Top Ten Fish Extender Gifts for Disney Cruises (and What's a Fish Extender, Anyway?)

Top Ten Fish Extender Gifts for Disney Cruises (and What's a Fish Extender, Anyway?) 

Photo Credit: Heather Tyler

First time cruisers can often be overwhelmed by information as there are so many tips and tricks to having an amazing cruise.  Disney fans often go above and beyond with matching shirts, planned meet ups, special events and more.  Fish Extenders tend to be a more confusing option because of the ambiguity of the name.  Here's the breakdown...

Fish Extender groups are formed on facebook prior to debarkation of the cruise.  This is sort of an organized "secret santa" exchange where guests will purchase gifts to other cruisers and deliver throughout the cruise secretly into holders hung outside the door - often from a metal fish (hence the name "Fish Extender").

Gifts can range from candy to artwork, and it is all up to the giver what they wish to gift.  Usually items are given as a family gift or as individual gift, and can be delivered anytime during the cruise.  Be sure to label your items with a "from" tag as well!  Here are ten ideas for Fish Extender gifts that are both fun and useful.

10. Ornament - who doesn't love ornaments to remember their cruise by?  Keep them simple (and unbreakable) and you may have a winner.  Check out https://www.facebook.com/branchesdesignco/
for reasonable prices and great ideas on custom wooden ornaments.

9. Games - sometimes families find some downtime on a cruise and having a deck of cards or a small game is fun.  There are many versions of Yahtzee on line that you can print, and just include dice.

8. Cups - Because of the complimentary soda on the pool deck, cruisers often like to have bigger cups than the courtesy cups provided.  Sometimes cups are over done, but they can be very useful.

7. Magnets - the doors on cruise staterooms are magnetic.  Adding magnets for customization is fun and helps you find your stateroom quickly!  Lots of ideas here, and inexpensive to make!

6. Beach toys - Most Disney Cruises stop at Castaway Cay, with some of the most beautiful sand you've seen.  Kids love to build sandcastles and watch the waves knock them down, but sand toys are expensive and hard to come by.  Consider shovels or small pails, but be aware of packing room that may be needed.  Beach balls can also be fun!

5. Disney jewelry - most female cruisers enjoy bracelets or necklaces featuring your favorite mouse, but not all.  Lean toward classy rather than flashy for most wear.

4. Bags - from cosmetic bags to tote bags, these are some of the most used items!  Inexpensive, easy to pack and personalize, and always appreciated.

3. Coasters - These are easy to transport (especially the cork coasters) and useful for guests once they're home.  Think twice about ceramic due to packaging and weight.

2. Survival kit - these have come in handy on more than one cruise!  A small package of tissue, tylenol, shout wipe, sewing kit or safety pins, pen or marker, clip with magnet - all helpful to replace forgotten items if necessary!

1. Sundae Kits - sometimes these are overdone as well, but with the complimentary "Eye Scream" on the pool deck, having a small package of cookies, sundae topping, and sprinkles with a disposable bowl and spoon can be a nice change from the cones available on deck.

Regardless of what you choose to give, the other families will love your gifts!  And don't worry if this is overwhelming  - you'll still have a great time without participating!  Overall, very few guests participate, but its one more fun option for your cruise!

Let me know if you have questions - I'd love to help you plan your Disney Adventure!

Katie
katie@hihovacations.com