What Is a Trading Post at a Festival? (PLUR Gift Culture Explained)

Tiny treasures, surprise vibes, and a whole lot of PLUR

Imagine this: You’re walking through a music festival and stumble upon a mysterious little box. Inside? A chaotic, colorful mix of stickers, kandi, trinkets, candy, and handmade gifts. There's no one around, no rules posted—just a vibe. Welcome to the world of festival trading posts.

These magical little spots have been popping up at festivals like Shambhala, Electric Forest and more, becoming a low-key tradition that lives and breathes PLUR energy. ✨

So… what is a trading post at festivals?

A trading post is basically a random treasure box hidden somewhere around a festival or campsite. Anyone can leave something small inside like a handmade bracelet, a rave sprout, stickers, crystals, candy, or tiny art and anyone can take something too. The idea is simple: Take something. THEN leave something. Not the other way around, not “just take.” Because if everyone did that, the trading post would be empty in a day. 😅

Why are they so special?

There’s no person watching over a trading post. It’s totally anonymous and completely unexpected. And that’s what makes it ✨magical✨. It keeps the gift economy alive at festivals in a way that’s surprise-based and creative.

What kind of stuff do you find in them?

Literally anything. But here’s the usual vibe:

• Kandi bracelets

• Rave sprouts (those hair clips with little plants!)

• Stickers

• Little crafts

• Crystals

• Toys & trinkets

• Mini art pieces

• Candy

• Random weird stuff (someone once left a potato)

It’s like a mini treasure chest curated by the weirdest, kindest people you’ve never met.

Is it okay to take something if I didn’t bring anything?

Not really... The whole point is exchange. If you’re not carrying anything when you find one, just come back later OR leave a random thing you have with you that you think someone might like or need.

(but not like your empty gum wrapper.. that doesn't count as a gift)

How do I make my own?

All you need is a little container (like a box, tray, bandana or lunch tin), some random cute gifts, and a sign that says something like: “TAKE ONE, LEAVE ONE 💖 ”or“ TRADING POST: add a gift, grab a gift, spread the vibes.”

If you're feeling extra you can even decorate the box with some googly eyes or pom-poms.

Then just leave it somewhere fun, semi-sheltered, and visible. Watch the community do the rest.

Why you should totally leave a gift at the next one you see:

Because it feels good. Because it’s anonymous and wholesome. Because someone might be having a weird day and your kandi bracelet with the word “BUTTS” on it might be the exact medicine they needed.

Festival trading posts aren’t organized or official. They're just sweet little surprises built by people who care. So next time you’re packing for a rave or music festival, throw a few extra bracelets, stickers, or trinkets in your bag and be part of the low-key tradition that keeps festival culture kind, creative, and beautifully weird.