Five Star Gift Ideas

For your friend who has a passion for video game design, there are plenty of creative and thoughtful birthday gift options that align with their interests. Here are a few ideas to consider:

1. Game development software: Invest in a professional game development software such as Unity or Unreal Engine. These software packages provide comprehensive tools and resources for creating and designing video games. Your friend will be thrilled to explore and experiment with new possibilities.

2. Online course or workshop: Enroll your friend in an online course or workshop focused on video game design. There are numerous platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare that offer courses on various aspects of game development, including programming, storytelling, level design, and more. This gift will not only hone their skills but also inspire them to enhance their creativity.

3. Art supplies: If your friend enjoys doodling and sketching game characters or environments, consider gifting them a set of high-quality art supplies like sketchbooks, markers, pencils, or digital drawing pads. These tools will enable them to bring their ideas to life and further develop their concepts visually.

4. Game design books: Help your friend expand their knowledge and understanding of game design by selecting books written by industry professionals. Some recommended titles include "The Art of Game Design: A Deck of Lenses" by Jesse Schell and "Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games" by Tracy Fullerton. These books offer insights into the principles and practices of game design, serving as valuable resources for your friend's ongoing learning journey.

5. Virtual reality (VR) equipment: If you're looking to splurge on a gift that your friend will absolutely love, consider a VR headset. Virtual reality has become increasingly popular in the gaming industry, and owning a headset can provide your friend with an immersive gaming experience and open up new design possibilities.

6. Subscription to game design magazines: Keep your friend up to date with the latest trends and industry news by gifting them a subscription to a game design magazine or website. Some popular options include "Game Developer Magazine," "Gamasutra," and "Polygon." These publications provide valuable insights, interviews, and articles related to video game design.

7. Customized merchandise: Show your friend how much you support their passion by gifting them personalized video game design merchandise. This could include t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, or phone cases featuring their favorite video game characters or designs. Websites like Redbubble and Etsy offer a wide range of customizable options.

Remember, the best gift is one that shows your understanding and appreciation of your friend's interests. Whichever option you choose, your consideration and thoughtfulness will undoubtedly make the birthday gift special and meaningful to them.

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