You know your parent well. But there are parts of their life you’ve only heard in passing, or never thought to ask about. There is still so much you would love to know.
With a Life Story gift, your parent answers thoughtful questions and brings their memories together in a digital book they can review and share.
For a parent who would enjoy sharing their memories.
The stories you’d love to hear.
The usual catch-up matters. You want to know how they’re doing. Sometimes, though, a passing comment makes you realise there is a whole story you’ve never heard.
You don’t have to know all the questions to ask. Give them a starting point, and let them tell you what they remember.
An example, before you decide
There may be a side of Mom you haven’t met.
Fictional example to illustrate the process.
01 / A question to begin
Before you became a parent, what did a good Saturday look like?
02 / A few words in reply
My sister and I caught the bus into town and spent ages in the record shop. I wanted to be a singer. We couldn’t afford the records, so we sang the songs on the bus home. My children only hear me singing when I’m washing up.
03 / A passage for the family to read
My sister and I used to catch the bus into town and spend ages in the record shop. I wanted to be a singer. We couldn’t afford the records, so we sang the songs on the bus home. These days, my children only hear me singing when I’m washing up.
A familiar habit has a story behind it. One question gives the family a glimpse of a dream they might never have heard about.
From our example Life Story book, a different story from the demonstration above.
Two ways to tell a story
Help them find a comfortable beginning.
We suggest guided Life Story for your parent’s gift. And if their stories bring back memories you want to share yourself, there is a place to begin those, too.
A good place to start
Guided Life Story
For a parent who would enjoy telling their story, thoughtful questions can bring back memories you might never have known to ask about.
Your parent answers the questions and chooses what to share.
You may have stories you’d like to tell your own family, too. Begin with one memory, in your words, with optional questions when you want a little help.
Each story can stand on its own. You choose what comes next.
Life Story packages and Tell It Your Way have separate access and free-start options.
From “I’d love to hear more” to their story.
01
Give them an invitation to tell you more
Choose a Life Story package for your parent. They receive an email voucher explaining how to redeem it and begin.
02
They follow the questions into their memories
Your parent answers in their own words, adds photos and reviews their chapters. They can take it a little at a time within their package period.
03
There is more for you to discover
When they’re happy with their story, they can download their digital book and share it with you. What they share is their choice.
Choose the space for their story
Give them a way to tell you more.
Choose a package for your parent to tell their story. Each includes thoughtful questions, space for photos, chapters they can review, and a digital book they can share with the family.
Moments
R299 once-off
6 chapters · 6 months to complete
Up to 3 Circle members
.
Memories
R499 once-off
10 chapters · 12 months to complete
Up to 5 Circle members
.
Legacy
R899 once-off
13 chapters · Unlimited time to complete your chapters
Up to 10 Circle members
. Includes a separate 3-month review window after all chapters are complete.
Paid Life Story packages include a 30-day money-back guarantee if fewer than 3 chapters have been completed, including the Prologue.
Your parent tells their own story. You give the Life Story package and can let them know what you would love to hear about. They answer the questions, check their chapters and choose what to share.
How does my parent receive the gift?
They receive an email voucher with instructions for redeeming the Life Story package you chose. Once they’ve redeemed it, they can start answering the questions and bringing their memories together.
How much time do they have?
Moments: 6 months to complete; Memories: 12 months to complete; Legacy: Unlimited time to complete your chapters. Includes a separate 3-month review window after all chapters are complete..
Does my parent choose what the family gets to read?
Yes. They review their chapters, make changes within their package’s writing and review periods, and decide what to share. Giving the gift doesn’t mean you automatically see their unfinished writing.
Is a printed book included?
You receive a downloadable digital book to keep and share. Physical printing and shipping are not included. If you later change the stories in your book, review the contents and download a new copy.
An invitation to share
Let them know you’d love to hear more.
Give your parent a thoughtful way to share the parts of their life you haven’t heard yet.