Please don't do this for a party favor

[Anonymous]

So in addition to the goody bags full of junky little choking hazards and candy, our friends gave each child a goldfish (the party theme/decor was tropical fish) to take home. Of course, my husband volunteered to take 6 more that were left over at the end of the party. Yeah. We don't have a fish tank, so we're having to clean out nasty fishbowl water 2x a week. It's been 2 weeks and so far one has died, thankfully my 5 year old isn't the type to get too upset about it (because there are still 6 left).

The dad joked that next year they're giving away puppies. . .

[Anonymous]

Get a little tank with a pump and filter at the pet store or on craigslist. That will help cut down on the cleaning. Or maybe you could donate it to DC's classroom so they can learn about fish and how to take care of them.

[Anonymous]

Agree with OP.

I heartily disapprove of poor quality, non-eco-friendly and potentially toxic little horrors in goody bags. Why have a goody bag anyway, when a hand-written thank you note or photograph sent to each guest is de rigueur?

I decided rather shame-facedly to avoid confrontation at my DC's last birthday party and distributed one beautiful, original and recyclable favor (one because it cost more than a whole junk bag put together). Some guests inquired where their goody bags were as they came in the door... Ugh.

Sorry for the vent.

[Anonymous]

I think it's a cute idea! A goldfish is definitely better than a traditional goody bag. If you have such an aversion to taking care of them, perhaps you shouldn't have taken seven of them home.

[Anonymous]

So, what was wrong with a little goldfish? I thought that was a good idea especially given the tropical theme.

They're relatively easy to care for and require low maintance, but it's enough to teach a child responsibility - plus, every child has a goldfish growing up.

If you had SUCH a problem with it - why didn't you just decline it?...instead of taking the leftovers as well. Obviously, your DH thought it was a good idea too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So, what was wrong with a little goldfish? I thought that was a good idea especially given the tropical theme.

They're relatively easy to care for and require low maintance, but it's enough to teach a child responsibility - plus, every child has a goldfish growing up.

If you had SUCH a problem with it - why didn't you just decline it?...instead of taking the leftovers as well. Obviously, your DH thought it was a good idea too.

LOL. So true for so many.

[Anonymous]

Something seems fishy to me . . .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: Some guests inquired where their goody bags were as they came in the door... Ugh.

PLEASE tell me you're exaggerating. If that's the way this town is, my child will never have a birthday party.

Oh, and I think the fish idea is kinda cute. You could just say no thanks. Any parent would understand.

[Anonymous]

I agree with OP -- no one should "give" a child a live animal except his or her parents. Terrible idea.

[Anonymous]

Next time lecture your DH about not taking half a dozen home, instead of lecturing a random forum about attempts at thoughtful gift giving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with OP -- no one should "give" a child a live animal except his or her parents. Terrible idea.

while i agree it's a cute idea, it's definitely an odd idea. i would have had to turn it down...i don't even have plants right now and wouldn't want the responsibility of a fish. you would think the host would recognize that if the guests do not own fish and haven't made the choice to purchase them on their own, then they don't want them. in my house, it's not a decision that would be taken lightly. i'm already taking care of two kids and a very demanding cat!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So in addition to the goody bags full of junky little choking hazards and candy, our friends gave each child a goldfish (the party theme/decor was tropical fish) to take home. Of course, my husband volunteered to take 6 more that were left over at the end of the party. Yeah. We don't have a fish tank, so we're having to clean out nasty fishbowl water 2x a week. It's been 2 weeks and so far one has died, thankfully my 5 year old isn't the type to get too upset about it (because there are still 6 left).

The dad joked that next year they're giving away puppies. . .

You could donate them to a fraternity. Still kinda shocked that I ate one, those were the days

[Anonymous]

I say "give" in quotations marks because while goldfish cost 39 cents, I would then have to go but a big tank (I think bowls are cruel), a filter, fish food, plants for the tank, things for fish to hide under, a lid to keep the cat out....and two days after I get all this set up, gift fish most likely will be found dead stuck to the filter. I then will have to run to the store and get replacement fish, since I just spent $100+ on fish supplies and my kid is upset. Not a free pet by a long run.

[Anonymous]

A lot of pet stores sell starter tank kits that include everything you'd need to set up a tank (tank, hood, filter, food, plants) for much less than $100. Also, don't most filters have small water intake holes so how does the fish get stuck?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't want to be placed in the situation where I have to decline, with my son there asking why, WHY can't he have it? He'll take care of it! Mom, PLEASE?

It's a cute idea, okay, but inconvenient for a lot of people. I'd also have to go out and buy all the accessories. No matter how much it costs, the errand and the fish are added to my to-do list, and they wouldn't be welcome additions.

We might get the child a fish at some point - or hell, a puppy - but let me decide when that is, that's all.