God gave us memories, that we might have June roses in the December of our lives.- Scottish Author James Barrie

What a lovely gift idea. A book made especially for your child. Added to, year after year. Documenting milestones experienced as they grow into adulthood. A cherished treasure chest of memories to be remembered for a lifetime!

Making a child's memory book is a priceless gift idea. An irreplaceable keepsake, wholly unique. Each book created, the only one of its kind; as individual as the child it was created for.

How to Make a Memory Book; Tips and Ideas

Make a memory book using any book cover with removable pages. This can be a 3-ring binder notebook or photo album that has been padded and covered in material.

The cover of a girl's memory book might be made from textured satin, adorned with pearl beading, lace, and velvet ribbon. A boy's memory book might be made using wool or corduroy; with piping and a medallion bearing his last name initial.

You can incorporate into the cover color scheme your child's favorite color. A girl might like her faux birthday gemstone centered on the front, surrounded by lace or beading. A boy might like a color scheme using his school or college colors.

Perhaps a small, heart shaped picture holder could be attached to the front cover; insert a picture taken of your child at birth, blowing out candles at their 1st birthday party, receiving their diploma during graduation, or some other notable occasion.

Or a patchwork cover could be made for a girl or boy's memory book, using pieces of material scraps from their old clothing through the years: a red pair of baby overalls, a toddler's yellow shirt, a green dress, purple pajamas, etc. Be creative; you know your child better than anyone else. Make the book special and unique.

Completing the Memory Book

Making a memory book for your child is a great gift idea! Make pages for the boy or girl's memory book using high quality, heavy stock paper. Linen textured stationary quality paper, or one with a laid finish, might be nice. Use a 3-hole puncher to punch holes in each sheet. Use reinforcement rings on the holes, front and back of each page.

Complete your child's memory book the following way:

The first page should contain information about your child; their full birth name, birth date, birth place, weight and length at birth, house address, first pet, first bed friend, first trip to the barber's, first time riding a 2-wheeled bike, name of first school, etc.

Remaining pages can contain either a collage of memorabilia randomly placed; first Valentine cards, first freeform picture drawn, first tooth (in a tiny envelope), hair from their first haircut, details of their first owie, their first report card, first birthday invitation, the first letter they wrote to a grandparent or other family member, etc.

Pages could also be filled in sequence, highlighting each stage of their life. The first 2 pages could contain a newborn baby picture, a copy of their birth certificate, and a congratulations on the birth of your baby card.

The second set of pages could have a picture of them as a one-year old blowing out the candles of their birthday cake or unwrapping presents at their birthday party. A special birthday card, a deflated balloon from the party, and pieces of colorful wrapping paper and ribbon from presents could also be included.

Represent Each Stage of your Child's Life in the Memory Book

Each 2-page sequence could represent a year in your child's life - with birthday pictures, and keepsakes from that era. Birthday cards from best friends, get-well cards from when they had the measles, report cards, scout badges or achievement certificates, pictures of their first plane ride, catching their first fish, eating cotton candy at the circus, etc.

Watch your child mature from one photo to the next, with each turning of the page; toothless smiles from early grammar school, braces in middle school, shy smiles with a first date just before the school dance, excited smiles taken from behind the wheel of their first car, triumphant smiles at graduation with their diploma clenched in their hand.

Presenting Your Child's Memory Book

Make the memory book presentation a memorable occasion. When they turn 18-years old, upon graduation from high school or collage, when they get engaged, or upon the birth of their first child.

Perhaps you'll wrap the book up and present it to them along with a special card. You might surprise them with it when they least expect it. Set the table using your best china, and prepare their favorite meal. Light candles to announce the special occasion. Share family memories while enjoying the meal; presenting the memory book along with dessert afterwards.

Your child will open the book to find each set of pages depicts a year of their life. In birthday photos, special cards and announcements, and memorabilia from days gone by. That will spark memories, bring smiles to their eyes, and tears to your own as you reminisce.

Your baby has grown up. And with their passage into young adult hood you award them with a diploma of sorts, of your own. A special keepsake...a child's memory book that can never be replaced.