Five Star Gift Ideas

For your son who is passionate about game development, there are several thoughtful and meaningful gift ideas you can consider for Christmas that will both inspire and further fuel his interests:

1. Game Development Books: Look for books that cover various aspects of game development, such as coding, graphics, storytelling, and level design. This will provide your son with valuable knowledge and insights to enhance his skills and broaden his understanding of the industry.

2. Online Courses or Subscriptions: Enroll him in online game development courses or subscription services that offer comprehensive tutorials and resources. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or Pluralsight have a plethora of courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels, covering various programming languages, game engines, and design techniques.

3. Game Development Software: Consider gifting him game development software such as Unity or Unreal Engine. These powerful tools are used by professionals and amateurs alike, allowing your son to bring his game ideas to life and experiment with different features.

4. Gaming Hardware: Invest in gaming hardware that will facilitate his development process. For instance, a high-performance computer with a powerful graphics card will allow him to handle complex tasks and create visually stunning games. Alternatively, you could consider purchasing a virtual reality headset or a game controller to enhance his gaming and development experience.

5. Attend Conferences or Workshops: Look for game development conferences or workshops in your area or online that offer insights and networking opportunities. Buying tickets or registrations for such events will provide your son with the chance to learn from industry professionals, showcase his work, and connect with like-minded game developers.

6. Mentorship or Internship Opportunities: Reach out to local game development studios or experienced professionals to inquire about mentorship or internship opportunities for your son. Gaining real-world experience and guidance from industry experts will allow him to grow as a developer.

7. Art Supplies: If your son is also interested in the visual aspects of game development, consider gifting him art supplies such as sketchbooks, digital drawing tablets, or graphic design software. This will enable him to create characters, environments, and other visual assets for his games.

8. Subscriptions to Game Development Magazines or Websites: Purchase subscriptions to magazines or websites focused on game development. These resources typically provide industry news, tutorials, and insights from experienced professionals, keeping your son updated on the latest trends and advancements.

Remember to support your son's endeavors by showing an interest in his work, offering encouragement, and providing him with opportunities to showcase his creations. Through your thoughtful gift, you can nurture his passion for game development and help him take his skills to new heights.

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.”