Five Star Gift Ideas

For a son who is enthusiastic about game development and coding, there are several meaningful and personal gift ideas that you could consider. These gifts not only align with his interests but also help him further explore and enhance his skills in the field. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Coding/Programming Books: Consider gifting your son some informative and engaging books on programming and game development. Look for titles that cover popular programming languages, game design principles, and coding techniques. Some highly recommended books include "The Pragmatic Programmer" by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas, "Introduction to Game Design, Prototyping, and Development" by Jeremy Gibson Bond, and "Python Crash Course" by Eric Matthes.

2. Online Learning Courses or Subscriptions: Enroll your son in an online coding or game development course to help him improve his skills from the comfort of his own home. Websites like Udemy and Coursera offer a wide range of courses, including game development using different programming languages. Alternatively, you could consider gifting him a subscription to a platform like Skillshare, where he can access a variety of online classes taught by industry professionals.

3. Game Development Software: Invest in game development tools and software that will allow your son to create his own games. Popular software options include Unity, Unreal Engine, and GameMaker Studio. These platforms provide powerful tools, tutorials, and a supportive community for aspiring game developers. You could also consider purchasing plugins or assets that could enhance his game development projects.

4. Coding Gadgets and Gear: Surprise your son with some cool coding gadgets or gear. Mechanical keyboards, programmable controllers, or a high-quality coding mouse can enhance his coding experience. Additionally, consider getting him a Raspberry Pi or Arduino starter kit, which will allow him to explore physical computing and further integrate hardware with his coding projects.

5. Attend Game Development Conferences or Workshops: Give your son the opportunity to network with professionals and learn from experts in the gaming industry by purchasing tickets to game development conferences or workshops. These events offer valuable insights and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, fostering his passion and providing inspiration for his future projects.

6. Game Development Mentorship: If your son is serious about pursuing a career in game development, consider arranging a mentorship or internship opportunity with a professional game developer. This could involve connecting him with someone who can offer guidance, feedback, and industry insights as he develops his coding and game development skills.

Remember, the most important thing is to support and encourage your son's passion for game development and coding. By providing him with these thoughtful gifts, you are showing him that you believe in his abilities and are invested in his journey as a game developer.

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

Madeline Moran Weiler says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“The map was absolutely beautiful! My grandson was thrilled with it (it was a Christmas gift) and has already asked me if I would consider getting another one for him as a graduation gift in a couple of years.”