Five Star Gift Ideas

For your granddaughter who has a passion for board game design and prototyping, here are a few thoughtful and meaningful gift ideas:

1. Board Game Design Book: Consider getting her an instructional book or guide on board game design. There are many great options available such as "The Board Game Designer's Guide" by Joe Slack or "Board Game Design Advice from the Best in the World" by Gabe Barrett. These books can provide valuable insights, tips, and inspiration for her craft.

2. Game Design Software: Help enhance her board game design skills by gifting her a license for professional game design software. Tools like Tabletop Simulator, Board Game Arena, or Tabletopia allow her to create and playtest her board games virtually. These platforms offer a vast collection of components, playtesting capabilities, and online sharing options, making it easier for her to experiment and refine her designs.

3. Customized Game Components: Encourage her creativity by gifting her custom-made game components such as unique dice, meeples, tokens, or miniatures. Websites like The Game Crafter or PrinterStudio allow you to personalize game components with custom designs, artwork, or even her initials. These customized components will not only add a personal touch to her prototypes but will also motivate and inspire her to bring her ideas to life.

4. Board Game Design Workshop or Course: Help her take her board game design skills to the next level by enrolling her in a board game design workshop or online course. Many organizations and game design schools offer programs tailored for different levels of expertise. These workshops and courses usually cover various aspects of game design, including mechanics, playtesting, and prototyping.

5. Membership to a Game Design Community: Connect her with a community of fellow board game enthusiasts and designers by gifting her a membership or subscription to a board game design community. Websites like Board Game Geek or Meetup.com have forums, groups, and events dedicated to board game design. Joining these communities will provide her with exposure to different perspectives, valuable feedback, and opportunities for collaboration.

6. Game Design Toolkit: Assemble a game design toolkit with essential materials such as blank cards, dice, tiles, and markers. Include a variety of prototyping supplies like grid paper, card sleeves, or plastic counters. Additionally, you can add drafting pencils, erasers, and a sketchbook to help her ideate and sketch out her game concepts. A well-equipped toolkit will make it easier for her to turn her ideas into functional prototypes.

Remember, the key to finding a meaningful gift is to show that you care about her interests and support her passions. By nurturing her love for board game design and providing her with the tools and resources she needs, you are encouraging her creativity and helping her develop valuable skills for her future.

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

Staci Genelle Foland says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“I ordered a print for my boyfriend for his upcoming birthday 7 days ago and received it today. I ordered the anatomical heart one reflecting back on our first date. We love it! It is beautifully done and looks great in the living room!!!”