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Have you ever wished you could freeze time and keep your grandkids just the way they are right now? I sure have. We know we can’t actually stop time—but there is a way to save special memories from this moment. It’s called a time capsule.
Not sure what a time capsule is? Don’t worry—I didn’t know either until recently. But then, my grandkids and I made one together, and it was such a fun way to hold on to our memories! Want to make one too?
Here’s everything you need to know about time capsules—and how you and your grandkids can create one that you’ll treasure forever.
What is a time capsule?
A time capsule is just what it sounds like—a special container filled with items from today that you save and open in the future. It’s a fun way to remember this moment in time.
Why make a time capsule?
Making a time capsule is a fun way to enjoy the present while thinking about the future. It helps us remember what life is like right now and imagine what might be interesting to people many years from now—even our future selves or our grandkids someday!
A time capsule isn’t just about what you’ll find when you open it in the future. It’s also about the fun and meaningful experience of picking out, packing, and saving these little pieces of today.
I think there’s something really special about putting together a collection of items that show what life is like right now—especially when it’s about our grandkids and who they are at this moment in time.
It gives your grandkids a chance to talk about the past, dream about the future, and most importantly—enjoy the moment they’re living in right now.
Here’s a fun fact: In 1999, the American Museum of Natural History made a time capsule to be opened in the year 3,000! Can you believe that? It has a Beanie Baby and a cell phone inside. Those might seem ordinary to us now, but they could be super special to people in the future.
What should you use to store your time capsule?
You can get as creative as you want with this part! If you’re keeping your time capsule indoors—like on a bookshelf, in a drawer, or up in the attic—you can use something simple like a shoebox, a small storage box, or even a lockbox.
Just pick something you already have that can safely hold your items.
But if you want to bury your time capsule or keep it outside, you’ll need something stronger and waterproof. Try using a stainless steel container, an airtight jar, or any sturdy container that will protect the items from weather and water.
The most important thing is to keep your treasures safe so you can enjoy them again in the future!
What should you put in your time capsule?
You can add almost anything—as long as it won’t spoil or break down over time. The goal is to show what life is like right now, so you and your grandkids can look back and remember these days.
You probably don’t want to put your cell phone in a time capsule—and that’s okay! If you’re more excited about saving special family memories than including popular items from today, here are a few great ideas to help you focus on family milestones instead:
A letter from grandma
Write a heartfelt letter to your grandchild. Share your thoughts, feelings, and hopes for their future. This will be a very special keepsake when they grow up. (And while you’re at it, why not ask your grandchild to write a letter to their future self, too?)
Your grandchild’s artwork
Include drawings, crafts, or coloring pages made by your grandchild. These show their creativity and capture what they were like at this age.
Photos
Add pictures of the two of you together. Photos are great for saving memories and emotions in a way nothing else can.
A family recipe
Write down a favorite recipe you’ve cooked or baked together. You can also include other recipes you want to pass down. One day, they might make it for their own family!
Favorite book or song
Add a copy of their favorite book or print out the lyrics to a song they love. It will be fun for them to remember what they enjoyed as a child.
Newspaper clippings
Cut out a few headlines or stories from today’s newspaper. These give a peek at what was happening in the world when you made the capsule.
Special tokens you share
Include small keepsakes like a toy, a movie ticket, or a seashell from a beach trip. These little things can bring back big memories.
Where to keep your time capsule
After you’ve packed up all your special items, carefully seal your time capsule. Then, find a safe and dry place to store it—like a cool closet or a quiet spot in your home.
Make sure to tell your family where it is and what it’s for. You don’t want it to get lost!
Some people like the idea of burying their time capsule in the yard. That might sound exciting, but it’s usually better (and safer) to keep it indoors where the temperature stays the same. Try hiding it in the back of a closet or under a bed where it won’t be disturbed.
If you think you might be tempted to peek inside too early, you can give it to another family member to keep safe until the big day.
What to do after you finish your time capsule
Once you and your grandkids have finished your time capsule, pick a special date to open it in the future. Then, seal it up and write down two things on the outside:
- The date you finished it
- The date it should be opened
That’s it!
I hope you and your grandkids have as much fun making your time capsule as we did. It’s a great way to connect, laugh, and create something you’ll both treasure for years to come.
Have you ever made a time capsule before? Or are you planning to make one soon? I’d love to hear about it!
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