Is this a good idea or just a bit naff?

lunar

I have done the obligatory baby box of my children's first year, newspaper, coming home outfit, name tag stolen blanket they were wrapped in after birth.

I was thinking I would like to collect something for them through their childhoods. As i have 2 boys i was finding it hard to decide what to collect, DS1 is almost 4 DS2 is 1.

I was out shopping and i found 2 large wooden boxes. I decided i would create a time capsule of their lives. I have been putting things in like a set of coins from the year they were born, invitations to their birthday party, Olympic and jubilee stamps, cutting from the paper regarding things that may affect their lives in the future. DH and I have added notes to a few bits to explain their significance.

What do you think? Is it a good idea? will my boys think we a crazy when they turn 21 and mum and dad are giving them a box of old junk or will they enjoy seeing a few snapshots of history!

What sort of things would you add if you did this? I will select odd photos to go in, but not many. I have albums and don't want this project to end up being giant boxes of photos.

BugglyB

I think its a lovely idea. One thing kids of all ages love is to hear about themselves as children, could you write down little things they said, or accounts of fun days out you had? My mum kept a short diary entry of what we did every day and I loved looking at them (still do!).

scrappie_2

I think it's an amazing idea - I'm sure you're kids will love it @(even if they do think you're slightly crazy to begin with!).


Stick with it, I'm guessing you're gonna love opening that box too in the years to come!

Nanamia

It's a really fab idea. My two still love to hear of childhood stories and they are 29 and nearly 25 wish I had something similar to show them. We were and ha ha still are short of cash so photos were few and far between - I'd buy the film then never end up getting it developed

I've tried to make up for it with my DGDS. Kept a photo diary of their mums and dads while they were in mummy's tummy. Things we all did in preparation for them etc and loads n loads of photos. Life is much easier as a grandparent hopefully learning from my own mistakes and building on them:) x

midnightraven3

i can tell you (from our experience) its not naff

my lot are 17, 19 & 22

their memory boxes, we started with the 1st scan pic
and oldests stopped with her 21st birthday cards

hospital bracelets and hand and foot prints
newpaper frm the day they were born
1st EVERYTHING went in
photos of significant moments
first tooth and curl from hair cut
1st proper shoes

this led to brownie sashes with badges, karate belts
certificates of achievements etc
primary school and high school ties

their 1st "news" books from school they think hilarious
(middle one seemed to tell the teacher we had a pet giraffe and wrote about it often:o)

its a fantastic timeline for them

you start feeling old when you put their driving test pass certs in there

sethsgran

Fantastic idea. I am sure they will love them. Include a picture they make, foot prints and hand prints. Also add a photo each year of them using a height chart/measuring stick next to them to have an image of them growing.

lunar

Thank you for all the replies, I will keep on with it. I have put an unopened Olympic Lego mini-figure in each box this morning. Good idea about putting in some of their pictures. I think school reports will go in too. I like the idea about including something from days out too. We took them to a theme park recently so i have put in a pic of DS1 on his first roller coaster.

sethsgran

Train tickets, theatre tickets etc. 1sts of any kind are good. Don't forget photos of when you made a snowman together.

Good to include a family tree even if you only have a little knowledge grandmas etc can be a great source of family names and stories. You could ask grandma to record herself talking about her childhood. We never know who will still be around when our children get older so record it now.

PollyOnAMission

I too think this is a beautiful idea.

I don't have children but if I ever do, I would LOVE to do something like this for them!

Tigsteroonie

My Godfather bought me the No.1 Single on my birthday, from my 1st up to my 16th, and then sent them to me just after my sixteenth birthday. I thought it was lovely ... Except that, given when my birthday is, the songs alternate between Eurovision winners and FA Cup chants

CharlieRabbit01

My mum also did this for me and though the sentiment is nice, I'm the kind of person that likes to live in a nice clutter free home, if it doesn't have a place or isn't used it gets thrown out / sold / Charity shopped etc.

My mum has kept all of my old school books, things I've made, cards and various other bits a pieces and still has them in her loft as I refuse to have them in my home and she refuses to throw them out.

I think it really depends on the type of person they grow into, my mum is sentimental and keeps everything and I don't.