I've seen these plants in clear vases with live fish in the vase. Apparantly the fish live off the roots of the plant. Does anyone know where you would go to buy one? or make one? We know several ladies in rest homes and thought these might be nice Christmas gifts.

several stores like Michael's, Walmart, and pet stores like Petco and Petsmart should b able to help you.

Barbara - Welcome to the Pool!

A few years ago, you could buy the fish and vase, complete, at Wal-Mart. I haven't seen the sets in a while though.
However, you can still buy the vase (probably at Wal-Mart) and the fish (betta or Siamese fighting fish) (definitely at Wal-Mart) separately and add the plants (peace lilies - again, probably at Wal-Mart).

Here is a site that discusses the fish-in-a-vase.
(By the way - you do have to add fish food - the fish probably nibbles at the food caught in the roots.)
By the way - bettas are very easy to keep. Just feed them and keep the bowl clean! No need for filters or any fancy equipment!

Good luck!

PS - Welcome too Spice!

TIE is correct. You do have to feed them. I didn't know this and the fish my kids gave me died.

Twinhearts