The 15 Most Surprising Things You Can Mail Without a Box
You may have heard the one about anonymously mailing glitter bombs to your enemies or even getting a surprise package of poop via USPS. But did you realize that you can mail common items just by sticking a few stamps on them?
Your mailman may not have mentioned that he’s legally required to accept certain items without packaging, which is very convenient if you don’t have the right sized box on hand. It’s an environmentally friendly way to send stuff since there’s no garbage or recycling generated. Plus, it’s pretty cool to receive a random object in the mail without having to open it up.
Ahead, check out all the things you didn’t know you could send in the mail without packaging.
1. Potatoes
There’s a service that mails potatoes. | TonyBaggett/iStock/Getty Images
If you don’t feel like going to the grocery store and buying a potato to mail yourself, there’s a service that will take on the task themselves for just $9.99. Opting to send your own spud costs about half that.
Why would you mail a potato? The more appropriate question is why wouldn’t you mail a potato? This silly and unexpected gag gift is sure to make the recipient smile.
Next: This makes the perfect party invite.
2. Piñatas
We just hope it doesn’t break open. | modds/iStock/Getty Images
If you’re hoping to send a party via mail, this is the best way to do it. You can stuff a piñata with candy or other small treats (just be sure to close it securely). You can’t mail the wire part, but you can attach an address directly to this festive item and take it right to the post office.
Next: There’s a post office devoted to mailing this item.
3. Coconuts
They do have pretty tough shells. | wernerimages/iStock/Getty Images
Believe it or not, there is a post office in Hawaii that does business by mailing coconuts for tourists. The aptly named Post-a-Nut is more popular than you may think, ranking third on Trip Advisor’s list of things to do in Molokai.
For a cost of around $20 per coconut, you can decorate your own and mail it back to someone stateside without bothering to box it up.
Next: You may not have realized this large item doesn’t need a box.
4. Hula hoops
There’s probably no way you’d find a box for this anyway. | staraldo/iStock/Getty Images
Finding a hula hoop shaped box = complicated. Mailing a hula hoop = easy!
If you want to send a fun surprise in the mail, affix postage and an address label directly to your hoop and send it on its way.
Next: This is the sweetest addition to the list.
5. Boxes of candy
We’re a little jealous of the recipient. | kiko_jimenez/iStock/Getty Images
Putting a box inside a box is unnecessary, which is why if you’re trying to send a sugar rush via mail, it makes a lot more sense to just add postage and shipping details. The recipient of this tasty package won’t waste a minute wondering what’s inside — and they might even share.
Next: Anyone would be happy to receive a version of this item in the mail.
6. Sombreros
There’s no need for a hat box. | WestwindPhoto/iStock/Getty Images
Cinco de Mayo comes around every year, and if you’re feeling extra festive, a sombrero via mail may be just the thing to send someone. But even if you don’t have a taste for margaritas, that’s totally fine. Any sturdy hat including fedoras, helmets, and cowboy hats are fine to send out of the box.
Next: Your postman might be tempted to play with this.
7. Frisbees
Just toss it in the mail. | yokaew/iStock/Getty Images
Whether you’re sending out invites to your annual summer barbecue or you have a special treat in mind for a four-legged friend, Frisbees are fine to send sans packaging. Just make sure the label is firmly affixed in case your mail carrier decides to throw it around a bit before dropping it off.
Next: This is a fun gift for little kids.
8. Rubber balls
It’s OK if they bounce around a little in the mail. | VICHAILAO/iStock/Getty Images
Inflated balloons are too delicate to send without protective packaging, but this rule doesn’t hold true for thick rubber bouncy balls. You can write the address directly onto the ball with a permanent marker and add postage above. This fun item only costs about $2 to send.
Next: Make these out of wood or paper.
9. Scrolls
Roll up your message, and send it on its way. | iStock.com/michaeljung
No one ever said letters had to be flat.
You can mail scrolls of paper or other natural elements such as wood if you want to. Go the extra mile and scrawl your message with a quill pen and ink for complete authenticity.
Next: You’ll want to make these your pets.
10. Rocks
It’s highly unlikely it’ll break in the mail. | Ekaterina79/iStock/Getty Images
Are pet rocks still a thing? No? It doesn’t matter, you can still find a good one and send it on an adventure across the country using the good old United States Postal Service.
Your friends might think it’s weird, but who cares what they think? Rock mail is awesome.
Next: They’re heavy, but mailable.
11. Bricks
It’s basically the size of a small package. | Valengilda/iStock/Getty Images
If you were building a house and didn’t want to waste time finding one of those fancy pallets, you could literally mail yourself one brick at a time until you had enough. That would be really silly, but you could do it.
Next: This is fun for beach lovers.
12. Flip-flops
We really hope one doesn’t get lost. | 5second/iStock/Getty Images
Planning a super casual beach wedding? Then your ultimate invitation could come in the form of a flip-flop. Just don’t forget to send the match to the pair if you want them used as nuptial guest attire.
Next: Your ideal anniversary gift has arrived.
13. Messages in bottles
There’s no need to throw them in the ocean. | sculpies/iStock/Getty Images
Finding an ancient message in a bottle washed up on the beach is unlikely. Delight your favorite friends and neighbors by sending one via mail customized just the way you like.
If you were hunting for a unique and romantic way to send a love letter on a special occasion, this method is perfect.
Next: It’s basically like sending a hug via mail.
14. Pillows
This is kind of gross — but it’s still an option. | WichitS/iStock/Getty Images
For hygiene’s sake, it’s probably best to put a protective cover over it, but feel free to send your pillow out of the box and right to whoever needs a hug through the mail.
Next: Get crafty with folding.
15. Origami
Who says letters have to be flat? | Remains/iStock/Getty Images
Even if you don’t consider yourself a paper-folding master, a quick YouTube tutorial on origami is all you need to make your letter stand out from the crowd. It’s fine to send a letter this way, but be warned that a non-standard sized envelope may require extra postage.
Next: Here’s the real secret to figuring out what you can mail…
16. Anything else you want
Mail carriers do their best to ensure everything gets to the proper destination. | iStock/Getty Images
These are just some examples of items that can be sent unboxed, but in reality, most items that meet regulations for size, weight, and content can be mailed unboxes through the USPS.
Mail carriers will do their best to ensure your package arrives intact, but it’s always a good idea to box up fragile or delicate items if you have concerns. The novelty of no packaging won’t mean much if your item arrives damaged.
Read more: The Strangest Things You Can Have Mailed Anonymously
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