Five Star Gift Ideas

For your girlfriend who enjoys board game designing and prototyping, it's important to find a gift that reflects her passion and allows her to continue exploring and enhancing her skills. Here are a few meaningful and personal gift ideas for Valentine's Day:

1. Game Design Book: Consider getting her a book that delves into the world of game design and prototyping. "The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses" by Jesse Schell is highly recommended and covers various aspects of game design, including mechanics, storytelling, and player engagement. This gift will not only inspire her but also provide valuable insights into her craft.

2. Game Design Software: If she hasn't already invested in professional game design software, consider gifting her a license for popular programs like Tabletop Simulator or GameMaker Studio. These tools will allow her to digitize her game prototypes and experiment with different mechanics, ultimately enhancing her skills as a designer.

3. Custom Game Components: Help her bring her designs to life by gifting her customized game components such as unique dice, custom player tokens, or personalized cards. Websites like BoardGamesMaker or The Game Crafter offer the option to create custom game components, providing her with tools to elevate the look and feel of her prototypes.

4. Board Game Prototyping Kit: Surprise her with a comprehensive board game prototyping kit. This kit typically includes blank game boards, meeples, tokens, cards, and dice, allowing her to bring her creativity to life without any constraints. This gift will showcase your thoughtfulness and encourage her to continue pursuing her passion.

5. Game Design Workshop or Course: Consider enrolling her in a game design workshop or online course. These provide opportunities to learn from experienced designers, interact with like-minded individuals, and gain feedback on her work. It's a gift that combines both education and networking, empowering her growth as a game designer.

6. Game Design Meetup Membership: Look for local game design meetup groups in her area and gift her a membership or a pass to attend their events. These gatherings often include playtesting sessions, workshops, and presentations by industry professionals, all of which will provide her with valuable insights and networking opportunities.

7. Game Design Journal: Help her keep track of her game ideas, sketches, and progress by gifting her a high-quality game design journal. This can be a dedicated book with sections for brainstorming, mechanics, artwork ideas, and rules. It will not only keep her organized but also serve as a personalized memento of her game design journey.

Remember that the most important aspect of gift-giving is to show your support and encouragement for her passion. Choose a gift that aligns with her interests and goals, and she will undoubtedly appreciate the thought and effort put into it.

Or you can get her a star map with the date of your first kiss.

Nate Shoff says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“Great experience! My girlfriend loved her Valentine’s Day star map”