How to Give a Unique Anniversary Gift

It was about to be the 50th wedding anniversary of my grandparents and I hadn't a clue as to what to buy for them. Then my cousin contacted me. She was putting together a family compilation of photos and essays to include in a very personal and unique gift to our grandparents. She had written a list of about 50 questions for me to answer--my favorite memories of my grandparents, funniest moments, what inspired me from their love story, a piece of advice that I had received, and more. She took the responses of every family member (no small task in an Italian family) and compiled it along with photos into a scrapbook. If you are stuck on what to buy a couple who seems to have everything, I highly recommend that you give this gift. It is something to last a lifetime, and will have more meaning that any store-bought gift you can find.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Written contributions from your relatives
• Photos and writing paper
• Scrapbook of your choice-with inserts for photos or papers

1. Buy the most beautiful scrapbook that money can afford!

2. Create a personalized questionnaire designed to get creative responses out of people. Then circulate the questionnaire to all family members (with a deadline attached!). Ask them to send copies of all photos that they have relating to the people you are celebrating.

3. Compile their answers in a question and answer book format. You may want to have a photo on the left hand side of your scrapbook followed by text on the right hand side.

4. Try to find old photos of the couple and adorn the front cover of the scrapbook with the photo and a title of your choosing.

Tips & Warnings

• Start the project early and be as creative as possible to create the most personalized gift.
• Make copies of original photos so you don't lose the only copy you have
• You can opt for antique-styled scrapbooks or slightly burn the edges of paper contributions for an antique look
• Make sure to give your contributors deadlines