Name a Star Gift Review

One of the most unusual gifts I have found is "Name a Star." The sun, moon and stars have always held special significance, especially romantic, as a gift or metaphor.  With Name a Star, by Name a Star.net you can celebrate that special "star" in your live, whether it is a significant other, spouse, relative, child or in memory of a special person in your life.

Name a Star.net is the original star naming gift service, and was established in 1978.  There are many other websites which offer a similar service, but not many offer the information and quality of Name a Star.net.

Name a Star Packages

• Standard Package includes a certificate of star registration (81/2 x 11), star maps and is customized to fit your occasion. It includes the "address" of the star you are naming, information about the constellation it is located in, a personal message or tribute and a glossary of astrological terms.
• Deluxe Package: includes everything in the standard package, but it frames your certificate for you.
• Economy Package: this package is the same as the standard package but is delivered electronically and all information is provided in PDF format.  You will need to print and present your gift.
• Kids Name a Star with Twilight Turtle or Ladybug, which is a "night-light" that is a stuffed animal with a projector shell that projects constellations in the room and on the ceiling. It lights for 45 minutes, takes 3 AAA batteries (included), radiates three colors, and the star chosen for your Name a Star Portfolio will be from one of the constellations that Twilight Turtle will project on your ceiling. Constellation presented are:  The Orion, Draco the Dragon, The Little Dipper, Canis Major the Greater Dog, Cepheus, Pegasus the Winged Horse, Gemini the Twins, or The Big Dipper.

Prices vary from $28.95 to $79.95.  Next day and same day delivery (the Economy package only) are available.

How does Name a Star work?

The International Astronomical Union locates, numbers and names stars officially.  However, for the most part as millions of new stars are discovered they are simply assigned a number and their location is noted on an astrological map and then cataloged in the Astrophysical Observatory Catalogs. Name a Star uses the Smithsonian astrophysical catalog when assigning names to stars and chooses only stars with a magnitude of 10 or less. You should be able to view your star with binoculars, but in some cases it may require the use of a telescope. You may request a specific constellation and if possible the star chosen will come from the constellation of your choice. If you do not choose a specific constellation, one will be chosen for you according to the location you are ordering for, in an effort to be able to view the star more easily. Updated records are published each year of the names recorded to each numeric star.

Name a Star.net offers a secure on line ordering system with an SSL encrypted server. You may order your gift package on line or via fax.  Payments can be made with credit card, or money orders. A guarantee is offered and your money returned if you are not satisfied with your purchase.  Shipping is not refunded.

You may also purchase additional gifts to accompany your Name a Star certificate. Choose from among bracelets, necklaces, charms or earrings.

My Viewpoint:  Name a Star is not only a unique and thoughtful gift but definitely a romantic one.  But it's not limited to romance.  The glow in the dark turtle or ladybug makes a wonderful night light addition to your children's room, and I know that I have often referred to each of my children as my sun, moon and stars.  If you need another recommendation, several are available on the website, and even Oprah has used this service to surprise a guest with stars named after the guest mother and sister. 

Name a Star is unique, thoughtful and celebrates the uniqueness of the person you are celebrating whether for birthday, Valentines, Christmas or any other gift occasion.