I’m travelling to Cuba over Xmas and would love to take some much items to give to our waiters, room attendents etc… Does anyone know what items are really expensive to get in Cuba...or what the Cuban people really need.  Thanks

In all honesty,give them cash,only they know what would be the most needed for them at the time.

Plus you save money,because after 44 lbs. you will have to pay a high priced import fee.

For those travelling to Cuba, know that there are many things that are not available even if they are the lucky few who have received cash from a tourist.
People most often request vitamins, analgesics (aspirin, tylenol), topical skin ointments.  When you give cash for services (tips) it stays in the hands of a few and those few have positioned themselves within the tourist trade for personal gain.  I suggest bringing school supplies to schools, medicines to clinics, books to libraries.  When you do make friends with people in Cuba, they love clothes..and they look WAY better in tiny tank tops or hot muscle shirts than American style t-shirts.

I always bring good quality shoes to Cuba to give away. Some Cubans work long hours and are on their feet all day. Comfortable shoes make happy feet.

I also bring vitamins, oragel, hygine products, condoms (The ones in Cuba are poor quality) etc.... anything that is hard to get or requested often.

asprin and anti biotics..alway needed..kids love frissbies also..

and vegetable seeds…

I know this is an old post but how did it go? Were you able to bring in supplies to Cuba?