How to Make a Graduation Memory Book

When my oldest graduated, I wanted him to have something he’d be able to keep forever.

And for me…I needed to be able to express my feelings for him.

But how was I going to do that with a graduation gift?

I decided to create a one-of-a-kind book for him as a graduation gift.

What Is a Graduation Memory Book?

A graduation memory book is filled with messages, letters, or quotes from his family, friends, teachers, and mentors.

How to Create a Graduation Book

Step 1: Decide who to include

To make a book like this, first, make a list of everyone you'd like to include in the book.

Step 2: Send an email to everyone

Next, send an email to each person inviting them to write a special message for your student.

The message doesn't need to be long.

Prompt them to share a memory, advice, or words of encouragement for this next phase of life.

Here is the text that I sent in the email.

You can copy and paste it and then edit it to suit your student:

*********

Dear friends and family,

[INSERT NAME] will soon be graduating from high school! We would like to give something significant to mark this important moment.

We are creating a "graduation book" filled with inspiration, guidance, and fun from those who love and believe in [HIM/HER/THEM]. We would like to invite you to write something for [INSERT NAME].

Here are some ideas:

- the most important thing(s) you ever learned

- some things you wished that someone had told you when you were 18

- a special memory you have of [INSERT NAME]

- a favorite quote, poem, or song; why it is special to you

- things you love and appreciate in life and why

- advice or tips on college and careers

- what you believe about life

These are only suggestions - anything will work- it doesn't have to be profound, long, or fancy!!

PLEASE SEND YOUR MESSAGE BY [INSERT DEADLINE DATE]!

(If you have a photo of you with [INSERT NAME] or just of yourself please send it too- we'd like to include this on your page)

RETURN TO:  [INSERT YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS]

Thank you so much for your wonderful influence in [INSERT NAME'S] life. I know this book will be treasured.

********

Step 3: Send reminders

A day or two before the deadline, send a reminder to anyone who hasn't responded.

Send a final reminder a day or two after the deadline.

Make sure you allow time when you set your deadline for people who may be a little late with their response!

Also, factor in your time to create the book, as well as the time for the book to be printed and shipped.

Step 4: Assemble the book

Choose an online photo book publisher.

My favorite is Blurb because you can easily customize each page to adjust text and image positions.

For the cover page, explain the idea of the graduation memory book.

Next, include the email that you send to everyone asking for their participation.

Copy and paste each letter, message, and quote into a text box on a separate page.

Some people will be wordy and may need more pages!

I recommend copying and pasting the responses into the book as you get each one.

When people send pictures, include the photo(s) next to the letter on the same page(s).

You can easily rearrange the pages in Blurb if desired.

I chose to use a different font for each person which made the text look more interesting and less like a textbook.

You can adjust the size of the font for shorter letters to help fill each page.

If someone sent a quote they wanted to include, I’d center that text in the middle of the page and was sure to include quotation marks and attribution.

I also added several of my favorite meaningful quotes throughout the graduation book.

After creating these books and searching for the perfect sentimental quotes, I put together a list of 75 inspirational graduation quotes and shared it in this blog post.

You may want to leave several blank pages at the end of the book. This gives you room for people to either sign the book at a graduation party, or you can print and attach any messages that might arrive after you've already sent the book to be printed.

Step 5: Make the cover

I used several photos from my son's senior photo session on the cover and back of the book, along with his full name and graduation year.

That's it! It's so simple to create a meaningful graduation gift that will become an heirloom.

Congratulations to all of you who will soon be celebrating this milestone with your children. I’m sending you a big virtual hug!