Toys & Gifts Books The Best Memory Books for Grandparents to Give to Grandchildren By Maya Polton Maya Polton LinkedIn Maya has more than 15 years of experience in digital media and communications and specializes in writing about family, food, and lifestyles. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 12, 2022 Fact checked by Daniella Amato Fact checked by Daniella Amato Daniella Amato is a biomedical scientist and fact checker with expertise in pharmaceuticals and clinical research. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Whether grandparents live near or far, having the older generation complete a memory book creates a personal, special bond with the grandchild, as well as a cherished document that will memorialize your family’s history. Memory books come in a variety of formats, so look for one that fits your family’s needs. Some grandparents enjoy telling their own story; others might prefer to answer prompts or write a letter to their grandchild. Make sure the memory book you choose is made of high quality paper that will last. If the grandparent has a hard time getting started, it might be fun to discuss what they might include in their memory book at your next family gathering. To find the best memory books for grandparents to share with their grandkids, we considered a variety of types, from books filled with blank pages or prompts to letter writing sets that grandparents and grandchildren can complete together. Different methods of sharing memories, such as photos, recipes, and videos, were also considered. We looked for quality products that will be a keepsake for future generations. Based on our reviews, these are the best memory books for grandparents to give to grandchildren on the market today. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Memories for My Grandchild at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Grandkids: Letters to My Grandchild at Amazon Jump to Review Best Joint Keepsake: The Grandparent Book at Amazon Jump to Review Best Universal Journal: This Life of Mine at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Prompts: Tell Me Your Life Story at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Writing: Letters to My Grandchild Notebook at Etsy Jump to Review Best Creative Format: Grandparent-Grandchild Writing Kit at Maisonette.com Jump to Review Best for Photos: A Grandparent’s Keepsake Album at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Recipes: My Family Cookbook at Uncommon Goods Jump to Review Best for Videos: Heirloom Video Book at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look for FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall "Memories for My Grandchild" Amazon View On Amazon Pros Attractive cloth covered book Prompts make it easy to complete Pocket holds special documents Cons Small font size Less room for free writing “Memories for My Grandchild” is our best overall pick because of the thoughtful guiding questions it provides in a beautiful keepsake cloth-covered book. Grandparents will love completing simple prompts on archival paper, knowing the memories will be maintained years to come. The prompts focus on family history, beginning with anecdotes about the grandparent as a baby and young child, and continuing through the grandparent’s life, education, friendships, and hobbies. There is also a family tree for the grandparent to complete. The back cover includes pockets to store photos, documents, and other small mementos. Price at time of publication: $18 Best for Grandkids "Letters to My Grandchild: Write Now. Read Later. Treasure Forever." Pottery Barn Kids View On Amazon View On Potterybarnkids.com View On Bookshop.org Pros Prompts make it easy to complete Creative format Can be completed over time Cons Lacks short questions Letter format makes it harder to share Help grandparents create an heirloom with this creative take on a memory book. The small book features 12 envelopes with blank fold-out letters. Each letter has a prompt, such as “Here is a special story about our family” or “The best advice anyone gave me was.” For grandparents who want to bond with their grandkids, this is an interactive memory book that they can work on together. Once the letter is completed, it can be mailed or stored in the enclosed envelope to be opened at a later date. Price at time of publication: $15 The 45 Best Baby Boy Gifts of 2023 Best Joint Keepsake "The Grandparent Book: A Keepsake Journal" Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Prompts make it easy to complete Section for grandparent and child to do together Spiral bound lays flat Cons Little room for long prose Organized into sections devoted to a stage of life, like childhood, teenage years, adulthood, grandparent life, and more, this keepsake journal has easy-to-complete prompts. With less room for free-writing and more of a "complete the sentence" format, this journal is a great option for the type of grandparent who appreciates quick and concise storytelling. For a fun family activity, there is a section that the grandparent and grandchild can complete together. Price at time of publication: $12 Best Universal Journal "This Life of Mine: A Keepsake Journal" Amazon View On Amazon Pros Beautiful cover Wide range of prompt questions and styles Cons Not grandparent specific Beautifully crafted, this standout book is not grandparent specific but will certainly work for a memory book. Featured are a mix of short-answer questions, fill-in-the-blanks, open-ended prompts, and spots for sketches or photos. This book moves through stages, trying to capture info to create a picture of a full life. Different from other books, these prompts may be more thought-provoking and have a wider range of categories. Price at time of publication: $20 The 39 Best Gifts for Grandparents of 2023 Best for Prompts "Tell Me Your Life Story" Amazon View On Amazon Pros Book series feels personalized Unique questions and prompts Cons Some prompts aren't suitable for all family types This innovative series allows you to pick the exact type of book that will be helpful for your family (Grandma, Grandpa, etc.), which ups the personal factor. Each book has over 200 questions requiring a range of short answers and longer detailed responses. The book and prompts are organized in chapters that move through life stages, so it’s easy to focus on one special moment at a time. Family members will appreciate the detail of the questions, like “Do you have a favorite number and why?” or “Favorite movie snack.” The grandparents will be able to share small yet interesting insights that you’d never think to ask. Price at time of publication: $10 Best for Writing "Letters to My Grandchild Notebook" ETSY View On Etsy Pros Personalized cover Lots of room to write Cons Created for one grandchild Create a memento for a grandchild with this personalized notebook featuring their name on the cover. We love that the book includes blank pages, which can be ideal for grandparents who love writing, are long-winded, and won’t need the help of prompts to get writing. Since it’s made just for one grandchild, this is a good gift for only children or grandparents who truly love to write and share their thoughts with each grandchild. Price at time of publication: $25 Best Creative Format "Grandparent-Grandchild Writing Kit" Maisonette View On Maisonette.com Pros Creative back and forth format Engages grandparent and child Your kid gets mail Cons Letters need to be saved to create keepsake Mail and stamp required A little different from a memory book, this writing kit is both an engaging activity between a grandchild and grandparent, and if saved, will act as a darling keepsake. Included in the set are eight correspondence sheets that can be completed by both parties and mailed back and forth, along with envelopes for each sheet. Not only will this set boost writing skills for the grandchild, but it’s also a fun way to engage with grandparents who are near or far away and will thrill your kiddo when they get their own letter in the mailbox. Price at time of publication: $33 Best for Photos "A Grandparent’s Keepsake Album" Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Prompts and space for free writing Best for very involved grandparents Cons Book only documents the grandchild’s life Formatted a bit differently than others, this book is for a grandparent to document the first years of their grandchild’s life. While it will certainly create a special keepsake for that child, this book isn’t focused on the history and memories of the grandparent’s life. Best for a very involved grandparent or even as a gift for a first-time grandparent. They’ll treasure putting this together and documenting life as their grandchild grows. Price at time of publication: $20 Best for Recipes "My Family Cookbook" Uncommon Goods View On Uncommon Goods Pros Easy format to capture family recipes Creates a useable heirloom Cons Recipe specific book We are obsessed with the idea of passing down recipes from one generation to another, so if food is your family’s love language, consider this book as a gift to your family’s stomach and memories. The blank pages are formatted like a recipe: There’s room for ingredient lists, recipe directions, and even a photo and notes. If your grandparent cooks all the family favorites just from their head, grab this book and jot those recipes down on paper. Your whole family will thank you at the next meal! Price at time of publication: $30 for cookbook These Are the Best Children’s Books to Encourage Their Love of Reading Best for Videos Heirloom Video Book Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Sendheirloom.com Pros Easy to create video book Ideal for grandparents unable to write Helpful option for families Cons 20-minute video limit Costlier than other traditional books We know that for some families, a written book isn’t always a realistic option. For younger grandparents that would rather go digital, this innovative custom video book is a modern choice. Easy to design, the book holds up to 20 minutes of video footage that’s super easy to upload and edit from a phone or computer. To create a keepsake, draft up some question prompts and have a grandchild interview their grandparent on camera. Upload the video, and in a few quick steps, you’ve created a family heirloom. Price at time of publication: $69 for 20 minute book Final Verdict Taking the time to use any of these keepsake books will create such a special heirloom that no matter what you choose, you’ll benefit. For a fun family activity, "The Memories for My Grandchild Keepsake Journal" (view at Amazon) is easy to complete and simple to share with friends and family once it’s done. For a special memento that’s geared for one grandchild, "Letters to My Grandchild" (view at Amazon) is a nice mix of prompts and open-ended writing. What to Look for in Keepsake Books for Grandchildren Personal Preference Consider the personal needs of the receiver as you choose the book. If they love to write, pick one with lots of open blank pages that allow them to add as much of their story as they want. If writing is difficult for them or they simply don't love it, select a shorter book with easy prompts that helps them convey the same heartfelt message. Fitting their needs will help create a memory book they’ll feel good about passing on to the family. Fun to Do The last thing you want to give grandparents is another chore. The memory book should be fun to complete and fill them with excitement to pass down their most cherished memories. If they are reluctant, give them the book at a time when you’re together and have the grandchild ask the questions while someone records the answers in the book. High Quality It’s likely that the memory book will become a cherished family heirloom. As the book is passed around and shown to new generations through the years, it is likely that it will take a bit of a beating. Choose a book style that can last and has a high-quality binding that won't prematurely fall apart. Frequently Asked Questions What is a memory book? A memory book is a place to record an individual’s personal history. Some are mostly blank books, while others have detailed forms and prompts for the writer to complete. The books are a place to store life’s meaningful memories and can be shared with family and friends. When should l give a memory book to the grandparents? A memory book can be given to grandparents as a sweet pregnancy announcement, at a gift-giving holiday, your child’s birth, birthday, or anytime. If there’s a family celebration where you’ll all be together, it can be fun and helpful to give them the book and then complete it while you’re all present. Why Trust Verywell Family Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, an 8-year-old son, and a 4-year-old daughter. With all four of her kids’ grandparents living nearby, she’s ashamed to admit she’s never had them create a memory book and is promptly ordering four copies of her favorite one and putting those grandparents to work. 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