What to include
There’s no fixed list of what belongs in a memory box – it’s entirely personal. Some kids might want to include drawings, birthday cards or photos. Others might collect natural objects like feathers or shells, or save mementos from outings – wristbands, ticket stubs, maps or menus.
Younger children might need help deciding what to include, while older kids may enjoy curating their own collection. You can also add short notes to capture things that don’t have a physical object attached – a funny quote, a moment of kindness or something they were proud of.
How to make one
Start with a box – a shoebox, recycled container or small storage tub all work well. If your child wants to decorate it, set aside time for that part of the project. Paint, collage, stickers or fabric scraps can all be used to personalise it.
Once the box is ready, decide how and when you’ll add to it. Some families do this monthly, others add items as they go. You might want to keep the box somewhere accessible so your child can contribute whenever they like.
If your child enjoys writing or drawing, you could include a small notebook or sketchpad inside the box for them to use over time.
What kids can get out of it
Memory boxes can help children develop a sense of continuity – seeing how their interests, experiences and feelings change over time. They also offer a way to practise reflection, which supports emotional development and self-awareness.
Choosing what to include encourages decision-making and storytelling. Kids often enjoy explaining why something matters to them, and this can lead to conversations that might not come up otherwise.
The creative side of the project – decorating the box, arranging the contents – gives children a chance to express themselves visually and make something that feels personal.
When to revisit it
Looking through the box together can be a way to mark the end of a term, a birthday or a quiet weekend. It’s not about nostalgia – it’s about noticing what’s changed, what’s stayed the same and what mattered enough to keep.
Some families choose to make a new box each year, while others keep adding to the same one. There’s no right or wrong approach – it depends on what works for you.
A flexible, low-pressure project
Memory boxes don’t need to be polished or perfect – they’re simply a place to hold onto things that might otherwise be forgotten. You could also make a memory book as an alternative to a box.
