Five Star Gift Ideas

For a daughter who enjoys creating animated videos, there are several thoughtful gift ideas that can support and enhance her passion. Here are a few suggestions to consider for a meaningful Christmas gift:

1. Animation Software: Invest in professional-grade animation software that can help take your daughter's creations to the next level. Consider popular software such as Adobe Animate or Toon Boom Harmony, both of which offer extensive features and tools for creating stunning animations.

2. Drawing Tablet: To make the animation process more seamless and natural, a drawing tablet can be a great addition to your daughter's toolkit. Tablets like the Wacom Intuos Pro or Huion Kamvas Pro provide a sensitive and accurate drawing experience, allowing her to bring her characters to life with precision.

3. Books and Guides: Expand her knowledge and skills with books and guides on animation techniques and storytelling. Look for titles like "The Animator's Survival Kit" by Richard Williams or "The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation" by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston. These books offer valuable insights and tips from industry professionals that can help inspire and refine her artistic abilities.

4. Online Animation Courses: Enroll your daughter in an online animation course or subscription to a learning platform like School of Motion or AnimSchool. These platforms offer comprehensive lessons taught by industry experts, covering various aspects of animation, from character design to motion graphics.

5. Reference Books and Art Supplies: Creativity can be further nurtured by providing your daughter with books that serve as references for character design, anatomy, and visual storytelling. Additionally, consider gifting her high-quality art supplies such as sketchbooks, pencils, markers, or a set of digital brushes for her preferred software.

6. Trip to an Animation Studio or Workshop: If feasible, organize a visit to an animation studio or an animation workshop where she can witness professionals at work. This immersive experience can be inspiring and educational, providing valuable insights into the animation industry.

7. Subscription to Animation Magazines or Websites: Keep your daughter up to date with the latest trends, news, and techniques in the animation world by gifting her a subscription to a reputable animation magazine like Animation World Network or an online platform like Cartoon Brew.

8. Customized Merchandise: Consider creating custom merchandise featuring her animated characters. This could include clothing, mugs, or even custom-made figurines. Websites like Printful and Redbubble offer easy-to-use customization tools for bringing her creations to life on various products.

Remember to take into account your daughter’s current skill level and interests when selecting a gift. By choosing something that both supports her passion for creating animated videos and challenges and inspires her, you can provide a meaningful and personal Christmas gift.

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

Elaine Bornemeier says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“These are fabulous. They are gifts, so excited for my daughters to receive them for Christmas! Thank you!”