Significant Birthdays

If you are looking for a very special 60th birthday present, or maybe a 70th birthday is coming up then a gift book is an ideal solution.

Of course you don't have to be 60 or 70 years old to receive one of the books we create for you to give your friend or family member. We also produce books for 21st, 30th and all the milestone birthdays plus all the birthdays in between!

These books often include childhood memories with messages and stories from friends. Recollections from colleagues, past and present, and contributions from every generation of the family can be included.

Personal touches like drawings or handprints from the toddlers, old photographs and press cuttings unearthed from albums, drawers and shoeboxes all add to the special flavour of a gift book. Memories and milestones, moments of laughter, embarrassments or celebrations and tales, are retold for everyone to read. They all come together to provide a wonderful gift that will become a treasured family heirloom.

When you present this book at that special birthday party, be prepared - don't expect a speech and have a tissue ready!

Testimonial

Most of us like to think we will be remembered. Not just sink without trace. But few get around to writing memoirs. It seems a bit pretentious somehow.

No-one was more surprised than I when at my 70th birthday party I was presented with a book of reminiscences, photographs and this and that from friends, relations, former colleagues; you name it. A devious lot. I had no idea I was being 'done'.

They each saw quite different aspects of 'Jim' and remembered different incidents, some of which I had quite forgotten. My younger cousin recalled how he, uncle and I all slid under the table (pretty damn quick), at their house when the engine of a Second World War Doodlebug stopped just when it was overhead. It landed in the market garden just the other side of the back garden fence. Glory be, the earth was soft and explosion absorbed. Otherwise… I'd not forgotten that incident!

Grandson, aged seven at the time, noted "He thinks I'm funny when I tell him jokes" (good news) and "he likes his peace and quiet and snores after Sunday lunch". Hmmm.

It's a bit of a 'put down' to discover that one's beloved 'mostly remembers' me for saying "It isn't very far", (when it almost always was); "I won't be long", (and invariably was) and "It won't make much mess" when it usually did.

To see ourselves as others see us and, recall shared experiences through their photographs and reminiscences is a deeply moving experience. Reading my book again after 10 years I was struck by the changes that had taken place in my life and the lives of many of the contributors.

James Franks, commenting on his book 10 years later on his 80th birthday.

Testimonial

I got my book 10 years ago on my 21st birthday. It was organised by my parents and had contributions from all my family and friends - and a few extra surprises including a couple of my primary school teachers! It was really was an amazing present and has provided me with unique and long lasting set of memories.

Looking back at it now 10 years later is a great experience, reading the messages and stories from people - some who I see every day, and some I have long since lost touch with - brings back lots of memories. The book serves so many purposes. It will always live with me a reminder of my childhood, a portrait of my family and a reflection of who I am.

David Poulton