Five Star Gift Ideas

For your daughter who loves board game designing and playtesting, there are several thoughtful and meaningful gift ideas that can enhance her passion and make her Christmas even more special. Here are a few ideas to consider:

1. Board Game Design Book: Look for a book on board game design that can serve as a guide and inspiration for her. There are many wonderful options available, such as "The Board Game Designer's Guide" by Joe Slack or "Building Blocks of Tabletop Game Design" by Geoffrey Engelstein. These books will provide her with valuable insights and techniques to help her refine her design skills.

2. Playtesting Kit: As she enjoys playtesting, a playtesting kit can be an excellent gift. Include essentials such as different colored sets of dice, a timer, notepads, and some prototype components like blank cards, boards, and tokens. This kit will allow her to efficiently test and iterate on her game designs.

3. Custom Game Components: Surprise her with personalized game components, such as customized meeples or game tokens. Many online services allow you to design and create your own unique game pieces. Personalized components will add an extra touch to her playtesting sessions and make her games even more special.

4. Membership to a Board Game Design Community: Consider gifting her a membership to an online board game design community, such as BoardGameGeek. These communities offer a wealth of resources, forums, feedback, and networking opportunities with fellow designers and enthusiasts. It will provide her with a platform to connect with like-minded individuals who share her passion and can offer valuable insights and support.

5. Attending a Board Game Design Convention or Workshop: Look for local or regional board game design conventions or workshops and surprise her with tickets to attend one. These events often feature seminars, workshops, playtesting sessions, and opportunities to meet industry professionals. It will give her the chance to learn from experts, gain valuable industry knowledge, and connect with other designers.

6. Game Design Software: Consider gifting her game design software that can aid her in creating and refining her board games. Programs like Tabletop Simulator or Board Game Designer Pro can help bring her ideas to life digitally, enabling her to playtest and iterate more efficiently.

7. Mentorship or Game Design Course: If your daughter is serious about pursuing board game design as a career or wants to take her skills to the next level, consider gifting her a mentorship program or enrolling her in a game design course. These programs offer personalized guidance, feedback, and expert advice tailored to her specific goals and interests.

Remember, the most meaningful gift is one that aligns with her passion and demonstrates your support for her creative endeavors. By choosing a gift that caters to her love for board game designing and playtesting, you're not only providing her with tools to enhance her skills but also showing her that you understand and encourage her interests.

Or you can get her a star map with an important date you share.

Colleen Parker says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“Very special gift! My daughter was in happy tears when she opened hers for Christmas. Very special!!”