Five Star Gift Ideas

For your grandson who enjoys storyboarding and animation, I have a few gift ideas that he is sure to love. These gifts not only support his interests but also encourage creativity and growth in his chosen field.

1. Storyboarding Kit: Help him bring his ideas to life with a comprehensive storyboarding kit. This kit typically includes a storyboard notebook, pencils, markers, and other essential tools for sketching out storyboards. It will enable him to refine his skills and develop his storytelling abilities.

2. Animation Software: Consider gifting him professional animation software that can enhance his skills and provide him with more opportunities to explore his creativity. There are various options available, such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, or OpenToonz, which offer a wide range of features suitable for different skill levels.

3. Drawing Tablet: A drawing tablet can make digital art and animation more accessible and enjoyable for him. Look for a tablet that is compatible with his computer and has features like pressure sensitivity and a large active area to provide a more natural drawing experience. Popular options include Wacom Intuos Pro and Huion Kamvas.

4. Art Supplies: Stocking up on high-quality art supplies is always a great idea. Gift him a set of quality sketching pencils, markers, colored pencils, specialized erasers, and high-grade paper. These tools will help him experiment with different mediums and enhance his storytelling abilities through visual art.

5. Animation Courses or Workshops: Consider enrolling him in a formal animation course or workshop to further develop his skills. Look for local art schools, community centers, or online platforms that offer courses specifically tailored to his interests. This can provide him with valuable guidance, mentorship, and exposure to new techniques.

6. Books on Animation: Expand his knowledge and inspire his creativity by gifting him books on animation and storyboarding. The "Animator's Survival Kit" by Richard Williams and "The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation" by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston are highly recommended reads that cover various aspects of animation and storytelling.

7. Gift Cards: If you're unsure about specific items, consider giving him a gift card to an art supplies store or an online platform where he can purchase animation-related resources, software, or educational content. This allows him to pick something that perfectly suits his needs and preferences.

Remember, the best gifts are those that show your support and encouragement for his passions. By giving a gift that nurtures his love for storyboarding and animation, you are not only acknowledging his interests but also providing him with the tools and opportunities to pursue a fulfilling and creative future in his chosen field.

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

Barbi Jean says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“My boyfriend is very much into constellations and astronomy. Recently we were watching a beautiful meteor shower and I knew then exactly what I was getting him for Christmas. It is absolutely beautiful. It’s very sentimental yet fascinating. Awesome gift!!!”