Five Star Gift Ideas

If your dad is passionate about conlanging, there are plenty of thoughtful and meaningful gifts you can explore to support and encourage his interest. Here are some unique gift ideas that might inspire and delight him:

1. Books on Conlanging: Look for books that delve into the linguistic intricacies of constructing languages. Consider titles like "The Art of Language Invention" by David J. Peterson or "Creating Language: Integrating Evolution, Acquisition, and Processing" by Morten H. Christiansen. These books will provide valuable insights and inspire your dad's conlanging journey.

2. Conlanging Tools: Help your dad enhance his conlanging experiences with tools specifically designed for language construction. Consider gifting him a quality notebook or journal where he can document his language ideas, grammar rules, and vocabulary lists. Alternatively, you can explore conlanging software like Language Construction Kit or the Field Linguist’s Toolbox, which provide tools to organize and develop constructed languages.

3. Online Courses or Workshops: Treat your dad to an online course or workshop related to conlanging. Platforms like Udemy or Coursera often offer courses on linguistics or conlanging where he can learn more about this fascinating field and improve his skills. This gift will not only be educational but also show your support for his passion.

4. Language Learning Resources: If your dad enjoys studying different languages, consider gifting him an audio language course or language learning software in a language he finds intriguing. This can help him explore the structure, grammar, and vocabulary of different languages, which can influence and inspire his own conlang creations.

5. Customized Gift: Show your dad how much you appreciate his passion by designing a customized gift related to conlanging. Consider creating a custom-made T-shirt that features a word or phrase from his constructed language. Alternatively, you could have a piece of jewelry, such as a pendant or bracelet, engraved with a symbol or phrase he has developed.

6. Encourage Community Engagement: Help your dad connect with other conlanging enthusiasts by gifting him a membership to online forums or conlanging communities. These platforms provide spaces for idea-sharing, discussions, and feedback on constructed languages. This gesture will allow him to interact with fellow conlangers and expand his knowledge.

7. Consultation with an Expert: Surprise your dad with a consultation or workshop with a professional linguist or conlanger. This personalized experience will provide him with valuable insights, guidance, and constructive feedback on his conlang projects.

Ultimately, the most important gift you can give your dad is your support and encouragement. Show interest in his conlanging projects, engage in conversations about constructed languages, and try to learn from him. This will not only strengthen your bond but also motivate him to continue pursuing his passion for conlanging.

Or you can get him a star map with the date when he was born.

Bridget Shields says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“I wanted a keepsake to give to my father for his birthday as he has terminal cancer. He was delighted by his gift. The process of ordering was easy and delivery was prompt. A great gift idea.”