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Press Release

MEQUON, Wis., April 15, 2005 -- Encrypta Gifts announced today, in celebration of Leonardo da Vinci's birthday (April 15, 1452), that it's scaling up production of its Encrypta cryptex.

The cryptex, believed to have been conceived by Leonardo da Vinci in the 1500s as an instrument for delivering secret messages, has been popularized by "The Da Vinci Code" - one of the best selling fiction books of all time with over 29 million copies in print.

Carlos de la Huerga, one of the founders of Encrypta Gifts, said, "I originally designed the cryptex for my daughter's 9th birthday. But then, through word of mouth, I had so many requests to build more that I decided to form a company to make it commercially available."

How it works:

Inside the Encrypta cryptex is a hidden chamber-key with a cavity that can hold a variety of small gifts, such as cash, jewelry or a coupon. The recipient of the cryptex can only access the chamber-key if they align seven rotating tumblers in a sequence matching a secret code selected by the gift giver and custom-keyed into the cryptex by Encrypta Gifts.

The gift-giver can add to the thoughtfulness of the cryptex by selecting a secret code with special meaning to the recipient, such as a riddle answer, word puzzle, anniversary date, or person's name. Once the tumblers are aligned correctly, the cap can be pulled out exposing the hidden chamber-key inside.

The Encrypta cryptex is handcrafted using select hardwoods and solid brass and stands about 7 ½ inches tall. Its current price is $79.95. Only a small quantity of this original handcrafted version are being produced before more automated production begins.

de la Huerga said, "This is the only gift item I know that has all the attributes of a great present - being thoughtful, surprising and enjoyable. We're excited to be expanding our production."

Leonardo da Vinci's birthday was also celebrated on April 15th by Google - with the alteration of the company's logo at http://www.google.com.

The Encrypta cryptex is available for purchase on the company's website at http://www.encryptagifts.com.