Buying gifts

I can't show up at my new family's doorstep empty handed, and ever since I received the information about them I've been trying to decide what types of gifts to buy. I'd like to get each of the family members a thing or two, and preferably I'd like the gifts to meet the following criteria:

1) Something typical of America

2) Something they'll use

3) Something they can't get, or wouldn't readily purchase, in Costa Rica

For my new mother, I went to Bath and Body Works and bought her some matching body wash, body spray, and moisturizing lotion--the white citrus flavor is delightful--along with a few scented candles. (My only fear is that she applies the body spray, walks outside, and gets swarmed by mosquitoes. But I'm stickin' with it.)

I bought my new brother a Yankees hat, along with a replica of the soccer ball they'll be using in the World Cup this year in South Africa. It doesn't get much more American than a Yankees hat, and since they're big soccer fans down in Costa Rica I figure he'll appreciate the ball. (I just hope that the last person who stayed with them wasn't a Red Sox fan.)

I'll probably buy my new father some New York Jets gear. They definitely don't play American football in Costa Rica, so I thought that might be a nice cultural gift to bring. Maybe I'll get him an American football, too, and teach him the game.

"Daddy, will you play catch with me?"

That leaves my two six-year old sisters. Yesterday, at Target, I asked one of the female workers for her advice. She said that she'd never met a six-year old girl who doesn't like Barbie dolls. I replied that I'd never met any six-year old girls, on advice from my legal counsel.

So, I was all pumped to buy some Barbies. And then it hit me. What color Barbie do I buy?

They're Costa Rican. Do I get them two Hispanic-looking Barbies? Two white Barbies? How about one white and one Hispanic? Should I throw a black one in there?

After hours of deliberation, I decided there was only one solution: The Mulatto Transgender Barbie.

And you thought you'd covered everything, Mattel.