Five Star Gift Ideas

For your son who has a passion for game development and game design, there are several great gift ideas that will not only inspire his creativity but also enhance his skills in this field.

1. Game Development Books: Consider getting him educational and informative books on game development and design. Books like "The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses" by Jesse Schell or "Game Programming Patterns" by Robert Nystrom can provide him with valuable insights and help him understand the principles of game design.

2. Online Courses or Subscriptions: Enroll him in an online course or subscription service like Udemy or Coursera, where he can learn in-depth about game development. These platforms offer a wide range of courses, from beginner to advanced levels, covering different aspects of game design and programming.

3. Game Development Software: Invest in professional game development software such as Unity or Unreal Engine, which are widely used and offer powerful tools for creating games. These platforms provide a hands-on experience for your son to develop and design his own games.

4. Coding Resources: Consider gifting him coding resources like Arduino starter kits or Raspberry Pi. These platforms offer hands-on opportunities to learn coding and even create hardware-based interactive games, allowing him to explore the technical aspects of game development.

5. Game Design Workshops or Conferences: Look for local game design workshops or conferences where your son can network with professionals in the industry and learn from their experiences. These events often provide valuable insights and opportunities to showcase his work.

6. App/Game Store Gift Cards: Give him gift cards for popular app stores or gaming platforms like Steam or the Apple App Store. This will allow him to explore new games, analyze the mechanics of successful games, and draw inspiration for his own creations.

7. Game Design Merchandise: Consider buying merchandise related to his favorite games or game development studios. This could include t-shirts, posters, collectibles, or even official artbooks. Not only will this show support for his interests, but it can also serve as a source of motivation and inspiration.

8. Game Design Accessories: Invest in accessories that can enhance his game development experience, such as a high-resolution monitor, a comfortable gaming chair, or a graphics tablet, depending on his specific needs and preferences.

Remember, the most important aspect of this gift is to demonstrate your support for his passion. Taking an interest in his work and discussing his projects can be just as meaningful as any physical gift. Additionally, encourage him to participate in game development communities or join online forums where he can share his creations and get feedback from fellow developers.

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.”