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 Travel
& Leisure:
Archie McPhee
Jumbo Mystery Box
Tanya A. Brown
What did YOU get for Christmas, boys and girls? Me, I'm fortunate enough
to have a brother-in-law who's familiar with my tastes. On Christmas morning
I got a big ole box filled with goodies from Archie
McPhee, the ubiquitous "supplier of toys and gifts for popular
culture." My squeals of joy made the window glass vibrate.
I'd always wanted to try their Jumbo Mystery Box, but I didn't want to
pony up the cash. Instead, several years ago I compromised by ordering
their smaller Surprise Package at about half the price. Although fun,
in my recollection it ran to things like plastic animals, which were quickly
dispensed to depressed coworkers in need. (Who wouldn't benefit from a
plastic iguana now and then?)
The larger Mystery Box, though, turned out to be an unexpected delight.
I don't know who works at the McPhee packing department, but based on
this box I could imagine that it's populated by the same aging hippies
who used to hold Volkswagen-cramming contests back in the sixties. The
box was literally packed so tightly with goodies that it could hold nothing
else. Sometimes, I guess, you really do get what you pay for.
As the McPhee website and catalog indicate, the contents of any given
box will vary. Logic suggests that it's going to be largely comprised
of closeout items: if you peek at their site and see what's currently
on sale, you'll probably find at least a few of those things in the box.
The surprise box made a wonderful gift in and of itself, but I could
also imagine ordering one to have a variety of birthday and hostess gifts
on hand. Some of the items would also make a great basis for art projects.
Some favorite items from the box I received:
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