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How to Make a Personalised Time Capsule for Your Family

How to Make a Personalised Time Capsule for Your Family

Written by: Make Memento

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You know that feeling when you uncover an old photo or trinket and get flooded with memories? 


What if you could create a treasure trove of those moments — for your future selves to rediscover? That’s the magic of making a family time capsule. 


Here’s how to create your own family time capsule keepsake box filled with memories worth saving.

Mother and Son happily filling a Family Time Capsule together

What is a family time capsule?

A family time capsule is a collection of keepsakes, photos, letters, and other meaningful items stored away to be opened at a future date. 


It’s a way to capture a snapshot of your family’s life and look forward to reminiscing about these cherished moments together.

How to choose the right items for your time capsule

Select items that represent who you are as a family right now:

  • Photos — Ones that capture recent trips, special occasions, or everyday life
  • Letters — From each family member, talking about their hopes, dreams, and what life is like
  • Drawings or schoolwork — By the kids, showcasing their talents and interests
  • Tickets or programmes — From events you’ve attended together
  • Small keepsakes — Like a family recipe, a pressed flower, or a favourite book excerpt

Think of it as creating a time-frozen moment of your family’s story.

A Family Time Capsule Laid out with letters, photos and keepsakes

Why preserve family memories this way?

Memories have this incredible power to connect us to the past and strengthen our sense of family identity. 


A time capsule acts like a bridge between years, offering future smiles, tears, and shared stories. It’s something your children might open with their own kids one day, experiencing the warmth and wonder all over again.


Imagine opening a box in ten or twenty years, to find your child’s drawing of a rainbow giraffe stuck with glitter — that feeling of nostalgia is priceless.

The best way to store and protect your time capsule

The most meaningful way to preserve these items is in a personalised keepsake box that’s designed to last. Look for:

  • Durability — Quality wood, like heirloom pine or luxury oak
  • Personalisation — Engravings with your family name, date, or a meaningful quote
  • Size — Choose a Large or XL box, big enough to fit all your mementoes neatly
  • Security — An option for a lock and key to keep your treasures safe

Our handcrafted wooden boxes are perfect for this purpose — turning your family memories into a treasured heirloom.

Here’s how one family used their memory box

One of our lovely customers, the Thomas family, created a time capsule when their children were 5 and 8. 


They filled it with drawings, photos, a favourite bedtime storybook, and voice notes recorded on a USB. 


“We set a date to open it when they turn 21,” they shared. “It’s our little time machine tucked safely away — we can’t wait to see their faces when they open it.”

Creative Bonus Tips

  • Include a ‘questions for future us’ card, with fun prompts to answer when you reopen it
  • Add a piece of current technology, like a USB stick with digital photos, that might be outdated when you open it
  • Write predictions about the future and see how many come true!

A Lasting Family Legacy

Creating a family time capsule isn’t just about storing items — it’s about filling a box with love, laughter, and legacies. 


What you choose to save today becomes your own piece of living history tomorrow. And with the right keepsake box, it’s a gift to your future selves that truly lasts.


Explore our custom keepsake boxes — made to hold the memories your family cherishes most.

Start Your Family Time Capsule Today

Ready to preserve your family memories in the most special way? Start shopping now and find the perfect personalised family time capsule at Make Memento


Visit our online store today and create a keepsake you'll treasure for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait before opening a time capsule?

It’s up to you! Most families choose a milestone anniversary or a significant number of years, like 10 or 20.

Can I include digital items in my time capsule?

Yes, digital photos or videos on a USB are great additions. Just make sure to include a way to view them in the future.

Where should I store the time capsule?

Keep it in a dry, safe place like an attic or a cupboard — somewhere it won’t be disturbed.

How can kids help make a Family time capsule?

Getting kids involved in creating a family time capsule makes it even more special. Let them pick a few items that are meaningful to them — like a favourite toy, a drawing, or a letter to their future self. You can also ask them to answer fun questions about their favourite things right now, or record a voice message. Giving kids a role not only makes the capsule more personal, but also helps them feel proud and excited about opening it one day.

How should I personalise a time capsule?

Personalising a time capsule makes it feel even more meaningful. Start by decorating the outside of the box with your family name, the year, or a special quote. Inside, include handwritten notes, labelled photos, and little messages to your future selves. You could even add a printed family photo plaque to the lid or an engraved message inside. Personal touches like these turn a simple box into a true snapshot of your family’s life and love.

Make Memento Online Personalised Gift Shop

Make Memento

Make Memento is your go-to destination for expertly handcrafted, personalised gifts. With an emphasis on creativity and attention to detail, our UK-based workshop offers a delightful range of handmade items, shipping across the UK. Whether you're seeking a unique keepsake box, a custom keyring, or something else entirely, each piece is thoughtfully designed to capture your memories and sentiments. Visit   Make Memento   to explore our collection of creative, personalised gifts, perfect for every occasion and recipient.

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08 Jun 2025
Reece N.
Gorgeous gift for a newlywed couple – highly recommend.
02 Jun 2025
Lorraine E.
United Kingdom
I sent it to my cousin who lost her husband. She was overwhelmed and said it was the most thoughtful gift.
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David S.
I ordered this after my brother passed and it’s now where we keep all the little things that remind us of him. The photo plaque is perfect.
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Really affordable for how good it is. Great find!
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19 May 2025
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The quality of the wood and the printed plaque really exceeded my expectations. It feels like something we’ll keep forever. We got the Light Oak in Medium and it’s just right for storing our keepsakes.
18 May 2025
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It’s a strong, beautiful box. We ordered the Large size and it’s great for letters, cards, and even some small gifts.
15 May 2025
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Genuinely lovely quality and finish. Would happily buy another one for a friend’s wedding.
14 May 2025
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Lovely item, thank you! Really well made.
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You can tell this wasn’t mass-produced. It feels handmade and genuine.
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My husband surprised me with this after our honeymoon – I love it. Such a thoughtful gesture.
06 May 2025
Chris W.
I don’t usually leave reviews but this deserved one. It’s not just a box — it’s a place for memories. Looks even better in person.
05 May 2025
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United Kingdom
They were fantastic. They communicated quickly and concisely and delivered exactly what was requested. Absolutely recommend
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Uploading the photo was simple, and they got the spelling and layout just right.
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Being able to add my own message meant a lot.
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Not many places do that. It meant we could write a final message.
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The mix of textures and colours is perfect – it looks handmade in the best way.
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Dan O.
We've travelled a lot over the years and finally found something lovely to store all those little keepsakes. This box is ideal.
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Ordered for my cousin’s graduation and he thought they were class. Wore them to the ceremony.
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Bought one for my daughter as a keepsake from our family – she loved the sentiment behind it.
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25 Mar 2025
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Came sooner than I thought and very securely wrapped. The box was in perfect condition.
25 Mar 2025
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Photos don’t do it justice. Looks so polished and well done.
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Mohammed M.
The small size was perfect for what I needed. I just wanted to keep his collar, name tag, and a few notes I'd written. Beautifully made.
24 Mar 2025
Alex R.
Got the Large size and it’s ideal for storing cards and keepsakes. We went with Oxford Brown and it’s even nicer in person.
22 Mar 2025
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Gave this to my wife filled with notes and little bits from our relationship. She cried happy tears. Best purchase I’ve made in ages.
22 Mar 2025
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If you’re thinking about getting one – do it. Honestly just such a beautiful and well-made box.
22 Mar 2025
Hannah W.
I filled this with notes and baby photos for my partner after our daughter was born. It made him cry. So special.
22 Mar 2025
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Sometimes the simplest things are the most useful. This makes getting ready so much more efficient.
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