Secret Santa
Every year, for the Dutch holiday 'Sinterklaas', I create a special project to add some extra fun and creativity to our family's 'Secret Santa' tradition.
Each project brings a new twist to our gift-giving, whether through customized gift exchanges, playful challenges, or themed surprises.
These projects make our 'Sinterklaas' celebration more memorable and engaging for everyone involved.
2023
Receiver: Everyone
In 2023, I created a TV application for a quiz game where everyone could connect and play. Participants entered their answers on their own phones, with each correct answer earning one point and the fastest answer earning an additional point. After all the questions, the person with the most points received their present location first. A simulated 'Sinterklaas' would call (causing the Philips Hue lights to flicker) to reveal where to find the present in the house.
2022
Receiver: Mother
In 2022, I created a small app disguised as a cycling app (since my mom likes cycling) and secretly installed it on her phone. The app began with a simulated call from 'Sinterklaas,' followed by a scavenger hunt where she had to find hidden codes around the house using hints displayed on the app. The Philips Hue lights would turn green for a correct code and red for a wrong one. After the final code, the location of the present was revealed by another simulated call from 'Sinterklaas'.
2021
Receiver: Father
In 2021, I built a blue box to hold the present, which was locked and connected to an Arduino. The box was linked to an app I secretly installed on his phone. To unlock the box, he had to complete a series of challenges on the app. Once all the challenges were completed, the box unlocked.
2020
Receiver: Brother
In 2020, I built my first app, creating a scavenger hunt throughout the entire house. Each room had a hidden card with a riddle, and the answer to each riddle was a code that needed to be entered into the app to reveal the next location. The final location led to his present.