Staff Picks: 10 Perfect Gifts for the Aquarium Co-Op Enthusiast
If you’re searching for the perfect gift for the fish hobbyist in your life, look no further than this handy gift-buying guide from Aquarium Co-Op. To ring in the holiday season, we asked some of our friends and employees about their favorite Co-Op merch and essentials, and this is what we learned:
Aquarium Co-Op Hoodie
Jimmy's pick
Whether it’s a run to the grocery store or to the backyard to check on his ricefish breeding ponds, Jimmy is probably wearing his Aquarium Co-Op hoodie. It’s light enough for warmer weather but also cozy enough to be worn on chilly, rainy days – a frequent occurrence in the Pacific Northwest. This soft sweatshirt is easy to wash as well, when you inevitably dip your sleeves in aquarium water for the millionth time. To quote Jimmy: “Yeah, my Co-Op sweatershirt is really comfortable. I like that it has the big, white Aquarium Co-Op logo on the front. Sometimes people will come up to me at the store if they recognize me from our YouTube videos.”
Die Cut Decal Stickers
Randy's picks
If there was an award for the most Aquarium Co-Op decals on a laptop, Randy would probably win it. He says, “Having these stickers designed and made makes me happy, and I certainly love slapping them all over my laptop. However, seeing the community's enthusiasm for these stickers makes me even happier!” These decals not only look awesome, but they will hold up for a long time because of their durability and water resistance. Join Randy and the community by taking a photo of the unique place you put your sticker and sharing it on our forum or in a review on the website.
Murphy Mesh Back Hat
Cory's pick
If you’re looking for the perfect combination of sun protection, style, and the ability to cover up a bad hair day, the Murphy mesh back hat from Aquarium Co-Op does it all. With Murphy’s charming smile featured right on the front, it’s no surprise that Cory wears this hat so often. The back of the hat features the classic trucker mesh style for ultimate air flow, and it’s available in both fitted and snapback versions. According to Cory, “I love this hat for summer because it’s got all the mesh in the back. It’s fitted, we have both small and large, and they’re designed with ultra-comfortable FlexFit. Love these hats.”
Aquarium Co-Op Mesh Back Hat
Dean's picks
When you’re a master aquarium fish breeder, a comfortable hat to throw on while transporting fish to your local fish store is a must. Even when Dean doesn’t have his hands in a fish tank, he can be spotted rocking this classy mesh back hat from Aquarium Co-Op while taking his dog Luka on a walk. This hat is made with the same mesh back as the Murphy hat but in a light blue color which contrasts nicely with the dark gray front of the hat. It also features the company logo in matching blue on the front. It’s a dapper combination when paired with the Aquarium Co-Op t-shirt, of course.
Aquarium Co-Op Mug
Candi's pick
No matter where she goes, Candi always has a delicious and healthy beverage in hand. Staying hydrated is so important. At home, her green mug from Aquarium Co-Op is her favorite way to enjoy a hot cup of tea while relaxing in her beautiful garden or working hard to answer customer questions. It features a simple logo in white on the sides and holds 11 oz of your favorite hot or cold drink. It’s even safe to use in the microwave. “I don’t drink coffee, but my Aquarium Co-Op mug is just perfect for a hot cup of tea in the morning. Plus, it washes up really easily too. I love it!” she says.
Aquarium Co-Op T-Shirts
Irene's picks
If you’ve ever seen Irene on the Co-Op YouTube channel, you might have noticed that she wears an Aquarium Co-Op black t-shirt in every video. Whether it’s a short commercial or a long, informative video, Irene is always sporting this comfortable cotton tee while working with her aquariums. She loves it because it matches well with any outfit. Additionally, it’s durable and super easy to toss in the washer and dryer when it gets dirty from tank water and filter gunk. The Co-Op black t-shirts are available in two styles: a goldfish in all red and a Mbu puffer in blue and yellow.
Classic Black Aquarium Co-Op Hat
Robert's pick
There is nothing like a basic black accessory to complete an ensemble. And when you manage a fish store like Aquarium Co-Op, you need a durable hat to hold up during long shifts while moving hundreds of fish around. This is exactly why Robert loves his black hat from Aquarium Co-Op. This fitted black cap does the job well for the long haul, all while looking sporty and professional. Plus, it has FlexFit technology, making it comfortable to wear all day long without squeezing your noggin. Robert says he finds the black Co-Op hat especially handy when it rains (which is almost every day in Washington) because the nice long brim keeps the rain away from his glasses.
Aquarium Co-Op Measuring Glass and Spoon
Lizzie's picks
Did you know Aquarium Co-Op makes a measuring glass and spoon? It’s true, and they’re quite handy for about a million different uses. Whether it’s measuring Ich-X, salt for brine shrimp, plant fertilizer, or anything else under the sun, the Aquarium Co-Op measuring tools get the job done. “The spoon has a really nifty design. It’s super compact and has the ability to measure ¼ teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, and 1 tablespoon. It’s sorcery. I love the Co-Op measuring glasses too. I even propagate plant cuttings in some of mine. They’re cheap and useful, and they would make fantastic stocking stuffers,” says Lizzie.
Bonus: Gifts for Anyone and Everyone
If you’ve read this list and still aren’t sure what to get the fishkeeper in your life, here are a couple bonus ideas that aquarium hobbyists of any skill level can appreciate.
Towels
The fact is that fishkeeping requires water and water gets on things. But there’s no need to worry with the soft and absorbent cotton hand towel from Aquarium Co-Op. It comes in black to match the rest of your Co-Op gear and features the logo in green on both ends. It’s a simple gift, but one that says, “I am your friend and I care about your hardwood floors.”
Gift Cards
Like with any store, if you don’t know what to get someone, an Aquarium Co-Op gift card can be the perfect way to show someone you care while supporting their favorite hobby. They are transferred using an online code, so it’s actually the easiest gift you’ve ever given. Gift wrap not required! Choose your amount in $5, $10, $25, $50, and $100 increments.
For more ideas on what to buy for the holidays, check out our previous guide on our top 10 holiday gift ideas for your favorite fishkeeper.