Have you started your grandma journal? I hate to admit it, but the thought of creating one didn’t even occur to me until recently, as I haven’t done any journaling since I had my childhood diary! Now that I have one, however, I look forward to writing notes, thoughts, and a little bit about myself, so I can one day give it to my grandkids. There are many ways to keep a journal, and I hope the following words inspire you to create one, too!
What is a grandma journal?
A grandma journal is a keepsake journal that grandmothers write in to one day pass it down to their grandchildren. It can contain notes and letters, stories about grandma, or prompts that inspire you to write about several topics (much more on that below!). Whether you journal every day or once in a while, a grandma journal is a beautiful way to connect with your grandchild(ren) on a different level.
How to make your own grandma journal
Your grandma journal can be a spiral notebook or a customized leatherbound book – you decide! Once you have the book itself, it is time to start writing. Begin by telling a little about yourself and your hopes for this journal. Share stories from your childhood, document adventures with your grandchild, and/or give advice. The great thing about creating your journal is that it’s a clean slate where you can write about and share anything that is on your heart.
The best pre-made grandma journals
Do you like having beautiful pre-made pages with pre-written prompts ready to fill in? Fortunately, there are many of these journals to choose from, many of which are available with Amazon Prime delivery:
Note: the following links are affiliate links, so DevotedGrandma earns a small commission if you purchase through them.
- Grandmother’s Journal: Memories and Keepsakes for My Grandchild by Blue Streak
- Memories for my Grandchild: A Keepsake to Remember by Peter Pauper Press
- Grandma Tell Me Your Story: A Guided Journal for Grandma and Memory Keepsake Book by Lise Collin
- Grandma’s Journal: A Guided Journal to Share Grandmother’s Life Story, Memories, and Love with a Grandchild by Barbora Centik
- Love, Grandma and Me: A Guided Journal for Girls and their Grandmas to Create a Precious Memory Book Together by Kate Clemons
- Memories From Your Grandmother Journal for Grandchild: A Keepsake of the Past by Lodi Publishing
- Stories from Grandma: A Fill-In Journal and Family Keepsake by Katie H. Sweeney
Prompts for your grandma journal
Would you like some inspiration for what to write in your grandma journal? Here are a few prompts that will help you get the ball (err, pen) rolling:
- Talk about when and where you were born (a la the time period, the town, whether you were born in a hospital or in your home, etc.).
- What was your childhood home like? Who did you live with?
- Who was your best childhood friend? What did you do for fun?
- What’s your earliest memory?
- What were your parents like? Did they work outside the home? If so, what did they do for a living?
- Were you close with your grandparents? What were they like?
- What was your school like? What were your favorite subjects?
- What did you want to be when you grew up? Did you do it?
- How did you meet grandpa? What was he like when you first met?
- When and where did you get married? What are your most special memories from your wedding?
- What were your kids (most importantly, your grandchild’s parents) like when they were little?
- What did/do you like best about being a mom?
- What makes you happiest? What makes you saddest?
- Where is the best vacation you’ve ever taken?
- If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?
- What’s your favorite part of being a grandma?
- What’s your favorite food?
- How did you feel when you first became a grandma?
- What’s one of your favorite memories as a grandma?
- What are some of your favorite hobbies? When did you learn to do them?
- What is your all-time favorite movie? Song? Band?
Other kinds of grandma journals
We have discussed writing in a physical journal, but there are other ways to record memories, like on your computer or tablet! One way is to open a blank page in Microsoft Word and get to typing or look into an online program like Digital Journaling, which keeps everything in one easy-to-access (and share) spot.
Another way to record your memories is by investing in a program like Storyworth, which emails you a daily prompt or question that you respond to. After a year’s worth of questions and answers, you will be mailed a beautiful keepsake book that future generations will treasure.
Do you already keep a grandma journal? If not, will you start? I really cannot recommend it enough, as writing down these memories is a fun walk down memory lane, and I know it is something my grandkids will enjoy for years to come. What are you waiting for? Get to writing!