I decided to tackle all four of my kid’s memory boxes! Over the years I’ve collected items and put them aside in bins, but I decided to put them in order and organize items neatly so that they can be preserved properly. First order of business was to switch out the dollar store bins for some Walmart ones that were way better quality. I had the dollar store bins over the last 7 years and they’ve cracked in my closet. You don’t want any holes in your bins so that your items can be preserved over time.

The next task was to put items in piles and organize what goes in and what gets trashed. After completed, I got my new bins and added a coordinating label to each bin. That way it’s easy to recognize from a top shelf once stored.

I’ve put the label for you to enjoy below. Save it and print! You can either type your child’s name using an editing program like Canva or simply hand write your kid’s name once printed.

If you’re stuck on what to include in your child’s memory box, here are a few suggestions that I’ve used:

-ultrasound photo

-positive pregnancy tests

-hospital bracelet

-hospital discharge papers/reports

-baby shower cards

-baby’s first outfit

-baby’s first hat

-knitted blanket, knitted booties, knitted sweater, etc that hold value.

-bonnets and hats

-favourite soother/soother clip

-birthday number candle

-something from their nursery

-special outfits with photos of them in those outfits

-dedication certificate

-handwritten letters from mom and dad

-filled out questionnaires from family members for baby to read when they’re older and open the box (or turn 18)

-first trip souvenir 

-birthday and Christmas cards from special relatives

-grandparents notes/mementos (we have old cheques that were given to each kid from grandparents that have now passed away as well as cards in their envelopes sealed with grandparents handwriting)

-first colouring

-Father’s Day and Mother’s Day gifts/cards

-first sports uniform or uniform from a special team/game

-favourite retired stuffed animal that is worn and well loved

-their first swimming lessons certificate

-first art projects

-any special gifts given when they’re little (Nick gave Larkin a diamond ring and it’s stored in the box. The girls were gifted a pearl bracelet and it’s stored there. Paxton was given an Arsenal jersey that he loved and would wear on soccer days with his Dad and Grandpa which is stored in his).

Anything that has meaning that reminds you of a time with your little one, is worth preserving. My rule was that it needs to all fit in the bin. I wasn’t going to over do it with multiple bins per child. Each one will have something special gifted to them when they’re older.

I hope you give this a try too!