I don't feel like it works that way for most people, Archer. But to continue with the overthinking I was mulling on why the sender included his contact info (including cell phone number) when he emailed my husband to say he was mailing the headphones back. But anyway, the hand-written note and Starbucks gift cards are ready to go out in the mail today. Thanks again, really, to everyone who thought this over sincerely and gave their own insights and opinions.

I think the gift card is a good way to sidestep the "cash reward" idea. It's simply a gift -- a small token of appreciation. The thought that counts, so to speak.

Oh, in response to your question about my husband getting things back that are left on planes, in hotel rooms, etc. -- he doesn't. I shudder to think how much money we have spent on replacement phone chargers, headphones, etc. He's even left jeans, cashmere sweaters, etc. in hotel rooms, although it should be said this happens when he's traveling without me, since I am a bit OCD about double checking before leaving. He can just be so absent-minded! Somewhere in our world there is a pair of expensive size 13 men's shoes (worn for his grandmother's funeral a year ago) that I am hoping turn up in one of his uncles' homes or something. Sigh.

Don't over think this Mochi. He included his contact number in case the package didn't reach your husband, or if your husband had further questions. Perhaps this info is added automatically to his email to.

Something similar happened to me once. I returned an iPhone I found in a comfy chair at Starbucks. I turned it in to the counter, and continued to read in the chair. Sometime later, the owner tracked me down and handed me a SB card for a nominal amount. I thought it was sweet of him. Didn't feel like a reward, but like a token gesture, which was perfect.

Send off the note and cards, thank the world for kind people and you are done.

I love this story, because I always like to believe the best of people.

Now, I want for nothing financially, and would not blink at the cost of a bit of postage to return a lost item to its owner. If I got a handwritten thank you in response, I'd be chuffed. Being a fan of Starbucks, a $20. Gift certificate would be a bonus, and each time I got my fave coffee...maybe 3 or 4 times, it would be a reminder to me of the fact that my good deed was appreciated.

BTW, the guy including his business card might have just been a way of him reaching out to connect. If he travels a lot, he could be a lonesome guy...on the other hand, he could have walked into his office and tossed the item to his assistant and asked him/her to take care of it!