Why a Family Tree Makes the Best Gift
We've all struggled to find the perfect gift for a birthday or celebration. Sweets, flowers, catalog gifts — they're all appreciated, but memories fade over time.
A family tree, on the other hand, is a one-of-a-kind story of your family's history. It's filled with stories that money can't buy — stories that belong to your family alone.
Here's what people who have given family trees as gifts have told us:
"When I showed it to my grandmother, she started telling stories about my great-grandfather that none of us knew. The whole family was in tears."
"We displayed both families' trees at our wedding, and every guest was captivated."
In an age of material abundance, a gift of family history — a story — resonates deeply with the heart.
How to Give a Family Tree for Every Occasion
Milestone Birthday Celebrations
For parents or grandparents reaching a milestone birthday, a family tree that traces the family's journey is the ultimate present.
Presentation ideas:
- Export the family tree as an A3 PDF and present it in a quality picture frame
- Unveil it as a surprise during a birthday dinner
- Use the Time Machine feature to animate the family's history from the year the guest of honor was born
Preparation tips:
- Research the recipient's family line as far back as possible
- If available, register ancestor photos and family crests in the app for a more impressive look
- Arrange the layout so the guest of honor's name is front and center
Weddings
A wedding is a special day when two families become one. Displaying both families' trees side by side makes for a stunning presentation that captivates every guest.
Presentation ideas:
- Display both families' trees side by side in the welcome area
- Place them near the reception desk for guests to browse freely
- Mention the family trees in the letter to parents, speaking of "the miracle of two family lines coming together"
Preparation tips:
- Create separate family trees for the bride's and groom's sides
- Print on A3 or A4 paper and choose frames that match the wedding's theme colors
- Gather as much information as possible in advance with help from parents and grandparents
Respect for the Aged Day
For grandparents, a family tree that gives physical form to family connections is a priceless treasure. Coming from grandchildren, the emotional impact is even greater.
Presentation ideas:
- Have grandchildren hand-deliver the family tree they helped create
- View the app together on a tablet (iPad), using the Time Machine feature as a prompt to hear stories from the past
- Frame it alongside family photos for display
Father's Day & Mother's Day
Father's Day and Mother's Day gifts can be a yearly struggle. A family tree lets you say "thank you" while presenting your family's history as a story.
Presentation ideas:
- Show your interest in family history: "I looked into our family's roots!"
- Browse the app together and discover family stories you never knew
- Export as PDF and add a heartfelt message card
Steps to Prepare a Family Tree Gift
Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a family tree as a gift.
Step 1: Gather Information
Start by collecting information about the recipient's family.
- Ask relatives: Names, birthdates, and stories about ancestors
- Obtain family registers: In Japan, the Wide-Area Issuance System lets you request registers at your nearest municipal office
- Find old photos and albums: Registering them as profile photos makes the family tree much more vibrant
Step 2: Create the Family Tree in the App
Enter the information you've gathered into the "Anotoki Kakeizu" app.
- Enter names, birthdates, and dates of death
- Set parent-child and spouse relationships
- Add readings, maiden names, occupations, and family crests
- Include profile photos if available
With its intuitive interface, a beautiful family tree is generated automatically.
Step 3: Choose Your Export Format
Select the best format for how you plan to present the gift.
| Purpose | Recommended Format | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Frame and display | A3 | |
| Share via messaging | PNG | — |
| Print and carry | A4 | |
| Save as data | JSON / GEDCOM | — |
Step 4: Plan Your Presentation
How you present the family tree matters just as much as the tree itself.
- Frame it: A wood-grain or antique-style frame complements the family tree beautifully
- Add a message card: A heartfelt note like "I traced our family's history for you" makes it personal
- Show the Time Machine: The app's animated playback never fails to amaze and move people of all ages
Adding Extra Touches of Emotion
A few simple additions can make your family tree gift even more moving.
Research and Add Family Crests
In Japan, each family has its own family crest (kamon). Look for crests on gravestones, Buddhist altars, or old kimonos, and add them to the family tree. A family crest elevates the entire presentation.
Use Old Photos
If you have photos of ancestors, register them as profile photos. Even old black-and-white photos work beautifully. Putting a face to a name transforms ancestors from abstract entries into real people.
Record Family Stories
Use the family tree project as an opportunity to sit down with older relatives and hear their stories. "When your grandfather was young, there was this one time..." — these episodes may not fit on the family tree itself, but they are priceless family treasures.
Create Your Gift with "Anotoki Kakeizu"
"Anotoki Kakeizu" is free to download. Available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, you can start creating your family tree today.
Why not start preparing now for a loved one's special day? A family tree that brings your family's history to life will be an unforgettable memory — for both the giver and the receiver.
Turn your family's story into a one-of-a-kind gift with "Anotoki Kakeizu."