Five Star Gift Ideas

For your son who is passionate about codebreaking and cryptography, I have a few unique gift suggestions that will not only keep him entertained but also further his interest in this fascinating field:

1. Book on Cryptography: Consider gifting him a book like "The Code Book" by Simon Singh or "Cryptonomicon" by Neal Stephenson. These books delve into the history and development of cryptography, making it an engaging read for your son.

2. Cryptographic Puzzle Box: Challenge your son's codebreaking skills with a cryptographic puzzle box. These boxes are designed to be opened using clever puzzles, codes, or mazes. It will not only test his problem-solving abilities but will also provide a fun and immersive experience.

3. Cryptography Board Game: There are board games available that are focused on cryptography, such as "CodeNames" or "Decrypto." These games will allow your son to compete with friends or family members in secret communication and code-cracking, combining fun and learning.

4. Enigma Machine Replica: The Enigma Machine is an iconic device used during World War II for encryption and decryption. A miniature replica of this historical machine would make a fantastic gift for your son. He can learn about the mechanics behind it and even test it out by encrypting and decrypting messages.

5. Online Cryptography Course: Consider enrolling your son in an online cryptography course. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or edX offer beginner to advanced-level courses in cryptography. This gift will provide him with a comprehensive understanding of the subject and help cultivate his skills further.

6. Puzzle Games and Apps: There are numerous puzzle games and apps available that focus on codebreaking and cryptography. Some popular options include "The Room" series, "Blackbox," or "Cipher Tools." These games will keep your son engaged while providing opportunities to enhance his logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

7. Cryptography Workshop or Conference: Look for workshops or conferences related to cryptography in your area, or even online ones. Gifting your son the opportunity to attend such an event would be an excellent way for him to learn from experts, meet like-minded individuals, and gain practical knowledge about codebreaking.

8. Subscription to a Cryptography Magazine: There are magazines dedicated to cryptography and related topics, such as "Cryptologia" or "Codebreaker." A subscription to one of these magazines will keep your son updated on the latest advancements, research, and codes used in modern cryptography.

Remember, the best gifts are not only enjoyable but also educational. By choosing something that aligns with your son's passion for codebreaking and cryptography, you can encourage him to explore this field further and possibly even consider it as a future career.

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.”