Five Star Gift Ideas

For a son who is passionate about board game design and development, there are a variety of thoughtful and engaging gift ideas to support his interest and help him further explore this creative field. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Book on board game design: Consider gifting him a book that delves into the intricate world of board game design and development. "The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses" by Jesse Schell and "Challenges for Game Designers" by Brenda Romero and Ian Schreiber are highly recommended resources that can provide valuable insights and inspiration.

2. Prototyping tools: Help your son take his design ideas to the next level by providing him with prototyping tools. A set of blank game cards, card sleeves, dice, game tokens, and a game board can be fantastic additions to his game development toolkit. These tools will allow him to bring his concepts to life and playtest them with friends and family.

3. Game design software: If your son is interested in digital game design, consider purchasing a subscription to game design software like Unity or GameMaker Studio. These platforms provide innovative tools for creating and prototyping digital games, allowing him to explore his creativity on a whole new level.

4. Attend board game conventions or workshops: Look for local or regional board game conventions or workshops where your son can interact with industry professionals, game designers, and enthusiasts. This experience will not only expose him to different aspects of board game design but also give him opportunities to network and learn from experienced professionals.

5. Mentorship or online courses: Encourage your son to further develop his skills by enrolling him in a mentorship program or online course focused on board game design. Mentorship programs, such as those offered by Board Game Design Lab or The Game Crafter, can provide one-on-one guidance and feedback from experienced designers. Online courses, such as those available on platforms like Udemy or Coursera, offer structured lessons on game design principles and techniques.

6. Subscription to a board game design magazine: Consider gifting your son a subscription to a board game design magazine like "The Game Crafter's Quarterly" or "The Board Game Designer's Guide." These magazines often feature articles, interviews, and game design contests that can spark his creativity and keep him updated on the latest trends and techniques in the industry.

7. Customized game components: For a more personal touch, you can explore websites that offer customized game components like custom-made game cards, laser-cut tokens, or engraved dice. This will allow your son to add his own unique flair to his game designs and make them truly stand out.

Remember, the most important aspect of your gift is to support and encourage your son's passion. By selecting a present that aligns with his interests and helps him grow as a designer, you're not only providing him with a thoughtful and meaningful gift but also showing your support for his dreams and aspirations.

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

Madeline Moran Weiler says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“The map was absolutely beautiful! My grandson was thrilled with it (it was a Christmas gift) and has already asked me if I would consider getting another one for him as a graduation gift in a couple of years.”