Five Star Gift Ideas

Finding the perfect Christmas gift for your mom who enjoys board game designing and prototyping can be a fun and thoughtful way to show your appreciation for her hobby. Here are a few gift ideas that may inspire and enhance her creativity:

1. Game Design Books: Consider gifting her some books on game design and mechanics. "The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses" by Jesse Schell and "Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games" by Tracy Fullerton are both highly recommended reads that can provide valuable insights and inspiration.

2. Game Design Software: Help your mom take her designing skills to the next level. Gift her a subscription or license for popular game design software such as Tabletop Simulator or Tabletopia, which provide virtual platforms for prototyping and playtesting board games online.

3. Prototyping Materials: Expand your mom's prototyping toolkit with supplies such as blank game cards, game boards, dice sets, or miniature figurines. These materials can be found at specialty game stores or online retailers dedicated to game development resources.

4. Game Design Courses or Workshops: Enhance your mom's skills and knowledge by enrolling her in a game design course or workshop. Local universities, community centers, or online platforms like Udemy or Coursera offer a range of options, including beginner-friendly courses and more advanced workshops.

5. Customized Game Accessories: Surprise your mom with personalized game accessories. You could have custom-made game pieces, dice, or even a game board featuring a design or theme that is meaningful to her. Many online services offer customization options, so you can get creative and add a personal touch.

6. Game Design Journals: Help your mom keep her ideas organized with a game design journal or sketchbook. Look for one with sections for brainstorming, rule development, and note-taking during testing sessions. This will allow her to keep track of her progress and easily refer back to ideas.

7. Visiting Board Game Conventions: Treat your mom to a ticket for a local or regional board game convention. These events often feature workshops, playtesting opportunities, and panels with experienced designers, which can provide invaluable insight and inspiration for her own projects.

8. Membership to Game Design Communities: Look for online communities or forums dedicated to game design where your mom can connect with like-minded individuals. Consider gifting her a membership to such a community, where she can share her ideas, get feedback, and learn from others in the field.

Remember, the most important thing is to show your mom that you support and appreciate her hobby. By choosing a gift that aligns with her passion for board game designing and prototyping, you are not only giving her something meaningful but also encouraging her to pursue her creative interests.

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