Five Star Gift Ideas

It's wonderful to hear that your son has a passion for creating and designing video games! Here are a few gift ideas that might inspire and support his creative endeavors:

1. Game Design Software: Consider gifting your son a subscription or a license for a popular game design software like Unity or Unreal Engine. These platforms offer comprehensive tools and resources for designing and developing video games, allowing him to bring his ideas to life.

2. Game Design Books: There are numerous specialized books available that can enhance your son's knowledge and skills in game design. Look for titles like "The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses" by Jesse Schell or "Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design" by Scott Rogers. These books provide valuable insights into game mechanics, narrative development, and the overall design process.

3. Online Game Development Courses: Sign him up for an online game development course or workshop. Websites like Udemy and Coursera offer a wide range of courses taught by industry professionals, covering various aspects of game design – from game programming to character design and 3D modeling. This gift will not only provide him with valuable knowledge but also allow him to connect with a community of like-minded enthusiasts.

4. Game Design Asset Packs: Help your son get started on his game design journey by gifting him pre-made asset packs. Websites like GameDev Market and Unity Asset Store provide a vast selection of ready-to-use assets, including character models, sound effects, and level designs. These assets can serve as building blocks for his projects and save him time during the prototyping stage.

5. Graphic Tablet: A graphic tablet can greatly enhance your son's digital artwork and game development process. These tablets allow for precise drawing on a computer, making it easier to create detailed character designs, maps, and other visual elements. Popular options include the Wacom Intuos series or the Huion Kamvas.

6. Game Design Inspiration: Consider getting your son books or documentaries that showcase successful game designs and provide inspiration. Titles such as "The Game Design Reader: A Rules of Play Anthology" edited by Katie Salen and Eric Zimmerman or "Indie Game: The Movie" offer valuable insights into game creation, the challenges faced by designers, and the joy of bringing an idea to life.

7. Attending Game Development Events: Purchase tickets or a pass to gaming conventions and conferences. These events offer a chance to network with industry professionals, gain new insights, and discover the latest innovations in game design. Major events include the Game Developers Conference (GDC) and PAX (Penny Arcade Expo).

Remember to include a heartfelt note or a personal message expressing your support for his passion. This will add an extra touch of thoughtfulness to any gift you choose.

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.”