Don't turn into the gift horse...
You've met them once. They're poor, but so are millions of others, probably more so. They were poor before you met them, and have made it up until now. Keep that in mind...
If you let your emotions get in the way and/or give them what they say they want or cash money, you are setting yourself up to ruin a potentially good family relationship. How? By creating too many expectations, by fulfilling the stereotype of the rich gringa, and by contributing to a culture of 'give me something for nothing' that will continue to keep people in the cycle of poverty for years to come.
I'm not saying be a jerk or be a scrooge. It is your HUSBAND'S family, and it's the holidays. Just keep it under control set up some guidelines first. Here are my suggestions:
-If you want, send them a box once a year for Christmas gifts, marked from you AND your husband. You probably don't want to be known as 'the American lady who sends us stuff'.
-Get one person 1 gift each. Make sure the gift is labeled (like on the tag of the item) with the person's name, so that whoever gets the box doesn't take something that isn't theirs because they like it more.
-Don't buy expensive things such as electronics, ipods, etc. Gifts can be practical and nice at the same time, and less likely to be re-sold.
-Buy clothes smaller than you think would work for them as people don't like them baggy. Should probably have husband pick out clothes, as he may have a better idea of the styles people like wearing here.
That being said, here are my cheap and practical gift ideas...when I say cheap, I am talking about clearance/sales...Old Navy and similar stores are good. People will appreciate it just the same, and it would cost way more than retail here anyway, so why pay more?!
-For women, a purse, a going-out shirt, bath and body works type products, a pair of high-heel dress shoes, a fashion watch.
-For men, a belt, a set of dominos, a baseball cap of their team, a pack of white Hanes undershirts, pack of dress socks, a short-sleeve button-up dress shirt.
-Teens like in-style clothes such as polo shirts (remember, tight!), accessories such as belts, caps, fashion jewelry (think Claire's), and shoes
-Kiddies like toys, of course. Matchbox cars, nerf balls, dolls, outdoor play stuff (kites, bat and ball, easter basket-type toys...), coloring books and crayons, anything you think is sturdy and can be shared with others. Can also get them something practical, like a pack of underwear, socks, or kiddie toothbrush/paste. Could also get teens/kids a little pouch of school supplies.
-For the whole family: Tupperware set and wind-up flashlight (good ideas from other poster), set of sheets (full), tins of cookies/candies, re-chargeable batteries and charger.
Have fun shopping!