Questions about Rio - what to wear? Gifts to bring?

I am travelling to Rio in July and will spend 2.5 weeks with the family of twins we hosted 2 years ago. They lived with us for 6 months, and their mom stayed with us for one month. I'm trying to learn Portuguese (not going well, but I'm trying!) The girls are on the Brazilian National Synchronized Swimming team (our daughter is on the US team) and we're going partly to attend the Pan American games (an Olympics for north south and central america - very important leading up to the Olympics)

I've read lots about how to be safe, etc so think I'm as well prepared as possible for that. Apparently our itinerary is very packed already :) but I have a couple of questions.
1. Santa Theresa - I have read that it is very unsafe for tourists but it's a place I'm anxious to see; is it worth it? and is it safe?
2. July weather and what to wear - I'm from Seattle so 50-70 degrees and damp is normal for me; if I plan for spring/fall Seattle type clothes and include some Seattle summer type clothes - will I be comfortable and will I fit in?
3. I want to bring gifts and am not sure what to bring. The family's housekeeper? her husband (who I've been told will be our driver whenever the "family" has to be elsewhere); her 8 year old daughter (I gather Barbie dolls will be a big hit) and various other family members (aunts, uncles etc) any suggestions? I've been told smoked salmon is good...any other ideas?
This is very long and I'm sorry - I'll get more concise in the future I promise!

Santa Teresa gets its bad reputation because there are a couple of favelas close by. I stayed in a pousada in Santa Teresa 2 years ago and walked around the area during the day as well as in the evenings. I actually felt safer there than in Copacabana. It's a lovely neighbourhood and it would be a shame to miss. Take the precautions you should take anywhere in Rio: dress down a bit, don't wear jewelery, expensive watches and the like and don't take anything with you that you're not prepared to loose. I was there in July also and the first couple of days were overcast with a drizzle. Temperature was maybe 17 degrees Celsius (65 Fahrenheit?) After that the sun came out and daytime temperatures could reach 30 Celsius/85 Fahrenheit. Take your summer clothes plus a sweater or two and a coat. And don't forget your bathing suit!

Santa Tereza is fine but not at the early hours, i.e. 3, 4 am. It's worth it and safe when tourists are visiting.

Weather in July is h-o-t. In the unlikely case there's one cold night, a windbreaker or something really light will suffice.

About gifts, Brazilians take it you are are not being appreciative of their hospitality. Brazilian hospitality wants nothing in return. I'd take your hosts out for dinner instead.

Hope some of that helped and happy traveling.

-Ethan
Backpacking on Little Money

I agree with the above two on their comments about Santa Terasa, its a beautiful place and defintely worth checking out, especially Lapa at night not to be missed but make sure you go with a Brasilian who know the area. They will have a better idea on whats ´hip´ : )

in regards to presents i brought my aunties and friends some gifts form Aus such as Koalas, kangaroos you know the usual touristy stuff and they were pretty stoked. I guess what i´m trying to say is if you are going to bring presents try and bring them something the Brasilian cannot access in their country, The rest is up to you. Ethan is correct about the hospitality part. Everytime iwent to a family house and didn´t eat two plates or more they thought i didnt like the food. That defintley was not the case.

Good luck and hope you have a good stay.

Mikey

Imported items (anything for a computer, even ink cartridges, for example), running shoes, specialty swimming gear, etc. are very expensive in Brazil. Inexpensive digital camera would be nice. Not sure on the customs limits. You cannot find peanut butter in Brazil (well, at least I havent, so would love that as a gift). CDs of American singers, if you know their likes and dislikes. It will be winter (so to speak) in Rio, but it will not be cold. Bank on warm to hot weather, and some rain and thunderstorms.

p.s. I ran through Santa Teresa with the local Hash House Harriers running group a few years ago. We were all warned to leave any valuables at home or in cars and not take them with us. One person disregarded the advice and was relieved of her phone, money, ID documents, etc. She also happened to be the only local running that day. Do not carry more than you can afford to lose, anywhere in Rio. You will have a great time.