Five Star Gift Ideas

Choosing a thoughtful and meaningful gift for a friend who is passionate about cryptic crosswords is a wonderful idea, as it allows you to cater to their specific interests. Here are a few personalized gift ideas that would delight any cryptic crossword enthusiast:

1. Custom Cryptic Crossword Puzzle Book: Create a personalized book of custom cryptic crossword puzzles. You can either compose some puzzles yourself, tailored to personal jokes or insider knowledge about your friend, or you can commission them from a freelancer who specializes in puzzle creation. This gives your friend a truly unique experience that they can't find anywhere else.

2. Cryptic Crossword Puzzle Subscription: Gift them a subscription to a magazine or a newspaper renowned for its cryptic crosswords, such as The Times or The Guardian. This will provide them with a steady stream of challenging puzzles to enjoy throughout the year.

3. Crossword-Themed Escape Room Game: Find or design an escape room experience centered around cryptic crosswords. These often weave puzzles into a narrative, making for a dynamic and engaging activity that can be shared with friends or themed to a personal interest.

4. Cryptic Crossword Compilation Book: Many famous cruciverbalists have compiled their best works into books. Consider gifting a compilation or anthology from one of their favorite crossword setters or a volume that is renowned in the puzzle community.

5. Cryptic Crossword-Design Workshop: Enroll them in an online workshop or course where they can learn to craft their own cryptic crosswords. This could deepen their appreciation for the art of puzzle creation and inspire them to try their hand at setting their own puzzles.

6. Personalized Puzzle Creator: There are software programs and online tools available that allow users to create their own crosswords. Consider gifting a subscription or license to one of these tools, complete with a guide or book on crossword composition.

7. Themed Crossword Accessories: Something light-hearted and fun, like a mug, t-shirt, or poster with cryptic crossword themes or inside jokes that they might appreciate. You could include a favorite or famous crossword clue as part of the design.

8. Puzzle-Solving Kit: Put together a special “crossword-solving kit” that includes high-quality pencils, a puzzle dictionary, and a stylish clipboard or lap desk, complete with a personal touch such as their initials or a monogram.

These gifts not only honor their love of cryptic crosswords but also offer inspiration, challenge, and enjoyment, making for a truly memorable holiday present.

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

Lacy McNerlin says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“It was absolutely beautiful! I literally cried putting it into a a frame . It’s for my boyfriend for Christmas and I can’t wait for him to see it! 100/10 recommend! Thank you so much ! Will definitely order again for another occasion!”