I Let Lost Mail Packages Decide My Best Friend's Christmas Gifts

Summary

This video follows the journey of unboxing mystery packages of lost mail, purchased from various online sources. The narrator reflects on their past holiday gift-giving struggles, including the failure of a custom jersey gift. As they explore the world of unclaimed mail, they uncover how these mystery boxes work and the risks of scams. While hoping for valuable finds, the narrator ends up with odd items like baby clothes and turtlenecks. The video humorously examines the mystery box craze and the holiday season's pressures, ultimately revealing the true gift of friendship and shared experiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker orders mystery boxes of lost mail to make up for a failed Christmas gift for their friend Cody.
• 😀 The initial excitement is driven by the idea of receiving valuable, unclaimed packages from online auctions.
• 😀 The lost mail is typically sourced from undeliverable packages auctioned off by USPS after failing to reach their recipients.
• 😀 The websites selling these mystery boxes, like unclaimedmail.com and Arrowhead Pallets, seem legitimate but have a sketchy reputation.
• 😀 The excitement quickly turns to disappointment as the contents of the boxes include mostly useless or underwhelming items (e.g., baby clothes, cheap face masks).
• 😀 The speaker's original plan to gift a custom Rocket League Jersey that was lost in transit was a flop, leading to the search for these mystery boxes.
• 😀 The speaker realizes that the majority of lost packages are just random, low-value items, not hidden treasures.
• 😀 A visit to a local store, PDX Deals, offering Costco return pallets turns out to be a much more reliable and fruitful shopping experience.
• 😀 The speaker manages to buy real gifts for Cody, including a mug, some accessories, and tickets to a Portland Trail Blazers game.
• 😀 Despite the awkwardness and weirdness of the mystery mail gifts, Cody eventually appreciates the thoughtfulness behind the presents.
• 😀 In the end, the speaker reflects on the disappointing nature of the mystery box experience, acknowledging the risks of online shopping for unclaimed packages and scams.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video is the creator's experience with purchasing mystery boxes filled with unclaimed mail, along with the humorous and unexpected contents inside. The script also explores the idea of lost packages and the process through which they end up being sold as mystery boxes.

What was the creator’s original intention for purchasing the mystery box?

The creator initially hoped to find something valuable in the mystery box to use as a Christmas gift for their best friend, Cody, as a way to make up for a failed Christmas gift from years ago (a custom Rocket League jersey that never arrived).

How does the creator describe the experience of receiving the unclaimed mail box?

The creator describes being disappointed when the package arrived, as it was just a small box containing random, mostly useless items such as a sweater, face masks, a propane gauge, baby clothes, and a mug with a Spanish inscription.

What are some of the random items the creator found in the mystery box?

Some of the items found in the box included a turtleneck sweater, face masks, a propane tank gauge, baby clothes, a mug with a Spanish inscription, and a set of coasters, among other things.

What is the significance of the Spanish mug found in the mystery box?

The Spanish mug is significant because Cody speaks Spanish. The creator thought it would be a fitting gift, but without knowing exactly what the inscription said, it was a somewhat risky and humorous gift choice.

How does the creator explain the process of how unclaimed mail ends up in mystery boxes?

The creator explains that when a package is undeliverable due to address issues, it may end up in a mail recovery center. If the package cannot be returned to its owner, it is auctioned off in bulk. Companies like Fun Delivered then buy these pallets and resell them as mystery boxes.

Why does the creator feel misled by the company Arrowhead Pallets?

The creator feels misled by Arrowhead Pallets because, after purchasing from them, they believe the company is a scam, citing issues like their low rating on the Better Business Bureau and the absence of the promised products.

What alternative solution does the creator explore after receiving disappointing items in the mystery box?

After receiving the disappointing mystery box, the creator visits a store called PDX Deals, which sells pallets of Costco returns. The creator hopes to find better gifts for Cody and successfully buys more suitable items from there.

How does Cody react to the gifts he receives from the creator?

Cody reacts with confusion and awkwardness. He appreciates the thought behind the gifts but is puzzled by items like the baby clothes and propane gauge. He does, however, seem to appreciate the Spanish mug, even though the creator did not understand the inscription.

What lesson does the creator reflect on in the video?

The creator reflects on the experience of gambling with the odds of receiving valuable items from mystery boxes, noting that the contents were mostly random and disappointing. They also highlight the psychological effects of consumerism and the near-miss effect, where people continue to gamble despite low chances of winning.