Let’s face it folks. The economy is bad. Everybody’s purse strings are pulled to the limit and no one even wants to imagine what their credit card bill is going to look like come January. When money is tight we all tend to cut back on buying things for ourselves, but who can stand to cut back on buying gifts for others, especially your loved ones. A wonderful, and inexpensive, gift that I’ve come up with this holiday season is “The Memory Book”.
A memory book is an inexpensive, thoughtful, heartfelt gift. All you need to make one is a blank, hardcover book, pictures that you’ve taken throughout the year and your imagination. Quality book sellers such as Borders and Barnes and Noble stock a variety of blank hardcover books. Most of these books can be had for under $15. There are many different cover designs to choose from. There really is something for everyone.
Once you’ve purchased your blank book you can fill that book with pictures, ticket stubs, report cards and anything else will create a pleasant memory for the books’ recipient. Create your own caption for each picture. Include the menu from the restaurant where you ate the night of the “big concert” or just tell the story about how Janie was so nervous she threw up all her lo mein before her big piano recital.
Video games are expensive, clothing goes out of style before the credit card bill is even paid an grandma does not need another afgan. A book of memories doesn’t break the bank and is something that a person can keep for a lifetime. It is something that the recipient can pass on to her children and grandchildren. It is the story of ones’ family and ones’ life. It never goes out of style.