Retirement Guest Book Ideas
Honor your retiree with a sophisticated retirement tribute and keepsake book commemorating their work with messages from their closest friends, colleagues and family. Part photo album and part memory book, our retirement memory books are easily created by a group as a fun activity as a unique retirement guest book at a retirement party.
Our retirement keepsake book comes with everything needed to create it in a kit.
- Your archival album is made of 32 pages, holds a photograph on the cover, and is post-bound for easy expansion.
- Included are nearly 100 response cards of two sizes for your musings and photo corners for pictures.
Explore the Idea Gallery for more information and ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I use your retirement book as a guest book?
I only have 4 people total to create the book, how can we do this?
I have over 25 people to create the book, how can we do this?
I am creating a group keepsake book apart from an event. Do you have any suggestions?
Why are the prompts and response cards self-adhesive?
My event is next week. Will I be able to get a keepsake book in time?
Can I use my photo in the front cover?
What kind of recycled pages are in the keepsake book?
Why are the pages in the leather book kraft?
I would like the leather book however I would like white pages. Is this possible?
Are these keepsake books handmade?
What kind of photo corners is included?
If I wanted to see the keepsake book in person before I purchase it, where can I find one?
What if I make a mistake while writing on the cards?
Do you find that people are hesitant to share their feelings on the spot?
Why wouldn’t I use a regular album and use tape, glue, paper and photocorners to create one myself?
How can I use your retirement book as a guest book?
This is a great idea! You can make your keepsake book double as a guest book by having each guest complete one or several prompts on the tributette response cards as their "signature." We recommend numbering the prompts on the back prior to the party so that there is an accurate number of responses per prompt. Leave these on a guest table with pictures and other memorabilia. Have the guests complete the response and then sign the response card. It makes a unique and very special guest book where more than signatures are captured!
I only have 4 people total to create the book, how can we do this?
It's quite easy! With 4 (or less than 8) people creating the keepsake book, you have more space for photographs and embellishments, such as ticket stubs.
I have over 25 people to create the book, how can we do this?
This is easy! Determine how many prompts there are total (in most cases this is 96), divide this number by the number of people creating the book to determine how many prompts each person will respond to. Then, have each creator complete that number of prompts. Some people like to pre-assign particular prompts to individuals. This is a good idea when there are various creators. For example, you may want family to respond to the more personal prompts, not the neighbor.
I am creating a group keepsake book apart from an event. Do you have any suggestions?
Our keepsake books were designed to be easy to create from afar. Our tributettes are the perfect size to be shipped in a small envelope to each creator of the book. Mail these with copies of the sample letter included with the keepsake book. You may even want to include a return envelope. Give the creators time to return them to you, but it is recommended that you provide them with a deadline.
I would like to have a keepsake book made just for my situation which does not fall under your current offerings. How can I go about having one made?
Just give us a call or email us! We have made custom keepsake books for quite a few people. It is quick and easy and you should have your book in less than 2 weeks.
Why are the prompts and response cards self-adhesive?
The prompts and response cards are self-adhesive for easy assembly. No need for glue or tape. Just remove the liner and apply them to the pages. Note: some keepsake books have guided pages (with prompts printed on them) and do not come with self-adhesive prompts.
My event is next week. Will I be able to get a keepsake book in time?
We can expedite ship your order. You can locate the shipping cost under the policy section of our website.
Can I use my photo in the front cover?
Yes, the window box of our keepsake books is for your photograph, image, art or handwritten note. The inside of the front cover has a slit where you can slide your picture.
All of our keepsake books and keepsake journals are bound by screw post. What this means to you is flexibility. Pages can be added and removed at your leisure. Yet the binding is concealed. Both of the covers have a narrow flap punched with holes and creased so they are folded under when the covers are closed. A post and screw is inserted through each hole in both covers and matching holes punched in the album pages. When the screws are tightened and the covers are closed, the post heads are concealed. Pages can be added or removed from albums bound in this manner. The number of pages that can be included depends on the length of the available screw posts.
What kind of recycled pages are in the keepsake book?
The smooth and archival pages in the wedding guest book are 30% post consumer. Our book boards also contain recycled content. Our need to use recycled content does not affect the quality or timelessness of our products. All of our products, from the tape used in adhesion to the glue binding the cloth/leather on the board is acid-free and archival.
Why are the pages in the leather book kraft?
The beauty of the leather is highlighted by the kraft color. It is sophisticated and chic. The kraft color also gives the pages a rustic feel which compliments the leather nicely.
I would like the leather book however I would like white pages. Is this possible?
Absolutely. Please contact us prior to placing the order online because it is a custom order. The cost for this custom order will remain the same.
Bonded leather is a material composed of leather fibers constructed into a fibrous mat to create an often identical look and feel to that of genuine leather. Bonded leather is often indiscernible from genuine leather. Blue Sky Papers’ bonded leather is premium bonded leather and it has a beautiful natural appearance with a light shine. It does not scratch easily like genuine leather and should maintain its quality appearance for generations.
There is no set standard for what quantifies “archival quality,” however the main characteristic of something archival quality is that it is acid-free. Acid in papers cause discoloration and aging overtime. Blue Sky Papers keepsake books are made with acid-free pages.
Are these keepsake books handmade?
Yes, Blue Sky Papers keepsake books and keepsake journals are handmade. And they are handmade in the USA.
Prompts, or writing prompts, are phrases that inspire thoughts and emotions on a particular subject so to “prompt” you to write. Our inspirational prompts are one of Blue Sky Paper’s most unique features. The inspirational prompts make it easy to weave your personal story through your keepsake journal.
What kind of photo corner is included?
Our keepsake books come with clear, acid-free photo corners. These are self-adhesive – no licking to get them sticking!
If I wanted to see the keepsake book in person before I purchase it, where can I find one?
Our keepsake books and keepsake journals are carried in a number of retail stores, both national and local – RedEnvelope, Paper Thread (an American Greetings Store) and OnPaper to name a few. We do not have a current list of retailers but we would be happy to direct you to a store close to you. Please call 866-708-7750 or emailservice@blueskypapers.com and we will be happy to help!
What if I make a mistake while writing on the cards?
We provide ample response cards (aka tributettes) with each keepsake book. If you were to want more, you can order more tributettes. While this handmade book is appreciated for its human element, it is a good idea to write the responses on a separate sheet of paper before writing on your tributette response card.
What kind of pens work best?
We find that roller ball, gel and felt-tip pens work best on our tributettes response cards. The ink dries quickly and looks more sophisticated. We also find that ball point pens may smudge if touched quickly after writing.
Do you find that people are hesitant to share their feelings on the spot?
Oh no! It's WAY easier for people to express themselves in writing. Once they understand what a special gift it is for the recipient, everyone wants to participate. It's the one thing all the guests have in common – honoring the recipient!
I want one of the keepsake books that are intended to be created by group; however, I would like to create it by myself. Any suggestions?
We’ve had a number of customers do just that! They responded to the prompts but they included more photographs and embellishments. Note – Blue Sky Paper’s Book of Love and our Legacy Book are created by one person.
I really like the concept of your keepsake books. I would like to make my own version as a DIY project. Any recommendations?
Besides creating a keepsake book yourself using our kit, you can create your own using our concept with your own supplies if you like. You can use an album or journal and have your creators answer your prompts on pieces of paper. Stationery stores often carry nice cards that you can purchase. Use double-sided tape or glue on the back to apply them to the pages. If you run dry on prompt ideas, you can download a list of Blue Sky Papers prompts.
Why wouldn’t I use a regular album and use tape, glue, paper and photocorners to create one myself?
You just answered part of the question yourself - tape, glue, photo corners - all of which take time and money. Plus, you will have extra supplies which just take up space. Blue Sky Paper’s Keepsake Books contain all that you need (and nothing more) to create your one-of-a-kind gift. We make it easy for you!
I want one of your guest books but I am not going to use it for a wedding or as a memoir book. Does this matter?
Our guest books are the same, they are simply marketed separately. You can use Blue Sky Papers’ guest books for any occasion!
See step-by-step guides here.
