Want to participate in a Fish Extender, but not any good with a hot glue gun? No worries! Here are some great adult Fish Extender gift ideas for the un-crafty.
What is a Fish Extender Gift Exchange?
A Fish Extender Gift Exchange is a group formed independently by cruisers on Disney cruise ships to exchange small gifts over the course of their sailing.
How to participate
Find your group: First you’ll need to find the Facebook group for your specific sailing. You can usually do this by searching “Disney cruise” along with your ship name and sailing dates. Once you join the Facebook group you’ll be able to communicate with other people on your sailing.
Sign up: On the Facebook page you’ll find that someone has likely started a Fish Extender group. If you wish to participate, you’ll need to sign up in advance! There are usually adult only and children only exchanges in addition to family exchanges. After signing up, you’ll be placed in a small group (usually 5-10 cabins each) to exchange gifts with. Do make sure to read through your specific fish extender gift exchange’s guidelines.
Get a Fish Extender: You’ll need to have somewhere for people to place your gifts. This is usually a decorated pouch attached to the (usually) fish shaped hook beside your door. Don’t worry…you don’t have to make it yourself! There are plenty to purchase already made online…or tutorials of how to turn shoe organizers/file holders into Fish Extenders…or, if all else fails, a tote bag will do!
Prepare your Fish Extender gifts: Fish Extender gifts don’t have to be expensive, but they should be thoughtful. Also, try to keep them compact so that they’re easy for people to pack. You can give gifts to each person in the cabin…or you can give one gift to the cabin as a whole.
Deliver your gifts: When you’re on the ship, it’s time to deliver your gifts! Do make sure to deliver them by early afternoon of the last full day so that people can pack their bags for disembarkation.
What if you’re un-crafty?!?!
While many people do make handmade fish extender gifts, you don’t have to! It’s perfectly fine to purchase your gift items.
Themed Adult Fish Extender Gift Ideas
Here are a few themed adult Fish Extender gift ideas–
Message Home ($5): Postcard, stamp (you can get stamps for your sailing destinations from Guest Services), pen
Local snacks ($5-10): A variety of snack items unique to where you’re from!
Room Essentials ($10-15): Magnetic light card for ships that require one ($3-5), battery operated night light ($3-5), travel Poo-Pourri spray ($5)
First Aid Kit ($10-15): Cosmetics bag ($5-10), a handful of Band-aids, tube of antibacterial wound ointment, travel container of anti-inflammatories, a few packets of Emergen-C immune support or electrolytes, lip balm
Hair care ($10-20): Folding travel hair brush ($2-5), Minnie/Mickey hair clips ($8-10), Minnie/Mickey ear scrunchies ($2-5)
Laundry day ($15): Folding mesh laundry hamper ($6-8), single use laundry detergent, Tide pen, Disney or cruise themed magnet (to tell which washer/dryer is yours!)
Trivia Buff ($15): Disney trivia book ($10-15), pen or bookmark
Adults like to color too! ($15): Disney themed adult coloring book ($10), colored pencils ($3-5)
Bon Voyage! ($15-20): Packing cube (can often find a pack of 4 for $20), luggage tag ($5-10), Cosmetics bag ($5-10) Bonus: add a passport holder (additional $10-30)
Beach day ($20): Drawstring bag or canvas tote ($10), travel sized sun screen, waterproof phone cover ($5), towel band or clips ($1-2) Bonus: add a mini Bluetooth speaker (additional $15-20)
Making memories ($15-20): Disney or cruise themed journal ($10-20), pen or bookmark
Drinks are on me! ($20-30): Coasters ($15-20…or, if you want to try making your own, consider these easy nautical themed Mickey coasters), collapsible reusable straw ($2-3), can koozie ($5) Bonus: add a Disney gift card to cover the cost of a drink (additional $10-15)
For more information about Fish Extenders (and gift ideas for all ages), check out this blog post.
