Celebration Books

We shouldn’t need to wait a lifetime to honour a life. Our lives are made up of many milestones and moments and they deserve to be celebrated along the way.

Whether the cause for celebration is your child reaching their 18th birthday or your parents’ Diamond wedding anniversary, why not treat them to a beautiful snapshot of their life in one of our Celebration Books. Bringing together highlights of their life story with messages and photographs from their closest friends and family.

The most beautiful things are not associated with money. They are memories and moments. If you don’t celebrate those, they can pass you by.

Alek Wek

Our Celebration Books are framed around five key chapters of a life for which either we, or you, will write the chapters.

In addition, we can include a personal message and an individual photograph from up to 15 family members and friends. To make things easier, we collate the messages on your behalf. In addition, you can include three customised inserts from the list below. Additional inserts may be purchased at your request (see pricing information below).

To bring the book to life up to 80 photographs can be included in total, which together with the stories will really help bring the memories to life. Here are some examples of chapters we could include in your book depending on whom the book is being purchased for and their particular celebration. We are happy to discuss your bespoke needs.

The Birth

Your child’s arrival is a cherished event - they will love to hear about your recollections of their arrival and those first precious days.

The Early Years

What funny anecdotes do you recall of your loved one as a toddler? Did they have a favourite teddy, bedtime story or nursery rhyme? Do you recall their temper tantrums? Trips to the park? You may still have some of their early paintings and scribbles?

Primary School

What was their first day at school like? Did they skip into class or refuse to leave your side? Who was their favourite teacher and why? Was there a special play they took part in? What special friendships did they form?

Secondary School

Many of us have tales from secondary school - some more shareable than others. Did your child or loved one develop their life passion at school or represent a school sports team or music group? Were there any noteworthy school trips? Their closest school friends may wish to contribute memories or messages to their book.

University

University years are a significant chapter in a person’s life. It’s not just about the degree that was gained. It was the experiences lived, the horizons broadened, the friends made. What highlights can be shared by friends?

Children

We would always encourage children to contribute a chapter. What special times have you enjoyed together as a family? What are their favourite memories of growing up? Of course they can include a special message to either their parents or grandparents depending on who the book is for.

Marriage

If you are purchasing a book for a mid-life birthday or anniversary, you may wish to include highlights from their wedding day. What were the most notable memories from the day? How did the bride and groom meet? What hopes and dreams did they share?

Career

We spend most of our lives working. Careers can define people’s lives. What has your special person achieved in their career? Was it a lifelong ambition? How has it defined them as a person?

Travel

Did your loved one ever undertake a trip of a lifetime? A gap year trekking across South America or volunteering at a turtle sanctuary in Borneo? Where did they travel to and who did they meet? What aspects of the trip defined them?

Don't just take our word for it

I was truly delighted with the book I bought for my daughter’s 18th birthday. Whilst I chose to write some chapters myself, The Memory Shed helpfully prompted me throughout the experience, creating a framework and suggesting milestones that until that point, had slipped my mind. The fact the book has united so many special people in Caroline’s life, many of whom have played an integral part in her life to date, is amazing. The plan was to print a photo book but this really is so much better. Whilst writing the chapters does take a bit of time, capturing the memories was wonderful. The Memory Shed made the process quick and easy and seeing Caroline’s amazement on opening book was priceless. It is the gift that will keep on giving.

Nicola, Gifter of an 18th Birthday Book

Our process

How we work

We are a business that prides itself on being adaptable and we work in a way that suits our storytellers, but here’s the standard process we follow for our Celebration Books.

Step 1

Let's chat

We would love to hear more about the celebration. Who is the book for? What special milestone are they celebrating? Who are the VIPs in their life? We will agree on a timeline and a book project plan to ensure the book is ready for the special day or celebration. We can also suggest ideas for content depending on what sort of milestone is being celebrated.

Step 2

The memory forage

Every great story starts with some important preparation. The Memory Shed will reach out to all contributors for messages, photographs and memorabilia, which can be uploaded on our website. If assigned the story to write, will set up interviews with key contacts to capture the story.

Step 3

Book design

We will work our magic and transform the recipient’s story and photographs into a beautiful book which will include the design of a bespoke cover. You will be sent a full colour PDF proof at this stage for sign-off and any edits will be made.

Step 4

The delivery

Once final checks have been done, the book will be sent to print and will be delivered either to the gifter or recipient in a beautiful keepsake box.