The unboxing video craze began with videos about unpacking of new high tech consumer products and slowly examining all the elements of the product, from the inner and outer wrappings to the actual product itself.
“You design a ritual of unpacking to make the product feel special. Packaging can be theater, it can create a story.” — Jonathan Ives, Apple designer
The craze spread into the world of fashion and toys for children. Once the trend took off unboxing videos were created by companies for their own products.
The thrill of getting something new is exciting, as anyone who has ever watched children at a birthday party knows. It is not all about receiving the toy, they really enjoy watching their friends opening their presents.
Friedrich Froebel understood how children enjoy the anticipation unboxing gifts, when he designed play gifts in wooden boxes.