Guides
Helping you capture a life story
Questions to ask, how to record them, gift ideas, and honest comparisons — everything we've written for families keeping a loved one's story.
Questions to ask
The right question unlocks the story. Start with these.
- Questions to ask your parentsThe questions that get past "it was fine" — childhood, love, work and what they learned.
- Questions to ask your mumPrompts about her childhood, becoming a mum, and the things she has never said out loud.
- Questions to ask your dadEasy ways into the stories dads rarely tell unless someone asks.
- Questions to ask your grandmaGrowing up, family life and the world she remembers.
- Questions to ask your grandadWork, service, first loves and the lessons he would pass on.
- Questions to ask your grandparentsA set that works for either grandparent — or both together.
- Questions for elderly parentsGentle questions for later life, when there is more to look back on.
- Questions about childhoodHomes, schools, games and the smells and sounds of growing up.
- Questions about family historyWhere the family came from, and the people before them.
- Life story questionsA full set covering every chapter of a life.
- Life story interview questionsFor sitting down together and recording a longer conversation.
- Oral history questionsQuestions shaped for recording a spoken history.
- Questions to ask a dying parentTender questions for the time that is left, and how to ask them.
- End of life questionsWhat matters most, what they want remembered, and what they wish for you.
- Free 50-question printableOur favourite questions on one page — print it or keep it on your phone.
How to capture their story
Practical guides for getting the stories down — in words or in their own voice.
- How to record your parents' life storyA step-by-step approach, from the first question to a finished book.
- How to capture a parent's life storyChoosing an approach that suits them — writing, talking, or both.
- How to record a grandparent's storyRecording their voice so the family can hear them for years to come.
- When a parent won't open upWhat to try when the answers are short, or the subject is hard.
- How to write a life storyTurning memories into chapters that read well.
- Write your own life storyFor anyone who wants to leave their own story for the family.
- Writing a legacy letterHow to write a letter your children will keep.
- What is a life story book?What goes in one, and the different ways to make one.
Gift ideas
Meaningful gifts for the people who say they don't want anything.
- Christmas gifts for grandparentsTheir life story in their own voice — and other gifts they will keep.
- Meaningful Christmas giftsIdeas that get kept long after the wrapping paper is gone.
- Christmas gifts for parents who have everythingWhen they really don't need more things.
- Gifts for parents who have everythingYear-round ideas built around time and memories.
- Personalised gifts for grandparentsGifts that could only be for them.
- Mother's Day gift ideasFor Mothering Sunday — something more lasting than flowers.
- Father's Day gifts for grandadIdeas for grandads who are hard to buy for.
- 60th birthday gift ideasMarking six decades with something personal.
- 70th birthday gift ideasGifts that celebrate a life well lived.
- 80th birthday gift ideasMeaningful ideas for a big milestone.
- 90th birthday gift ideasCapturing ninety years of stories.
- Anniversary gift ideasThe story of a marriage, told by the people in it.
- Unique gifts for elderly parentsThoughtful ideas for parents in later life.
Compare options
Honest, fact-checked comparisons — including when another option suits you better.
- Best memory book apps (UK)Five options compared on price, voice recording and printed books.
- Storyworth alternative (UK)How a one-time payment with voice compares with an annual plan.
- Storyworth reviewWhat Storyworth does well, where it falls short, and what it costs in pounds.
- Storyworth vs RementoEmail-first versus voice-first, compared for UK families.
- StoryKeeper vs StoryworthOne-time versus annual, side by side.
- StoryKeeper reviewWhat £79 or £99 gets you, and who it suits.
- Remento reviewHow the voice recording and AI writing work, and the real costs from the UK.
- "Tell Me Your Story" journalsPaper guided journals compared with a version that keeps their voice.
- Memory book vs memory boxWhich keeps the stories better — and when to have both.
Care and later life
For families, carers and professionals supporting someone in later life.
- Life story work in care homesHow life stories help staff know the person, not just the care plan.
- Dementia life story bookMaking a book that supports memory, conversation and good care.
- Reminiscence therapyUsing life story work for connection and wellbeing.
- End of life giftsGentle, meaningful ideas for the time that matters most.
Remembering someone
For celebrating a life, and keeping someone close after they have gone.
- How to make a tribute videoA step-by-step guide to a memorial video with photos and music.
- Celebration of life videoIdeas for a video that celebrates who they were.
- Free memorial slideshow makerHow to make a memorial slideshow without paying for software.
- Funeral slideshow ideasPhoto choices, music and structure for a funeral slideshow.
- How to write an obituaryWhat to include, and examples to help you start.
- Memorial bookGathering stories and memories into a book to keep.
- Bereavement gift ideasThoughtful ways to support someone who is grieving.
Ready to start their story?
Answer 5 guided questions free — type or speak — and see how it feels. No card needed.