The Grandpa, Tell Me Your Story book by Jeffrey Mason is a popular gift for a reason—we all want to capture those precious family histories before they're gone. But a fill-in-the-blank journal isn't the right fit for every grandpa. Maybe he's more of a talker than a writer, finds a big empty book intimidating, or simply doesn't know where to start. If you're looking for a grandpa tell me your story alternative, the goal is to find a way to connect that feels natural and enjoyable for him—not like a homework assignment.
Book cover reference:
What you'll learn:
- How the top 4 alternatives compare at a glance
- In-depth reviews of audio, video, and email-based services
- How to choose the perfect option based on your grandpa's personality
- A simple DIY guide to creating your own memory journal for free
Top 'Grandpa, Tell Me Your Story' Alternatives Compared
Sometimes you just need to see the options side-by-side. This table breaks down the best alternatives based on what matters most: how easy it is for him and the kind of keepsake you get in the end.
| Option | Format | Ease of Use (for Grandpa) | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abrevity | 🎙️ Audio Interviews + Book | Very Easy | $$ | The natural storyteller who prefers talking over writing. |
| Storyworth | 📧 Email Prompts + Book | Easy | $ | The grandpa who is comfortable with email and enjoys writing. |
| Remento | 📹 Video Prompts + App | Moderate | $ | The tech-savvy grandpa who wants to create shareable video clips. |
| DIY Journal Jar | ✍️ Pen & Paper / Voice Memo | Easy | Free | The budget-conscious family that wants a hands-on project. |
In-Depth Reviews of the Best Memory-Keeping Gifts
Here’s a closer look at what makes each of these memory-keeping gifts special.
Abrevity: Best for Audio Storytelling
Abrevity takes a different approach by focusing on what grandparents do best: telling stories out loud. Instead of a book of prompts, you record the conversations yourself, with Abrevity providing preparation, structure, and follow-up questions. These recorded conversations are then professionally edited and can be transformed into a beautifully written book. Audio is preserved, and when video is captured it can be viewed alongside the finished book. If you already have a filled-in "Grandpa, Tell Me Your Story" book, it can be used as input so the interviews build on what you already know and add depth.
- Pros: Captures his actual voice and personality. No writing or tech skills required for him. You get guidance on how to ask follow-up questions to get the best stories.
- Cons: It’s a premium service, so the investment is higher than a simple journal (you can view our packages here). Requires scheduling interview times.
- Who it's for: This is the perfect gift for the grandpa who has a million stories but would never sit down to write them. It removes the pressure and makes the experience feel like a conversation with a friend.
Storyworth: Best for Email-Based Writing
Storyworth has become a popular choice, offering a great grandpa tell me your story book alternative by bridging the gap between a blank journal and a full-service interview. Each week, your grandpa receives an email with a thoughtful question. He simply replies to the email with his story. At the end of a year, all his answers are collected and printed in a handsome hardcover book.
- Pros: Low-pressure, one-question-a-week format. The final book is a high-quality keepsake. Family members can be added to receive the stories each week.
- Cons: Requires your grandpa to be comfortable using email and typing. The quality of the final book depends entirely on his writing.
- Who it's for: A great fit for the grandpa who enjoys writing or journaling but could use a little structure and motivation. For a deeper dive, you can read our full Storyworth review.
Remento: Best for Video Memories
If you want to capture not just his stories but his smile, his laugh, and the way his eyes light up when he talks about the past, Remento is an excellent option. It's an app that provides prompts your grandpa can record answers to on his smartphone or tablet. The result is a collection of short, shareable video clips that create a living portrait.
- Pros: Captures visual emotion and personality. Videos are easy to share with family near and far. More affordable than full-service options.
- Cons: Requires a smartphone or tablet and a certain level of comfort with technology. May not result in a single, cohesive "life story" like a book.
- Who it's for: The tech-savvy grandpa who's already on FaceTime with the grandkids and enjoys creating and sharing digital content.
The DIY Journal Jar: Best Budget-Friendly Option
Want a more personal option that costs next to nothing? The DIY approach is meaningful and effective. Simply write down questions on small slips of paper, fold them up, and put them in a jar. The next time you visit, you can pull one out and start a conversation. If you can't be there in person, record audio or use a call as a fallback.
- Pros: Completely free and highly personal. Can be a fun activity for the whole family during gatherings. You control the questions and the pace.
- Cons: Requires you to do all the work of recording, transcribing, and compiling the stories into a final format.
- Who it's for: Anyone on a budget or who wants a hands-on project. It turns the act of gathering stories into a shared activity.
How to Choose the Right Option for Your Grandpa
Still not sure? The best choice depends less on the product and more on the person. Think honestly about your grandpa's personality.
For the Grandpa Who Loves to Talk
If he's a classic storyteller who can hold a room's attention but clams up at the sight of a blank page, Abrevity is the clear winner. It lets him do what he does best—talk. The audio format preserves the unique way he tells a story, which is a treasure in itself. Remento is also a good choice if he's comfortable on camera.
For the Grandpa Who Prefers to Write
If your grandpa is a thoughtful writer, enjoys sending long emails, or has kept a journal before, Storyworth will be right up his alley. The weekly prompts provide gentle structure without being overwhelming, and the reward of a finished book is a powerful motivator.
For the Tech-Savvy (or Tech-Averse) Grandpa
Be realistic about his comfort with technology. For a grandpa who loves his iPad, Remento can be a fun and engaging project. For one who still uses a flip phone, a tech-heavy gift will likely go unused. In that case, Abrevity (where you handle the recording and the storyteller just talks) or the completely offline DIY Journal Jar are much safer bets.
You can find even more ideas in our guide to more unique gifts for grandpa.
The DIY Alternative: Create Your Own Memory Journal
You don't need a fancy service to start preserving your family's legacy. You can begin today with just a bit of thought and the phone in your pocket.
Step 1: Gather Your Questions
Start with a mix of big and small questions. Go beyond "Where were you born?" to things that reveal personality and emotion. A few ideas to get you started:
- What's the best prank you ever pulled as a kid?
- What was your first car, and what do you remember about it?
- What's a piece of advice you received that you've never forgotten?
For more inspiration, check out our list of thought-provoking questions to ask.
Step 2: Choose Your Recording Method
The goal is to make this easy. Don't fuss with complicated equipment.
- Audio: Use the Voice Memos app on your smartphone. The quality is excellent, and it's easy to share or save the file.
- Pen and Paper: If you're a fast note-taker, a simple notebook works perfectly. You can always type up your notes later.
- Video: If you're together in person, you can prop up your phone and hit record.
Step 3: Schedule a Time to Chat
Frame this as quality time, not an interview. If you can, sit together and record the conversation on video with your phone. If not, record audio or call him and say, "Grandpa, I was thinking about you and would love to hear a story about [topic]." Make it a regular, relaxed ritual—maybe a 20-minute catch-up every Sunday. The consistency is more important than the length of each conversation.