By their 60s, 70s and 80s most parents have enough things. What families tend to regret is not having the stories.
This is an honest look at the gifts that capture them.
What makes a good gift for this stage of life
- It asks little of them. Whether they are comfortable with technology or not, there is nothing to learn or set up.
- It is about them, not an object.
- The whole family can share it.
- It does not run out.
Options, honestly
- Photo albums, sorted and labelled. Free and valuable. Needs someone with time.
- A written memoir or notebook. Cheap. Many people start and stop.
- A recorded conversation. Easy and personal. Hard to turn into something the family keeps. See how to record family memories.
- A printed life story book. More cost, and more done for you. Suits families who want a finished keepsake.
How Inchapters works
- They answer fourteen chapters of questions at their own pace, over two to four weeks, by speaking, typing, or handing over recordings they already have.
- We shape everything into a narrative. You and they approve every chapter before anything is printed.
- The printed book has a QR code on each page that plays their actual voice.
Details are in the FAQ.
Making it work
- Choose the right moment. Not mid-crisis, not mid-holiday chaos.
- Tell them it is their story, in their words.
- Offer to help get started, then let them lead.
Questions people ask
What if they are not comfortable with technology?
They can speak their answers, and a family member can help get started.
What if they say they have nothing interesting to say?
Most people say this. The questions do the work. Try 30 questions to ask a parent about their childhood.
Can we use recordings we already have?
Yes. Old voicemails, birthday videos and cassette tapes (once converted) can all be used. See how to turn old recordings into a book.
Prefer to have the questions asked for you? See how the guided interview works, or choose your edition.