5 Types of Keepsake Books to Pass Down to Your Family

Posted by Caring Transitions on June 13, 2022 at 9:30 AM

One of the best ways to preserve your family history is creating a keepsake book about your family, a lasting gift for future generations. There are many avenues you can take to create one, from a scrapbook to a family recipe book to hiring a printer to create one for you!

Below you’ll find 5 different types of keepsake books you can pass down to your family:

1. Journal

A journal, or diary, can be one of the easiest forms of passing down memories to our loved ones. But if you’re like me, you never started one! Don’t worry. Google a list of questions to ask yourself or a family member about their life, or ask them questions you’ve always wanted to know! You can use that journal to record their answers. If you’re having trouble coming up with questions to ask, try this book, 3000 Unique Questions About Me to get started!

2. Scrap Books

Scrapbooks can be just as easy as a journal to create but you’ll need a few more materials to get started such as colored paper, a binder, glue, etc. The best part is, you can often find tons of colored papers and fun scrapbooking ideas at your local art shop or national chains such as Micheals or Hobby Lobby. Scrap books can be colorful but the key is including pictures and captions about each photo.

3. Workbooks

A workbook can take the stress out of figuring out what to ask as well as cut down the cost of creating your own book. These books usually contain a list of questions to ask your family member with space to write in their answers below each one. Some even include spots to paste pictures, too! You can find workbooks such as Grandma’s Story on online stores like Amazon, who provides a ton of different workbook options to choose from.

4. Family Recipe Book

Taste and Smell is one of the most powerful ways to trigger the memory of a loved one. By creating a Family recipe Book is a great way to connect and feel purposeful with our family members. And even a great way to bond with through shared activity. You can learn how to make your own Recipe book Here!

5. Recordings

Recordings can be an especially meaningful way to preserve a loved one's memory. Overtime, many who’ve lost someone are saddened when they begin to forget the sound of that person’s voice. You can treat a recording the same way as making a journal. Simply ask your loved ones about their life and record their answers with either a video or audio recording device. For helpful tips on recording, read here!

Want to take the stress off of creating a keepsake book yourself? Check out these 5 printing options

Remember, the importance of creating these Keepsake books is to help preserve your memories and create a lasting gift for future generations. With this gift, you can leave a legacy of family history that will be passed down for decades.

Do you need help communicating to your family why having an heirloom is important? Read 4 Types of Value Attached to Our Family Heirlooms to help them understand.

But what if you’d rather pass down an heirloom and don’t have one yet? Read 10 Ideas for Creating Your Own Family Heirloom to create your own!

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