TikTok’s ‘trinket trading trend’ taps into the joy of being offline

The viral swap boxes echo a broader push toward analog hobbies and small moments of surprise beyond the screen.

On a sidewalk, an unassuming junction box sits strapped to a fence. Inside, dozens of keychains, stickers, mini figurines, and other novelties wait to be discovered by eagle-eyed passersby or trinket traders who have traveled across the city to exchange their treasures.