How to Use Goldfish as Party Favors
Looking for unique party favors for that special event? Consider making a big splash with live goldfish. Goldfish are among the most eye-catching table displays that are simple enough set up and give away as party favors. Goldfish can create a beautiful addition to almost any party. Read on to learn more.
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Instructions
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Create a housing plan. It is cruel to purchase dozens of goldfish without having their well-being in mind. Know in advance where you'll house leftover fish after the party.
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Decide how many centerpieces you'll need and how large they will be. Punch-bowl sized goldfish bowls transform into stunning centerpieces, but can be too large for dining tables and too expensive for party favors. Often, party organizers will place one or two large bowls on gift or wedding party tables and then use smaller bowls as temporary centerpieces and party favors for the party guests.
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Buy the necessary bowls for your homemade party favors. If you choose small betta bowls for the goldfish, remember they are not large enough for the fish to live in after the party. Make other arrangements in advance.
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Choose the bowl decorations. Decorative rocks made for fish tanks can add matching color to the event's décor. In addition, many bowls have a rim that you can tie a matching ribbon around for a splash of color. If you prefer sparkle to bright colors, try iridescent ribbon and stones and allow the goldfish to truly stand out. (Note: The fish will defecate into the bowls. Iridescent stones don't hide waste matter very well).
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Purchase healthy fish from a reputable pet store. Observe the entire tank for signs of disease. If any fish appear ill, find another store to buy your party favor fish. Betta bowls can house one small goldfish each, and large goldfish bowls can house several during the party. (Again, this is not an acceptable arrangement after the party is over. Each fish will need a minimum of one gallon of water for a permanent home).
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Place the goldfish in the bowls at the last minute, immediately before the party so as not to stress them out.
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Print small party messages such as "Happy 50th Mary & Gene!" Cut to size, and wrap around small containers of fish food. Use the fish and food as party favors to send home with any guest who would like them. Take any leftover fish to the previously arranged new home.
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Tips & Warnings
Always supervise goldfish used as children's party favors. Children can put fingers in the bowls and harm the fish. This is not only hard on the fish, but can upset other party goers as well.
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Jon, SO pleased to read your posting ... I thought it was just me falling for joke-postings as a dumb.blonde. In the days of the internet, I can't believe anyone can actually be so ignorant of fish care to suggest this. See also 'How to use Goldfish in a Centrepiece' for weddings as the 'Read Next': I was so shocked by the article I missed the 'consideration for the fish' suggestion of 'renting them from a Supplier for the day' (*and what reputable supplier would do this I don't know). I can't believe people would actually suggest doing this. ... "Can upset other party goers ..." - I'd be horrifed and distraught if I walked into any event doing this.
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This is a disqusting idea! Goldfish grow very big 10" is given propper care and require excellent filtration to remain healthy. The life span of a goldfish should be 20 years +. It is irresponsible to give live animals as party gifts. Shocking!
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hitchhiker
Sep 07, 2008
This is an irresponsible 'how-to', and not at all mitigated by the apparently considerate advice towards the fish. 'Place the goldfish in the bowls at the last minute, immediately before the party so as not to stress them out.' - This WILL stress them out for all the reasons someone mentioned above. And this tip: 'Always supervise goldfish used as children's party favors. Children can put fingers in the bowls and harm the fish. This is not only hard on the fish, but can upset other party goers as well.' Um?! !! The fish are harmed the minute you chose them for such a careless frivolity. -
Sbbbjjjjj
Apr 03, 2008
Actually, you need one gallon of water per sq inch of surface area for goldfish. That's 2-4 gallons of water per fish, depending on the size of your goldfish.
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Sbbbjjjjj
Apr 03, 2008
Actually, you need one gallon of water per sq inch of surface area for goldfish. That's 2-4 gallons of water per fish, depending on the size of your goldfish.
