"Tell Me Your Story" journals
Love the idea of a "Tell Me Your Story" journal?
Here's the version that keeps their voice.
Guided journals like "Mum, Tell Me Your Story" or "Grandad, Tell Me Your Story" are a lovely gift. Tell Me Your Story works the same way — guided questions about their life — but they can type or speak their answers, and every recorded story gets a QR code in the printed book so you can hear them tell it.
Side by side
A paper journal vs Tell Me Your Story
| Paper guided journal | Tell Me Your Story | |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | Printed prompts, often 100+ | 100+ guided questions, answered in any order |
| How they answer | Handwriting | Type, or tap the microphone and talk |
| Their voice | Not included | Recorded, with a QR code beside the story in the printed book |
| Photos | Some have space to stick them in | Add photos to any answer |
| Copies | One — the journal itself | Share a link with family; order as many printed copies as you like |
| If it gets lost | The only copy is gone | Saved in your online account |
| Cost | Usually the cheapest option | 5 questions free; one-time from £3.99; print from £21.99 including UK delivery |
The honest answer
Which one suits them?
Choose a paper journal if…
- Their handwriting is part of the gift
- They'd rather not use a phone, tablet or computer
- You want something to wrap and hand over today
Choose Tell Me Your Story if…
- You want to hear their voice, not just read their words
- Writing by hand has become difficult for them
- You'd like every family member to have a copy
- You'd like the stories backed up, not in a single notebook
Or do both: many families give the journal for the handwriting, and record a few favourite stories so they can hear them too. Our free printable of 50 questions works well alongside either.
Start in a minute
Whose story do you want to keep?
Each has its own set of questions, like the different journal editions — and the first 5 are free.
Common questions
Are you the company that makes the "Tell Me Your Story" journals?
No. Many guided journals with "Tell Me Your Story" in the title are made by different publishers. Tell Me Your Story (tellmeyourstory.uk) is a separate, UK-built service with the same idea — guided questions about someone’s life — plus voice recording and printed books.
Is there a digital version of a "Tell Me Your Story" journal?
Tell Me Your Story works like a digital guided journal: 100+ questions, answered by typing or speaking, with photos. When you are ready, you can download a keepsake or order a printed book where every recorded story has a QR code to play their voice.
Can my mum speak her answers instead of writing them?
Yes. She can tap the microphone and talk — her words are typed up for her and the recording is kept — or type if she prefers. She can mix both.
Is there a version for Nan, Grandad or Dad?
Yes. There are separate question sets for Mum, Dad, Nan, Grandad and more, like the different journal editions. You can start any of them free.
How much does it cost compared with a journal?
A paper journal is usually the cheapest option. Tell Me Your Story lets you answer 5 questions free, then pay once from £3.99. A printed book starts at £21.99 including UK delivery.
Their stories, in their own voice
Guided questions like the journals — plus voice recording, sharing with family, and a printed book with a QR code by every recorded story.
Try 5 questions free →No card needed · One-time from £3.99 · Printed book from £21.99 including UK delivery