It looks like an ideal gift idea. You purchase a star, name it after the one you love, after which present all of them with a certificate, the star coronets and all sorts of this other fancy items that causes it to be look like you purchased a star on their behalf.
But don't be fooled - no commercial company has the to name stars.
There are at least six companies that offer to sell you the rights. It even looks like it's legit - you receive a very prestigious and official looking certificate, pamphlets and other details about your star. And the price is right - it's only between $40-$60 to buy a star.
However, what many of these companies don't tell you is they do not have the authority to name any star. The only officially recognized source that can name stars is the International Astronomical Union, and last I checked they aren't a commercial organization.
When you visit the website of most from the firms that offer to market you a star, you will notice that they are a bit duplicitous, when it comes to the facts we discussed above. They often speak in half-truths, or hide information of your stuff in tiny print at the end of the page.
Only if you press them and asked the hardball questions, will you get a straight answer. However, I did find one exception.
The International Star Registry is probably the most straightforward with precisely what you get, by collecting a star from their store. In fact, should you place a call on their own 800 number, you are likely to find what I discovered - somebody who will give you direct answers, and never launch into a sales hype.
Even though the name you allow the heavens won't be officially recognize, it still is quite a cool gift. In fact, for less than $55, in the Star Registry you can buy a certificate on parchment paper, recognizing the specific star, a booklet explaining consolations, as well as an astrological chart together with your newly named star highlighted. There are other options you get the certificate frame, in addition to a letter of congratulations to become delivered to the individual you're giving the present to.
While it's correct it's much more of a novelty gift than anything, it's still a thoughtful gift none the less. If you are going to buy a star for any loved one, do so from the company that will be straightforward with exactly what they are selling, not somebody who is simply trying to pitch you and also take your money, while leaving you to believe that you simply actually have the rights to the name of the star.