Five Star Gift Ideas

For your documentary-loving grandpa, you can find a gift that combines his passion for filmmaking and storytelling. Here are a few thoughtful and meaningful gift ideas that he will surely appreciate:

1. A Subscription to a Documentary Streaming Service: Help your grandpa discover even more exciting and educational documentaries by subscribing him to a streaming service like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Hulu, where he can access a vast library of films. If you want to go the extra mile, consider a subscription to a platform solely dedicated to documentaries, such as CuriosityStream or Docsville.

2. Books on Documentary Filmmaking: There are numerous books written by renowned documentary filmmakers that offer insights into their craft. Consider gifting your grandpa books like "Directing the Documentary" by Michael Rabiger or "In the Blink of an Eye: A Perspective on Film Editing" by Walter Murch. These books provide valuable information and guidance for aspiring documentary filmmakers.

3. Documentary Filmmaking Masterclass: Help your grandpa enhance his skills by gifting him an online masterclass on documentary filmmaking. Platforms like MasterClass and Udemy offer courses taught by acclaimed documentary filmmakers, such as Werner Herzog and Ken Burns. This gift will allow him to learn from the best in the industry and gain inspiration for his own projects.

4. Film Festival Pass: Research local and international film festivals that focus on documentaries and see if you can surprise your grandpa with a festival pass. Attending a film festival will expose him to a wide range of documentaries and provide opportunities to interact with fellow filmmakers, gaining valuable industry insights and networking opportunities.

5. Customized Documentary Poster or T-shirt: Design a custom poster or T-shirt featuring a famous quote from one of your grandpa's favorite documentaries or a design related to the art of documentary filmmaking. Websites like Etsy or Zazzle allow you to create personalized gifts where you can add his name or a meaningful phrase to make it truly unique.

6. Documentary Equipment and Accessories: If your grandpa actively participates in the documentary filmmaking process, consider gifting him equipment or accessories that can help improve his projects. This could include items such as a tripod, external microphone, or a high-quality camera bag. Research what specific items he may need or desire to enhance his filmmaking experience.

7. Interview or Documentary Project: Dedicate some time to collaborate with your grandpa on a special project. It could involve conducting an interview with him, capturing his life story, or documenting his experiences as a documentary filmmaker. This hands-on gift will not only create wonderful memories but also allow you to showcase your grandpa's storytelling skills in a unique and personal way.

Remember, the most important aspect of gift-giving is to show your love and appreciation. Choose a gift that reflects his passion and your thoughtfulness, and it will surely be a birthday present he will cherish for years to come.

Or you can get him a star map with the date when he 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”