Five Star Gift Ideas

For your son who has a deep appreciation for slam poetry, I have some meaningful and personal gift ideas that are sure to delight and inspire him.

1. Slam Poetry Books: A great gift for a poetry lover is a collection of books by prominent slam poets, such as "The Crown Ain't Worth Much" by Hanif Abdurraqib, "Electric Arches" by Eve L. Ewing, or "The BreakBeat Poets: New American Poetry in the Age of Hip-Hop" by Kevin Coval.

2. Poetry Performance Tickets: Treat your son to an unforgettable experience by gifting him tickets to a slam poetry event in your area or even a national poetry slam competition. Watching talented performers live can greatly inspire and uplift his own poetry journey.

3. Poetry Workshop or Class: Enroll your son in a slam poetry workshop or class. This will provide him with a nurturing and creative environment to enhance his skills, receive feedback, and connect with fellow poets. Look for local community centers, colleges, or literary organizations that offer such opportunities.

4. Customized Poetry Journal: A personalized journal designed specifically for writing slam poetry can be a cherished and practical gift. You can have his name or a meaningful quote embossed on the cover to make it unique and special.

5. Poetry Performance Kit: Put together a slam poetry performance kit that includes a quality microphone, a portable speaker, and maybe even some stage lights. This will enable your son to practice and refine his delivery and performance skills whenever and wherever he wants.

6. Poetry Slam Merchandise: Check if there are official merchandise items available from his favorite slam poetry venues, poets, or events. It could be a t-shirt with a powerful line of poetry, a mug with a slam poetry logo, or even a poster with his favorite poet's words printed on it.

7. Personalized Poetry Chapbook: Compile your son's best poems, either handwritten or typed, and create a personalized chapbook for him. Get it professionally bound or do it yourself with decorative papers and ribbons. This will not only showcase his work but also show your support and pride in his poetic talent.

8. Poetry Experiences and Retreats: Look for poetry retreats or immersive experiences that focus on slam poetry. These gatherings often involve workshops, performances, and networking opportunities with renowned slam poets. This gift will help your son expand his horizons and connect with a wider community of poets.

Remember, the most important aspect when gifting to your son is showing him that you understand and appreciate his passion for slam poetry. By choosing a gift that aligns with his interests, you are acknowledging his talent and giving him the tools to further explore and develop his craft. Your thoughtfulness will undoubtedly make this Christmas a memorable one for your son.

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.”