The Gift of Their Story: A Meaningful Present for Mum, Dad or Your Grandparents

What do you buy the parent who says they don't need anything? Another candle, a book they won't read, or a voucher that sits in a drawer? This year, there's something better.

A recorded life story is a gift for them and for the whole family. It gives your mum, dad or grandparent the chance to tell their story, in their own words and their own voice. And it gives you something to keep long after every other present is forgotten.

Why it makes such a good gift

• It's personal. No two stories are the same, so no two gifts are the same.
• It's an experience, not an object. Most people enjoy being asked about their lives. It tells them someone wants to hear their story.
• It lasts. Their recordings can be passed down to grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
• It suits people who have everything. Nobody already owns their own life story.

Who it's perfect for

• Parents and grandparents at Christmas, birthdays, Mother's Day or Father's Day
• A milestone birthday, like a 70th, 80th or 90th
• Grandparents living overseas, or in another part of New Zealand
• A family member who has just retired and has time to reflect
• Anyone whose stories you'd give anything to hear again

How the gift works

1. Buy a StoryWave gift voucher, or set it up yourself.
2. Your loved one receives an invitation by email.
3. They answer 30 thoughtfully crafted questions, one at a time, recording from any phone, tablet or computer at their own pace.
4. Their answers are compiled into a keepsake recording that the family can download and keep forever.

There are no books to fill in and no writing required. If they can talk, they can do this, and they can re-record any answer they're not happy with.

Giving it for Christmas

StoryWave is a digital gift, so there's no shipping to worry about and it's never too late to order. Many families print the gift voucher and tuck it into a card with a note, such as "I'd love to hear your story." Others set it up and invite the whole family to listen together on Boxing Day.

What it costs

A StoryWave is a one-off $49 NZD, with no subscription. That includes 30 questions, up to 60 minutes of recording time, professional audio compilation and downloadable recordings.

Made in New Zealand

StoryWave was created in Christchurch by three friends who realised that the thing families miss most is a loved one's voice. One of us still treasures a Dictaphone recording made with our grandfather more than twenty years ago. We built StoryWave so more families can have the same.