With memories of this past holiday season fresh in your mind, it may be time to start considering how you can spice up your gift giving next year. Tired of slipping gift-cards into envelopes and wrapping ties that will never be worn? Peace Corps may be the answer for you!
Rather than the typical assortment of decorative dish towels, socks, and magazine subscriptions, Peace Corps can make your holiday shopping list a little more exciting. As a Peace Corps volunteer, you have access to a new culture and a new market for all your holiday shopping needs.
My family met up for Christmas in Germany, and here is a rundown of the Indonesia-inspired gifts they received.
1. Batik: handmade by students at my school!
This handkerchief was made by the 9th grade accelerated students at my school using traditional Indonesian batik tools and techniques.
2. Batik Oven Mitts, Javanese Hairpin, Student-Made Ring
I got these batik oven-mitts/potholders at a booth aptly named “Bule-Bule,” or “White People.” I am not ashamed. The hairpin came from an amazing flea market in Solo, and the ring was made by students at a local high school. I’m pretty proud of this collection.
3. Banjari Drum and Javanese Coin
This “Banjari” drum is used for a form of Islamic music, and I have seen some 9 year olds rock out with them. It was very, very impressive. The replica coin features Javanese writing and imagines from traditional Wayang stories.
4. Tea: locally grown
These green and white teas were both grown at Jamus, just up into the hills from where I live. The white tea is especially divine, and a special treat for any tea lover.
5. Coffee Mug: for globe trotting Starbucks lovers everywhere
My parents started collecting Starbucks mugs from around the U.S. and World a few years back, so – although perhaps not as “home grown” as my other gifts – it seemed an obvious choice. What parent doesn’t want a chance to say, “Oh this mug? It’s from my daughter who lives in Indonesia.” You know it sounds cool. Put some Jamus green tea in that mug and you’ve got yourself something special.
6. Cobek and Ulek-Ulek
Traditional cooking tools like this cobek and ulek-ulek set (Indonesian mortar and pestle), are the perfect gift for family members who are into the culinary side of traveling. Made of stone, these were a bit hefty to haul to Germany, but well worth it. Not only are they cool to look at, but I got to share an experience of my daily life here in Indonesia. Indonesians use their cobeks and ulek-uleks every day when they cook, and I got to show my mom how to use her’s for our Christmas feast.
Rujak Manis is made by crushing palm sugar, tamarind, and hot peppers together. You then dip fruits and veggies like apples, starfruit, mangoes, and cucumber in the sugary paste.
Christmas is about sharing, and it was a privilege to share some of my Indonesian experience through the gifts I gave this year.
Ready to add a resolution to your list and run out and find your nearest Peace Corps recruiter? Then check out the Peace Corps website!
But even if you aren’t quite convinced, I still wish you…
From Indonesia and the bottom of my heart (and a bit late):
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and All the Best in the New Year to You and Yours!
*Special thanks to Mom, Dad, Brian, Hannah, and Michaela for being the stars of this blog post. Spending Christmas with them was the best gift this Peace Corps Volunteer could have wished for.*
Worth a Journey 