Five Star Gift Ideas

For your friend who has a passion for board game design and prototyping, there are several thoughtful and meaningful gifts you can consider. These ideas will not only cater to their interests but also encourage their creativity and provide them with the tools necessary for their hobby. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Board Game Design Book: Consider gifting them a book specifically focused on board game design and prototyping. There are many excellent options available, such as "The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses" by Jesse Schell or "Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games" by Tracy Fullerton. These books provide invaluable insights into game design principles, mechanics, and prototyping techniques.

2. Prototyping Materials: Help your friend take their ideas from the conceptual stage to tangible prototypes by providing them with essential prototyping materials. This can include materials like blank game boards, dice, pawn pieces, card sleeves, or even a variety of game tokens. These supplies will allow your friend to turn their creative visions into physical prototypes for testing and refinement.

3. 3D Printer: If you want to splurge on a more significant gift, a 3D printer can be an incredible asset for your friend's board game design endeavors. With a 3D printer, they can create custom game components, miniatures, or even whole game boards. This gift will undoubtedly enhance their prototyping capabilities and open up a new world of possibilities for their designs.

4. Game Design Software: Consider purchasing game design software for your friend. Programs like Tabletop Simulator or Tabletopia provide virtual platforms where board game prototypes can be created, tested, and shared online. These digital tools can be immensely helpful for remote playtesting or collaborating with other designers.

5. Subscription to a Board Game Design Magazine: There are several magazines and online publications dedicated to board game design. Subscribing your friend to one of these sources, such as "Casual Game Insider" or "Tabletop Gaming Magazine," will give them access to insightful articles, industry news, and interviews with renowned game designers.

6. Customized Playtesting Kit: Put together a tailored playtesting kit for your friend, including items such as notepads, pencils, colored markers, sticky notes, and a whiteboard with markers. This kit will enable them to document feedback and make quick iterations during testing sessions.

7. Workshop or Course Enrollment: Encourage your friend's growth as a game designer by enrolling them in a workshop or an online course. Look for opportunities related to board game design, prototyping, or game mechanics. This gift will provide them with valuable knowledge, practical skills, and the chance to network with other aspiring designers.

Remember, the most meaningful gift is one that reflects your friend's passion and interests. By choosing a gift that supports their hobby of board game design and prototyping, you are not only showing your thoughtfulness but also helping them pursue their creative endeavors.

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