Do you have a time capsule? If not, you should consider creating one! A time capsule is a fun way to preserve your memories and experiences for future generations. Making a time capsule can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. Choose the type of time capsule that best suits your needs. Decorate your time capsule however you like! This is a great opportunity to get creative and have some fun.
In this blog post, we will provide 19 time capsule ideas that you can use to create your own time capsule. Whether you are looking for ideas for an individual time capsule or a family time capsule, we have you covered!
19. A Quick Time Capsule– If you are looking for a quick and easy time capsule, try using a jar or box to get started. You’ll save time by requiring little to no effort required to create the exterior of the time capsule. Then it’s up to you if you want to decorate the time capsule or just fill the box or jar with your chosen keepsakes.
18. Present Day Time Capsule– Collect items that represent your life at this moment in time. This could include photos, mementos, tickets, etc. I’d recommend adding dates on the items, if they aren’t already included. Also, you could add a little note to remember or share what you enjoyed about that moment. Keep in mind who you plan to have open the time capsule so they can fully understand and appreciate the items.
17. Personal Time Capsule– Include items that have personal significance to you. For example, a lock of hair from your first haircut or a favorite book/CD/movie. This is a fun idea that you can really play around with.
How neat would it be to do one time capsule every decade? Create the time capsule for what’s important to you in that past decade. Then the next decade you can open the time capsule and cherish the memories. After that, you’re ready to make another time capsule for the next decade.
16. Moments in Time, Time Capsule– Don’t forget about important documents! You may want to include birth certificates, marriage licenses, etc., I’d recommend using a copy if you go this route. If you are making a time capsule for a specific event (i.e., a wedding), include items that are associated with that event.
Maybe you have some small items that would work for your time capsule. Or maybe you could cut a portion of the item and it’d still retain its value to you. It might be odd to think about cutting an item you cherish, but some items from weddings or from a child’s birth may seem significant during the moment, however, you’ll probably end up not keeping the item in time.
15. Family Time Capsule– If you are making a family time capsule, get everyone involved! Have each family member choose a few items to include. Make sure to label everything clearly. This will make it easier for future generations to understand what everything is.
14. Perishable Time Capsule– If you are including perishables in your time capsule, be sure to add a note explaining how long they should be preserved for, or if they are consumable. If you are including items that need to be refrigerated or frozen, make sure you have a way to keep them cold/frozen until the time capsule is opened.
13. Social Media Time Capsule– Consider creating a time capsule website or blog where people can learn more about your time capsule and its contents. Use social media to document your time capsule-building process! Share photos and videos of yourself assembling the time capsule and choosing its contents.
Make a time capsule video or movie! Document your time capsule-building process and include clips of you opening the time capsule in the future. This is a great way to share your time capsule with loved ones who may not be able to attend the opening ceremony.
If you’re including digital items in your time capsule, make sure to back them up! Make sure to create a file name so that everyone knows what files go with which item. You don’t want to lose any precious memories.
12. Genealogy Time Capsule– Add a copy of your family’s genealogy chart to the time capsule. This will help future generations learn more about their ancestors. If you have not created one, this could be a fun project to take on. Then add a copy for your time capsule.
11. In Honor of Time Capsule– If there is someone in your life who has passed away, include a memento in honor of them in the time capsule such as a lock of hair, handwriting, or photograph. This could be another way to help with the grieving process. As well as a way to honor them and remember them in a unique way.
10. History Time Capsule– Use your time capsule as an opportunity to teach your children about history! Include items that represent different periods of time. You could choose a certain topic or time period. The possibilities are endless with this idea.
9. Nature Time Capsule– Collect natural objects such as leaves, flowers, and rocks to include in your time capsule. It would be neat to create a nature time capsule with items from a family vacation. Keep in mind that some items will be easier to store then others with time.
8. Scavenger Hunt Time Capsule– Make a time capsule scavenger hunt for future generations! This will make opening the time capsule more fun and exciting. This might be a fun indoor activity or if you’re got a lot of land and can preciously remember or dictate where each time capsule is located. You could also keep the time capsules in one place and then hide them when it’s time for the scavenger hunt.
7. How to Time Capsule– Add recipes, instructions, or DIY tutorials for future generations to follow. This could be anything from cooking tips to how to fix a broken lamp! How fun would it be to add some favorite family recipes? This could be a neat way to pass down a family recipe from generation to generation.
6. Artwork Time Capsule– Use your time capsule as an opportunity to showcase your creativity! Include drawings, paintings, and other artworks. Sign them with your name and date as watch how far you’ve come with your artwork once you open them.
5. Heirloom Time Capsule– Place a copy of your family’s heirloom jewelry in the time capsule for future generations to enjoy. Just make sure you know the location of the time capsule. I do appreciate the idea of giving your cherished pieces to a desired recipient who you know would love a certain piece.
4. Birthday Time Capsule– If you are making a time capsule for a specific occasion (i.e., a birthday), include items that are associated with that occasion. For example, if it’s someone’s 21st birthday, include alcohol and party favors. It’d be fun to make the time capsule for someone’s birthday as a gift and give it to them ahead of time. Can you imagine the anticipation? I’m sure it’d add that much more value to the gift!
3. Collection Time Capsule– Collect interesting coins, stamps, or other currency to include in your time capsule. After going on a trip where there was different currency you could create a time capsule with those different coins. You could collect several different on uncommon coins and add them as well. Stamps are always changing designs and value, which could be a beautiful memory to collet for a time capsule.
2. Cost Time Capsule– Include a copy of the family budget and spending logs from the past year(s). This will give future generations an idea of how money was used in previous generations. I know I would enjoy looking at what our cost were 10 years ago even. It’d be also interesting to see what we were spending money on then too. As we are always evolving items in budgets may change gradually or dramatically and that would be engaging to reflect on.
1. Handwritten Letter Time Capsule– Place a handwritten letter to future generations in the time capsule explaining why you chose the specific items that you did. Depending on who you think might be opening the time capsule you could write a handwritten letter specifically to them too.
There’s No Better Time to Get Started!
Now that you’ve made it through our list of time capsule ideas, it’s time to get started on your very own! Get creative and have fun with it – after all, this is meant to be a memorable experience for you and future generations alike. Just remember to store your time capsule in a safe place where it won’t be damaged by the elements. Happy crafting!