Five Star Gift Ideas

For your son who is interested in philosophy and existentialism, I have a few gift ideas that might resonate with him and deepen his understanding of these topics.

1. Books: The best gift for someone passionate about philosophy is undoubtedly a book on the subject. Some classics in existentialism and philosophy include "The Stranger" by Albert Camus, "Being and Nothingness" by Jean-Paul Sartre, and "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" by Friedrich Nietzsche. Alternatively, you could consider a collection of essays by renowned philosophers like "Existentialism is a Humanism" by Sartre or "The Myth of Sisyphus" by Camus.

2. Philosopher's Biographies: Biography books offer insights into the lives and thoughts of great philosophers. Consider gifting your son biographies of prominent existentialist thinkers such as "At the Existentialist Café: Freedom, Being, and Apricot Cocktails" by Sarah Bakewell, which explores the lives of Sartre, Beauvoir, and other existentialists. "Nietzsche: A Philosophical Biography" by Rüdiger Safranski is another great option.

3. Philosophy Courses or Lectures: Online platforms like Coursera or The Great Courses offer philosophy courses from renowned universities and professors. Your son might greatly appreciate the opportunity to delve deeper into existentialism and explore different philosophical ideas through formal lectures.

4. Philosophy Podcasts: Podcasts are an excellent way to engage with philosophical ideas on the go. Recommend your son podcasts like "Philosophize This!" or "The Partially Examined Life," which discuss various philosophical topics, including existentialism, in an accessible and engaging manner.

5. Thought-Provoking Art: Artworks can often capture the essence of philosophical ideas. Consider selecting a piece of art that aligns with existentialist concepts, such as surreal or abstract paintings that evoke introspection and exploration of the human condition. Prints or posters of famous works by artists like René Magritte or Salvador Dalí could be a unique addition to his living space.

6. Philosophy-themed Accessories: If your son enjoys incorporating his interests into his daily life, you may consider gifting him philosophy-themed accessories. Look for items like bracelets or necklaces with symbols representing existentialist concepts like the absurd or the Greek letter omega, the symbol of existentialism.

Remember, the gift that resonates the most is the one personalized to his interests and passion for philosophy. Consider his favorite philosophers, specific topics within existentialism that he finds particularly intriguing, or any areas he wants to explore further. With these considerations in mind, you'll be sure to find a gift that truly speaks to his intellectual curiosity and love for philosophy.

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.”