Five Star Gift Ideas

For your dad who loves creating and designing board games, I have a few personalized and meaningful gift ideas that he will surely appreciate:

1. Game Design Workshop: Consider gifting your dad a workshop or class focused on game design. It could be an online course or a local workshop where he can learn new techniques and gain insights from professionals in the field. This gift will not only enhance his skills but also provide him with new inspiration and ideas for future board game designs.

2. Custom-made Game Components: Help elevate your dad's board game designs by getting him custom-made game components. This could include personalized dice, custom-designed tokens, unique game cards, or even a customized game board. There are online services and local companies that specialize in creating bespoke game components, providing a truly special touch to his creations.

3. Game Design Software: Support your dad's game design endeavors by gifting him professional game design software. There are various software options available that help streamline the process of designing and prototyping board games. Look for popular options like Tabletop Simulator, GameMaker Studio, or RPG Maker MV. With these tools, your dad can bring his ideas to life more easily and efficiently.

4. Board Game Convention Pass: Consider surprising your dad with a pass or ticket to a board game convention. These events are a treasure trove of inspiration and networking opportunities for game designers. It will give him a chance to meet like-minded individuals, attend informative panels, playtest new games, and gain valuable feedback on his own designs. It could be a great opportunity for him to immerse himself in the world of board games.

5. Book on Game Design: Expand your dad's knowledge and creativity by gifting him a book on game design. There are numerous well-regarded titles available, such as "The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses" by Jesse Schell or "Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games" by Tracy Fullerton. These books provide insights into game design theory, mechanics, and storytelling, and will surely inspire your dad in his creative process.

6. Personalized Game Design Journal: Help your dad keep track of his game design ideas by gifting him a personalized game design journal. Look for a journal with blank pages or grids specifically designed for sketching game boards, noting game mechanics, and brainstorming new ideas. Personalize it by adding his name or a special message on the cover, making it a thoughtful and practical gift.

Remember, the most meaningful gifts are often the ones that align with someone's passions and hobbies. By considering your dad's love for creating and designing board games, these gift ideas can show your support for his interests and help him further explore his creative side.

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.”