Five Star Gift Ideas

If your friend enjoys board game development, there are plenty of thoughtful and meaningful gifts you could consider. Here are some ideas to help you find the perfect Christmas gift:

1. Board Game Design Book: Help your friend expand their knowledge and skills with a book specifically on board game design. Look for popular titles like "The Art of Game Design" by Jesse Schell or "The Kobold Guide to Board Game Design." These books provide valuable insights and guidance for aspiring game designers.

2. Game Design Workshop: Consider gifting your friend a ticket to a board game design workshop or a seminar. These events are often organized by industry professionals and offer a great opportunity to learn new techniques, network with other designers, and gain inspiration for upcoming projects.

3. Prototyping Tools: Every board game designer needs prototyping tools to bring their ideas to life. You could gift your friend a set of high-quality game design materials such as blank game boards, wooden meeples, dice, or card sleeves. These tools will enable them to create and iterate on their game prototypes.

4. Custom Artwork: Help your friend add a personal touch to their game prototypes by commissioning custom artwork. You could hire an illustrator to create unique character designs or scenery that fits their game theme. Custom artwork can enhance the prototype's visual appeal and make it more exciting to playtest.

5. Subscription to a Game Design Magazine: Keep your friend up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the industry by gifting them a subscription to a board game design magazine. Publications like "The Game Crafter Magazine" or "Tabletop Gaming Magazine" offer insights into game design, reviews of new games, and interviews with industry professionals.

6. Playtesting Feedback: Offer to playtest your friend's game and provide constructive feedback. Arrange a dedicated playtesting session where you gather a group of friends who enjoy board games and provide detailed feedback on different aspects of the game, such as mechanics, balance, and overall experience. Your support and insights will be invaluable to your friend's development journey.

7. Game Design Software: Consider gifting your friend a license for game design software, such as Tabletop Simulator or Tabletopia. These platforms allow designers to create digital versions of their games, playtest remotely with others, and even showcase their projects to potential publishers.

8. Game Design Course or Membership: Help your friend enhance their skills by enrolling them in an online game design course or membership. Websites like Udemy or Coursera offer numerous courses on various aspects of game design, from mechanics and balancing to storytelling and prototyping.

Keep in mind that the most important gift you can give to your friend is your genuine support and encouragement. Show interest in their journey, engage in discussions about board game design, and be there to playtest and provide feedback. Your friendship and support will be priceless as your friend pursues their passion for board game development.

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