How to Create a Memory Journal for Your Friends

Looking for a thoughtful gift for your friend? Make your pal a memory journal. This is a gift that is especially good your bestie, for that pal you've known forever, or especially for the friend who has everything.

Memory journals are easy and inexpensive, but they do take some time to make. It's definitely worth the effort, though, because it's a gift your pal will go through again and again over the years. 

Don't worry about being crafty because all you need for this gift is a nice journal book and perhaps a few small mementos from your years together, like ticket stubs, little notes to each other, or Chinese cookie fortunes.

Start Thinking About Your Fun Memories

While this type of project doesn't cost much, you really do have to take your time in thinking about what you want to include. It's best to take several days to think of the most special moments you've had with your friend. Include all the fun, hair-raising, or touching times the two of you have shared. As you think of them, note the details you recall, like the funny thing she said to you or the touching toast he made in your honor. The specific details make this gift personal.

When you've got a few things you'd like to write, start jotting down the memories in a plain notebook. You'll be writing these out by hand later in the journal, but for now, just do some brainstorming until you have 20-50 moments.

To make it easy on yourself: 

1. It's best to start several days in advance to gather your thoughts before writing.
2. Recall as much detail as you can to add to the memory. What type of song was playing? What was the atmosphere like? The fun part of this book is looking back at how many things you and your friend have been through.
3. You might want to purchase a second journal in case you decide to rip out pages or start over! The first time you do this, it can be a little intimidating writing about all your memories.

Write These Favorite Moments by Hand in a Journal Book

Grab your journal book and begin writing. Be sure to include the reasons why you enjoyed each moment, what you learned from your friend, or how the time made you appreciate your pal.

For example, instead of saying, something generic like "I'm so thankful you are always there for me" say something like "It meant so much to me when you helped me through the time after my mother's death. You made meals, cleaned, and just let me cry on your shoulder."

This is the time to give your friend a compliment or let them know exactly why you love their friendship. For a special twist, you could create a journal from an old book (perhaps one of their favorites to read) or make it from a small scrapbook.

Gather Mementos You Can Glue Into the Book

While it isn't required, you could also add ticket stubs, notes, or pictures to the journal. The real value of this gift is the reflections written in your own hand, but adding a few visuals can help personalize it. Your friend is sure to appreciate the time and effort that went into this gift, as well as the memories it brings up each and every time the book is read. As you can see, the point is to create a gift unlike any your friend has ever received.