Five Star Gift Ideas

For your grandson who enjoys board game design and prototyping, I have a few meaningful and personal gift ideas that might spark his creativity and enhance his passion:

1. Board Game Design Book: Consider gifting him a book that delves into the world of board game design and development. There are several options available, such as "The Kobold Guide to Board Game Design" by Mike Selinker and "Board Game Design Advice" by Jamey Stegmaier. These books will provide him with valuable insights, tips, and advice from industry experts.

2. Game Design Workshop: Look for local game design workshops or classes in your area that focus on board game design and prototyping. Enroll him in a program where he can learn more about the process, meet fellow enthusiasts, and gain hands-on experience in creating his own games. This interactive experience will be both educational and exciting for him.

3. Game Prototyping Kit: Consider putting together a special kit filled with supplies for game prototyping. Include items such as blank game boards, various tokens and markers, a set of dice, prototype cards, and playtesting materials. This will provide him with all the necessary tools to bring his game ideas to life and experiment with different concepts.

4. Subscription to Game Design Magazines: Subscribe him to magazines focused on board game design and prototyping, like "Protospiel" or "The Board Game Designer's Guide." These magazines often feature articles, interviews, and insights from experienced designers, which will broaden his knowledge and keep him updated on the latest trends and techniques in the industry.

5. Customized Game Components: Consider commissioning custom-made game components for his prototypes. This can include unique and personalized game tokens, miniatures, or custom cards. Websites like The Game Crafter offer an array of options for creating custom-designed game components, allowing him to bring his ideas to life with professional-quality elements.

6. Collaboration with a Local Designer: Research local game designers in your area and reach out to see if any would be interested in collaborating or mentoring your grandson. Connecting with an experienced designer who shares his passion could provide valuable guidance, feedback, and opportunities to learn from a professional in the field.

7. Game Design Software: Invest in game design software such as Tabletop Simulator or Tabletopia, which allow for digital prototyping and playtesting. These platforms will enable him to create, test, and refine his game designs online, making it easier for him to collaborate with others remotely and showcase his work to a wider audience.

Remember, the key is to encourage and support his love for board game design and prototyping. By providing him with resources, tools, and opportunities to further explore his passion, you are not only nurturing his creativity but also showing him that you believe in his interests.

Or you can get him a star map with the date when he was born.

Luann Skinner says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“I ordered the star map 8 days before my daughter's birthday. It arrived in 7 days just in time for her birthday. Thank you! She loved the star map.”