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38 Best Fish Extender Gifts Found on Amazon [2023]

38 Best Fish Extender Gifts found on Amazon [2023]

Jeremy CamosseMay 1 2023Travel
 
 

Fish Extender Gifts are a fun way to enhance your Disney Cruise. Coming up with good ideas, though, can be difficult.

Often, people join fish extender groups to build anticipation and to start meeting others on their Disney cruise. They have aggressive expectations of cute DIY gift ideas that eventually become another pre-cruise responsibility weighing on your shoulders. With each passing day, the chances of us searching the attic for our glue gun and sequins get lower and lower.

Fish Extender vs Fish Exchange vs FEThroughout this post, we use the terms Fish Extender & Fish Exchange synonymously. Hardcore Disney cruisers will likely scoff at this. Technically, a Fish Exchange (FE) is the process of gifting and receiving presents with other Disney cruisers. The Fish Extender is the actual device hanging outside a cruise cabin door in which gifts are placed.

Not to worry. We have the best fish extender gift ideas that you can easily buy on Amazon. Some even look homemade! In just a few minutes, you'll be able to check this off your Disney Cruise "to-do" list and move on to bathing suit shopping or whatever is next.

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Before we jump into our list of best fish extender gifts, let's first clear up some things for our Disney cruise community.

Below, you'll find the most frequently asked questions about fish extender gifts. Feel free to reach out to us on our facebook page for any more help.

 

Disney Fish Extender Gifts FAQs

Here are our most frequently asked questions regarding Disney Fish Exchange gifts!

 

It's not a surprise that an unofficial Disney program with a curious name, "Fish Extender," causes some confusion. We hope that this helps clarify some things when it comes to "gifts" and the FE process.

What are fish extender gifts? As part of a Fish Exchange, gifts are left inside of a Fish Extender placed outside of a cruiser's Disney Cabin. These presents are typically small in nature (so easily transported) and are often, but not necessarily, Disney themed. They can be handmade or purchased, cruise-specific or generic, and purchased for an individual or a family. Below you'll find some of the most popular gift ideas found in a Disney Fish Exchange.

How many fish extender gifts do I buy? This will be determined by your Fish Exchange group. Often, you'll be included with 5-10 other cruise cabins and you'll distribute a gift (or multiple gifts) to each on the list. The group administrators will make sure that you have the relevant info you need. This typically includes cabin numbers, names, ages, and sometimes specific interests & preferences.

How much should I spend for a Disney Fish Exchange? This is a very "hot button" topic and has some cruise forums up in arms. There's no easy answer here, except that there's no real answer. Just remember, that the Fish Exchange is supposed to be fun. Don't get stressed about spending money and don't go beyond your comfort zone. Some of the best gifts we've seen have been homemade. Many of the items below can be purchased for around $5.

How do I package fish extender gifts? You don't have to package your gifts in any particular way. You'll want the recipient to know who it's from, though. Typically, gift-givers will include a label on fish exchange gifts. These tags will show the recipient who gave the gift, including name and cabin number (both optional). For clarification, ask your FE group for details.

How are fish extender gifts delivered? Unless stated specifically by your FE group, this is entirely optional. Use your discretion. If it's a gift they'd like to use on their cruise, consider delivering it early in the sailing. If it's a long cruise (2 weeks for example), you can spread the love throughout the cruise. The recipient will be getting multiple gifts from others. We prefer when others stagger gifts so we have surprises throughout the week.

Where do I buy a fish extender? Buying a FE can be fun. Making one can be even more enjoyable. Fortunately, it's not nearly as difficult as many Disney enthusiasts make it out to be. Our favorite method is a "hybrid" do-it-yourself version. We always buy a plain-style hanging fish extender and decorate it with the family. It's a great way to build enthusiasm and to start enjoying the vacation before ever departing. We've written an entire post on Making vs. Buying a Disney Fish Extender. Make sure to check that out!

 

Fish Extender Gifts - 38 Best Ideas on Amazon

 
#38 Activity Book

This fish extender gift is for kids aged 3 and up. The word “magic” on the front of this book is not an overstatement. The ink somehow only ends up in the book. You can gift this and be assured you won’t see squiggly lines up and down the hallways of your cruise ship.

#38 Activity Book
on Amazon
 

 
#37 Disney Sunstaches

It’s very common to play “dress up” on Disney sailings. With these cute sunstaches, kiddos can be instantly transformed into Aladdin, Pinocchio, Minnie Mouse, and many other favorite Disney characters.

#37 Disney Sunstaches
on Amazon
 

 
#36 Disney Game

Children love this game because it’s easy to play, fun and can be played alone. Parents love this game because it’s compact and keeps their little ones’ entertained while they visit the Lido Bar.

#36 Disney Game
on Amazon
 

 
#35 Look Book

This is similar to the Eye Found It game above, but for kids aged slightly older (4 to 8 years old). They’ll be immersed in a Toy Story world while their parents indulge on lobster and / or bingo.

#35 Look Book
on Amazon
 

 
#34 Mickey Decal

This is one of our fish extender gift ideas that always gets a “Wow” reaction. Over 3 feet tall when fully stretched out, this Mickey wall decal will be a child’s favorite showpiece for years to come.

#34 Mickey Decal
on Amazon
 

 
#33 Mickey Bowl

Whomever invented this is a pure genius… like, the Elon Musk of children’s products. It solves the issue of picky eaters while also eliminating the problem of spilled meals and sticky floors. Kids love it and parents love it even more.

#33 Mickey Bowl
on Amazon
 

 
#32 Disney Magnets

This fish extender gift idea can be enjoyed immediately. Cruise cabin walls are made of metal, as are the doors. Children will have a blast decorating the stateroom with their favorite Disney characters. They also serve as great souvenirs to live their post-cruise lives on your refrigerators as a reminder of great times.

#32 Disney Magnets
on Amazon
 

 
#31 Disney Backpack

Drawstring backpacks are great for carrying things back and forth to the pool, arcade ,dinners and cruise ports. They’re functional but also “cool.” Children of all ages will love their very own Mickey backpack.

#31 Disney Backpack
on Amazon
 

 
#30 Mickey Madlibs

Madlibs are fun for the whole family. And Mickey Mouse Madlibs are a perfect way to get into the Disney mood. In a world of digital entertainment, this is a breath of fresh air and a throwback to the good ol’ days of family fun.

#30 Mickey Madlibs
on Amazon
 

 
#29 Temporary Tattoos

If you want your recipient to be the most popular kid on the ship, consider this fish extender gift idea. Once he slaps on that stormtrooper tattoo and hits the kids club, it’s over. Girls will want to hold his hand and boys will want to share their gummy bears.

#29 Temporary Tattoos
on Amazon
 

 
#28 R2D2 Keychain

This gift could be for boys of all ages…even Dad-age. In today’s world, many people are worried about robots taking over. If that does happen, we can only hope they’re similar to the lovable R2D2. And having this keychain on hand will hopefully win them over pretty quickly.

#28 R2D2 Keychain
on Amazon
 

 
#27 Princess Necklace

When she pulls this out of the fish extender, her smile will say it all. This is a no-risk gift in that we’ve never seen a girl who didn’t absolutely love her “princess” necklace. For an 18 karat gold-plated item, it’s actually very reasonably priced.

#27 Princess Necklace
on Amazon
 

 
#26 Temporary Tattoos

It’s much easier to make new friends on a cruise when all tatted up with princesses. She’ll be the “belle” of the ball with her Cinderella and Snow White sleeves. Fortunately, this package has enough tattoos for her to share with all of her new buddies.

#26 Temporary Tattoos
on Amazon
 

 
#25 Mickey Ears

When she meets her hero, she’ll have something in common. These beautifully sequenced Minnie Mouse ears may even give her an edge up on the real thing. You might consider getting a matching set for her mom.

#25 Mickey Ears
on Amazon
 

 
#24 Disney Stamps

Kids love to leave their mark wherever they can. These Princess stamps make it easy for them to do just that. Every itinerary, daily planner, menu and napkin will have a Disney Princess on it before the day is done. You can take credit for that with this fish extender gift idea.

#24 Disney Stamps
on Amazon
 

 
#23 Disney Tote

If you’re a frequent cruisers, then you know how common it is to pick up “stuff” along the way. Every day is full of arts and crafts, shopping at port, seashells at the beach, and more. Extra carrying capacity is always appreciated.

#23 Disney Tote
on Amazon
 

 
#22 Eye Patches

Nothing starts a party like a set of eye patches. With this gift, the family will be instantly transformed into a team of pirates. If hoping for the perfect fish extender gift, you arrrr on the right track. Just click below.

#22 Eye Patches
on Amazon
 

 
#21 Coloring Book

Coloring isn’t just for kids anymore. These days, it’s super trendy. Hipsters, techies and everyone with a comfort animal… all are coloring books. May as well start them young with this gift.

#21 Coloring Book
on Amazon
 

 
#20 Disney Straws

Disney cruise ships recently got rid of plastic straws and you can now provide reinforcements. They’re environmentally conscious and fun for kids to use on the ship and at home. Every time they use these, they’ll be reminded of their Disney vacation.

#20 Disney Straws
on Amazon
 

 
#19 Sandwich Cutters

Kids are weird. They honestly believe that food taste better or worse depending on how it’s cut. Rather than trying to convince them otherwise, it’s sometimes best to bend to their will. These Mickey cutters will ear-ify cookies, sandwiches, pancakes and more.

#19 Sandwich Cutters
on Amazon
 

 
#18 Porthole Sticker

This is the perfect fish exchange gift for any family. We like to think of it as an

#18 Porthole Sticker
on Amazon
 

 
#17 Cabin Nightlight

If you’ve cruised before, you know how dark cruise cabins get at night. A stubbed toe at 2am can wake up the family and slow you down at port. This cruise cabin nightlight sticks to any wall, magnetically, and lights up with motion to guild your way at night.

#17 Cabin Nightlight
on Amazon
 

 
#16 Towel Bands

The top deck gets windy and you’ll often see a pile of wind-blown towels in the corner of the ship. Don’t let that happen to you. Use these cute towel bands to secure yours to your pool chair. They’re also great for distinguishing your spot in a sea of otherwise similar chairs.

#16 Towel Bands
on Amazon
 

 
#15 Cabin Organizer

Cruise cabins are tiny. Families have a lot of stuff. The combination makes for a very congested and messy situation. The key is using vertical space. This hanging organizer is one of the best cruise hacks out there and a great fish extender gift idea.

#15 Cabin Organizer
on Amazon
 

 
#14 Cruise Lanyards

With all of the excitement, it’s easy to lose your Disney key card. A cruise lanyard makes it much less likely that you’ll be in the cruise’s “lost and found” or “passenger services” line. There’s a style for every member of the family.

#14 Cruise Lanyards
on Amazon
 

 
#13 Luggage Tag

Stich is a loveable blue alien creation owned by Disney. It’s also a cute luggage tag and a great idea for your FI gift swap. At this price, you might want to get one for everyone in the family.

#13 Luggage Tag
on Amazon
 

 
#12 Power Strip

In a perfect world, we escape our addiction to electronics while cruising. If we’re being real, though, we still need our phones, ipads, cameras, video games, hair dryers, chargers, speakers, etc. Your Disney cabin has just two outlets. This little cruise hack keeps all electronics charged and ready for action.

#12 Power Strip
on Amazon
 

 
#11 Disney Hits

Parents may hate you for gifting Disney’s greatest hits, but you won’t be around when they finally snap. This soundtrack will quickly become the kid’s favorite playlist and best gift they’ve received in a while.

#11 Disney Hits
on Amazon
 

 
#10 Mickey Socks

Mom and dad deserve something too. While they’re a bit too old for candy and socks, they do still appreciate Mickey. Combine their love for Disney with their need for the essentials with these Disney socks.

#10 Mickey Socks
on Amazon
 

 
#9 Mickey Mug

Even though it’s a vacation, parents don’t always get the rest that they deserve. To combat those late nights and early mornings, there’s coffee. The cruise line provides tiny cups. This fish extender gift will be appreciated more than you could know.

#9 Mickey Mug
on Amazon
 

 
#8 Water Bottle

“Water” comes in a close second to “coffee” in a paren’t list of priorities. To help keep mom and dad well-hydrated, consider this Disney Water Bottle. This is one gift that will get continued use long after the cruise is over.

#8 Water Bottle
on Amazon
 

 
#7 Beach Bag

Whether headed to Castaway Cay or other gorgeous port, this wet bag will come in super handy. Phones, snacks, toys, magazines and all other goodies will be safe and dry in this Mickey bag.

#7 Beach Bag
on Amazon
 

 
#6 Mickey Fan

This handheld fan will keep parents cool no matter where they are on the ship. It’s great for bed-side or pool-side use. Pro tip - for a dollar, you can typically get a kid to hold and aim it while napping.

#6 Mickey Fan
on Amazon
 

 
#5 Nail Strips

Mothers and daughters LOVE this gift idea. It's the ultimate way to get excited for that first day of the cruise. These nail strips are Disney themed and are guaranteed to get some attention. Put them on the day before your cruise for ultimate excitement!

#5 Nail Strips
on Amazon
 

 
#4 Waterproof Case

Now it’s possible to capture those epic water videos while also keeping your smartphone dry. You’re not just giving the gift of a waterproof phone case, but the amazing media possible with this product.

#4 Waterproof Case
on Amazon
 

 
#3 Cruise Tote

When collapsed, the bag will fit in the palm of your hand. When unfolded, this travel tote will hold towels for your entire family. It’s waterproof so perfect for the beach and can be used as a shopping bag once home from paradise.

#3 Cruise Tote
on Amazon
 

 
#2 Door Decorations

Make your cruise cabin door stand out with some decorations! These sticky frames let you add any insert easily behind the clear window. Design your daily cruise decorations in the months before your cruise for added anticipation!

#2 Door Decorations
on Amazon
 

 
#1 Hardcover Journal

This item is one of our best fish extender gift ideas for a number of reasons. It’s beautiful, compact, sentimental and useful far beyond your cruise. It helps capture the wonderful memories and is a gift that keeps giving for years.

#1 Hardcover Journal
on Amazon
 

We hope that the above list of Disney Fish Extender Gifts give you some great ideas for your Fish Exchange!

If interested, we also have a post showing How to make. Disney Fish Extender. It's lots of fun and easier to do than you'd expect. Check it out by clicking below.

Please use the "Share" buttons below to help other Disney Cruise fans find this helpful post!

 
 
 

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