"Let me show you the essentials I always send." With this statement, China Reyes (@chinareyes1604), a Cuban living in the United States, has captivated TikTok by sharing a video filled with practical tips for assembling care packages to send to the island, all sourced from Dollar Tree. This type of content is common and highly appreciated by many Cubans, as it highlights how the persistent shortages in Cuba push expatriates to act like busy ants, striving to support their families back home.
In her video, China strolls through the store aisles, recommending items that, in her experience, are both useful and easy to ship: "Let's start with these scrubbing sponges that I absolutely love; they're fantastic, along with these scrubbers that already have detergent in them." She also mentions a small bottle of Dawn detergent, which she claims is more effective than the larger versions: "It's tiny, but it creates much more lather. The big ones are useless."
Dollar Tree Essentials for Cuban Families
The list of recommended products includes Suave deodorants, acetaminophen, Advil, razors, hand sanitizer, panty liners, and even power strips and extensions, which are crucial for dealing with the island's erratic electricity supply. "This extension cord is a bit short, but it can still be useful," she notes.
The video sparked various reactions in the comments section. One user remarked, "Am I the only one who thinks that detergent smells like cockroaches when it dries?" Another replied, "I like it because it cuts through grease well, but yes, I've noticed that smell on the scrubbing sponge." Some suggested alternatives: "I recommend Palmolive dish detergents."
Community Feedback and Support
There were also expressions of gratitude toward China's content. "Excellent video," a follower commented, while another wrote, "Your video is amazing, it really helped me." Videos like China Reyes' have garnered significant attention from Cubans both on and off the island, illustrating how everyday tasks, like packing a care package, can become a meaningful gesture of support amid the shortages that challenge families in Cuba.