Give Your Grandchild a Story They'll Treasure Forever
Create a personalized storybook where your grandchild is the hero. No tech skills needed — if you can send an email, you can make this book.
Custom Heroes is a personalized children's book service that lets grandparents create custom illustrated storybooks starring their grandchildren. Unlike traditional photo books that require design skills, Custom Heroes transforms a simple photo into a professionally illustrated adventure in about 30 minutes. Grandparents can create and ship books from anywhere in the world — making it the perfect gift for birthdays, holidays, or "just because."
Why a Personalized Book is the Best Gift from Grandparents
When grandparents ask "what's the best gift for my grandchild?" — a personalized storybook consistently ranks among the most meaningful options. Unlike toys that get forgotten or clothes that get outgrown, a custom book where your grandchild is the hero becomes a treasured keepsake they'll want to read again and again.
For grandparents who live far away, a personalized book solves the challenge of finding a meaningful long-distance gift. You can create it from your home, add a personal dedication message, and ship it directly to your grandchild anywhere in the world. It's more personal than a gift card and more lasting than a toy.
For grandchildren who "have everything," this is a gift they definitely don't have — a professionally illustrated storybook where they're the main character. Whether it's for a birthday, Christmas, Hanukkah, or just because you're thinking of them, it shows the kind of thoughtfulness that only grandparents can provide.
If You Can Send an Email,
You Can Make This Book
We designed this for grandparents. No apps to download, no complicated software — just simple steps anyone can follow.
No Tech Skills Needed
Our website guides you through each step with clear instructions. It's as easy as filling out a simple form.
Just a Photo or Two
Ask the parents to text you a recent photo of your grandchild — and one of yourselves if you want to be in the story too!
Create from Anywhere
Live far away? Make the book online and ship it directly to your grandchild. No wrapping needed!
Add Your Message
Include a personal dedication inside: "To our little superhero, Love Grandma & Grandpa"
Perfect for Any Occasion
Birthdays, holidays, or just because. Create a new adventure for every special moment.
A Keepsake Forever
Unlike toys that get forgotten, this book becomes a treasured memory they'll keep for years.
How to Create Their Book
From photo to finished book in about 30 minutes
Get a Photo or Two
Ask for a recent photo of your grandchild — and include one of yourselves to join the adventure!
Choose Their Adventure
Pick a story theme or describe any adventure you imagine.
We Create the Magic
We create a beautiful book with your grandchild as the star.
Send with Love
Ship directly to them or download instantly. Add your personal message!
Adventures to Share Together
Choose a theme, or describe any adventure you imagine!
Grandma's Secret Garden
Explore a magical garden where flowers talk and butterflies lead the way.
Fishing with Grandpa
Join Grandpa on an adventure to catch the legendary fish at the secret pond.
Baking Day
Learn Grandma's special cookie recipe while magical ingredients create surprises!
Workshop Wonder
Build something amazing in Grandpa's enchanted workshop full of tools and magic.
Sleepover Adventures
A cozy night filled with bedtime stories, hot cocoa, and magical dreams.
Around the World
Go on an epic journey - from mountains to oceans, exploring the world together!
Or describe any adventure — our AI brings your ideas to life!
Perfect for Long-Distance Grandparents
Bridge the miles with a gift that says "I'm thinking of you" — even when you can't be there in person.
Holiday Gifts
Ship directly to them — arrives ready to unwrap!
Birthday Surprises
Send a gift that shows how much you care.
Just Because
No occasion needed. Surprise them anytime!
Common Questions from Grandparents
Everything you need to know about creating a personalized book for your grandchild.
Why is a personalized book a good gift from grandparents?
A personalized book is one of the most meaningful gifts grandparents can give because it combines thoughtfulness with lasting value. Unlike toys that get forgotten, a storybook where your grandchild is the hero becomes a treasured keepsake. It shows you took the time to create something just for them, and it's something they'll want to read together with you (or their parents) again and again.
What's a good gift for a grandchild who lives far away?
A personalized storybook is ideal for long-distance grandparents. You can create it entirely online from your home, add a personal dedication message, and ship it directly to your grandchild anywhere in the world. It bridges the distance by giving them something tangible that reminds them of your love — every time they read it, they'll think of you.
What gift do you get a grandchild who has everything?
For grandchildren who seem to have every toy, a personalized book is perfect because it's something completely unique — a professionally illustrated storybook where they're the main character. No store sells this. It's a one-of-a-kind gift that shows real thought and creativity, not just another item to add to their toy collection.
Do I need to be good with computers to make this book?
No, not at all. If you can send an email or text message, you can create this book. Our website walks you through each step with clear instructions. Most grandparents complete their book in about 30 minutes.
Can I include myself (grandma/grandpa) in the story?
Yes! You can add photos of yourselves to appear as characters in your grandchild's adventure. Many grandparents love being part of the story alongside their grandchild — imagine going on a dragon adventure or exploring space together in the book.
What kind of photo do I need of my grandchild?
Any recent smartphone photo works well. The photo should show your grandchild's face clearly, with good lighting. A simple photo from the waist up works best. Ask the parents to text you one — it only takes a minute.
Can I ship the book directly to my grandchild?
Yes, absolutely. You can create the book from anywhere in the world and ship it directly to your grandchild's address. It arrives ready to unwrap — perfect for birthdays, holidays, or surprise gifts when you can't be there in person.
How much does a personalized book cost?
Personalized books from Custom Heroes start at $34 for a 12-page softcover book, which includes printing and the digital PDF. Longer books and hardcover options are available up to $59. There are no subscriptions or hidden fees — just a one-time purchase for a keepsake gift.
What occasions are personalized books good for?
Personalized books make wonderful gifts for birthdays, Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter, graduations, or 'just because' moments. Many grandparents create books to celebrate milestones like starting kindergarten, becoming a big brother or sister, or to help grandchildren through changes like moving to a new home.
What if I make a mistake while creating the book?
Don't worry — you can preview everything before ordering. You'll see exactly how the book looks, and you can make changes until you're happy. We also offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, so if you're not completely satisfied, we'll make it right.
Have more questions? Visit our Help Center
Give Them a Gift They'll Treasure Forever
Create a personalized book that shows your grandchild just how much you love them.
Create Book for My GrandchildNo subscription • Ships anywhere • 30-day money-back guarantee