Do you know when Grandparents Day was first introduced in the U.K.?
1990.
30 years ago, even before I was born. However, what amazes and saddens me is that Grandparents Day has never gotten the limelight it deserves like Mother’s and Father’s Day. To be honest, I actually didn’t know that this day even existed until now.
So when Hooray Heroes got in touch and told me about their personalised books celebrating Grandparents, I just had to get on board.
Due to my family’s geographical circumstances, I was not as close to my Grandparents growing up, with one set being at the other end of the country and the other on the other side of the world. Thus, seeing my daughter Aazeen’s relationship develop with my parents has always been so special and filled my heart with warmth.
Finding the perfect gift can become a bit of a rollercoaster ride but I feel a personalised book will always be a hit and a one of a kind gift that is cherished forever.
I chose to dedicate this book to my Mum as she is really close with Aazeen, like a second mum to her.
When I first heard about this book, my first question to myself was whether there would be an option for ‘Nanny’ as that is what Aazeen calls my Mum. Whilst editing, I realised that not only I can have the option of Nanny but if your child uses another name for their Grandparent then you can have that too as you don’t have options to select but a place to write the name yourself.
There is also the option of adding your own touch and personalised message but if you are lost for words you’re able to choose from a various amount of pre written messages that you feel are better suited to you. Instead of writing my own, I chose the following as I felt it really reflected my daughter and mother’s relationship and it helped to give it all the more special touch.
One of the most wonderful aspects of this book is that you can personalise the characters to make them look like who you have chosen to dedicate the book to. You’re able to choose from the colour and style of hair to shape of eyes to even the accessories! I was so pleased to have been able to choose the hairstyle my daughter always has, making the character look exactly like her.
Once you have created the characters you’re able to select up to 10 different stories to add to the book and the order you’d like them. There are a variety of stories to choose from and so you can pick those that reflect you the best. From baking to riding a bike, each story also has a lesson to learn from about everyday life and activities for example;
‘Aazeen, you’ll do great no matter what role you play.’
This advice is very fitting for all ages and I thought was just perfect as Aazeen is about to nursery/school.
When the book arrived, I was so excited to show both my Mum and Aazeen, as soon as I took it out, Aazeen quickly exclaimed, ‘It Nanny and me!’ I was really not expecting that reaction and the fact that she would recognise herself and her Nanny. This just goes to show how much you are able to make the characters look like you.
She then sat down with my Mum and went through each page, first making up stories on her own from the pictures and then sitting down to listen to the stories. What made it really special was that she would refer to her character as herself, in one story her character has her arms folded and looks angry, Aazeen quickly said ‘I’m angry’ or it would be ‘I’m doing this, look at me, I’m doing that!’.
I feel that this book is not only fitting to capture the bond between a grandparent and grandchild but also the moments of the past and that are yet to come. As mentioned above, it is a gift that will be cherished by all.
If you live away from your child’s grandparents, how lovely would it be for them to receive this in the post? This is such a special way of making this Grandparents Day special whether from near or afar.
You can get your own hardback personalised book from www.hoorayheroes.co.uk at a reduced price of £34 in time for Grandparents Day on October 3rd.
Do head on over to my Instagram page @themumaffairs to see Aazeen’s reaction and her reading this book with my Mum.
*Disclaimer: This is a collaboration with Hooray Heroes, I was sent this beautiful book in exchange for my thoughts. All opinions expressed on this post are 100% honest and my own.
What a heart-warming post! I haven’t heard of Grandparents Day but it’s nice to know now. The book is adorable too, I love the idea behind it 🙂
Thank you so much! It makes such a lovely keepsake 🙂
What a beautiful personalised book! This would make such a gorgeous gift – perfect for celebrating Grandparents day!
Great post! I loved my Grandparents.
My kids are blessed with outstanding Grandparents. My parents are so good to them, and spoil them.
~Michelle
https://michellescrazybusylife.net