10 Story Ideas Every Family Will Love
Tuesday January 10th, 2023 • Written by David
Coming up with a good story is no easy task!
"Tell us a story" can feel a lot like "Tell me a joke" — we've all heard jokes, and some of us have even told a few, but when you're on the hot-seat it sure can be hard to come up with a good one.
So, here are 10 prompts that will help bring to mind some of your very best stories — ones that we're sure will be a smash-hit with the family.
1. The "How We Met" Story
You already knew this one was going to be on the list, so we may as well start with the classic! The key here is texture. What kind of day was it? Who initiated? Did it almost not happen? We want details!
But hey, this isn't just for the lovebirds. It can be also about how best friends met, how a favourite pet was adopted, or how two branches of a family finally reconnected.
2. The Big Move
Most families have a story about a relocation. Whether it was moving across the ocean or moving across the street into a "fixer-upper" that eventually became the family home, stories about a fresh start are always a hit.
But you know what? Sometimes, that "Big Move" is actually the decision to stay right where you were. When a career opportunity almost called you away to Europe, Asia, or New York. These life-altering moments make for great stories too — not just because of their life-altering consequences, but because they give the listener a window into what you value and how you make big decisions.
3. The Origin of a Name
Why are you named what you’re named? Whether it’s a tribute to an ancestor, a name found in a book, or a last-minute decision in the hospital, the history of a name is a direct link to your identity.
And if you're a good sport, maybe it's time to finally explain the backstory of that funny nickname you had back in high school. What was it again?
4. That One Embarrassing Moment
Remember that time the Thanksgiving turkey was still frozen at 5:00 PM and the "defrosting trick" ended with a family trip to McDonald's?
Yeah. We do too. And these memories usually makes for amazing stories.
Your Millennial kids might've called it an "epic fail" and your Gen Z grandchildren will say you got aura-mogged due to a skill issue.
But no matter what you call it, we all love these stories because humour is the best way to bond across generations.
5. Your First Job
What was it like? How did you get hired? And most importantly, what did you buy with that $14.30 paycheque?
This story often reveals the work ethic and economic realities of an era that looked very different from today.
And hey, it may even make that teenager in your life grateful that they earn in one hour what you used to make in an entire week!
6. The Kindness of a Stranger
Recall a time when the family was in a bind and someone unexpected stepped in to help.
These stories reinforce the value of community and help pass down a legacy of generosity.
7. The History of an Object
Pick an item in the house — a piece of jewelry, a cast-iron skillet, or a tattered photo. Trace its journey. Who owned it first? How did it get to you? Objects are often "silent witnesses" to family history.
8. The Holiday That Went Off-Script
Traditions are great, but the years where the traditions broke—power outages, snowstorms, or unexpected guests—are the ones that people actually remember.
9. The Family Legend
Every family has a story that gets slightly more exaggerated every time it's retold. The fish gets bigger or the walk to school gets snowier, or the horse becomes that much wilder.
These "tall tales" — and their telling — are an essential part of your family’s cultural DNA.
So have some fun with it. Share all the different versions of the story you've heard. Which one do you believe? Which one puts the biggest smile on your face?
10. The Lesson Learned the Hard Way
Share a story about a mistake and the subsequent "Aha!" moment.
Feel free to poke some fun at yourself, too! It's a fun way to pass down your hard-earned wisdom without sounding like you’re giving a lecture.