Fish Extenders- Favorite & Least Favorite Gifts?

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

But even with the less expensive items, I felt like some made multiple deliveries, and we really only had one gift per stateroom. If I participated again I would definitely try and make at least 2 deliveries (for a 7 night trip).

I agree with this. The last couple of cruises, I've made it a point to do two deliveries. I feel like too often, you receive everything by the end of day two, and nothing else the rest of the week. So, I like to wait until day 3 for the first delivery and the second on day 5 or 6.

Say what now??? Two deliveries??? See this is where things are getting out of hand. Theres no need for that.

 

[Oldie13]

Say what now??? Two deliveries??? See this is where things are getting out of hand. Theres no need for that.

I always thought this was a cute idea and wanted to do it, after reading what I consider inflated greed in this thread, I won’t be participating in any. I’ve found pixie dust at the parks/resorts and even if it was a dum dum pop and an eraser I always thought it was cute and thoughtful.

 

[dreamer17555]

Say what now??? Two deliveries??? See this is where things are getting out of hand. Theres no need for that.

It's easy to split up gifts you were going to give into 2 different drops. It doesn't change the amount spent.

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

It's easy to split up gifts you were going to give into 2 different drops. It doesn't change the amount spent.

Ah, thats different, total spend $10 , split into 2 x $5 drops. But some people might feel they have to do 2 x $10 gift drops, thereby doubling the cost per room outlay.

 

[dreamer17555]

I always thought this was a cute idea and wanted to do it, after reading what I consider inflated greed in this thread, I won’t be participating in any. I’ve found pixie dust at the parks/resorts and even if it was a dum dum pop and an eraser I always thought it was cute and thoughtful.

I wouldn't say greed. I think some guests put in a lot of thoughts into what gifts they give and are disappointed when a similar amount of effort (not money) is not put in as well.

One of the cruise groups I am in for a sailing in 2026 have not started FE sign ups but posters are sharing where to find Disney clearance stuff for FEs. Now I love a good deal (Really I do!) but I really do try to pay attention to what people in my group list as far as favorite characters, ages, etc. Stocking up on whatever cheap Disney labeled stuff to pass out isn't the same IMO. I try to focus on giving (and we have been given some AMAZINGLY thoughtful FE gifts) but I understand when others put in effort and are disappointed when that effort (not cost) isn't matched.

My son got a journal last year- not super expensive but they had handwritten a few Disney recipes because they had seen he likes to cook and that was so kind and so amazing and he has already made some of the recipes provided. The journal was a very nice touch but even recipe cards alone would have been wonderful because they were focusing on what they had seen me share about him and being incredibly thoughtful.

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

I always thought this was a cute idea and wanted to do it, after reading what I consider inflated greed in this thread, I won’t be participating in any. I’ve found pixie dust at the parks/resorts and even if it was a dum dum pop and an eraser I always thought it was cute and thoughtful.

Its not so much greed as in people are buying cheap tat just for the sake of buying stuff with no real thought about the recipient. For example I have I bag full of stuff that I got on previous cruises that I'm regifting on my next cruise, because its all kids stuff, when I am a solo adult.

Also people have set up small businesses and go around the cruise groups selling their home made stuff. People feel obligated to buy, as its a fellow cruiser, without any thought as to whether its suitable for the recipients.

My son got a journal last year- not super expensive but they had handwritten a few Disney recipes because they had seen he likes to cook and that was so kind and so amazing and he has already made some of the recipes provided. The journal was a very nice touch but even recipe cards alone would have been wonderful because they were focusing on what they had seen me share about him and being incredibly thoughtful.

Thats a perfect gift, thought about the recipient, easy to pack for both the giver and recipient and not an expensive outlay.

Basically think what the person you are giving to would to like to receive, be mindful about size and weight due to luggage restrictions.

 

[dreamer17555]

Ah, thats different, total spend $10 , split into 2 x $5 drops. But some people might feel they have to do 2 x $10 gift drops, thereby doubling the cost per room outlay.

I’ve often wondered why they don’t do fish extender sign-up’s with a suggested spend amount. It’s pretty common place if you’re participating in a white elephant or a secret Santa exchange to say ‘Gifts should be $8- $12’ or some such.

This helps because people have an idea of what they should spend, and what others are spending. You don’t feel cheated when the other person doesn’t spend as much as you’ve given and you don’t feel guilty when somebody spends more than you did because you’re all around the same ballpark. They already sort FE signs ups by families with kids, adults only, kids only, etc it might be easier to have price point signup instead. Just a thought.

 

[Oldie13]

Its not so much greed as in people are buying cheap tat just for the sake of buying stuff with no real thought about the recipient. For example I have I bag full of stuff that I got on previous cruises that I'm regifting on my next cruise, because its all kids stuff, when I am a solo adult.

Also people have set up small businesses and go around the cruise groups selling their home made stuff. People feel obligated to buy, as its a fellow cruiser, without any thought as to whether its suitable for the recipients.


Thats a perfect gift, thought about the recipient, easy to pack for both the giver and recipient and not an expensive outlay.

Basically think what the person you are giving to would to like to receive, be mindful about size and weight due to luggage restrictions.

You posted no American chocolate, European only. That itself was enough for me.

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

I’ve often wondered why they don’t do fish extender sign-up’s with a suggested spend amount. It’s pretty common place if you’re participating in a white elephant or a secret Santa exchange to say ‘Gifts should be $8- $12’ or some such.

This helps because people have an idea of what they should spend, and what others are spending. You don’t feel cheated when the other person doesn’t spend as much as you’ve given and you don’t feel guilty when somebody spends more than you did because you’re all around the same ballpark. They already sort FE signs ups by families with kids, adults only, kids only, etc it might be easier to have price point signup instead. Just a thought.

I have a feeling its because a network of people who run the groups also sell items, so they gain financially from not specifying a gift limit. The one upmanship with the gifts , people doing multiple drops, and the subtle pressure into thinking you should give more makes them money, so they discourage a suggested spend.

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

You posted no American chocolate, European only. That itself was enough for me.

I am from Ireland. I have been travelling to America for over 20 years. American chocolate to me is not nice. Thats why I said no American chocolate.

 

[Oldie13]

I am from Ireland. I have been travelling to America for over 20 years. American chocolate to me is not nice. Thats why I said no American chocolate.

And I stand by what I said. Thanks for proving my point.

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

And I stand by what I said. Thanks for proving my point.

I dont understand what you mean? What is offensive by saying I dont like American chocolate? Its a personal preference and something which a giver in a Fish Extender group should be made aware of, and be respectful to. This is what we mean when we say be thoughtful about the likes and dislikes, wants and needs, of the person you are giving to. Dont just buy things that are your personal preference.

 

[dreamer17555]

And I stand by what I said. Thanks for proving my point.

The point of giving an FE gift should be about thinking what the other person will like, use, and enjoy. I always put no food and there is a good reason for that. It is not about being greedy. It is about not wanting the other person to spend money and time on getting something that won't be enjoyed. I will also not pass along food because I do not know where it came from and I am overly cautious.

I would love if more people shared when signing up for FE things they dont want. I don't want to waste my money and effort on gift that might end up donated or at worst thrown out.

 

[Oldie13]

I dont understand what you mean? What is offensive by saying I dont like American chocolate? Its a personal preference and something which a giver in a Fish Extender group should be made aware of, and be respectful to. This is what we mean when we say be thoughtful about the likes and dislikes, wants and needs, of the person you are giving to. Dont just buy things that are your personal preference.

The point of giving an FE gift should be about thinking what the other person will like, use, and enjoy. I always put no food and there is a good reason for that. It is not about being greedy. It is about not wanting the other person to spend money and time on getting something that won't be enjoyed. I will also not pass along food because I do not know where it came from and I am overly cautious.

I would love if more people shared when signing up for FE things they dont want. I don't want to waste my money and effort on gift that might end up donated or at worst thrown out.

Saying “no food” is a reasonable statement
Saying “no American chocolate, European only” sounds elitist.

Like I said, I enjoy pixie dusting at the parks/resorts. I’ll stick to that. This sounds more like a greedy grab.

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

Saying “no food” is a reasonable statement
Saying “no American chocolate, European only” sounds elitist.

Like I said, I enjoy pixie dusting at the parks/resorts. I’ll stick to that. This sounds more like a greedy grab.

Wow, seriously???? I don't like something, a personal preference, and thats elitist??? Why does it bother you that I don't like American chocolate?

 

[Oldie13]

Wow, seriously???? I don't like something, a personal preference, and thats elitist??? Why does it bother you that I don't like American chocolate?

Didn’t say that at all. It’s the way you said it. It has ZERO to do with American chocolate or you liking or not liking something.

It’s akin if someone put “no generic, brand name only” or “no store bought, must be handmade”.

 

[TheRichFam]

If I did participate, I would most like to receive magnets, koozies, recipes, maybe a small local item from gifter's home area.

Agreed! On our last cruise, we were in an adults only FE and gave homemade room spray that was scented like the Disney Resorts and small bags of Bucees Nuggets (if you know, you know) among a few other things. I heard people in the elevator raving about the room spray and saw two adults eating the Nuggets in the Theater. They had no idea we were the ones who gave the gift so it felt nice to see/hear people appreciating the gifts.

After a few FE exchanges, our favorites are the homemade gifts we've received- photo frames, personalized Koozies, magnets with details specific to that cruise, etc. I still have a magnetized Mickey-shaped bottle opener from my first cruise in 2013 hanging on my fridge. My wife particularly enjoyed the pin trading board we got on our last cruise. It's a small Mickey shaped pin board with a magnetic hook to hang it on the stateroom door. It came with four pins on it, and it was pretty constantly used by passers by on the cruise. We kept it and plan to reuse it on future cruises.

Least favorite- same as others have said: cheap plastic toys, American candy, and anything that is overly large or will break in my suitcase, etc.

I do want to say that I hope this post doesn't discourage anyone from participating. FEs are a ton of fun, especially for kids. If it comes down to choosing to participate and giving small or non-personalized gifts versus not participating at all, I'd 100% say you should participate. Especially if you're new to DCL, it can be a great way to learn the layout of the ship and chances are there's someone out there who forgot about/didn't know about Pirate Night and is gonna love your clip-on earring and eye patch even if most people don't. FEs are a key component to the DCL experience. Don't let those of us who have done it a bunch and have become a little picky scare you away!

 

[mcd2745]

Say what now??? Two deliveries??? See this is where things are getting out of hand. Theres no need for that.

It's easy to split up gifts you were going to give into 2 different drops. It doesn't change the amount spent.

This is what I meant.

I just thought it was a nice idea since often times on a 7-nt, you don't get anything after day 2 or 3.

 

[dreamer17555]

This is what I meant.

I just thought it was a nice idea since often times on a 7-nt, you don't get anything after day 2 or 3.

On my Feb sailing we made a whatsapp group chat for our FE group and organized dropping gifts on certain days. It was nice. Also we would let each other know when a drop had happened to cut down on the chance a gift might walkaway.

 

[mcd2745]

The point of giving an FE gift should be about thinking what the other person will like, use, and enjoy. I always put no food and there is a good reason for that. It is not about being greedy. It is about not wanting the other person to spend money and time on getting something that won't be enjoyed. I will also not pass along food because I do not know where it came from and I am overly cautious.

I would love if more people shared when signing up for FE things they dont want. I don't want to waste my money and effort on gift that might end up donated or at worst thrown out.

I disagree with most of this. I find it sort of obnoxious for people to sign up for a FE exchange and then proceed to tell the group what they should or should not be given, or to create pressure to make sure people are giving out gifts that are personalized and/or include your favorite character, color, etc. Everyone has different amounts of creativity, time and/or budgets to dedicate to putting together the gifts they give out.

Anyone who is going to be annoyed if they get gifts that are not up to whatever standards they have created probably shouldn't be participating.

Like people tell their kids..."you get what you get, and you don't get upset."