A family time capsule is one of those activities that takes an afternoon to put together but pays off for years to come. It costs almost nothing, works for any age group, and gives families something genuinely exciting to look forward to. Newy with Kids has put together this guide to help families get started, from choosing what to include through to deciding when to open it.
What is a family time capsule?
A family time capsule is a collection of memories, objects and keepsakes sealed away and opened again at a future date. The idea is simple: pack a box with things that capture this exact moment in your family’s life, then store it somewhere safe until a chosen date rolls around.
It’s a low-cost, high-reward project. Most families can gather everything they need and put the capsule together in a single afternoon, and the payoff comes years later when it’s finally opened.
What to Put in a Family Time Capsule
The best time capsules mix personal keepsakes with everyday items that will feel dated (in the best way) when opened years later. Consider including:
- Family photos, printed on proper photographic paper so they don’t fade
- Height and weight measurements for each child
- Handprints or footprints
- A piece of kids’ artwork
- A letter from parents or grandparents to the kids
- A recent school report or school photo
- A small lock of hair
- A current newspaper or magazine
- A favourite family recipe
- A small toy or keepsake
- A letter to your future self
- A piece of baby or kids’ clothing, so everyone can see how much they’ve grown
- A photocopy of a grocery receipt (the originals fade quickly)
- Tickets from a recent outing, such as a concert, movie or sports event
- A “favourites” questionnaire for each family member covering food, movies, songs and more
- Coins or stamps issued in that year
Grandparents, aunts and uncles can also be invited to contribute an item or a letter of their own, which adds another layer to the capsule when it’s eventually opened.
A couple of practical tips make a big difference here. Use archival quality or acid-free paper for letters, recipes and questionnaires so they hold up over time, and stick to proper photographic paper for any printed photos.
Where to Store the Time Capsule
Once everything is packed, the next decision is where it will live until opening day.
Burying it is the classic option, but it needs a genuinely strong, waterproof container to survive underground moisture and pests. For most families, an easier and more reliable option is to store the capsule somewhere inside the home, such as an attic, garage, shed or storage room. A sturdy box, plastic tub or even an old suitcase works well for this.
When to Open the Time Capsule
There’s no right answer here. Some families choose a round number like five, ten or twenty years. Others prefer to tie the opening to a milestone, such as a significant birthday, a wedding anniversary or a child’s graduation.
Whatever you choose, write the opening date clearly on the outside of the container. Something like “Do not open until [date]” works well. Store it somewhere safe, but not so safe that it gets forgotten altogether.
When the day finally comes, make an occasion of it. Opening a family time capsule together is a memory in itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
There’s no set rule. Five to ten years is common for a shorter-term capsule, while some families prefer to wait until a milestone like a 21st birthday or graduation.
Avoid anything perishable, anything that can rot or attract pests, and cheap paper items that will disintegrate over time. Batteries and electronics also don’t tend to survive long term storage well.
Yes, but it needs a genuinely waterproof, pest-proof container. For most families, storing the capsule indoors in an attic, shed or garage is a simpler and more reliable option.
It’s a great one, especially during the school holidays when families are looking for something meaningful and low-cost to do together.
Want more ideas for preserving your precious family history, read 7 Easy Ways to Record Your Family History.