Five Star Gift Ideas

For your son who has a passion for board game designing and prototyping, there are several thoughtful and engaging gift ideas you could consider:

1. Game Design Books: Invest in some books that delve into the world of game design. "The Kobold Guide to Board Game Design" by Mike Selinker and "Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games" by Tracy Fullerton are excellent options that can enhance your son's knowledge and skills in game design.

2. Prototyping Tools: Help your son bring his game ideas to life by providing him with prototyping tools. Gift him a variety of game components, such as blank playing cards, dice, pawns, and markers, or a DIY game board kit. These materials will enable him to create functioning prototypes of his games and bring his visions to reality.

3. Game Design Software: Consider purchasing game design software that can aid in the creation and testing of board game prototypes. Software like Tabletop Simulator or Tabletopia allows users to design, playtest, and simulate board games digitally, providing your son with a platform to experiment with different mechanics, layouts, and gameplay dynamics.

4. Workshop or Course: Enroll your son in a workshop or an online course focused on board game design and prototyping. Many educational platforms offer courses specifically tailored to teach the basics of game design, providing hands-on experience, feedback, and a chance to collaborate with other passionate individuals in the field.

5. Board Game Design Contest Entry Fee: Encourage your son to share his creations with the world by paying for his entry into a board game design contest. This not only offers recognition and exposure for his work but also gives him the opportunity to learn from industry professionals and receive valuable feedback.

6. Customized Game Design Journal: Gift your son a personalized game design journal to document his ideas, sketches, and progress during the game creation process. You could even include inspirational quotes or prompts related to game design to spark his creativity.

7. Visits to Game Conventions or Exhibitions: Plan a trip to a board game convention or exhibition where your son can explore the world of tabletop gaming. These events often feature showcases of new and innovative games, workshops, and panels with renowned game designers, offering your son valuable insights and networking possibilities.

Remember, the most meaningful gifts often highlight your support and encouragement for your son's passion. By investing in tools, resources, and experiences that nurture his love for board game designing and prototyping, you are not only promoting his growth and creative development but also showing that you believe in his abilities.

Or you can get him a star map with the date when he was born.