Five Star Gift Ideas

For your grandpa, who enjoys board game designing and playtesting, there are several thoughtful and meaningful gift ideas that would align with his passion. Here are a few suggestions to consider:

1. Board Game Design Book: Explore renowned books on board game design, such as "The Kobold Guide to Board Game Design" by Mike Selinker or "Game Design Workshop" by Tracy Fullerton. These books provide valuable insights and techniques for designing and playtesting board games, offering a source of inspiration and knowledge for your grandpa.

2. Playtesting Kit: Put together a playtesting kit that includes materials like blank game boards, cards, tokens, and dice. This allows your grandpa to prototype and playtest his own board game ideas more easily and efficiently.

3. Customized Game Components: Surprise your grandpa with personalized game components, such as custom-made dice or meeples featuring his name, initials, or a design related to his favorite board game. This adds a personal touch to his playtesting experience.

4. Board Game Design Software: Consider gifting your grandpa a subscription to board game design software like Tabletop Simulator or Tabletopia. These virtual platforms provide a space for creating, playtesting, and even publishing board games online, which can be a great way for him to collaborate with other designers and showcase his work.

5. Board Game Convention Tickets: Research local or regional board game conventions and surprise your grandpa with tickets to attend. This would give him an opportunity to connect with fellow board game enthusiasts, participate in playtesting sessions, attend workshops or talks on game design, and also discover new games that might inspire him.

6. Design Consultation Session: Enlist the help of a professional board game designer for a one-on-one consultation session with your grandpa. This personalized session can offer an opportunity for him to discuss his ideas, get feedback, and gain valuable insights from someone experienced in the field.

7. Subscription to a Board Game Design Magazine: Sign your grandpa up for a subscription to a board game design magazine like "Tabletop Gaming" or "Casual Game Insider." These magazines provide regular updates on the latest trends, mechanics, and interviews with game designers, which can be a source of inspiration and knowledge.

Remember, the most important aspect of any gift is the thought and effort you put into selecting it. By choosing a gift that aligns with your grandpa's interests and passion for board game designing and playtesting, you are showing him that you truly value and support his hobbies.

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