Five Star Gift Ideas

For your friend who is passionate about board game design and creation, there are several meaningful and personal gift ideas you can consider. These gifts will not only cater to their interest but also support and encourage their creative pursuits.

1. Board Game Design Book: Consider gifting your friend a book that delves into the intricacies of board game design. There are many renowned authors who have written extensively on this topic, providing valuable insights and tips. A book like "The Kobold Guide to Board Game Design" by Mike Selinker or "Tabletop Game Design for Video Game Designers" by Ethan Ham can be an excellent source of inspiration and knowledge for your friend's creative journey.

2. Game Design Workshop: Enhance your friend's skills and provide them with a unique experience by gifting them a ticket to a game design workshop or conference. These events bring together industry professionals and enthusiasts, offering opportunities for networking, skill-building, and learning from the best in the field. Additionally, attending such a workshop can serve as a platform for your friend to showcase their own creations and receive valuable feedback.

3. Prototyping Tools: One of the essential aspects of board game design is prototyping, and providing your friend with tools to create and refine their game ideas can be highly beneficial. Consider gifting them a comprehensive prototyping kit, including materials like blank playing cards, dice, game tokens, and a variety of markers. This will enable them to quickly bring their ideas to life, iterate on their designs, and test different mechanics.

4. Custom Board Game Printing: Surprise your friend with a custom-printed version of their own board game design. Several online services offer personalized board game printing, allowing designers to create and order their unique games. This gift will demonstrate your thoughtfulness and support for their hobby, while also adding a tangible and professional touch to their creations.

5. Collaboration and Feedback Platform: Help your friend connect with other like-minded individuals and receive constructive feedback on their designs by gifting them access to a collaboration and feedback platform. These platforms allow game designers to share their ideas, playtest each other's games, and receive valuable input from a supportive community. They provide an avenue for continuous learning, improvement, and exposure to different design philosophies.

6. Subscription to Board Game Magazines: Subscribe your friend to a board game-focused magazine like "Casual Game Insider" or "Tabletop Gaming Magazine". These magazines offer a wealth of information, including interviews with industry professionals, game reviews, design tips, and news about upcoming releases. Subscribing to such publications will keep your friend updated about the latest trends in game design and provide a consistent source of inspiration.

Remember, the key to a meaningful and personal gift is to understand and support your friend's interests and passions. By choosing a gift that aligns with their love for board game design and creation, you are not only celebrating their birthday but also encouraging their artistic endeavors.

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