somethin's fishy

oh what fun to plan a birthday party for a 3 year-old boy. he's old enough to get excited about every little thing i do, and yet not old enough to tell me what to do. its perfect!
i found on family fun, directions on how to make a fish cake:

it was actually pretty easy. and quite a big hit with the kids.

i made party hats.

there were miscellaneous goodies like sweedish fish and these little fishing poles made with pretzel rods and rope licorice tied to one end, with a gummy worm tied to the licorice. really easy and quite popular.

the kids got to decorate their own "fish bowl" made of foam sheets purchased at the craft store. (however, aquariums are square and i would do that next time since its easier than trying to cut out a fishbowl-shape-type-thing that doesn't even really look like a fishbowl.) they had an assortment of underwater stickers to use.

i didn't do goody bags or anything, although i considered it after reading the idea of spray painting styrofoam egg cartons, attaching a cardboard handle and turning it into a tackle box which can be filled with toys, candy etc... but i had not the time nor energy for the endeavor.

instead, the kids fished for their treasures. i had a couple of fishing poles purchased at target for like $3. but a stick and rope with a clothespin would do the trick. the kids lowered the poles over our half-wall and bennett helped me attach their prizes.

they also fished for candy. i put paper clips on airheads and they used the fishing poles (which have magnets on them) to collect their treats.

i also considered having goldfish crackers, pretzel sticks and peanut butter for a snack... the kids "fish" by sticking the pretzels in the peanut butter and then grab the goldfish. and also blue jello with swedish fish suspended inside.

another idea i saw was actual live golfish for a party favor... but i just simply could not do this to my friends, no matter how excited the kids might get.