The answer is a professionally produced book all about that special person, telling their story in words and pictures! For a mother or father, a grandparent or even for your child - it's something that will be a treasured keepsake.
I have just written one for my daughter to celebrate her 28th birthday. It traced all her life's special moments so far: from birth through her formative years; her school days; university studies; holidays; her career; special friends; the man she fell in love with - his proposal and their marriage.
I gave it to her as a surprise yesterday on her birthday and she was utterly thrilled with it. And her friends adored it too.
It makes the ideal gift for a group of friends or family to club together to buy to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary or any other special occasion
And for older people who already have everything they need, it is something that really shows how much you care about them.
It could be a surprise, but far better to let the person tell their own story in unhurried interviews, choose exactly what they want recorded and decide on which pictures to include. The person being interviewed will remain in total control of the written word.