Five Star Gift Ideas

For your mom, who is passionate about collecting and restoring vintage arcade games, a meaningful and personal gift would be to enhance her hobby and help her create a special arcade gaming experience. Here are some gift ideas that I think would make her birthday truly memorable:

1. Custom Arcade Sign: Enlist the help of a local artist or sign maker to design and create a custom sign for her arcade room. This could feature her favorite arcade game graphics or incorporate her name into a retro-style design. It will not only add a personalized touch to her gaming space but also make her feel proud of her collection.

2. Game Marquee Prints: Research and find high-quality prints of vintage arcade game marquees. These are the colorful backlit artworks that adorn the tops of arcade cabinets. Frame a selection of her favorite game marquees to create a stunning collection for display in her arcade room. This will not only showcase her love for arcade games but also add a unique and nostalgic flair.

3. Arcade Game Restoration Guidebooks: Help your mom elevate her restoration skills by gifting her comprehensive guidebooks specifically focused on arcade game restoration. Look for books that cover a wide range of topics such as troubleshooting, cabinet repair, and electronics. These resources will serve as valuable references and empower her to tackle more complex restoration projects.

4. Rare Arcade Game Parts: Research and explore online marketplaces or specialty stores that sell rare and hard-to-find arcade game parts. Look for components that match the specific games your mom collects or may need for future restoration projects. Gifting her with these elusive parts will not only show your support for her hobby but also provide her with the means to bring damaged games back to life.

5. Arcade Game Artwork Commission: Find a talented artist who specializes in retro gaming artwork and commission a unique piece for your mom. Discuss her favorite arcade game or a memorable gaming moment, and have the artist create a personalized artwork to commemorate that experience. This gift will not only be visually stunning but also symbolize the joy she finds in arcade games.

6. Arcade Game-themed Clothing or Accessories: Look for clothing items, such as T-shirts or hoodies, featuring iconic arcade game characters or designs. Alternatively, consider arcade game-themed accessories like keychains, pins, or even a personalized arcade game-themed phone case. These gifts will allow your mom to display her passion for arcade games even outside her gaming space.

7. Subscription to Retro Gaming Magazines: Gift your mom a subscription to a retro gaming magazine that regularly covers vintage arcade games, restoration techniques, and interviews with collectors. This will provide her with a regular dose of inspiration and deepen her knowledge and appreciation for arcade game history.

Remember to put some thought into what she would genuinely enjoy and cherish. These gift ideas aim to support her passion for vintage arcade games, celebrate her dedication to restoring them, and enhance her overall gaming experience. Happy birthday to your mom, and I hope she has a fantastic time in her arcade gaming haven!

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”