Struggling to find the perfect gift? Want to give a friend or loved one something other than another piece of "stuff"? It takes just 7 steps to create a present that will never find its way to the back of the closet!
Have you struggled to find someone a one-of-a-kind gift? Perhaps a family member’s milestone birthday, anniversary, or other life celebration is right around the corner. Maybe you have a friend who is undergoing a difficult time, and you want to treat them to a perfect pick-me-up. Or possibly your retiring colleague deserves an unforgettable send-off.
A Tribute Album suits all of these occasions. If you want to make it in advance of a party or particular date, give yourself about a month to pull it together. You can also create a simple book “on the spot,” as I will describe below. If you are busy and need some help, you can also contact me or Kristi at info@beyondthetrees.net.
Here are 7 steps to making a Tribute Album. It is guaranteed to bring a smile - and maybe a joyful tear or two.
1. Make a list of the recipient's friends and/or family.
2. Locate their home or email addresses.
3. Compose a request to the contributors and include a deadline. Keep your message simple. Invite them to answer a few questions and perhaps request a photo. Or, send everyone a page (see example) that they can fill out and return. Ask the contributors to respond to just 3 or 4 questions – too many questions may feel overwhelming and cause a delay in their responses. Use the list below for ideas:
-How did you meet [Joe]?
-What one word or phrase describes him?
-What do you most love about him?
-What is your favorite memory about him?
-What is your funniest memory about him?
-How did he impact your life or the lives of others?
-The happiest I ever saw him was…
-Why do you admire him?
-In your eyes, what are his greatest strengths?
-Your [birthday, anniversary, etc.] wish for him is…
4. Send your request to contributors.
5. Send a reminder one week before the deadline, if necessary.
6. Compile and organize the responses.
7. Place the responses in a 3-ring binder, scrapbook, or even a digital book.
Don’t have a month? No problem! Alternatively, you can make a very simple book during a recipient’s birthday or retirement party. Pass around a journal and pen with a suggested “thought starter” so everyone can write their message in the book. Voila! An instant and memorable gift.
Another “on the spot” idea is to buy a photo album with plastic sleeves (sheet protectors) and have a “form” for recipients to fill out. You may even want to print it on festive paper. At the party, ask someone to distribute the pages with colorful pens, and collect their responses. Then, insert the completed forms in the sheet protectors. Present the album to the person of honor before the party ends. Depending on the group, you may even invite people to read their responses.
If you would like to make multiple copies or if you want help collecting and organizing a digital book, contact Kristi or Jennifer at info@beyondthetrees.net.
Have you created a gift like this before? What was the recipient’s response?
- Jennifer Sauers