Five Star Gift Ideas

For your grandpa who enjoys board game designing and prototyping, there are several thoughtful gift ideas that can enhance his passion and provide him with new tools and inspiration. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Game Design Books: Consider gifting your grandpa some books on game design theory, mechanics, and principles. Books like "The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses" by Jesse Schell or "Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games" by Tracy Fullerton can offer valuable guidance and inspire new ideas.

2. 3D Printer or Laser Cutter: If your budget allows, a 3D printer or laser cutter could be an incredible gift. These tools are increasingly accessible and can help your grandpa bring his game ideas to life more easily and with great precision.

3. Prototyping Materials: Help your grandpa by providing him with materials for game prototyping. This could include different types of game cards, tokens, dice, and markers. Consider purchasing materials like blank cards, wooden or plastic tokens, and unique shaped dice, which can be easily found online or in specialized stores.

4. Game Designer Software: Consider purchasing game designer software such as Tabletop Simulator or Tabletopia. These platforms allow users to create and test their own board games virtually, providing endless possibilities for your grandpa to refine his game designs.

5. Subscription to Game Design Magazines: Consider gifting your grandpa a subscription to a game design magazine such as "Casual Game Insider" or "Tabletop Gaming Magazine." These publications provide insights into the world of board game design, industry news, and tips from experienced game designers.

6. Custom Game Printing Service: Surprise your grandpa with a gift card to a custom game printing service. Websites like The Game Crafter allow users to create and order professional-quality versions of their game prototypes. This would enable your grandpa to see his designs in a tangible and polished format.

7. Design Tools and Software: Help your grandpa streamline his design process by purchasing software tools specifically tailored for board game design, such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, or specialized design tools like Articy: Draft. These tools can help him create stunning game boards, cards, and rulebooks.

8. Game Design Course or Workshop: Consider enrolling your grandpa in a game design course or workshop. Many online platforms offer courses on game design, providing valuable insights and opportunities to collaborate with fellow designers.

9. Personalized Game Component Storage: To help keep his game components organized, consider gifting your grandpa a personalized storage solution. This could be a custom-built box or a set of small containers or dividers to help him easily access and store his game prototypes.

10. Attend a Board Game Design Convention: If possible, surprise your grandpa with tickets to a board game design convention or expo where he can meet other game designers, attend workshops, and gain exposure to new ideas and trends in the industry.

Remember, the key is to support and encourage your grandpa's passion for board game designing and prototyping. By choosing a gift that aligns with his interest, you not only show your appreciation but also inspire him to explore and create even more engaging and innovative games.

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