
HOW TO PLAY
Simple Steps To Play Tales
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Life Story Edition and how does it work?
The Life Story Edition is a 150-card interview kit designed to help you capture a parent, grandparent, or loved one's life story. The questions are organized chronologically across three eras — Early Life, Mid Life, and Later Life & Reflection — along with step-by-step interview instructions and tips for recording the conversation so it's preserved for years to come.
Do I need any interviewing experience to use it?
No. The kit includes simple, guided instructions written by our team of interviewers and narratologists — covering how to ask effective follow-up questions, create a relaxed atmosphere, and use active listening so your loved one opens up naturally.
How do I record the conversation?
The kit includes tips for choosing the right recording device or app, recording in person or over a video call, improving audio quality, and saving and sharing the final recording so the stories are preserved for the whole family.
Can I use it with a loved one who lives far away?
Yes. The Life Story Edition works just as well over a video or phone call — like FaceTime or Zoom — as it does sitting across the table, so distance isn't a barrier to capturing their story.
What age or generation is this best for?
It's designed for capturing the stories of parents, grandparents, or any older loved one, though the reflective questions work well for any adult with a life story worth preserving.
How long does it take to go through the whole deck?
There's no set timeline — some families work through a few cards at a time over many visits, while others use it for one longer, dedicated interview session. The chronological structure makes it easy to pick up right where you left off.
Is this a good gift for a parent or grandparent's birthday?
Yes — it's one of our most popular gifts for milestone birthdays, holidays, and Mother's or Father's Day, since it gives both the giver and recipient something to do together rather than just unwrap.
What if my loved one is hesitant to open up?
The guided questions and interviewing tips are built specifically to help reluctant storytellers relax and share more than they expected. Starting with early, lighter memories often makes it easier to ease into deeper reflections later in the deck.
How long will shipping take?
We ship all orders within 24 hours of purchase during the week — weekend orders go out first thing Monday morning. Standard shipping typically arrives within 4-9 business days, with expedited and priority options available at checkout. International orders usually arrive within 4-9 business days as well.
