Five Star Gift Ideas

For your video game-loving and programming-savvy granddaughter, there are several thoughtful and engaging gift options that can enhance her skills and provide her with hours of fun. Here are some ideas to consider:

1. Coding Books: Look for books that cater to her level of expertise and interests, whether it's beginner-friendly coding books or more advanced ones focusing specifically on game development. Some popular titles include "Invent Your Own Computer Games with Python" by Al Sweigart and "Unity in Action: Multiplatform Game Development in C#" by Joe Hocking.

2. Game Development Software: Consider gifting her access to industry-standard game development software like Unity or Unreal Engine. These platforms offer a range of features and resources that can help her create her own video games and learn different aspects of game development, including coding, design, and animation.

3. Online Coding Courses: Enroll your granddaughter in online coding courses or coding boot camps focused on video game development. Websites like Udemy, Coursera, and Codecademy offer a variety of courses, some specifically tailored to game development using languages like Python, C++, or JavaScript. This gift will provide her with structured learning and valuable mentorship opportunities.

4. DIY Game Development Kit: Consider a do-it-yourself game development kit that allows her to build her own simple games from scratch. Kits like Bloxels or littleBits' Rule Your Room Inventor Kit offer hands-on experiences by combining physical building blocks, electronics, and coding into creative game-making projects.

5. Raspberry Pi: Raspberry Pi is a versatile, low-cost computer that empowers young programmers to experiment with hardware projects and game development. It can be used to create retro arcade machines, gaming consoles, or even build her own handheld gaming device using tools like RetroPie or Pygame.

6. Coding Board Games: Combine the joys of gaming and programming with board games like "Code Master" or "Robot Turtles." These games are designed to teach the fundamentals of coding through interactive play, providing a fun and educational experience.

7. Gaming Merchandise: Surprise your granddaughter with merchandise from her favorite video games. This could include t-shirts, posters, keychains, or even collectible figures. These items will showcase her passion for gaming while adding a personalized touch to her living space.

Remember to consider her skill level and interests when selecting the gift. By nurturing her passion for video game development and programming, you will not only provide her with enjoyable gifts but also support her educational and creative journey in this field.

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

Alice Dickinson says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“I made a map for my mums birthday and she absolutely loved it. Definitely buying another one soon, probably for another family member or friend”