We are seeing interesting trends in music and keepsake boxes. But the interesting part isn’t the trends; it’s the stories behind the music boxes. Here’s what I mean:

• More than one-third of VoiceQuilt gift givers are uploading music to their keepsake boxes.

• Many times, only one person is involved in creating the VoiceQuilt. The gift giver records a song dedication and then uploads one or more songs. Some VoiceQuilts do not even include a voice message! The gift giver simply uploads meaningful audio – a popular song or a sentimental musical performance rescued from a cassette tape or CD. The VoiceQuilt Keepsake is, literally, a custom music box.

Although these statistics are interesting, the stories behind the trends are even more compelling.

• In December, a daughter included three versions of “Amazing Grace” in a Keepsake Box and shipped to her father as a Christmas gift.

• In February, a gift giver in Philadelphia uploaded songs as varied as Franki Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes off Of You” and Kermit the Frog’s “Rainbow Connection.” He recorded brief song dedications and had a VoiceQuilt Keepsake delivered to his wife for Valentine’s Day.

• A friend shared a story about her son, Rick, who created a VoiceQuilt Keepsake earlier this year. The interesting twist: Rick recorded voice messages for his fiancé while he was stationed in Afghanistan. When he returned to the U.S. to get married in March, he placed a pearl necklace in the VoiceQuilt Keepsake Jewelry Box and presented it to his fiancée at their rehearsal dinner.

I never cease to be amazed at the creativity of VoiceQuilt gift givers! Have a story you want to share? Please join the conversation!