10th birthday gift
A 10th birthday gift from everyone in their corner
Something to keep, not outgrow
Most presents at ten are outgrown by eleven. A book of memories is the one they’ll read again at twenty: the grandparent who remembers the day they were born, the uncle who taught them to swim, the godmother with the photo nobody else has. Each piece carries the name of the person who wrote it.
A parent usually makes it, but a grandparent or godparent can just as well. One of you sets it up, and everyone adds.
What to ask people for
- The day they were born, or the first time you met them
- Something they said that made everyone laugh
- What they’re brilliant at
- What you hope they never stop doing
Ten years, in chapters
The book starts with chapters made for a tenth: The little years, School years, Friends, Family, Sport and hobbies, Holidays, and Now. Rename any of them, take out what doesn’t fit, and add the ones only your family would think of: the first day at school, the pets, the cousins.
How it works
You set the book up in a few minutes and share one link with your family. People write a memory, record one if they’d rather talk, and add photographs. Nobody needs an account. If a grandparent won’t go near a link, you can add their memory for them.
The book lays itself out as a first draft, chapter by chapter, with each person’s name beside their words. You move things, take things out and choose the cover, and nothing is printed until you approve it. The board is private unless you open it, so it can stay a surprise. More on how it works
Will it arrive in time for the birthday?
Start a few weeks before, so everyone has time to add something. Printing usually takes about 4 days, then delivery usually 3 to 5 working days in the UK and Ireland. You see the estimate for your address before you order. All questions