e-Commerce surprises: The thrill of anticipation

If you want to feel all that giddy expectation, you don't have to wait for someone to send you a gift. You can order your own mystery package and surprise yourself.

Yes, you can send yourself a surprise. Go online, type in your credit card number and place an order. A few days later you'll get something - who knows what? - in the mail. It might be an iPod shuffle. It might be a bacon-scented air freshener. It might be the neon-orange tote bag you never wanted. The joy, you see, comes in the anticipation.

For years, online merchants have been offering "grab bags" and "mystery boxes" as a fun option for shoppers who like to take a chance. Then last year, the site SomethingStore.com launched, offering nothing but US$10 surprise packages. Now the site ships out 2,000 to 3,000 "somethings" every month, from money clips to coffee grinders. The world, it seems, is full of people willing to spend a little money to gamble on a mystery gift.

Here's a look at some of your options - how they work and what you might get. Order yourself a surprise.

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