Back in My Day – Dad Story Memory Book – Overview & Review

Back in My Day — Dad Story Memory Book Review: Worth it?

Families lose stories every generation. If you’ve ever wished there was an easy, beautiful way to prompt Dad (or any loved one) to share memories, life lessons, and photos — this linen-bound memory book promises to be that solution. In this review I’ll cover materials and build quality, real-world use, how it stacks up to alternatives, who should buy it, and whether it’s worth your money.

Quick product snapshot

• Product: Back in My Day – Dad Story Memory Book
• Brand: Stuff About Us
• Format: Hardcover, linen cover with gold foil stamping
• Pages & prompts: 108 thick pages, 250+ answers & activities, themed pages, jokes & quotes
• Photo capacity: Space for 26 (4×6″) photos or 13 (8×10″) photos (or a mix)
• Extras: Family trees (traditional & blended), storage envelope for clippings/certificates/letters
• Colors & material: Blue or Black (Linen)
• Price: CAD 65 (listed)

Material & Quality

• Cover: Linen hardcover with gold foil — gives a refined, display-worthy look that feels premium on a shelf.
• Pages: Advertised as “thick quality pages” — in-hand they resist bleed-through and handle pasted photos and glue mounts well.
• Binding: Sturdy hardcover binding that keeps the book upright for display; built to last for generations per the brand.
• Photo inserts & envelope: Generous photo capacity and a dedicated storage envelope make it practical for preserving mixed media (photos, newspaper clippings, letters).

Real-world experience — Pros & Cons

Pros

• Tactile appeal: Linen cover + gold foil feels like a premium keepsake — ideal if you want something to sit on the coffee table or shelf.
• Conversation starters: 250+ prompts and themed pages make it easy to coax stories out of reluctant narrators without awkward silence.
• Photo-friendly: Plenty of room for common photo sizes (4×6 and 8×10), making it simple to populate with physical pictures.
• Durability: Thick pages and hardcover construction mean it can be handled repeatedly without falling apart.
• Extras keep engagement: Jokes, quotes, and life hacks sprinkled through the book help maintain interest while you work through prompts.

Cons

• Price point: CAD 65 is not cheap for a single keepsake book — comparable alternatives can be cheaper or subscription-based with digital options.
• No built-in personalization service: The book is non-custom (you fill it in) — if you were hoping for printed custom pages or pre-filled content, this isn’t that product.
• Bulky for travel: Hardcover and heavier paper make it less convenient to bring to long visits unless you plan ahead.
• No digital backup: There’s no companion app or included scanning service — you’ll need to scan pages yourself to create a digital archive.
• Limited space if prolific: 108 pages is generous, but families with a lot of photos/stories might run out of room over time.

“It's been designed to last for generations… The real magic happens when you complete or read the book with your family.”

How it feels to use

Filling this book is an activity as much as it is a craft project. The prompts are approachable — not overly sentimental or clinical — which helps older adults open up without feeling put on the spot. The paper handles pens and adhesive well; photos lay flat and the envelope is a welcome touch for loose items. Expect the session to become a two-way conversation: you’ll record but also learn and laugh while you go.

Quick comparison: Competitors

StoryWorth (digital service)

• Strengths: Weekly emailed questions, transcription and printed book option at the end of the year, great for busy families who prefer digital-first interaction.
• Compared to Stuff About Us: StoryWorth is more convenient for remote families and provides digital backups, but it lacks the tactile, display-ready linen album you get here.

Artifact Uprising / Premium Photo Books

• Strengths: Highly customizable layouts, full-bleed photo pages, premium printing options.
• Compared to Stuff About Us: Artifact Uprising focuses on photo-first design rather than prompted storytelling. If your goal is curated photo books, competitors may offer more design control; for guided life-story recording, Back in My Day leads.

Who is this best for?

• Adult children or spouses who want a meaningful, display-worthy gift for Dad.
• Families that prefer physical keepsakes over digital archives.
• Caregivers or family historians who want structured prompts to capture memories and family trees.
• Anyone planning a Father’s Day, birthday, or milestone gift that’s more personal than a store-bought gadget.

Final verdict — Worth it?

If your goal is to create a physical heirloom that prompts real conversations and looks beautiful on a shelf, yes — this book is worth it. It’s not the cheapest option, and it won’t replace a digital storytelling service if you need remote-first convenience or automatic backups. But for a hands-on, display-worthy keepsake that encourages family storytelling, Stuff About Us’ Back in My Day book delivers.

Want one with a special offer?

If you’re buying through my store, there’s an exclusive deal: use code MEMORY10 at checkout for 10% off your purchase. It’s a small way to make this kind of investment feel a little easier — and a thoughtful gift becomes a little more affordable.

Where to place it in your routine

• Plan a 30–60 minute session at a relaxed time (weekend afternoon, dinner table) and bring printed photos and a pen.
• Use the prompts as conversation starters — record verbatim answers to preserve voice and tone.
• Scan or photograph completed pages if you want a digital backup for sharing with family members.

Overall: A tactile, well-made memory book that prioritizes storytelling and display. Great as a keepsake gift and as a practical way to make sure Dad’s stories don’t get lost.