"What I Love About You from A to Z" Mini-Book Gift (2024)

So, I’m sort of a gift fanatic–we’ve established that fact–andsome of my favorite gifts are the ones that just keep going and going(insert tokenEnergizer bunny reference here).

And going. … For instance:

Why give the gift of one date night when you can plan out12 Months of Dates?

Why give one birthday gift when you can give 30 Gifts to Celebrate 30 Years?

Why share just one thing you love about someone, when you can share 26 things you love about them, from A to Z?

Amiright?

I see those nods out there! So, now that we’re in agreement (smile), I’d love to share howI transformed that last example into a mini-book gift thatI wrapped up and gave to Mark this Christmas.

In fact, this was theonlygift I gave to Mark this year, since we decided to keep it simple with one gift each. No pressure, right?

After a few nights of wracking my brain, I had my ah-ha moment: I would give him a book of affirmations for each letter of the alphabet!

You see, two years ago, I was introduced to the notion of this gift idea by my friend Kelly from Cobwebs, Cupcakes, and Crayons. For her husband’s birthday, she gifted him with a photo book called “Annabelle and Daddy’s Alphabet Book.” She used photos of the two of them over the years, highlighting their shared moments with each letter of the alphabet. Her blog is no longer live on the internet, but you’ll have to take my word on it: it was super creative and oh so adorable.

That gift ideamade a realimpression on me. AndI’m just so excited I could adapt that concept into a mini-book for Mark that is essentially an “attack-hug” of affirmations.

Who knows, maybe this will spark some inspiration for you as you seek to lavish love upon someone in your life this Valentine’s Day or beyond! (Sometimes the best gifts are on ordinary days.)

Dear reader, I’d love to give you a sneak peek at some of the pages inside mymini-book gift. Here ya go:

For& From

I always like to include a “for” and “from” page…just so there’s no confusion! (Tee hee.)

Blank Pages

I also included 2 blank pagesfor a personalized notewithmention of the year and occasion. That keeps things crystal clear for when our brains inevitably get foggy. #sadbuttrue

A to Z!

Then, there’s a page for each letter of the alphabet, from A…

…to Z…

…and in between!

Tips ForMaking Your Own:

Tip #1: Print in High Quality on Cardstock

Be sure to print using your printer’s highest quality photo settings, that way your colors will be more vibrant and the lines more crisp. I also recommend using white cardstock to help the mini-book stand the test of time (with all thosepage flips).

Tip #2: Write a Rough Draft

So, before I filled out my A to Z mini-cards, I actually wrote out the letters A to Z down the side of a piece of paper, and I drafted out the text for each letter. I jumped around as new ideas came to me…I made edits and changes. This set me up for success when writing outmy affirmations on the mini pages themselves for the “final draft.” I didn’t need to reprinteven one page!

Tip #3: Be Specific & Write with Voice

As you write, challenge yourself to be specific in your affirmations; that way, they will hold even more weight with your recipient. Also, don’t hold back from allowing your natural writer’s voice to shine through. This is the perfect opportunity to bepersonal and lighthearted.

Here’s a potential example for the letter “T.” (Or “C” depending on how you think of it.)

“Top Chef:Thank you for making such yummy hot breakfasts on the weekends.”

Now, here’s take 2 with added details and voice.

“Top Chef: You know the way to my heart with your southwestern omelets on Saturday mornings. Mmm good!”

Did you catch thatspecificity? And the more conversationaltone? These slight adjustments can make a world of differenceas your recipient reads through the mini-book for the first time, experiencing their “attack-hug” to the max!

Tip #4: How to Deal with that Pesky Letter “X”

Feel free to“bend” the rules a little bit when it comes to tricky letters…like “X” for example. You might do what I did and choose a word that almoststart with the letter “X.” Such as:

• eXcitable
• eXuberant
• eXpressive
• eXpert
• eXtraordinary
• eXplorer
• eXpedient
• fleXible

UPDATE: Tip #5: How to Deal with that Pesky Letter “Q”

I actually am adding this one in since several have reported struggles with this letter, and it’s true – – it’s not easy. I actually used “Quick” for mine,as in “Quick to forgive and ask for forgiveness.” Here are some other “Q” words to get you started:

• Quick to _______
• Quick witted
• Quirky
• Quiet
• Quite _______
• Questioning (can be a great quality1)
• Quality
• eloQuent
• eQuable (calm; not easily angered)
• inQuisitive
• uniQue

Tip #6: Assembly & Binding

Cut and hole-punch eachmini-card, then carefully place them in order with any additional dedication or personalizedpages where you want them. Then you can *bindthe book together using a binder ring like I did or even some twine or ribbon. I have become so obsessed with mini-books, that I just keep a collection of binder rings in my craft storage at all times. For realz.

Tip #7: Consider Adding Divider Pages

If you want to fatten up your mini-book even more, you can add divider pages in between each of your cardstock pages using pretty scrapbook paper. Or yourdivider pages might include photosofyour recipient or the two of you together.

Bottom line: you are going to make someone’s day, week, month, year with this gift!

Grab the Printable

If you have a loved one who would appreciate a barrage of love in the form of a “What I Love About You From A to Z” mini-book, there are two different ways for you to get your handson this printable.

1. Printable only: you can grab thePDF printable as an instant download for only $0.99. Just click HERE or on the button below to make your purchase.

2. eBook with 11 Printables: this printable is just one of 11 that come with my book,. So, if you’d like a flood of inspiration for more inexpensive yet heartfelt gifts, be sure toclick HERE or on the button below to check out some sample chapters, read some rave reviews, and nab a copy in eBook or paperback form. Join the revolution as we discover the joy of giving!

More Mini-Book Goodness

If you’re like me and just can’t get enough of these mini-books, be sure to checkout my 12 Months of Date Nights Mini-Book Gifts. In fact, there just might be a fab freebie for email subscribers! (Wink wink.)

To Close

So, friends, before I sign off, I just want to give you some food for thought. Whether it’s with a “What I Love About You from A to Z” gift or a surprise note on the kitchen counter,ask yourself:

How can I share specific affirmations to lavish love upon the people in my life?

Let that sink in.

Then, go forth and lavish away! Not only will your loved ones be blessed, but you’llexperience the overwhelmingjoy that comes from leading a life of giving.

*Full Disclosure:This post containsaffiliatelinks, meaning that if you make a purchase after clicking through, The Thinking Closet may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for helping to support this site!

More Inspiration