For GFs birthday: Build a box, that when opened, has a light that turns on

I apologize if this is the most basic of basic circuit questions. I have looked and cannot find how to do this. Could someone help me or direct me to a post that explains this.

The box has a flip top lid, and I would like the inside of the box to light up when the box is opened.

Your help is greatly appreciated!!!

You're looking for a mechanism similar to the one on music boxes... that is pass the power through a push-button that's normally closed (circuit is on without the button being pressed) and that the button can be pressed by the simple weight of the box's lid. That way you GF will see the light only after lifting the lid.

If you can't find a n.c. button a normal momentary switch or n.o. button will do and you can use a transistor to change it's polarity.

If I wasn't clear enough ask and I will try to make a quick schematic drawing.

Happy Birthday to her and have fun at the party!

PS: I sure hope you didn't take advantage of my goodness by using your girlfriend as an excuse to snatch a homework solution from these forums.