I don't want to sound cold but why do people feel the need to take "gifts"? Unless you have GOOD friends in Jamaica (not just acquaintances) why are you taking "gifts".

If you want to help out a school why do you not just drop of a cheque so they can purchase priority items that are really needed. No need to worry about customs issues!

If you want to help out the general population then drop of some funds to a recognized charity or to a church so that folks who are in desperate need can get help.

I think that by taking gifts, tourist get themselves labeled as walking ATMs by the locals and it encourages even more begging.

It is important to help our fellow man but gifting is not the way IMHO. Give your money to those who can distribute it wisely.

BTW, I was born and raised in Jamaica.