I know I wouldn't want a journal and be expected to write my memories and wouldn't do it. I tell my kids and grands a lot of I remember this and that and what happened when, but not interested in writing about them. They can ask and write it themselves.

Unfortunately both my parents are dead. So I don't have to worry about presents for them.

I made journals for my parents, I did not ask them to write in them. I visited them often and as we talked I recorded the conversations and wrote them in the journals myself. My parents wold have never written in the journals. If you want to know things you have to go visit them and ask, ask specific questions to get them to tell you in detail.

I started a journal shortly after my first son was born. He read some of it when he was about 13. It made him understand a little more and he realized then that I listened to everything he said even when he wasn't saying anything. There are memories of conversations and things he had totally forgotten. Some had photos stapled. It's in a bank (memory) box. I have some things on a computer journal. Most are dated. It's fun just to go back and read. My grands have read some inserts. Great reference for medical also. Doesn't have to be everyday just certain moments.

A generic gift card, pay a month or 2 of utility bills, continue a newspaper subscription would be helpful for those on limited incomes.