I’ve always been fascinated with puzzle boxes, so it was an obvious choice for me when I discovered that there models available for 3D printing. I first found the series of Present Puzzles, a series of designs that all look like present, but each model has a different solution. By chance, I chose what was the most difficult of the boxes at that time, box #15.

After I assembled the box, I spent the next 2 days trying to figure out how to open it. After finally getting it opened, it occurred to me that if I were, say a guy giving an expensive gift to his girlfriend, or a grandparent giving an expensive gift card to a grandchild; I might be upset if they were unable to get it open, or had to break it to get it open. At the same time, I didn’t want to have to print up instructions for each one I sold; besides, an easy to find solution would spoil part of the fun.

So, I thought things over, and came up with a solution. I would put an NFC chip (Near Field Communication) in each box, with a link to a website that provides hints and solutions to the particular puzzle box. A recipient can then hold their phone to the logo on the bottom of the box, and be directed to a website with hints and the solution. 

Those solution pages are listed here.