Secret Santa - Without a Facilitator Using QR Codes

Introduction

We decided to introduce our younger kids to joy of giving gifts this Christmas by organising a Secret Santa. But we all want to have the fun of guessing who the secret santa is, so decided to find a way that didn't use a facilitator. In addition to that, two people had to be included over Facetime, giving them the same experience, and preserving their secrecy.

There are ways to do this using websites and apps, but I wanted to be able to do this with paper, drawing evelopes from a box, and so I could supply a generic label for everyone to use.

The Problem

There are basically two rules in this endevour:

• ensure you don't pick yourself.
• maintain secrecy at all times.

I needed a way that envelopes could be uniquely identified, but not without some work. They should all look the same to the naked eye so nobody should be able to see when their envelope has been drawn, yet the drawer should be able to effectively reject their own.

Thinking back to my post on treasure hunts the other year, this seemed like a job for QR Codes!

Printing Codes

Find yourself a good QR code generator, (I used http://www.qr-code-generator.com/), but you can also create them in QR Reader Apps on your phone.

1 - Start out by creating a load of codes based on simple numbers, to fix to your envelopes. Print them out at a size of around 1 inch square.

Envelope Identifiers (1-7)

2 - Then create a set of labels with the recipients name and any other details you'd like to add. (I added their Christmas Elf name details from http://christmas.namegeneratorfun.com/ )

Label for my son Saul

Finally I printed off a note for each person. You don't need a QR code on this, and it could just be a bit of paper with their name.

Saul's Note & Instructions

OK, now you're ready to start.

Running the Selection Process

Follow these instructions:-

1. Fix the envelope identifier QR codes to the outside of your envelopes in a way that they all appear to be the same. (note the orientation of the corner blocks). Use a glue stick so that the label may be removed near the end.
2. Give each person their own note and label, and a randomly selected envelope.
3. Each person should then seal these inside their envelope. 
4. Everyone should then scan their envelope code with their phone to find out their number/id and then post the envelope into a box.
5. Shake the box to mix up the envelopes and have each person draw one in turn, while others wait at the far end of the room.
6. After selecting they should scan the QR code and ensure it doesnt belong to them. (if so, have them replace it and take another)
7. Peel off the QR code and place it in the box, then they should open the envelope in secret.

(Repeat 5-7 for all)

nb. Those joining on Facetime will need an assistant in the room to hold their envelope up to the camera so the remote person can scan it. After drawing the envelope (in step 5) the assistant will also have to write their name and either post it, or find a way of getting it to them.

Hope you find this useful, have a nice holiday.

QR Code Treasure Hunt for kids

Introduction

Like many, I found the introduction of QR codes quite an intriguing idea. A simple pattern of squares which could be scanned with your smartphone and take you to a webpage or display a block of text.

It wasn't long before I started seeing these alongside museum exhibitions enabling visitors to see additional information, and this in turn has tended to drive public wifi access.

Anyway, my kids think these things are magical.

QR Code with a URL (Area 5.1 Cartoon)

Let's have a Treasure Hunt

One rainy day after the kids had been scanning QR codes on the back of the MagPi magazine I told them about my idea for using QR codes for a treasure hunt. They'd heard of this activity (although not with QR Codes) and were keen to try it, but getting decent clues seemed to be a bit of a problem for them. We googled a few websites that gave some examples, but we weren't impressed. I was sure I could do better.

So I hatched the idea to write my own clues and run a treasure hunt for them about the house and garden.

Building the Clues

There's various ways you can go about creating clues, but care should be taken to ensure you pitch the difficulty level right. You don't want them getting it too quickly, but it should force them to reason it out with a bit of thought. I decided to make mine rhyme and I used the http://www.rhymezone.com/ site to help me.

Here's a few of my examples:-

• Mirrored Bathroom Cabinet: I’m a cupboard shiny and white, I reflect the world from this clean height. 
• Door Mat: Stand on me, I won’t get sore, you’ll often find me by the door. 
• Bike Shed: I’m never too sleepy, but I’m always two tired. In my wooden house your clue can be acquired. 
• Nut Basket: At christmas time just get snacking, a basket of these will get you cracking. 

Try to include objects from all over the house and garden, including things from their rooms as well as everyday objects. Aim to have at least a dozen, and if you think your clue might be too hard, have a 2nd clue handy. (Before you go much further, review these with another person to ensure you have gauged the level correctly)

Generating QR Codes

Now you have your clues ready, the next step is to convert them into codes. The easiest way to do this is using one of the online webservices. (I used http://www.qr-code-generator.com/ which worked quite well, but it added a bit of a delay between downloads. This could be reduced by refreshing the page every half a dozen or so.)

The one thing I did notice is that longer clues increased the density of the pattern.

OK, once you've finished you should have a load of image files (make sure you unzip them if your chosen service compresses them). Next I added mine into iPhoto (because I use a Mac) and this enabled me to produce a contact sheet (you select it from the printing page). This was just an easy way of getting multiple QR images onto one sheet of paper so they didnt turn out huge when printed. You could manually add them into a word document, or similar if you want.

My QR Code contact sheet

Once printed, cut them into individual squares. Here's where it gets tricky, you'll want your phone handy with your favourite bar code reader (I was using RedLaser on the iphone).

Setting up the Treasure Hunt

I got into a real mess here and ended up with clues leading round in circles, so do yourself a favour and work out the route beforehand. Work through systematically using your phone to read each code. It took me about half an hour to set up 14 clues, so make sure your kids are out of the way, or busy. (Mine were playing Minecraft)

Then I left the first clue lying around where they could find it, and they took the bait. It was great fun watching them running about, trying different ideas and occasionally even working together. An hour later they reached the end where I'd left them each a packet of smarties.




If you liked this idea, you might be interested in my later post about Secret Santa using QR Codes.

Nintendo DSi - Resetting Parental Control

The Problem

If you've ever watched kids use computer devices then you'll be aware of their preoccupation with the menus (or screwing around with the settings). I've gotta admit the worst incident of this was when I had to reset the language on an MP3 player from Chinese back to English.

Anyway my son (let's call him Dick to retain his anonymity) has wasted countless hours exploring all of the menu options and settings on his Nintendo DSi. At some stage we think he set the parental lock and then forgot the four digit code.

He'd been complaining for some time about how we need to ring up Nintendo's Technical Support and get a reset key. And we've done our best to ignore the request, keen to show him that there's a real world impact to "buggering about with things in a hap-hazard way".

The net result of this problem: he can't access the web (fine by me), and can't access the Nintendo Shop (again fine). The latter generally forces a firmware update, which in the past has stopped their R4 cartridge from working.

But after replacing his brother Harry's DSi at the weekend, Dick became very upset that the new machine had DSiWare on it that his didn't have. Specifically Flipnote Studio!

Flipnote Studio - Finally a constructive use for the DS

He initially tried to copy the app over using an SD card, but it refused to copy back to his DSi. (Nice try but it's restricted to that console during the download. Copying to an SD card should be viewed as a backup only.)

I think it's a pretty good program, so I waited until they were in bed and then attempted to access the Nintendo Store.

Parentally Locked

My first problem was unlocking internet access. The old four digit code (we'd set when the DSi had belonged to Tom) wouldn't work, so I was then asked to enter the town were I was born. I tapped it in but - no go!,  then tried my wife's - also no! (and various other places we'd lived - all to no avail)

Eventually I was presented with an eight digit enquiry number and advised to contact Customer Support to obtain a master key. I fired off an email, but in the mean time carried on looking for an alternative.

I got a standard reply from Nintendo stating they were busy and would respond soon, and then I found the following page..

http://wii.marcan.st/parental

Obviously it's meant for the Nintendo Wii, but it also works for the DSi.

Enter your enquiry number and click on the button to receive your 5 digit master key.

If it doesn't work check the date is set in-correctly on your DS.

Mail Pending

Latest Arrivals

There's been little to add over the last few days, all parts I need had been ordered, so it's just been ticking them off as they started to arrive. The CPU arrived first, shortly followed by the case, and then the rest of the stuff. The only thing that's been holding the job up is the HDMI to VGA converter which I'd bought on eBay.

My son has been highly interested in keeping track of which bits have been outstanding. Obviously the whole process just isn't happening fast enough for him. But I've given over wasting my money on the lure of next day delivery, or the hope of orders arriving by the weekend and the disappointment it typically brings. Now I go for the cheapest shipping cost and accept that it'll get here in about a week, and for places like eBuyer (here's a good tip) go for the free 5 day shipping option and it'll be delivered in two days anyway.

Educating the Upstarts

I've decided to involve my 12 year old son Saul in the build as much as possible. Number two son is also interested but at 6 he's a little too young to be more than a hindrance, even though he is mega-bright. The young brainiac's already been reading about motherboards & daughterboards and such things that my oldest son hasn't even heard of, so I'll have to find some way of letting him join in. But Saul wants the Minecraft server, so he can get his hands dirty (he might even enjoy it) and I'd like him to see there's more to computers than game platforms. Honestly I despair at times for all the game install requests I get from him.

I've tried to interest him in learning more but it seems there's no "street creds" in it, so he normally shows little interest. We've tried HTML and Databases (which we suggested could form the basis of scouts badge work), but it just doesn't compare to semi-mindless clicking on crudely rendered blocks. Perhaps these building blocks are just too abstract for him?!

It certainly seems a quandary these days, how to get your kids interested in the nuts and bolts of technology. Back when we were kids computers were all about the nuts and bolts, and if you wanted to play space invaders then you'd better bloody well write it first. Of course we never did, but we tinkered around learning basic programing in the guise of having fun, or we typed in simple (and slightly rubbish) adventure games from the pages of computer magazines.

But look at what they ARE teaching kids at school! Back in the 80's I was fortunate to have Computers Studies classes on Commodore Pets and we learnt real programing and used words like algorithm and hashing, but even back then I was aware of the rise of something involving BBC Micro Model B's called ICT that the less bright kids did. These days ICT is all there is, unless the school runs a computer club, so our kids are being taught how to use Microsoft Office. So if you need help knocking together a power-point, or tips for collating your data in excel then you'll know where to turn! I can't help feel slightly outraged by this... and slightly saddened.

Britain used to have a booming computer industry,..(sighs).. it's hardly surprising there's little sign of it these days.