How to Read a Child a Story When You're Not There: a treasured gift idea

You have never seen a gift idea like this before, and I'm so excited to share it!  I have done this "audiobook for kids"-type of recording, but a friend came up with this absolutely genius QR code idea that takes it to the next level.

And makes an incredible gift. 

If you have a child in your life, you are going to love this amazing gift idea!

It's ideal for grandparents with faraway grandkids, but it's also ideal if they live in the same town.  And there are other possibilities, too, like a church class, someone you work with, or even a neighbor child. 

NOTE:  I am a Forever affiliate called an Ambassador (a decision I made because I love it so much), so you will find affiliate links in this post. I earn a commission from anything purchased at my website, and being your Ambassador means I'm here to help you with questions, too.  If you're new to Forever and open your free account here to give it a try, you'll get a $20 welcome coupon.  Although everything mentioned in this post is free, you can secure all your digital memories for your lifetime + 100 years with a purchase of additional FOREVER Cloud Storage.

What You'll Do

I'll give you some step-by-step directions on the best way to do this below, but here in a nutshell is this wonderful gift idea for kids:

• Choose a book you want to gift to a child (or multiple children).  I'm a Dr. Seuss lover, but there are so many wonderful books out there for kids.  Choose a fairy tale, an early reader, or one special to your family.  
• Using your smartphone, record yourself reading the story as an audio file (not video).  Read in a clear voice with good pacing (not too fast, not too slow).  It's extra fun if you have a bell you can ring when it's time for the child to turn the page, but it's not necessary.
• Upload the voice recording file to your (free) FOREVER account so that you can create a QR code (again, free) that goes directly to your storybook recording.  The reader can scan your QR code and listen to you read them a story!
• You'll print the QR code on sticker paper, cut out the code, and place the sticker in the front cover of the book.
• Wrap the book and include a note about where the QR code is located, telling your recipient to scan it to hear you reading the story to them!  (Or, tell them there's a fun surprise at the QR code.  Your call!)

Again, I'm giving specific instructions below, so if any of these steps made you say, "Cool, but I don't know how to do that," don't worry.  I've gotcha.

Scan the QR code here to hear my mom
reading the story!  She passed on in 2015, but
her grandkids (and now great-grands) can still 
hear her read to them.

How You'll Do It

Here are the specifics to make this incredible idea both possible and easy for you.  Your little recipients are about to receive an absolute treasure.  You're literally making an heirloom.

STEP 1

Choose a children's book, and choose your recipient(s).  This would make a fun gift for one special child, your church class, or all the grandchildren.  Purchase the book, or multiple copies of the book.  Or, use an heirloom book if you have one to share!

STEP 2

Next, you'll read the book aloud.  Read in a clear voice with good pacing that's understandable.  Using your phone, record yourself reading the story.  If you haven't made an audio recording on your phone before, here are the instructions for iPhone and the instructions for Android. 

If you want to practice it first before recording, that's fine, but I'll caution you to not think about perfection.  If a kiddo were sitting on your lap reading this book right now, you might trip over a word, and it will 100% not matter at all.  Just be human.  😉

Note:  After recording your story, it will automatically be named "New Recording," but you will probably want to change it to the name of the story.  (This is especially important if you are making more than one storybook recording.)  To change the name, tap on the completed recording.  You'll see 3 dots at the right.  Tap those dots and there will be an option to rename your recording.

STEP 3

Next, you'll need to put that audio recording into a secure, private, but shareable space.  This particular space will also allow you to make a QR code linking directly to the audio recording.  

To do this, set up a free, private FOREVER account here.  That's our safe, shareable space.  While there is a FOREVER app (also free) for your phone to simplify the process of uploading photos and videos, it's limited to just those things.  So, for audio files like your recorded stories, you'll need to record using your phone and then utilize email to get those files to your computer.

Here's what that looks like on an iPhone.  Once you have recorded your story, tap the "Select" button at the upper right (which I've circled in purple).

Then, tap the circles at the left (which I've circled in red) to place a checkmark on all the stories you want to preserve and share.  

Last, tap the "Upload" button (a square with an arrow coming out of it, which I have highlighted in yellow).  You'll be given options to email the selected file(s) to yourself.  Follow the process and send the email.

STEP 4

Now it gets exciting because you're ready to get that storybook recording privately shareable so your recipient can easily access it.  FOREVER is designed as a permanent home for photos, etc., so there's a host of organizational tools available.  However, for your storybook purposes, you don't have to set up an organizational system (Albums, mentioned below) unless you want to.  

Just follow these simple steps.

Congratulations!  You're almost ready to share your storybook!

STEP 5

Now that you've completed Step 4, you can listen to your storybook reading, which is so cool.  But here's where it gets even cooler.  Next, you'll create a QR code for this recording.  This is what's going to make your storybook reading accessible from anywhere.

QR code stands for "quick response code."  It's basically a readable barcode that will take you directly to a website or other online location when scanned.  You can get a QR code reader app on your phone, but newer smartphones have the capability to read QR codes right from the camera app and take you to the online location from there.

My digital business card has a QR code.

Here's how you create the QR code for your audio file you've saved in your private FOREVER Cloud Storage.

First, you'll need to get to a computer or tablet and login to your FOREVER account.  There's a lot you can do with just the app, but you get "full service" on your audio file (and photos and videos) from the website.  So, login.  Click "Gallery" at the left, then double-click your audio file so it opens.  It will look something like this: 

Now, click the "share" icon at the upper right, which I've highlighted in yellow (above).

That "description" section over at the right is editable, so I definitely suggest including details (the name of the book and who's reading it) and even a personal message.

Next, you'll see several options for sharing this audio file.  You'll want to select "QR code," which I've highlighted in yellow (below).

After clicking "QR code," this is what you'll see:

FOREVER has generated a QR code for your audio file!  See?!  How cool is that?!  You'll need to click the little "click to download" underneath it, which I've highlighted in yellow (above).  

The QR code downloads as an image, just like a picture.  So you'll save it to your computer.  Just be sure you save it in a place where you can find it again.  😁

STEP 6

Now you'll need a computer program such as Word (I use Publisher) where you can create a document so you can print the QR code onto sticker paper to put inside the book.  This is what's going to make your accessible-from-anywhere storybook reading conveniently located right in the book!

Create the document and insert the QR code image file you just saved to your computer, with the QR code being no smaller than 1 inch so that it's easily scannable.

I highly recommend not only the QR code in the book but also a note or description about what the QR code leads to.  In the future, people may not know that it's you reading the story (because QR codes are on everything these days).  This could be part of the sticker (as I did above), or just a handwritten note in the book.

OPTIONAL:  You can see in the photo above that I have the name of the book and a "read by so-and-so" note on a cute, designed image.  With FOREVER, you can organize and preserve video, audio, photo, and PDF files into Albums (like folders on a computer) and Nested Albums (like subfolders)--and they have this awesome capability of creating an Album Cover (the thumbnail image you first see)!  So I did that for all the stories in my family story collection.  (If you'd like to do that, you can see how it works here.)  Then I downloaded those Album Cover thumbnails to include them on my stickers.  Reach out to me if you have questions on how to do this.

Now, print your document where you've put the QR code(s) on sticker paper.  I typically use Avery full-sheet sticker paper.

STEP 7

You're almost done!  And this step is easy.  Just cut out the QR code with description/message, peel off the back, and stick it in the front of the book!

Gifting Your Storybook

Be sure you include a card with a message that points out the QR code.  It may be easy to overlook if the recipients don't know it's there.  

You can certainly giftwrap it to your liking, but since this is such a special gift (an heirloom, really!), you might want to get some ideas for really special, beautiful wrapping from Stephanie over at Crazy Little Lovebirds!

Share this idea with a parent, favorite aunt/uncle, or grandparent you know!  Make connections with a little one through story, even when you're not there! 

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My Process for Preserving Photos - 5 duplicatable steps

I have a specific process for keeping my photos (and videos) organized, easy to find, and preserved in each of the 3 ways photo experts recommend.  All without breaking the bank or losing my mind.

The whole process is really fun, but it also gives me such peace of mind!  I worry much less about fire, water leaks, natural disasters, etc.  

Everyone’s preferences are a little different, so not everything I do is automatically the way everyone would love doing it, but there is a lot to be said for learning a proven process and then using it yourself. 

So I have decided to share my own process for preserving my photos and videos using FOREVER since it’s permanent, private, and the best quality I’ve ever seen in 20+ years as a memory-keeping guide.

The step-by-step pieces of my process are here, but I also made a video where I show you (around minute 15) the nuts and bolts of what my process looks like. I take a selfie and walk that photo all the way through the process in 11 minutes!

If you feel like your photos are getting the best of you and you can't quite keep up, the document above and the video below can help! I include the two blocks of time I use (one daily, one weekly) and their purposes so that I am always on top of my photos. Maybe they'll work for you, too!

Whether you do exactly what I do or just take a few nuggets with you, I hope it makes a huge difference in your photo preservation. Because this is what's waiting:

What was your biggest takeaway from seeing my process?  I'd love to know in the comments.

NOTE:  I am a Forever affiliate called an Ambassador (a decision I made because I love it so much), so you will find affiliate links in this post. I earn a commission from anything purchased at my website, and being your Ambassador means I'm here to help you with questions, too. 

Photos should always be accessible to the people who love them, so please share this post with a photo-lover you know.

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Ditching Monthly Cloud Payments

 I'm so excited for this summer for several reasons, but a big one is what I'm calling

THE "SUMMER OF 69"

As I've talked to people the last several years about preserving photos and videos permanently, I've been struck at how common it is to be surprised about several aspects of the "usual" way of doing things.

Many people don't know this, but there's a way to stop paying monthly fees for the rest of your life to back up your photos and videos (to places that reserve rights to close your account at any time).

And even a way to stop buying a more expensive phone with bigger storage space all the time.

My goal is to tell 69 people about it this summer! Totally life-changing information (and no sales pitch, I promise). I just want to teach people.

To be a part of the Summer of 69 between Memorial Day and Labor Day 2026, just email me at photoandstorytreasures@gmail.com and we'll set up a Zoom time to chat.

You'll get a lot of important information, but you'll also be entered in a drawing for a $25 gift card. More than once, if you like.

NOTE: The first 69 people will be entered into the drawing, but I'll definitely talk to 70+ people about this life-changing option. That goes for anyone reading this after Labor Day 2026--email me anyway. I'm always happy to get you out of those "monthly payments until you die" plans you are probably doing, even if you miss the gift card drawing for The "Summer of 69."

Being able to truly preserve my photos and videos forever with no monthly subscription payments and the ability to actually delete things from my phone while still accessing them through my phone is the greatest thing I've discovered for my digital memories. Being able to pass them down--guaranteed--to future generations is the icing on the cake.

I can't wait to tell you about it. 😊💕

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Why External Hard Drives Aren't Forever (not even a decade)

It's easy to think the Latest & Greatest form of technology is the answer to everything.  Being able to back up photos on a CD was amazing for a while.  Then DVDs for backing up family videos.  And lately EHDs (external hard drives) are all the rage.  And now SSDs (solid state drives) are vying for attention, too.

Having a secure place to back up photos and videos wouldn't be that important, except that what you're saving is absolutely irreplaceable.  Like this:

That's my daughter, a few days old.  And her big brother kissing her cheek.  I'll never, ever get that moment back.  I never get another chance to capture those faces in that time.

I'll tell you a little more about that sad video (with some hope!) later, but here's why CDs, DVDs, and hard drives aren't forever.  Not even a decade.

Why Hard Drives Don't Last

Most EHDs and SSDs last 3-5 years, simply because the connectors fail.  They just stop working.  They're not really made to withstand repeated use.  (Which is ironic since the purpose of EHDs & SSDs is repeated use.)  But it's not just the connectors.

We can learn a lot from the experience of Iron Mountain.  They were tasked with backing up the entertainment industry's music.  Music, as you know, has gone from records to 8-tracks to cassettes to CDs.  It has been stored on hard drive disks since the 1990s.

About 1/5 of what Iron Mountain recently received on hard drives to archive was entirely unreadable.    

“In our line of work, if we discover an inherent problem with a format, it makes sense to let everybody know,” Robert Koszela, global director for studio growth and strategic initiatives at Iron Mountain, told Mix. “It may sound like a sales pitch, but it’s not; it’s a call for action.”

They found that hard drives are not designed for long-time archival use.

“It’s so sad to see a project come into the studio, a hard drive in a brand-new case with the wrapper and the tags from wherever they bought it still in there,” Koszela says. “Next to it is a case with the safety drive in it. Everything’s in order. And both of them are bricks.”

What we learn here about music applies to anything else stored on a hard drive.

Like our photos.  And our home movies.  And that audio recording of my mom reading her grandkids a story.

What to Do About It

Kevin Purdy suggests that the best solution to this problem is:

The gist of it: You cannot trust any medium, so you copy important things over and over, into fresh storage.

Seriously?!

But what if you don't have the equipment?

Or the time?

Or the knowledge?

Thankfully, there's another option.  I suggest this three-step solution.

1. Use a digitization service.  I suggest the one with the highest customer satisfaction (as independently determined by TrustPilot).  It's phenomenal.  Then pair it with #2 below.
2. Next, put the updated versions of your photos and videos on a flash drive or a computer if you like, but whatever you do, back it up in the cloud.  This is the only private cloud storage service that guarantees your photos and memories will be yours for your lifetime + 100 years, a legacy you can pass down.   Not only that, but they triple back-up everything, keeping your files encrypted, and will update file formats FOR YOU.  (Like, when .jpeg files become outdated in 20 years.)  Another bonus with this particular service is that you'll buy your cloud space, so there are no recurring payments (until you die!) to keep your photos and videos always accessible and safely backed up.
3. Print the photos in pages.  I know print is kind of "going out of style" these days, but print will never be at the mercy of a hard drive crash.  And don't think you have to have a lot of time or "be creative" to put photos and memories in books!  Find a high-quality print option that will last for generations, then spend 10 minutes a day on it.  Really.  It works.  

Don't miss that amazing point:  If you don't have equipment, time, or know-how to "copy important things over and over into fresh storage" as Purdy suggests, FOREVER Storage will literally do it for you.  

If that's not peace of mind, I don't know what is.

A Few Words of Encouragement

SO, WHAT ABOUT THE BABY?

If your heart broke watching my video, I first want to let you know that the video has a happy ending.  Knowing that the magnetic tape in VHS tapes deteriorates, I sent in my home videos to be digitized using FOREVER Digitization a few years ago.  I was brokenhearted to receive that video I shared with you at the beginning.  Most of it was fine, but there were a few parts that were garble-y, including that sweet moment.  I was pretty upset about it for several days before remembering that I have the original Hi-8 tape that might be in better condition.  It had been stored differently, so I sent that in to FOREVER Digitization for digitizing and crossed my fingers.  It was in much better shape, so I now have that video as it was meant to be seen!  

SENDING MY PHOTOS AND HOME MOVIES AWAY?

I know it can be scary.  I've done it four times now, and the first time was indeed a little scary for me, so I know how you feel.  When it came down to it, though, I decided that if I didn't get the VHS tapes digitized, I'd just have to throw them away in 10 years anyway.  Nobody has a VCR any more, and my grandchildren-to-be definitely won't!

If you're at all worried about sending your DVDs or VHS tapes or slides off to be digitized, learn more about FOREVER Digitization so you can see how much care goes into the safety of your precious memories.  There is a lot of hope at that link!

GETTING AHEAD

I heard of someone recently who had saved all their family photos and home movies on an external hard drive, then put it in a safe deposit box for their family to have when they pass on.

The intent is beautiful.  But, practically speaking, that EHD may not even be readable 10 or 20 years from now.  It makes me sad to think about.

But you can get actually get ahead of technology issues by following the 3 steps above, using the links I included.  And that's the best news of all.

It's important to keep in mind that every form of technology has a different purpose and capability.

NOTE:    If you're new to Forever and open your free account here, you'll get a $20 welcome coupon towards anything mentioned in this post.  I am a Forever affiliate called an Ambassador (a decision I made because I love it so much), so you will find affiliate links in this post. I earn a commission from anything purchased at my website, and being your Ambassador means I'm here to help you with questions, too.

So, share this post with anyone you know who is still using an external hard drive to save their photos and videos.  All types of hard drives are not long-term storage devices.  They won't even last through the rest of this decade.  But there's hope because there are other, better options!

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