A Cuban woman living in Miami recently took to social media to showcase a wide array of items she purchased from a Chinese store, intended for her family back in Cuba. Her shopping haul, which impressively filled her suitcase with a diverse selection of products on a tight budget, has sparked interest among those seeking cost-effective ways to support loved ones on the island. The range of items spanned from basic food supplies to clothing and small gifts.
In her video, Thalia Hernández (@thaliahr) highlighted essentials such as powdered milk, beans, lentils, peas, oatmeal, Goya seasoning, adobo, and Picot salt. Additionally, she included AA batteries, soap, deodorants, and even a bicycle chain. Among the gifts, she revealed affordable yet high-quality shorts and T-shirts, along with blackout curtains she deemed “perfect for my mom, because they block out the light.”
Community Engagement and Inquiries
The post generated numerous inquiries in the comments, predominantly about the store's location and the pricing of several items. Comments like “Where is that store? I live in Houston and can't find anything similar,” and “That milk caught my attention, we don’t have it here,” were common. Others were curious about the cost of the curtains, asking, “How much were those curtains?” Some even offered tips, recommending, “Don’t forget to bring shampoo and toothpaste; they’re usually cheap at these stores.”
Shopping on a Budget
“The total was $175, and I think I got quite a few items for a great price,” Thalia explained in her video. Such shopping efforts highlight the ingenuity and determination of Cubans abroad, who strive to make every dollar count when sending essential goods and gifts to the island. These items, often hard to find or prohibitively expensive in Cuba, are a testament to the challenges faced by families striving to provide from afar.