The Magic of the Merrill Mischief Mystery Grab Bag

Every customer has a favorite at Merrill Mischief. Of course, the fudge is the MVP, and debates rage daily over which flavor deserves the crown. Our art has found homes all across the U.S.—and even as far away as New Zealand and Portugal! But would you believe that the single most popular item in our store isn’t the fudge, the artwork, or even the glittering ornaments?

It’s the Merrill Mischief Mystery Grab Bag.

Back in our very first summer, just after we opened, a little tradition was born. A five-year-old customer was nervous about starting school for the first time. His dad promised that on Fridays, after a full week of school, they would come to Merrill Mischief for a special treat. That first Friday, I surprised them with something new: an After School Grab Bag.

Inside a brown paper lunch bag—folded neatly and sealed with a cheerful smiley face sticker—I tucked five mini bags of his favorite candies and a little pull-back car. His dad hadn’t expected it, and the boy was over the moon. That simple idea sparked something magical.

From that moment on, the grab bag became a tradition—first for him, and then for so many others. Over time, our After School Grab Bags grew into what we now call the Mystery Grab Bags.

The recipe hasn’t changed:
✨ Five unique candies (think salt water taffy, Zotz, gummy butterflies, rock candy, caramels, imported sweets, and more!)
✨ One fun toy (a pull-back car, a light-up yo-yo, or maybe a whistle)
✨ All tucked into a nostalgic brown lunch bag, sealed with a sticker

For just $4.95, customers of all ages get that burst of excitement you can only feel when opening a mystery.

I don’t know if it’s the surprise inside, the nostalgia of the paper bag, or even just that little sticker—but kids and adults alike can’t get enough. Some come back every single week for their mystery bag.

Since that very first Friday, we’ve sold hundreds of them. And the best part? The joy never gets old. Because when it comes down to it, everyone loves a little mystery—and everyone loves candy.