Five Star Gift Ideas

For your friend who loves creating and designing board games, here are a few meaningful and personal gift ideas that they will surely appreciate:

1. Unique Game Components: Help enhance your friend's board game design by gifting them unique game components. This could include custom dice, custom-shaped meeples, specialized player tokens, or even themed resource pieces. Such components will add a special touch and make their games more visually appealing.

2. Game Design Books: Consider gifting your friend a book on game design principles and techniques. This will not only provide them with inspiration but also valuable knowledge to further develop their game design skills. Some popular options include "The Art of Game Design" by Jesse Schell or "Rules of Play" by Katie Salen and Eric Zimmerman.

3. Prototyping Tools: Prototyping is a crucial part of the game design process. Help your friend take their game design to the next level by providing them with prototyping tools such as cardstock, blank playing cards, or a drafting kit. These tools will allow them to iterate and refine their game ideas more efficiently.

4. Game Design Software: If your friend is interested in digital game design, consider gifting them software specifically designed for creating board games. Programs like Tabletop Simulator or the GameMaker Studio can provide them with a platform to build and playtest their creations digitally.

5. Playtesting Supplies: Playtesting is an important aspect of game design. Help your friend streamline their playtesting process by gifting them a spacious game board, a timer, or even a collection of colorful note pads for recording feedback. These supplies will make playtesting sessions more organized and enjoyable.

6. Feedback and Networking Opportunities: Connect your friend with other game designers and enthusiasts by gifting them a membership to a game design group or a ticket to a game design conference. This will provide them with valuable opportunities to gain feedback on their projects, exchange ideas, and network with like-minded individuals.

7. Custom Art Commission: Engage a professional artist to create custom artwork for your friend's game. This could be a personalized game board design, character illustrations, or box art. Custom artwork adds a touch of professionalism and uniqueness to their game, making it more appealing and marketable.

8. Game Design Workshop: If your friend is looking to take their design skills to the next level, consider gifting them a ticket to a game design workshop or a course. Workshops offer hands-on experience, guidance from industry professionals, and a chance to learn new techniques and strategies in game design.

Remember, the most meaningful gifts are those that show you understand and support your friend's passions. By choosing a gift that aligns with their love for creating and designing board games, you are not only acknowledging their hobby but also encouraging their growth and success as a game designer.

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