2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

For the sentimental: sure-to-be-beloved books

Maker of beautiful books Whitney Holley sells more than just pretty products — scrapbooks, journals and albums. She’s peddling the preservation of happy memories.

For many, the 21st century means blogs and digital portfolios, but Holley and her fans long for something more.

“I like the feel of a book. There are things that need to be touched — memories that need to be preserved in three dimensions. There’s something about holding it in your hands, opening a pocket and finding a keepsake, seeing your grandmother’s handwrit- ing on a piece of paper. Handwriting is so personal. It is like hearing a person’s voice,” she says.

That passion infuses each of her creations, which run $10 to $20 or so on her Etsy website page, Modern Day Memory Keeper. The little business started when Mom handed over Holley’s own tattered baby book and asked her to make it look nice. Flipping through those pages handwritten notes about her infant self, locks of hair and other mementos — inspired Holley, who had been creative and nostalgic even as a teen.

She fashioned her own wedding scrapbook, followed by baby albums for her 17-month-old twins. She made memory keepers for friends, and before long, customers were commissioning her work.

For that sentimental person on your list, you can purchase Holley’s prefab creations via etsy.com/shop/moderndaymemkeeper. For a custom made book or a starter kit to make your own, visit Holley’s website/blog moderndaymemorykeeper.com, where she also shares expert tips and trade secrets.