I have four children and always feel compelled to bring back something. I have bought shell necklaces on the private motu on Monday with US dollars. They range from $5-10. They also have "Shark" teeth necklaces and ones with dolphins or turtles that work for younger boys. They also have similar type items at the temporary market that sets up at the Bora Bora tender pier. Many of the pareos are made in China or Indonesia except for the ones made locally that are silkscreened. I have travelled to French Polynesia a number of times and never changed to local currency. I always take lots of $1, $5, and 10's or you can also get change on the ship at reception. I have bought local beer in the grocery store on both Bora Bora and Moorea and used US dollars. Of course, the change they gave in return was Polynesian.