My niece is graduating from college soon, and I'm so proud of her. Giving her a meaningful gift is important to me. Yes, I'm all for gifting the new grad some cash. But I wanted to include another special memento that she could cherish in the years to come. I wasted hours shopping for her online before the right idea hit me.

I needed to make a family history book for my niece. Why? Photo books make awesome, long-lasting presents. I knew that I could customize an album that would suit the occasion. My parents are both gone now and won't be able to see my niece graduate, but I know they'd be so proud of her. I wanted to leverage that and make a photo book for my niece that would allow her to reflect on precious memories with her grandparents and cousins.

One of the reasons I chose a family history photo book is that I didn't know what to get for someone who lost a loved one and wanted to remember them during special times. I knew this celebratory book could also serve as a memory book that honors my parents. Because of the subject, this was one of the toughest photo books I've made. I'm so glad I did it.

Inspiration for My Family History Book

I knew what I needed to make; I just needed to figure out how to approach it. The most essential part of creating any photo book is setting a purpose. I've tried picking photos for a family history book without a goal, and it was hard. My dad was an avid genealogist who stored thousands of family photos in digital files, slides, and photo albums — there are just too many to choose from.

So, I decided to do something different. Instead of stuffing my photo book with dozens of well-composed shots, I picked candid photos that captured my niece's time with my parents and her cousins. They might not be technically perfect photos, but they capture my family's spirit.

What It Meant to Make a Memorial Photo Book

Making a family history book or memorial book with photos of someone you love who has passed away can be emotionally challenging. I definitely shed some tears while making my photo book, but I didn't want it to be a downer for my niece. She's in her early 20s — I didn't want to create a gift that looked somber. My parents had positive attitudes, too, and I wanted something vibrant that reflected them.

Memories are fleeting. That cliche saying was one of the biggest motivating factors for me in making my family history book. It's true; our memories don't last forever. My niece probably doesn't remember her earliest trips to the pumpkin patch or hanging out at my parent's house as a toddler. Gifting her a photo book is a way to gift her those memories too.

I've made a mental note to create a memory book for other family members when they lose a parent or grandparent in the future. It's a meaningful gift that can truly reflect the spirit of the person celebrated in it. Making an album is cathartic for the gift giver too. It's a healing experience that results in a beautiful product you can hold in your hands.

Finding My Parents in My Memorial Photo Book

Remembering my parents and their unique personalities is crucial to me. My kids never met my dad, and my mom passed away when they were young. Making this book for my niece was a bit like a dress rehearsal. I'll be making memory books like this for my kids as they grow older so they can "know" their grandparents even if they didn't have the opportunity to know them during their lifetimes.

Honoring my family's history and my parents meant looking past some flaws that would usually bother me. If you're anything like me, you probably have some old family photos sitting around that aren't in the greatest condition. I've been hauling some photos around for years now, and the wear shows. I found a shot of my niece with both sets of grandparents at her favorite pumpkin patch.

There's a crease in the corner that bothers me. It's not in great condition; I should have taken better care of it. As I looked at this shot, I realized that the imperfection added a touch of authenticity to an otherwise polished project. I know my mom would have approved — she always said to enjoy life despite its flaws.

My dad was also on my mind as I perfected this gift for my niece. He was a talented photographer and carpenter who was meticulous in everything he did. He strove for simplicity, and he loved minimalist designs. Whenever I get out my camera or sit down at my crafting table, I think of the countless hours my dad spent teaching me construction and design skills.

Making a photo book honoring my dad's sensibilities made me feel closer to him. It was an emotionally tough process, but I'm sure my niece will giggle when I tell her I used perfectly aligned Mixbook layouts on every page because Grandpa would have wanted it that way. As I worked on this project, I realized that a photo album could be a great way to remember someone's quirks or personal style.

A Family History Book That Honors the Future

When I've thought of memorial books or family history books in the past, I've often associated sorrow with them. After creating this project with the help of Mixbook, I know I was wrong. This isn't an austere, uptight book with posed portraits of old people. It's a living, breathing book that puts the future of my family — my niece — front and center.