Bereavement Memory Boxes

A memorial box is a deeply personal thing — and it’s natural to want to get it right. If you're still deciding, we’ve included some helpful details below.

From ideas on what to include, to size guidance and personalisation options, this section is here to give you clarity and support as you choose the right bereavement memory box for you or someone you care about.

Grief looks different for everyone — there’s no right way to go through it. But having a dedicated space to hold onto someone’s memory can be deeply comforting. A bereavement memory box gives you a place to gather the little things that feel too important to lose — ashes, letters, photos, or something they always carried.

For some, it’s a personal way to feel close to someone who’s gone. For others, it’s a gift for someone they love who’s grieving — a gentle way to show you care when words aren’t enough. Whether you're buying for yourself or someone close to you, it offers something steady: a place to remember, to reflect, and to keep them close.

There’s no right or wrong way to fill a bereavement memory box — what matters most is choosing items that hold meaning for you. Some people include just one or two precious things, while others gather together a whole collection of memories.

Here are a few ideas to help:

• A pouch or urn containing ashes
• Handwritten letters, notes, or cards
• Photographs or printed photo strips
• A watch, necklace, or piece of jewellery
• A collar, tag, or small toy (for pets)
• Funeral readings or service booklets
• Dried flowers from the ceremony
• A favourite item they always carried
• A memory journal or poem you’ve written

Whether it’s a single keepsake or something more, a personalised memory box gives you a place to store it safely — and revisit it whenever you need to.

There are many reasons someone might choose a bereavement memory box — and the right one depends on who it’s for, what you want to keep inside, and how you want it to feel. Below, we’ve shared different ways people use their boxes, to help you find what feels right for your situation.

Choosing a Memory Box for Yourself

If you’re buying a box after your own loss, it can offer a quiet, personal space to hold memories that matter. You might want somewhere to store:

• Ashes or a small urn
• Letters, cards or condolence notes
• Jewellery, watches or glasses
• Favourite photos
• Funeral keepsakes like dried flowers or service booklets
• A journal, a poem, or something they always carried

Some people keep their box on display. Others tuck it away to open when they’re ready. You can personalise it with a name, date, or message that holds meaning just for you.

Things to consider:

• Do you want it on display or kept privately tucked away?
• Will you add to it over time?
• What kind of message or name would feel most comforting?

Choosing a Bereavement Box as a Gift

A memory box can be a meaningful sympathy gift — especially when words are hard to find. It offers:

• A private place for someone to keep special items
• Something lasting and thoughtful, beyond flowers or cards
• A gentle way to show support during a difficult time
• Space for them to gather memories when they’re ready

You might personalise it with their loved one’s name, or keep it simple to let them decide what it becomes.

Things to consider:

• Would they prefer something minimal or personalised?
• Are you close enough to know their loved one’s name or key dates?
• Would it be helpful to leave it blank so they can choose how to use it?

Choosing a Pet Remembrance Box

The loss of a pet leaves a huge space — and a memory box can help honour the love they gave. Many people include:

• Their collar or name tag
• A paw print or lock of fur
• Photos or printed memories
• A favourite toy or blanket
• Sympathy cards or vet letters
• Their name and a short message on the lid

It's a simple way to keep their presence close.

Things to consider:

• What item reminds you most of them?
• Would a photo or engraved name feel comforting?
• Do you want a size that fits just a few items or a full collection?

Choosing a Memory Box After Pregnancy or Baby Loss

A memory box can be especially meaningful after miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss — a space to honour a little life that meant everything. Some people include:

• Ultrasound scans or baby photos
• Hospital wristbands, clothing, or birth records
• A letter to the baby or journal entries
• A baby blanket or hat
• Sympathy cards or keepsakes
• Their name, a meaningful date, or a short message like “Always remembered.”

There’s no right or wrong — only what feels right for you and your story.

Things to consider:

• Would you like to mark a name or date?
• Do you want to include soft items like clothing or blankets?
• Would it feel helpful to add messages, letters, or poems you’ve written?

Every memory box tells a different story. Whether you’re honouring a loved one, remembering a beloved pet, or giving someone a gift of comfort, there are multiple ways to make it truly personal. From classic engraving to full photo plaques and colour options, here’s everything you can customise.

Engraved Wooden Boxes (Classic & Timeless)

For a traditional and natural look, our engraved boxes are the most popular choice. We laser engrave directly into the wood for a permanent finish that won’t fade or peel.

What you can engrave:

• Full name or nickname
• Birth and passing dates
• A personal message, quote, or poem
• Song lyrics or a short dedication
• Symbolic motifs like hearts, stars, pawprints, or butterflies

Font styles: Choose from script, serif, or minimal block fonts — we’ll help you choose what suits the tone you want.

Printed Boxes (Metallic, Colourful, and Bold)

For a more decorative finish, we also offer HTV printing. This allows for high-impact colours and custom effects that stand out beautifully against the wood.

Available print finishes:

• Metallic gold, silver, rose gold, copper
• Black, white, navy, or pastel tones
• Printed designs or symbols
• More playful or expressive styling for pets, children, or creative tributes

Ideal for: customers who want something more vibrant or artistic than traditional engraving.

Photo Plaque Boxes 

These boxes feature a printed photo plaque mounted to the lid — ideal if you’d like to add a picture and text together.

What’s included:

• A full-colour photo of your loved one or pet
• Printed text (e.g. name, dates, quote) beneath or alongside the image
• Weatherproof, durable mounted plaque on the outer lid

Please note: Photo plaque boxes do not include engraving. They’re designed to keep the focus on the image and printed wording.

Wood Stain Colours

You can choose from a range of water-based, solvent-free wood stains:

• Light Oak
• Oxford Brown
• Tudor
• Duck Egg Blue
• Wedgwood
• Boathouse
• Belle Blue
• Georgian Grey
• White

Looking for something different? Custom colours may be available on request — just let us know.

Padlock & Key Option

For added privacy and emotional security, you can choose to include a working padlock and key with your box. This is ideal for those storing ashes, personal letters, or deeply private keepsakes. A small detail that often brings great peace of mind.

Things to Consider:

• Do you prefer a natural engraved look, or something more bold and decorative?
• Would a photo feel more personal — or is a name/message enough?
• Are you gifting this, or creating something just for yourself?
• Would a lock bring extra comfort and security?

There are so many ways to personalise a bereavement memory box — and each choice tells part of the story. Whether you're engraving directly into the wood, adding printed lettering, or choosing a photo plaque, every word, image, and symbol helps create something meaningful.

Here are some of the most popular options our customers choose when personalising their boxes.

Text You Can Add:

• Full names or familiar nicknames
• Birth and passing dates
• A personal message or dedication
• Quotes that meant something to you or them
• Lines from songs, poems, or readings
• Blessings or verses (religious or spiritual)
• Private notes such as “Love always, Mum x” or “Forever by your side”

Images, Symbols & Artwork:

• Photographs (for photo plaque boxes)
• Scanned handwriting or signatures
• Pawprints, hearts, baby feet or butterflies
• Crosses, stars, doves, or rainbows
• Minimal florals or wreaths
• Custom line drawings (available on request)

Ideas That Might Inspire You:

• A line from their favourite song
• The last thing they ever wrote to you
• A symbol that reminds you of them
• A nickname only you used
• A phrase they always said
• A short note from a sympathy card
• A verse from a funeral reading or poem

There’s no formula — just what feels right to include. Whether you keep it simple or add something more expressive, each detail becomes part of how they’re remembered.

When you’re choosing a bereavement memory box, the size can make all the difference. Some people want a small space for a few personal keepsakes. Others are looking for something big enough to hold a full collection — from ashes and letters to clothes, books or photo albums.

At Make Memento, we offer six core box sizes in pine wood, plus larger luxury options in oak and premium pine. If you’re unsure, it’s often best to size up — especially if you’re planning to add more over time.

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the perfect fit:

Small Box

16cm(w) x 10cm(d) x 8cm(h)
Ideal for: A few delicate keepsakes — jewellery, a ring, a small photograph, or a dried flower.

Standard Box

19cm(w) x 14cm(d) x 10cm(h)
Ideal for: A collection of 6x4” photographs, condolence cards, small letters or tokens.

Medium Box

27cm(w) x 20cm(d) x 14cm(h)
Ideal for: Larger photos, A5 documents, medals, folded letters, or a mix of mementos.

Large Box

34cm(w) x 24cm(d) x 16cm(h)
Ideal for: A4 documents, photo albums, diaries, scrapbooks, ornaments or folded clothing.

Extra Large Box

42cm(w) x 28cm(d) x 19cm(h)
Ideal for: Larger keepsakes, baby items, boxed sets of photos, folded jumpers or multiple books.

Deep Extra Large (XXLarge) Box

40cm(w) x 30cm(d) x 23cm(h)
Ideal for: Blankets, teddies, full memory collections, or storing smaller boxes together.

Luxury Pine & Oak Options

Need something even bigger? Our luxury box range includes heirloom-quality pieces that go up to 65cm wide, perfect for parents, couples, or families who want to store a lifetime of memories in one place.

Things to Consider:

• What do you want to keep inside — just a few items, or a full collection?
• Will the box be on display or stored somewhere private?
• Do you want extra depth for clothing, ashes, or baby items?
• Are you likely to add more keepsakes in the future?

Still unsure? You can always message us for help — we’re happy to guide you toward the best size for your needs.

What is a bereavement memory box

A bereavement memory box is a personalised wooden box designed to store meaningful keepsakes after someone has passed away. At Make Memento, our bereavement memory boxes are made from solid pine or oak and can be engraved or printed with names, dates, quotes, or symbols that help you honour and remember your loved one. People often use them to store ashes, letters, photographs, jewellery, or small personal belongings. They're also frequently given as sympathy gifts to those who are grieving.

What can I put in a bereavement memory box

You can store a wide range of items in a bereavement memory box, depending on what feels meaningful to you. Common keepsakes include ashes, letters, condolence cards, photos, jewellery, baby items, funeral programs, dried flowers, and memorial tokens. Many people also include items like handwritten notes, scanned signatures, or small belongings that were important to their loved one. Our bereavement memory boxes come in six sizes, so you can choose one that fits everything you’d like to keep together.

Can I personalise a bereavement memory box

Yes — every bereavement memory box from Make Memento can be personalised. You can choose engraved wooden designs for a classic, natural look, or opt for printed HTV lettering in colours like metallic gold, silver, or white. We also offer photo plaque boxes, which include a printed photo and text mounted on the lid. Personalisation options include names, dates, quotes, song lyrics, symbols (like hearts, pawprints, crosses, or butterflies), and even custom designs or scanned handwriting.

Can I include a photo on a personalised memorial box

Yes, our printed photo bereavement memory boxes are perfect for capturing a loved one’s image alongside a personal message. These boxes feature a high-quality wooden plaque mounted on the lid, printed in full colour with your chosen photo, name, dates, quote or wording. Loved by our customers for their visual impact and emotional connection, photo boxes are especially meaningful for pet remembrance, baby loss, or memorial gifts where seeing their face brings comfort.

Which size bereavement memory box should I choose

Choosing the right size depends on what you’d like to keep inside. Make Memento offers six core sizes, from small (ideal for jewellery or a few letters) to deep extra-large (perfect for storing ashes, clothing, or full collections). If you're unsure, it's often best to size up — especially if you plan to add more keepsakes over time. You can find our full memory box size guide on the product page, or contact us for personalised advice.

Can I use a bereavement memory box for ashes

Yes, all of our bereavement memory boxes can be used to store ashes. The Small and Standard sizes are ideal if you’re only keeping ashes or a single pouch, while our Medium, Large, XL and Deep XL boxes work well if you’d like to store additional items alongside — such as letters, photos, jewellery, or funeral keepsakes. Some customers also add a padlock and key for extra privacy and emotional security.

Can I use a bereavement memory box as a sympathy gift

Absolutely. A personalised memorial box makes a meaningful sympathy gift for someone who is grieving. It offers them a place to gather special items, store memories, and feel supported — even if you don’t know what to say. You can personalise the box with their loved one’s name, a comforting message, or leave it blank so they can choose how to use it. It’s a lasting, thoughtful alternative to flowers or cards.

Do you offer bereavement memory boxes for pets

Yes, we offer pet bereavement memory boxes designed to honour dogs, cats, and other beloved animals. Many people include items like collars, paw prints, favourite toys, sympathy cards, or photos. Our personalisation options include pet names, pawprint symbols, rainbows, and short messages like “Forever my friend” or “Loved beyond words.” Pet remembrance boxes are available in all sizes and custom styles.

How long does it take to receive a personalised bereavement memory box

Most personalised bereavement memory boxes are handcrafted and dispatched within one week, although delivery times may vary depending on the product and your location. We recommend checking the individual product listing for the most accurate lead time. If you need your memory box by a specific date, just let us know — we’ll always do our best to help.

Can I request a custom design or colour for my memorial box

Yes. In addition to our standard stain colour options — including Light Oak, Oxford Brown, Grey, Blue, and White — we’re happy to discuss custom colours or finishes. You can also request bespoke engraving layouts, custom fonts, or even line art designs unique to your loved one. Just message us before ordering and we’ll guide you through what’s possible.

Are the bereavement memory boxes made from real wood

Yes — all of our bereavement memory boxes are made from solid pine or oak wood, depending on the style you choose. Our boxes are handcrafted in our UK workshop and finished with care to ensure lasting quality. Each box is sanded smooth, stained or painted by hand, and personalised using high-quality engraving or printing techniques.

Can I add a lock to my bereavement memory box

Yes, you can choose to add a working padlock and key to any of our bereavement memory boxes. This is ideal if you're storing ashes, personal letters, or private items and want the contents kept secure. It's a simple but meaningful option that many people appreciate — especially during the early stages of grief.