What to say in a voice keepsake

Remember when

Put a familiar recording between your hello and the reason you chose it.

1. Hello. Record a hello and name the day you remember.
2. The memory. Upload the voicemail or video from that memory.
3. Why it matters. Record why that little moment matters to you.

An example to make your own

Hello: Hey Nicole, remember that time we missed the train and spent the whole afternoon by the sea? I found the voicemail you left while you were looking for me. I thought you might like to hear it again.

The memory: Where did you go? I have two ice creams and about thirty seconds before this becomes a disaster. Meet me by the blue bench!

Why it matters: That is my favorite part of that day. We had no plan, we laughed at everything, and I was so glad I was there with you.

A birthday from far away

Send the sound of being together when you cannot be in the same room.

1. Hello. Record a birthday hello from where you are.
2. The memory. Upload a birthday recording, or record a shared memory.
3. Why it matters. Record your wish for the year ahead.

An example to make your own

Hello: Happy birthday, Jo. I wish I could be at your kitchen table this morning, stealing the corner of your cake. Since I cannot, here is a little bit of last year to get the day started.

The memory: Make a wish! No, you cannot wish for a bigger slice before we have even cut it. All right, on three: one, two, three!

Why it matters: I hope this year gives you a few surprises you did not see coming and plenty of ordinary good days. Save me a slice. I love you.

Grandchildren to a grandparent

Let the children say the small, specific things they love about being with you.

1. Hello. Record the children saying hello, one at a time.
2. The memory. Upload a family recording, or record a favorite thing you do together.
3. Why it matters. Record what they are looking forward to doing next.

An example to make your own

Hello: Hi Grandma, it is us. We wanted to make you something you could listen to, so we each picked a thing we like doing at your house. I am going first because I remembered the best one.

The memory: I like making pancakes with you because you let me do the flipping. I like looking for the little frog in your garden. I think he knows when we are coming.

Why it matters: Next time we visit, can we make the tiny pancakes again? We will bring our drawings and tell you about school. We love you, Grandma.

More voice-message ideas for grandparents

A wedding toast

Introduce a favorite part of the toast and add a message you did not say on the day.

1. Hello. Record a hello to the couple and introduce the speaker.
2. The memory. Upload the toast, trimmed to the part you want to keep.
3. Why it matters. Record a short wish for the two of them.

An example to make your own

Hello: Maya and Sam, I have listened to this bit of your wedding speeches three times this week. Your brother said it better than I could, so I wanted you to have his words with a little hello from me.

The memory: The first thing I noticed about you two was how much you laugh while doing completely boring things. If you can make putting the bins out feel like an adventure, I think you are onto something.

Why it matters: Here is to more kitchen dancing, badly timed jokes, and finding your way together. I am so happy for you both.

A thank-you

Name what someone did and the difference it made to you.

1. Hello. Record who you are thanking and what they did.
2. The memory. Upload a recording from that time, or record one specific memory.
3. Why it matters. Record what their kindness meant to you.

An example to make your own

Hello: Hi Alex. I have been trying to find the right way to say thank you for helping me move. It was more than the boxes, although there were far too many of those. It was having someone there who made the whole day feel manageable.

The memory: I keep thinking about us eating chips on the floor because neither of us could find a plate. That was the first moment the new place felt like home.

Why it matters: You showed up when I was overwhelmed and made me laugh. That meant a lot. Dinner is on me next time.

An anniversary

Bring an early moment into the present, with a little of what you would say now.

1. Hello. Record a hello and introduce an early memory.
2. The memory. Upload a recording from that time, or tell the story in your own voice.
3. Why it matters. Record something you appreciate about your life together now.

An example to make your own

Hello: Happy anniversary, love. I found this little video from our first flat. Listen past the kettle and you can hear us arguing about where the sofa should go. I had forgotten how tiny that room was.

The memory: If we put it there, we cannot open the cupboard. What if we turn it round? No, the other way. Wait, I think the cat has already decided.

Why it matters: We have moved a few things since then. I still love making a home with you, even when we cannot agree on the furniture. I am glad it is us.

Keeping someone’s voice

Give a recording a little context, with a short introduction or a longer story, as feels right.

1. Hello. Record who is speaking and where this recording came from.
2. The memory. Upload their voicemail, voice memo, or a video with their voice.
3. Why it matters. Record what you notice or love about hearing them.

An example to make your own

Hello: This is Dad, leaving me a message on a Tuesday afternoon. There was nothing special happening. He had been to the shops and wanted to know whether I needed anything. I like that you can hear the car indicator in the background.

The memory: Hello, it is only me. I am passing yours in a minute. Do you need some milk? Give me a ring when you get this. No rush.

Why it matters: It is such an ordinary message. That little pause before he says goodbye is the bit I love. I wanted to add a little context so you would know the story.