Way more than a photo book—the ultimate gift for someone you love

A photo memory book doesn’t have to be comprehensive or long to make people feel all the feels—it simply needs to tell stories that matter.

For that to happen you need to do two things well:

1. Curate your photos. Choose not only the best in terms of image quality and spiffed-up subjects, but also the images that convey a message and together focus on one theme.

2. Add meaningful stories. By that I don’t mean cinema-worthy dramas or eloquently written tales—I DO MEAN stories that connect to your theme and evoke an emotional response.

“What theme?!” you may be asking, panic-stricken at the thought of Pinterest–board planning.

Stop worrying and go a classic and straightforward route! Choose one of the three universal themes below and you’ll surprise your loved one with a gift that oozes with love and lets them know just how special they truly are.

Each of these is fairly easy to put together yourself, but if you’d like to hand it off (and take all the credit on gift day!), then shoot me a note to see how I can help.

3 Ideas for photo book gifts that say “I love you” loud & clear

1 - Top 20 Reasons We Love You

Photo storybook theme:

Top 20 Reasons We Love You

Choose photos of:

In this case, choose your stories first—then select photos that illustrate or match up in some way with the stories you have told. There will almost certainly be occasions when you don’t have a picture of something you listed as a “reason you love” them—don’t worry about it and simply include a photo of them (or you, or your family, or your family pet, lol) that makes you smile. It’s all about bringing joy, after all!

Elaborate with stories about:

Exactly what the title says: Tell them why you love them. Be as specific and as silly or sincere as you want! A few samples to inspire your own thinking:

• We love you for your generous spirit—and we don’t mean just paying for ice cream after every baseball game, but for offering to help any and every time we need it.

• We love you because you are the epitome of a Southern dad—always handsomely dressed (those bow ties!), always a gentleman (you’d never walk out of an elevator before a female!), and always up for a good barbecue (wearing your striped apron at the grill).

• We love you for your stupid nicknames (Stefanie is “Pickle,” Alexander is “Ali Baba,” and Marcus is “Delirious”) that somehow always seem to make it into family lore.

• We love you because there is not a soul in this family you would not do anything to protect.

• We love you for your courage in serving our country for all these years.

• We love you for sneaking us mac-and-cheese (the kind from the blue box) for dinner whenever Mom’s out of town.

Every one of these declarations would be made better—and more powerful, more emotional—by elaborating with a quick remembrance or two. They don’t have to be in-depth stories, just quick memories that your loved one will recognize.

Ideal gift for:

• a mom or dad on their birthday

• your child or sibling as they go away for college for the first time

• a grandparent any time at all (trust me, we never say “I love you” in these meaningful ways enough to our elders!)

2 - We’ll Always Remember…

Photo storybook theme:

We’ll Always Remember…

Choose photos of:

Curating images for this book is a fun family history endeavor! Pull out the oldest photos you have—you know, the ones in the old magnetic albums, in drawers and boxes…the ones you actually printed before our photos lived exclusively on our cameras! Try to select images from different periods of your subject’s life: a cute baby photo, a few childhood shots, awkward pictures from the teen years, and on and on. You get the idea: This photo book is a mini-retrospective of your subject’s life, highlighting milestones and favorite memories along the way.

Elaborate with stories about:

These stories should be reflective and fun: Get the whole family in on the act of remembering and sharing memories of your loved one. Consider the title: What will you always remember? Perhaps a sibling remembers skipping stones in the creek or learning to shred at the local skateboarding park. Perhaps a parent recalls moments that made them most proud, from their first steps learning to walk to the day of their bat mitzvah. Suggestion: Select about 30-50 photos you think you might want to include, then sit around the table together talking about the memories they invoke—I promise the best stories will make themselves known.

Ideal gift for:

• a son or daughter who is engaged to be married and move on to the next chapter of their life

• a loved one’s 50th (or 60th or 70th…) birthday

• an anniversary of a longstanding friendship

• a family who is selling their home filled with a lifetime of memories.

Any life transition is an opportune time to reflect in this way and honor someone with your collective memories.

3 - A Living Tribute for _________ (Just Because)

Photo storybook theme:

A Living Tribute for _________ (Just Because)

Choose photos of:

Select photos of the person you are honoring that show them at their best—not just physically, but in spirit. Show them laughing, participating in their favorite hobby, visiting beloved places. Most importantly: Try to include a photo of the subject WITH each of the people writing the tributes.

Elaborate with stories about:

Solicit tributes from friends, family members, and colleagues that describe what makes your gift recipient so special. Check out this post for specific ideas for writing meaningful tributes, and remember: Always be specific. It”s boring (and too easy) to say: “I have loved you forever, Charlie.” Instead, say, “I knew from the moment you cooked me a chocolate soufflé in your tiny Greenwich Village kitchen that I wanted you to be in my life forever.”

Ideal gift for:

• absolutely anyone who you want to know is special and loved

The beauty in this book is that you are doing it for no occasion at all—you are simply honoring them because they are important to you, and telling them is a generous and loving thing to do. Not convinced? Imagine their awe—and joy!—upon receiving such a gift. Such moments are truly priceless.

Remember: The key to creating a most meaningful photo book gift is to go beyond pictures and add stories!

The ideas above should help you generate stories easily. If you speak from the heart and share memories that matter to you, trust me—they will matter to your loved one, too! Get ready for some happy tears…

Your mom’s turning 70 and you STILL don’t know what to get her?

Even if you can’t be together on her birthday (due to Covid or any other reason), family members can contribute from all over to create a tribute book honoring your mom on her milestone birthday.

I created tribute books to celebrate milestone birthdays of three well-loved, incredible women last month. One was the wife of my client, who was turning 80, and the couple lives in North Carolina. The other two were moms of separate clients, both celebrating their 60th birthdays and closer to my home in New Jersey.

While they were singular books with different design styles and wildly different approaches to the tributes within, the books had a few integral things in common:

• They oozed with love for the recipients.

• They told stories and shared remembrances that made me, a stranger, feel like I wanted to meet these folks!

• They elicited happy tears—each one, from the gifter and the gifted.

I can’t convey how thrilled I feel when I get feedback like I did from these clients. Tribute books for happy occasions—milestone birthdays and anniversaries, bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings—are such a joy to create, and the joy they engender in those who receive them is beyond compare.

What to get for the person who has everything? A beautiful bespoke tribute book, of course! This is a page from a recent book gifted to a woman on her 80th birthday.

The nitty gritty of creating a tribute gift book

I am always honored and privileged to help my clients gather, organize, and express their tributes for their honoree. And my clients are always a little shocked at how much can go into the process (you think Uncle Ernie will be the last to reply, but he sends his narrative in on day one…but then 10 others are missing, late, or incomplete, two others are missing photos, three others are illegible, and 24 others have photos way too small to reproduce in print!!).

Leaving the logistics to a professional ensures that

• you don’t have to be bothered with nagging follow-ups

• you don’t have to check and recheck photo resolution

• you don’t have to give guidance on what to write and how to optimize images

• you don’t have to sit in front of a computer screen for hours designing your book

• you don’t have to worry that the book won’t print just-right.

All you have to do is take credit when you wrap and give the book to your loved one!

“Ann was ecstatic and we all had to fight back tears…

…watching her flip through the book.

We all hope we can pass something of value on to family and friends. The tribute book did just that for her. She shows the book off to whoever comes in the house.

You went far above and beyond anything that I could have ever imagined.” —Terry C.

Why tribute books are so popular right now

We’ve all been in that situation: We need a special gift for that someone who seems to have everything; but nothing seems special—or unique—enough.

A tribute book telling your loved one just how much they mean to you—and to your tribe—could not be more unique. The messages within are one-of-a-kind. And when crafted in an heirloom book, they become a welcome addition to your family history archive.

When most of our doorstep deliveries are for essential items and we continue to get excited about in-stock toilet paper; when we have spent more time physically separated from family members due to Covid-19 than we ever could have imagined; and when so many of us are getting back in touch with those things that matter most to us—family, connection, a sense of home and security—a gift from the heart resonates more than ever.

I always recommend (and ask for) experiential gifts—traveling together, an outing to the theater or a local garden, a family hike. Those are gifts that mean something, that spark memories and affection. But when a physical gift is in order—when you want to cap off the big birthday party with a memorable unveiling, and when you want to show—really show—your loved one HOW and WHY they are loved—then why not consider a tribute book?

Reach out to see how we can work together to bring your project to life. All it takes is a half-hour phone chat—no pressure, just some questions to help me understand what type of book you envision—and you could be on your way to giving the best gift you’ve ever given. Really!

“The process of sorting through 27 years of pictures…

…and mementos was joyfully reflective, but what brought it all together was Dawn’s vision. Her warm and engaging personality and ability to capture my feelings—and transform them into such a beautiful book—well, let’s just say that our Modern Heirloom exceeded every expectation!” —Susan M.

5 most unique gifts for sentimental loved ones

Shopping for holiday or birthday gifts for the kids in our lives is relatively easy compared with picking a present for an adult loved one who seems to have it all, don’t you agree?!

My feeling in recent years has been to opt for experiential gifts—tickets to a show (even better if we can all go together), an immersive class in a favorite hobby (think cooking or photography), or a surprise outing with a group of family and friends (a sunset river cruise, apple picking, or a day-long scenic hike). The connections and memories made on these occasions are, as that old MasterCard commercial goes, “priceless.”

But when a physical gift is in order, why not focus on ideas that pay homage to those special memories?

Wrapped with Love and Memories

Photo Locket Necklace

Too many of our images live on our devices. Liberate your precious photos from the screen and hold them close to your heart in a customized locket necklace. Elegant modern options abound, like this sterling silver gate design with sapphires from Monica Rich Kosann, pictured ($795, holds two pictures)—this one’s on my wish list! If you or your gift recipient prefer antique pieces with some history of their own, scour the finely curated collection at Luna & Stella (prices start at $250).

Custom Heritage Ceramics

Do you have a handwritten recipe passed down from your mom? Maybe a love letter penned by your grandfather during the Great War? Honor their spirit and incorporate their legacy into your home by customizing a beautiful piece of pottery showcasing their note. Prairie Hills Pottery reproduces your original in warm sepia tones on crisp white platters, suitable for cooking or display. Casserole bakers, jewelry dishes, and decorative jars are also available. Starting at $30.

Permanent Remembrance on a U.S. National Monument

Have your family’s name inscribed on the American Immigrant Wall of Honor® at Ellis Island, the only place in the country where an individual can honor his or her family heritage at a National Monument. Names on the Wall of Honor represent all ethnicities, all years of arrival, all points of entry, and all modes of travel. Consider inscribing names of family members to commemorate the centennial of an ancestor’s arrival, or as a proud marker of becoming newly naturalized. Of course, your next gift should be a trip to this historic island in New York Harbor to find your name on the wall and visit the museum! $150 for single name; $225 for double name entry; one commemorative certificate is included with each name inscription, and additional certificates are available for $15 each; tax deductible donations support restoration and maintenance of Ellis Island.

A Taste of the Past Recipe Card Set

While I wish everyone would have the time and money to invest in an heirloom book preserving their family stories, I realize sometimes that’s not always possible. That’s why I created this one-of-a-kind family history themed recipe card set. It makes a thoughtful host(ess) gift, especially when paired with a bottle of wine, a surprising stocking stuffer come Christmas, or a birthday gift for the chef or family historian in your clan. Set includes 10 fold-over recipe cards with space for ingredients and preparation instructions as well as stories and memories associated with each dish; 10 extra blank cards; and bonus pages with tips for making the most of your A Taste of the Past recipe card set. $30 for set.

AN ARTFUL LEGACY

Need a special gift for an artistic soul (or even just an avid scrapbooker in your family)? Consider ordering a sketchbook so they can participate in The Sketchbook Project. Anyone can fill the sketchbook in any way they like—paint from your imagination, draw scenes from your everyday life, journal about your past and your dreams, whatever strikes your fancy—and whatever you would like permanently archived and available to visitors at The Brooklyn Art Library and its global traveling sketchbook shows. The sketchbooks are catalogued and preserved for visitors to access at the Williamsburg brick-and-mortar location, or (for a bit more money) via the digital archive. “We do not believe in the statement ‘I’m not an artist.’ Because it doesn’t matter. Share your story, draw your stick figures, just own it,” says founder Steven Peterman. “We can promise you a lifelong commitment to keeping your artifact safe, while continuing to act as a time capsule for global creativity.” $30 for sketchbook; $65 for digitization and inclusion in the project’s digital library.

Most thoughtful holiday host gift

My go-to host gift for dinner parties is a nice bottle of wine, something to be enjoyed communally around the table, hopefully over interesting conversation. I admit, though, it’s not the most original of ideas.

These days I upped my giving game, and I invite you to do the same: This A Taste of the Past recipe card set pairs nicely with that bottle of burgundy!

Introducing…

A Taste of the Past recipe card set

I cherish the few recipe cards I have in my mother’s and grandmother’s handwriting. The grease stains add a patina of love, and the crossed-out changes (organic butter instead of margarine?) tell a story of time passing.

But what if they could tell a fuller story? What if the waves of nostalgia that wash over you when you smell Nonna’s Sunday sauce simmering on the stove could be preserved, too?

Well, of course, those precious food memories can be preserved—and this unique recipe card set allows you to do so right alongside your recipes.

This recipe card set encourages you to tell the tales of your food memories and to record your family’s favorite recipes in the very same place, essentially creating a living heirloom that can be passed on and enjoyed for generations.

The cards, which when folded measure 4x6 inches and fit in most standard recipe boxes, include one side on which to write a dish’s ingredients and preparation instructions, and a reverse side for you to record memories associated with the dish. Is it a traditional holiday meal that your family has cooked for decades? Is it a new twist on a childhood favorite?

This family history themed recipe card set is the perfect place to record Mommy’s foolproof tahdig secret (patience!), Grandpa’s grilling guidance, and your own generation’s current favorites.

Included…

Bonus tips & ideas for capturing food memories

In addition to the recipe/memory cards, there are four bonus pages of easy tips and tricks for

• getting your family members involved in recording recipes and family stories,

• what types of dishes and memories to include, and

• how to most effectively encapsulate your stories in written form.

there’s still time…

Thanksgiving delivery within reach!

If you’re in the Northern New Jersey area, I'd love to meet you to hand-deliver a set of these cards (and hear how you plan to use them!!)—DM me on Instagram or send me a quick note!!

For everyone else, the recipe card set is available for shipping now, and I’ve made sure to launch the product just in time for Thanksgiving gifting (they make a thoughtful stocking stuffer in December, too!). Click the image below for full product details, or add it to you cart directly.

Quick View

A Taste of the Past - Family Recipe Card Set

$30.00

Purchase

I can’t wait to see the memories and family recipes you capture on these cards—I hope you will share!!

Best high-end gifts for family history lovers

A web search for “family history gifts” yields a lot of kitschy tchotchkes and nonfiction books galore, but what if you want to get something extra-special for the family genealogy buff? I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite ideas, from customized, framed family trees to personalized life story books.

Consider gifting one of these family history–themed items to a loved one for their birthday or a holiday, or add one of the more luxurious choices (like an exclusive travel packages to your ancestral home) to your family’s wish-list and let everyone chip in!

7 Great Genealogy Gifts

1 - Custom Family Tree

Okay, maybe the plastic tubs of newspaper clippings and document copies aren’t exactly HGTV-ready, but every genealogy-loving soul should have at least one family tree framed and on display—why not gift them with one that’ll knock their socks off?

For those with a traditional bent, I opt for the ancestor trees from Branches Art, which pair nature-derived colors with illustrated trees (you know, the kind with actual leaves).

And for those who gravitate more to modern styles, I recommend I Chart You, whose heritage charts are minimal and clean—and can be downloaded in high resolution for your own use or printed (check out the gold foil on white option) and framed.

Want a major pop of color? My Tree and Me offers unique modern designs, as well, with choices that would fit particularly nicely in a child’s room or a cool office space.

Now those handwritten pedigree charts that are seemingly always in-progress can stay out of sight while the family names get museum-quality treatment.

I Chart You

Branches Art

My Tree and Me

2 - External Hard Drive

While the paper-hoarding tendencies of family historians cannot be denied, more and more research is being conducted online, and digital backup of documents is a must. One can never have too many external hard drives for archiving and research on the go.

If you’re the technical one in the family, select a disk you think would be best for your loved one. If, on the other hand, your family history–loving friend is particular about things (ahem, most genealogist types, ahem, are), I would suggest getting them a gift card to the Apple Store or Amazon, where EHD options abound.

3 - Heritage Travel Tour

Ever wonder what your grandparents’ hometown in Puglia was like? Whether you want to sample the cuisine your ancestors ate, gaze out from the harbor from which they immigrated, or tour a bunch of sites that dot your genealogical map, consider booking a customized trip to explore your family origins. Ancestry ProGenealogists offers genealogy cruises as well as guided heritage tours; and Classic Journeys will customize an ancestral trip whether you have a little or a whole lot of family history info to go on—seek origins, explore the world, feel connected like never before!

Classic Journeys

ProGenealogists

4 - Professional Genealogist Services

At some point in every family historian’s journey they will hit the proverbial brick wall. There may be no more viable “hint” leaves on ancestry.com, conflicting information on one line of ancestors, or seemingly no place to start in researching another line. A professional genealogist can help locate documents in foreign countries, resolve discrepancies in research, or trace your roots back for generations. Discover how to choose the right genealogist for you with advice from Legacy Tree Genealogists, and search the Association of Professional Genealogists for someone near you.

Legacy Tree Genealogists

association of professional genealogists

5 - Gift Certificate for a Personal History Interview

Is there someone in the family who has stories to tell and then some (you know, your favorite family dinner guest!)? Or a loved one who you know has experienced life to the fullest but who sits quietly listening to everyone else? Let them know how much they are valued by gifting them with a few hours of personal history interviews.

Their first reaction might very well be, “What stories have I got to share?!”—but I say with confidence that everyone’s memories matter, and an experienced personal historian will help not only set the subject at ease and draw those stories forth, but help shape them and find a meaningful narrative thread.

Please don’t be among the regretful who wish they had asked questions of their loved ones only after it’s too late.

Don’t worry too much about what to do with the interview material (I craft heirloom coffee table books from my clients’ stories, but I have colleagues and friends who specialize in audio clips and video biographies, too). For now, find a personal historian who makes you feel comfortable, then get those stories flowing—and feel secure in knowing they are preserved for posterity. Did I mention this one’s as much a gift to YOU as it is to your recipient?

Modern Heirloom Books - Gift Certificates

6 - Photo Organizer Services

Too often we don’t think about what will become of the boxes and devices full of family photos until someone dies, and then the emotions and overwhelming volume of stuff to deal with can cloud our judgment. Buy your parents a package with a photo organizer, who will help sort, purge, digitize, and memorialize the photos that mean so much to your family. It’s worthwhile to contract a professional for this time-consuming and important endeavor.

Find a professional photo organizer near you in this national directory.

The Photo Organizers

A few more (lower-priced) gift ideas for the family history lover in your life:

Forget about a utilitarian magnifying glass—gift them this leather-handled, aged-brass one that adds sophisticated charm to their work space.

Request a catalog from Gaylord Archival or Archival Methods and wrap it with a Visa gift card so your recipient knows your intent (preservation supplies, of course).

There are quite a few lovely choices on Etsy with Tree of Life designs, like this necklace, that are sure to appeal to the family history fan in your life. Search lapel pins, too!

Two books from Rizzoli any history lover will be proud to display on their coffee table: The Statue of Liberty: The Monumental Dream; and The Stories They Tell: Artifacts from the National September 11 Memorial Museum.

What’s your favorite? Do you have any other unique gift ideas for the family history lover in your family?

The ultimate wedding day groom gift

Bound with love

Decided to exchange presents on the day of your wedding but now wondering what the heck could possibly live up to your love for your soon-to-be spouse?

Go above and beyond the go-to watch gift with a one-of-a-kind heirloom book that spells out your love—and gratitude—for your groom.

We have taken the idea of a meaningful groom gift to new heights with this luxury book offering. Through a 90-minute in-person interview, I will help you find the words and sentiments to shape your love story, then craft an elegant extended letter to your groom. Your words, your photos, elevated into a gift destined to become your first family heirloom.

“To my love”

Designed with your style in mind and finished with the most exquisite materials, this is the ultimate gift for the one you love—guaranteed to make him feel connected to you on this momentous occasion. (Oh, and did we mention that the big reveal will make for some of the most emotionally beautiful wedding day photos, too?!).

Whether you are an over-the-top emoter or a reserved bride unsure how to express your feelings, we will help you craft your words to best express your joy and gratitude for this next chapter of your life—and for the man you have chosen to share it with.

Your wedding day is once-in-a-lifetime, the start of the next chapter of your lives together—so why not set the tone early with a gift that is as personal as it gets?

Groom gift details

Modern Heirloom Books’ “To My Groom” offering:

• is the most personal wedding day gift you could give.

• combines photos from your lives together—even a handful of childhood photos of you both—with the words you would like to say.

• is the best way to express all that you feel, from gratitude and joy to love and awe, from the littlest things you love about him (that his socks almost always make it into the laundry bin?) to the most profound (that he was willing to move across the globe for your job!).

• sets a thoughtful tone for your special day.

• ensures your wedding day gift exchange photos will be beyond compare!

• is destined to become your first family heirloom.

Time frame:

Depending upon the book materials you choose, the process could take from one to three months to complete. Don’t worry, though—your time commitment is minimal (one 90-minute interview plus an hour or so gathering photos). Rush orders available (fee applies).

Wedding planning is hectic and time-consuming; creating this gift for your groom is sure to be an enjoyable respite from the chaos—and will remind you of why you have chosen this path in the first place!

Learn more about our Ultimate Groom Gift

• Learn more about this offering—including cost, time frame, and possible themes—on our Ultimate Groom Gift product page.

• Get even more details on our Groom Gift FAQ page.

• Set up a consultation to speak with me about your ideas and see how we might work together.

P.S.

Of course this book can be created for anyone! From bride to groom, groom to groom—from you to the partner whom you adore. I am an open-hearted listener adept at helping clients get to the essence of their feelings—and expressing them beautifully. Who do you love?

Finding the love in Valentine’s Day

3 Simple Ways to Make Valentine’s Day as Special as It Was When You Were a Kid

I’ve never been one who appreciates holidays that, to me, feel forced. You know: New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day… I am too conscious of the commercialism surrounding these days. The irony is that I am not an especially cynical person—but I want to know that a card with an “I love you” sentiment is coming from the heart, not a heart-shaped, guilt-inducing ad.

I don’t want to seem like a February scrooge, though, so I’ve come up with 3 ways that likeminded folks can mark the day with meaning.

Write a love letter.

Have you ever written a love letter? With handwritten notes completely falling by the wayside in our text-driven world, getting one is more special than ever.

You might want to go all out, writing a heartfelt missive on luscious stationery and decorating it with a romantic wax seal.

If that seems old-fashioned or intimidating, here’s an idea that I came up with early in my own relationship with my husband: Write a list of 20 things you love about the person. Include things big and small, emotional and funny. Details get extra credit (don’t say “I love the way you hug me,” but say, “I love the way you hold me for a few extra seconds when I try to pull away from a hug,” or “I love the way you lift me up just a little bit every time we hug”). If you make this an annual tradition (I admit I did it on birthdays, not Valentine’s Day), it can be surprising which things get repeated and what new things you come up with.

If you merely write this on a yellow legal pad with no adornment, I guarantee it will still be saved and cherished by the recipient. I chose to typeset it and shrink it down to credit card size, then have it laminated; what better thing could your loved one serendipitously pull out of his or her wallet one day in the future?

Spread the love.

I am willing to bet that for many of us, our happiest Valentine’s Days happened when we were kids. I have lots of fond memories of exchanging paper valentines with my classmates, of folding red construction paper in half to craft hearts for the refrigerator, and even wearing pink to school to honor the day. Those were the days when everyone could “be mine,” when as third graders we weren’t hoping and praying for that special someone to take notice…when we loved everyone.

Why not spread some of that all-encompassing love around in unexpected ways? Buy a pack of punny Valentines from the drugstore and hand them out to people you interact with regularly: the school crossing guard, the gas station attendant, the conductor who checks your ticket on your morning commute? There’s something cheeky about it (I’m pretty sure none of the recipients will mistake your “Choo choo…I choose you!” sentiments as being literal ; ), but there’s something genuine, too—an unexpected “I see you,” and “I am grateful.”

Attach a $5 gift card for your local coffee house and you’ll really make someone’s day.

Rediscover favorite Valentines.

Do you have a stash of letters and old paperwork in a box somewhere? You felt compelled to save the things within, but chances are you haven’t revisited them in a while. Once you remember where the box actually is (good luck!), dust it off, and dive in.

What did you find?

I hope you, like I did, discover artifacts that

• bring back heartfelt memories

• stir emotions

• make you laugh

• inspire you to record your memories, share stories with a loved one, or even just pick up the phone to reconnect with an old Valentine.

It’s my job to recommend that you find a way to preserve these mementos (scan them for a digital archive, include them in an heirloom book, or follow archivist Margot Note’s advice for creating your family archive). That said, I think it’s equally important to just cherish these items: pull them out of their box every once in a while, let their touch bring back memories, and let those memories encourage you to call someone who might also relish your stories.

Story sharing leads to connection.

Does this seem like an odd blog post to appear on the site of an heirloom bookmaker? Maybe, but just maybe not—I hope you are here, after all, because memories matter to you, and because stories and mementos that spark reminiscence lead to genuine connection.

The books I create are meant to be revisited often, to become a living heirloom that encourages interaction. That compels readers to say, “Remember when…” and “That’s just like the time….” That inspires them to relate, and to share their own stories.

So, happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours—may you give and receive genuine affections that are one day looked back on fondly!

Special Ideas for Special Moms: More Unique Mother's Day Book Ideas

Last week we shared five ideas for creating the most special gifts for Mother's Day, including

• a book of food memories and family recipes;

• a book collecting letters and notes from loved ones telling mom (or Grandma!) how much she is appreciated;

• and a photo-driven book that goes well beyond #ThrowbackThursday to capture and preserve those special moments throughout the year that, all together, make up the stories of your life.

Now we present a few ideas geared specifically to three distinct parent groups: expecting moms, moms of multiples, and adoptive mothers.

While any woman would no doubt appreciate whichever book you had customized with her in mind, these ideas hone in on their particular experiences, and just may be the most unique gift ideas for Mother's Day around. 

For Pregnant Moms: The First Nine Months Book

Parents are diligent about recording baby's milestones, from that first word spoken to those first tentative steps taken. What about the first kick inside mom's belly? Or the mom-to-be's craziest craving? More importantly, what about all the hopes and dreams parents begin to have the moment their baby is conceived? Encourage your expecting loved one to give voice to the dreams she holds for her child, the vision she has for her burgeoning family, for the parent she'd like to be.

To tell her unique pregnancy story, we'll conduct brief interviews throughout mom's pregnancy, and provide easy-to-answer questions for which she and dad can jot down answers, even record quick sound bites on their smart phone while on the go. We make it easy for the prospective parents to record their pregnancy journey.

This one's a gift for the mother, no doubt—she'll cherish the time she sets aside to ponder her baby!—but it's as much a future gift for your child. Just imagine: In addition to the traditional baby book, your child will have mom's memories of a time when the possibilities were endless—and love was brand new. Make her FIRST Mother's Day one to remember.

For Moms of Multiples: Twice Upon a Time 

Or thrice upon a time. Whether the special woman in your life is a mother of twins, triplets, quadruplets, or more (!), her memory books will overflow with love.

Because all our books are completely customized, we work with parents to create just the right books. No need to search for a baby memory book that includes only the things you want in the style you want (an impossible task, to be sure!). 

Perhaps you'd like one book that celebrates your kids' togetherness, likenesses, and adventures alongside sections that call out each child's unique nature and personality. We've got you covered. Or maybe you'd like a three-volume set for your triplets, consisting of three slim books, one for each child, beautifully presented in a slipcase.

A photo-driven book comes to life when we include excerpts from an interview with the parents—or even letters you have written to your babies, bits of advice or wisdom you think of while nursing them or watching them sleep. Set up a free consultation to share how you envision your multiples' memory book—and let us help you make it a reality.

For Adoptive Mothers: Adoption Story Book

As an adult adoptee, I find myself wanting to hear my adoption story just one more time—although it is more like a million more times. Hearing it was simply never enough. I wanted to have something I could visually remember, or an experience that I could always look back on. I wanted to flip page after page and see how two people, once strangers, took a leap of faith to adopt me and became my heroes. They are my parents. I want to remember...

Written by Jessenia Arias on Adoption.net, those words resonate deeply, and bring home to many just how important preserving one's adoption story is, both for the children and for the family as a whole.

In addition to the memories and photos from the parents' journey, spiritual and physical, we'll include a visual timeline, a map for international adoptions, excerpts from journals or diaries kept during the often long process of adopting a child.

This is a book that can be undertaken at the inception of the adoption process, in which case we'll provide worksheets for keeping meaningful notes and dates, and suggest what types of photos and memorabilia might be most appreciated down the road. Or it can be completed years after a child has become part of your family—while piecing together the timeline and accessing some of the more raw memories may be challenging, you'll have the added perspective wrought by time.

Preserving adoption stories is important in helping foster connections and understanding between adopted children and parents. Flipping through the pages of a book—a book that shows just how valued, how wanted, and how special the adopted children are—is a helpful conversation starter when children reach an age of questioning, of searching for identity. Most of all, the adoption story is a gift to every member of the family, one that documents and celebrates the biggest gift of all.

P.S. This is an auspicious Father's Day gift, too, and it's never too soon to reach out to get the ball rolling!