s or older will also enjoy the same things listed above, you just need to figure out what scent and color will be more appropriate for them.
 
Men (of all ages) will like t-shirts or polo shirts especially from brands like Polo Ralph Lauren, Aeropostale, Ambercrombie Fitch, Oakley, Tommy Hilfiger... the same brands that young  and older men like to wear around here. If you know their shoe sizes and want to spend a little more, you can bring them Nike or puma tennis shoes, those are also very popular in Brazil. Watches can also work, if you find them at good prices. :)
 
And, of course, a special brand of wine (i.e.: from Napa Valley wineries) and chocolate, like Haagen Dazs or Ghirardelli, are always welcome!
 
I hope this list can help you. Please feel free to contact us anytime!
 
Obrigada,
 
 
 

Oi Mary Lee,
 
Clothes are a good gift, especially brand name stuff that is super expensive in Brazil. Some well known brands there are Levi's, Calvin Klein, Guess, Gap.
 
Good chocolate is always a great gift. I live in San Francisco, so when I go to Brazil I always bring them Ghirardelli chocolate. They have the big brands there, but not the really good local stuff.
 
If anyone in your list is diabetic, you can bring sugar-free chocolates, cookies, jams, etc. The big cities in Brazil will have those, but in many places the options are very limited.
 
Perfumes! They are very expensive in Brazil and everyone loves perfume.
 
Purses and wallets for the ladies.
 
Sneakers (Nike, Reebok, Asics, Misuno) are extremely expensive in Brazil.
 
DVDs, but make sure they are all regions (Brazil is region 4).
 
That is what I can think of right now.
 
What city are you going to visit? I wish you a great, great trip!

Oh, I had not seen Renata's answer. She is right on track. Those are great ideas!

USB Flash drives!!  They (teens, professionals young and old) seem to really need them and they're expensive there. In the US you can stock up on a bunch usually from places like Costco/Sams on the 4GB and 8GB sizes for pretty cheap (compared to Brazil, anyway). Costco is always running good deals on their 4 packs of PNY flash drives.

If you have friends that are a little caipira, they would also LOVE for you to bring them a few cans of Coppenhagen or Skoal chewing tobacco.

My wife's grandmother was tickled pink when I brought her an electric can opener on one trip. Kitchen gadgets that are pretty common and inexpensive here go a long way over there. I hear she uses it almost daily and keeps asking me to bring her other neat gadgets when I come.

Mr. Florida Guy, that really is a good tip about the USB flash drives. In fact, I have jut gotten four flash drives to bring to Brazil as gifts :) I got these cool ones that look like a key, and you can easily have them on your keychain: http://amzn.to/ajlvtO

Thanks for sharing your tip with us!