Five Star Gift Ideas

For your friend who loves board game designing and prototyping, here are some meaningful and personal gift ideas that will surely bring them joy:

1. Board Game Design Books: Help your friend expand their knowledge and creativity with books specifically focused on board game design and development. Some great options include "The Kobold Guide to Board Game Design" by Mike Selinker, "Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games" by Tracy Fullerton, and "Board Game Design Advice: From the Best in the World" by George N. Skaff Elias.

2. Game Design Software: Support your friend's passion by gifting them professional game design software to enhance their prototyping process. Programs like Tabletop Simulator or Tabletopia allow game designers to create, test, and play their board game ideas digitally. These tools provide a virtual space for prototyping, which can be helpful during the initial stages of game development.

3. Customized Game Component Prototypes: Consider surprising your friend with customized, high-quality game components such as custom-printed cards, unique meeples, or custom dice. Platforms like The Game Crafter offer a wide range of options to personalize game components, allowing your friend to bring their game ideas to life in a more tangible way.

4. Game Design Workshops or Conferences: Treat your friend to a workshop or conference focused on board game design and development. These events often feature talks from industry experts, opportunities for networking, and hands-on sessions to refine their skills. Attending such an event will not only inspire your friend but also expose them to a community of like-minded individuals who share the same passion.

5. Professional Consultation: Consider surprising your friend with a session with a professional board game designer or consultant. This gift will provide them with valuable insights and feedback on their game designs from an experienced perspective. It can be a transformative experience for your friend as they receive personalized advice to refine their game mechanics, balance, and overall gameplay.

6. Subscription to a Board Game Design Magazine: Gift your friend a subscription to a board game design magazine, such as "Casual Game Insider" or "Tabletop Gaming Magazine." These publications often feature articles on game design techniques, interviews with industry professionals, and reviews of new board games. Reading these magazines will keep your friend up-to-date with the latest trends and design strategies while providing inspiration for their own projects.

Remember, the key to a meaningful and personal gift is to show that you understand and support your friend's hobby. By choosing one of these gift ideas, you will not only demonstrate your thoughtfulness but also encourage and enable their creativity in the world of board game design and prototyping.

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