Five Star Gift Ideas

For a documentary film enthusiast like your son, there are plenty of meaningful and personal gift ideas that can enhance his experience and appreciation for his favorite genre. Here are a few suggestions that might resonate with him:

1. Subscription to a Documentary Streaming Service: Consider gifting your son a subscription to a popular documentary streaming service like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu. These platforms offer a wide range of documentary films, allowing him to explore new releases and classics in the genre.

2. Film Festival Pass: If your son enjoys the immersive experience of film festivals, consider surprising him with a pass to a renowned documentary film festival. Look for festivals such as Sundance, Tribeca, or Hot Docs, which often showcase the best documentaries from around the world. Attending such an event would provide him with a chance to engage with like-minded individuals and gain insights from industry professionals.

3. Subscription to a Film Magazine or Journal: Help your son stay updated with the latest developments in the documentary film industry by giving him an annual subscription to a respected film magazine or journal. Publications like Sight & Sound, Documentary Magazine, or Filmmaker Magazine offer in-depth articles, interviews, and reviews that will enrich his understanding of the craft.

4. Documentary Filmmaking Masterclass: If your son has ambitions beyond being a viewer and wants to explore the world of documentary filmmaking, consider gifting him a masterclass or workshop. Online platforms like MasterClass provide access to lessons taught by renowned filmmakers such as Ken Burns or Werner Herzog. This gift will allow him to delve deeper into the intricacies of documentary storytelling and gain insights from the best in the field.

5. Rare or Limited-Edition DVD/Blu-Ray Box Set: Look for special edition collections or box sets of documentary films that your son admires. These often include bonus features, commentaries, and behind-the-scenes footage that can provide a deeper understanding of the filmmaking process. Consider collecting works from a specific filmmaker, a particular theme, or documentaries from a specific time period.

6. Personalized Documentary Film Poster: Find a poster or artwork related to your son's favorite documentary film or filmmaker, and have it personalized with his name or a thoughtful message. This gift can serve as a decorative piece for his room or office, showcasing his passion for the genre.

7. Documentary Film Society Membership: Consider gifting your son a membership to a local documentary film society or club. These organizations often host regular screenings, discussions, and events related to documentary films. Being a member will allow him to connect with fellow enthusiasts, engage in conversations, and deepen his appreciation for the art form.

Remember, the most meaningful gift is one that reflects your son's individual passions and interests. By tailoring your choice to his love for documentaries, you are showing that you support and value his unique taste in films.

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.”