Tips - Packing for a Purpose (be careful!)
When traveling to volunteer or explore in a new community, you may want to bring gifts that show kindness and appreciation. However, packing with purpose means being thoughtful about what will genuinely benefit the local people you’re visiting. It’s tempting to bring toys, clothes, or sweets, but these items aren’t always as helpful as they seem and may unintentionally create waste or health issues.
Packing for a Purpose is an organization that connects travelers with community projects where they visit. Founded by Rebecca Rothney in 2010, this worthy global initiative encourages travelers to make a meaningful contribution to the communities they visit by dedicating a small space in their luggage to essential supplies. We’ve added some of their excellent advice to our own to ensure the things you pack are truly valuable, meaningful, and considerate of the community you’re visiting.
Avoid Items That May Be Harmful or Wasteful
Skip Plastic Toys, Balloons, and Sweets: While plastic toys and balloons may seem like a fun treat for children, these items can often do more harm than good. Small villages or rural communities may not have the means to properly dispose of plastic, leading to litter and environmental harm. Balloons, in particular, can be dangerous if they’re accidentally ingested by children or animals.
Avoid Sweets and Sugary Treats: Many communities don’t have easy access to dental care, and sweets can contribute to tooth decay and health issues. Instead of candy or sugary snacks, consider healthier options, like dried fruit or nuts, or even better, avoid food gifts entirely and focus on items that support education or well-being.
Rethink Donating Used Clothes and Shoes
Cultural and Size Differences: It’s common to want to bring our gently used clothes, but keep in mind that clothing sizes and styles from Western countries may not fit well or may be inappropriate for local cultural norms. What we consider casual attire may be too revealing or mismatched with traditional dress, and oversized clothing could go unused.
Avoid Adding to Waste: Many small communities lack waste management systems, so if clothing doesn’t fit or isn’t culturally appropriate, it may end up as waste that locals struggle to dispose of. Instead, consider purchasing locally made clothing once you arrive; this not only ensures appropriateness but also supports the local economy.
Focus on Practical and Locally Sourced Gifts
School and Art Supplies: Many children in rural or underserved communities lack access to basic school supplies. Pack items like pencils, notebooks, crayons, and other essentials that support education. Art supplies are also a great choice, as they encourage creativity and can be used for classroom projects.
Pack for a Purpose tip: To save space, take the items out of their original packaging and place in the lightest paper or fabric resealable bags. Many countries have now banned plastic bags (even reusable). The following items should be kept in their original packaging: crayons, chalk, and colored pencils. Plastic and wooden rulers should be wrapped in bubble wrap to prevent breaking. Games should be left in their original packages.
Reusable Water Bottles and Totes: Instead of one-time-use plastics, bring reusable water bottles, cloth bags, or totes that can reduce plastic waste in the community. These items can be both practical and environmentally friendly, helping to support local efforts to reduce waste.
Solar-Powered Devices: In areas where electricity may be scarce or expensive, small solar-powered devices like lanterns, flashlights, or phone chargers can make a big difference. These items provide lasting value and are especially useful in off-grid communities.
Consider Health and Hygiene Items
Basic First Aid Supplies: Many communities don’t have easy access to health supplies. Pack small first aid kits with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and gauze, which can be shared with the local health clinic or school.
Reusable Sanitary Products: In areas where women’s hygiene products are expensive or hard to find, reusable sanitary products like menstrual cups or washable pads can be a valuable gift that empowers local women and girls. Check with local contacts to ensure these items are culturally acceptable, as there may be sensitivities around women’s health products in some regions.
Pack for a Purpose tip: Be sure to check the Customs regulations of the country you are visiting if you plan to take any requested medications. Some over-the-counter medications are not allowed. Any medicines that you take should have an expiration date at least eight months after the time you are taking them. Expensive items such as stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, etc., should be put in plastic or fabric resealable bags and packed in your carry-on luggage. The following new items should be taken out of their original packaging and placed in the lightest possible paper or fabric resealable bags: Band-Aids, bandages and any other items where the weight would be reduced by eliminating the original packaging.
Support Education with Books and Learning Aids
Bilingual or Wordless Books: Books that teach basic language skills, math, or science concepts are a wonderful way to support education. Look for bilingual or wordless books, which can bridge language barriers and are useful in areas where English may not be widely spoken.
Learning Games and Puzzles: Educational games, like puzzles or flashcards, can provide entertainment and skill-building without the environmental drawbacks of plastic toys. Be mindful to choose items that are culturally appropriate and avoid anything that might be seen as too complex or foreign.
Pack for a Purpose tip: Soccer balls should be deflated by moistening an inflation needle and carefully inserting it into the valve. After the needle is inserted, gently apply pressure to the ball until it is deflated. Remove the needle and tape it to the deflated ball. The deflated balls can be stacked to save space. Each deflated soccer ball will weigh about 1 lb (0.45 kg).
Pro Tip: Pack all supply items so they can be easily located and removed from your luggage upon arrival and make drop-off one of the first things you do a when you are arriving at your destination.
Check with Local Contacts or Organizations First
Ask What’s Needed: The best way to pack with purpose is to check with a local organization or community contact to find out what they truly need. Many local schools, clinics, or nonprofits have specific requests, which may vary greatly by region. By asking in advance, you can ensure you’re bringing items that will be genuinely appreciated and useful.
Consider Buying Locally Upon Arrival: In some cases, it’s best to wait until you arrive to buy items locally. This ensures cultural appropriateness, reduces luggage weight, and supports the local economy. Many areas have small shops or artisans selling items that will be more relevant and appreciated than anything you could bring from home.
Final Thoughts on Thoughtful Packing
Packing with purpose requires a shift in mindset from “What can I give?” to “What will be useful and welcomed here?” By being intentional with what you bring, you can help reduce waste, respect cultural norms, and make a positive impact on the community. When in doubt, remember that the greatest gifts you can offer are kindness, respect, and a willingness to listen and learn.
