Five Star Gift Ideas

For your wife who enjoys creating animated videos, I have a few gift ideas that will enhance her creative abilities and provide opportunities for exploration and growth.

1. Animation Software: Consider gifting her a subscription to popular animation software like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom Harmony. These software are versatile and widely used in the industry, allowing her to take her animation skills to the next level. With access to advanced features and tools, she can create professional-quality animated videos more efficiently.

2. Drawing Tablet: A drawing tablet is an excellent gift for animators as it allows for more precise and natural drawing and designing. Look for tablets like the Wacom Intuos Pro or the iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil. These tablets offer pressure sensitivity and tilt detection, enabling her to create detailed and lifelike animations.

3. Online Animation Courses: Help your wife enhance her skills by enrolling her in an online animation course. Websites like Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare offer a wide range of animation courses taught by industry professionals. Whether she wants to learn traditional hand-drawn animation or explore advanced techniques in digital animation, these courses can provide her with valuable knowledge and guidance.

4. Inspirational Books: Consider gifting your wife some inspiring books on animation and storytelling. Some recommended titles are "The Animator's Survival Kit" by Richard Williams, which is considered a bible for animators, and "The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation" by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, which offers a deep insight into the principles of animation. These books can provide her with valuable insights, techniques, and inspiration from renowned animators.

5. Animation Studio Setup: Create a dedicated animation space for your wife by setting up an animation studio in your home. This could include a comfortable desk, an adjustable chair, a well-lit workspace, and storage for her animation supplies. Additionally, consider investing in a good-quality microphone and headphones for her, as sound plays an essential role in animation. Creating a dedicated and comfortable space will show your support and encouragement for her passion.

6. Personalized Sketchbook: Consider getting a personalized sketchbook with her name or initials on the cover. This will not only be a practical gift but also a special one that she can use to jot down her ideas, sketches, and storyboard concepts. Look for sketchbooks with good-quality paper suitable for various mediums, including pencil, charcoal, and markers.

7. Subscription to Animation Magazines or Websites: Gift your wife a subscription to popular animation magazines or websites like Animation Magazine or Cartoon Brew. These platforms provide industry news, interviews, insights, and showcase exceptional animation work. Subscribing to these resources will keep her updated with the latest trends and inspire her to create more engaging and innovative animations.

Remember, the most meaningful gift you can give your wife is your support and encouragement for her passion. Show interest in her work, provide constructive feedback, and be her cheerleader. By acknowledging and nurturing her love for creating animated videos, you will make her feel truly special this Christmas.

Or you can get her a star map with an important date you share.