Five Star Gift Ideas

For a bookbinding and bookmaking enthusiast like your mom, there are several thoughtful gift ideas that she will appreciate. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Basic Bookbinding Kit: If your mom enjoys bookmaking and wants to explore the craft further, a basic bookbinding kit would be a great gift. Look for a kit that includes essential tools such as a bone folder, awl, bookbinding needles, waxed thread, and bookbinding glue. This will enable her to create her own unique book designs.

2. Handmade Journal or Sketchbook: Surprise your mom with a beautifully handcrafted journal or sketchbook. Look for one that has been meticulously made using traditional bookbinding techniques. Consider choosing a cover material that aligns with her taste, such as leather, fabric, or handmade paper.

3. Personalized Book Embosser: Give your mom the opportunity to add a professional touch to her book creations with a personalized book embosser. This tool allows her to create custom imprints on book covers or paper edges, adding an extra level of sophistication to her work.

4. Bookbinding Workshop: Treat your mom to a bookbinding workshop or class where she can learn new techniques and refine her skills. Look for local art schools, community centers, or bookbinding studios that offer hands-on sessions. This gift will not only provide her with valuable knowledge but also give her the chance to meet other bookbinding enthusiasts and expand her network.

5. Specialty Bookbinding Tools: If your mom already has a basic bookbinding kit, you could consider adding some specialty tools to her collection. These might include a book press to provide even pressure during the binding process, a guillotine cutter for precise trimming, or a corner rounding tool for a professional finish.

6. Rare or Antique Book: For a truly special and sentimental gift, consider finding a rare or antique book that aligns with your mother's interests. It could be a book by her favorite author, a vintage edition of one of her beloved classics, or a unique book with beautiful illustrations. Look for reputable antique bookstores or explore online platforms that specialize in rare book sales.

7. Subscription to a Bookbinding Magazine: Keep your mom inspired and up-to-date by gifting her a subscription to a bookbinding magazine. This will provide her with a regular dose of new techniques, tips, and creative ideas from experienced bookbinders around the world.

Remember to include a heartfelt note expressing your appreciation for your mom's passion for bookbinding and bookmaking. Such a personalized and thoughtful gift will undoubtedly make her birthday extra special.

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”