Idea of the Week: Memories Box
I celebrated a very special event in March – a momentous birthday for my Mother in Law. She is always thinking of others, and husband and I wanted to do something special to remind her of how loved and appreciated she is. Lindsey had mentioned a genius idea for a Memories Box from Nothing but Bonfires months ago, and it was just the thing. Read on for a "how to" and for the shopping list.
What is a Memories Box? It’s a box of memories you collect from a person or couple’s friends and family. After the memories are collected, package them in a pretty way, and present them to the celebrated one(s). It’s a special occasion when they open each memory, and allows friends and family from near and far to be part of the special day that day, and for years to come. A great idea for birthdays, anniversaries, showers, and rehearsal dinners – there may not be a dry eye in the house.
Here's how I did mine:
The List. Create a list of names you’ll reach out to to ask for memories. Be stealth! We asked two of my Mother in Law’s friends for her closest friends, and for her friends from high school and college. We also asked her Office Manager for any colleagues she’s close to. Family members are the easiest, just be sure to be comprehensive with your list.
Gather Memories. We created a gmail account just to manage the memories that would be sent in. We chose to do it all via email. (You can also do it via snail mail, which will be more personalized, but you’d need to budget a fair amount of time for that.) When you draft your email, be sure that your recipients will recognize something either in the “from” or “subject” line or it may get ignored. We also attached a template that was formatted in the size of the card that will fit the memories box. This is a timesaver when you’re dealing with a lot of cards!
Print and Package. We copied all the memories sent to us onto a Word template, and printed them on the scallop edged cards, then stuffed them into the Marigold and Lemon-colored envelopes. We folded the flaps closed rather than gluing them.
Include a Bonus Gift (optional). We chose to also include a bonus gift of a set of personalized stationary, so our Mother in Law could create new memories!
Close it up. We chose to package the Memories Box with thin velvet ribbon box-weaved into a tri-color pattern. Bright Orange, Marigold, Peacock, and Grey ribbons worked beautifully. To make the weave tight, we taped down the ribbon as we created the weave, then used double-sided tape to secure each ribbon to the box.
We had a hoot as my Mother in Law opened each of her memories and read them aloud. She was at turns tickled, nostalgic, and overall reminded of everyone who loves her.
What do you think? Are you doing to do it?
Show us your Memory box! Or make this one with the materials above, just click on the image for details on prices and sourcing.
Like this Idea of the Week? Check out our Icebreaker Favors idea, and our Neon and Kraft DIY.
Large Lacquered Rectangular Box
This Large Lacquered Rectangular Box from the Container Store is a polished, pop-y option for your memory box. Also available in Fuchsia, Red, Yellow, Green, White, and Black.
$17.99
White Scallop A2 Notecards
This scallop-edged note card from Paper Source is a thoughtful detail. In our crisp pure white. Cover weight. Fits an A2 envelope. Flat size - 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".
$6.75 (pack of 20)
Personalized Elephants A2 Stationary
Whimsical elephants create a colorful parade across this modern, polished stationary set. Personalize it with the writer's name. Size - A2 flat (4.25" x 5.5"). Envelopes included. Shown in Chartreuse.
From $59.40 for a set of 20
A2 Envelopes - Poppy
Paper Source's stylish European inspired pointed flap envelope in poppy, an orange with a light hearted feel and a thoroughly modern spirit. Size - 4 3/8" x 5 3/4".
$3.25 for 10
A2 Envelopes - Sunshine Yellow
Paper Source's stylish European inspired pointed flap envelope in clear, bright sunshine yellow. Size - 4 3/8" x 5 3/4".
$3.25 for 10
5mm Velvet Ribbon
This luxurious 5mm wide velvet ribbon from M&J Trimming is available in over 50 colors.
$0.79 per yard
Large Lacquered Rectangular Box
This Large Lacquered Rectangular Box from the Container Store is a polished, pop-y option for your memory box. Also available in Fuchsia, Red, Yellow, Green, White, and Black.
$17.99
Large Lacquered Rectangular Box 2
This Large Lacquered Rectangular Box from the Container Store is a polished, pop-y option for your memory box. Also available in Fuchsia, Red, Yellow, Green, White, and Black.
Large Lacquered Rectangular Box > containerstore.com, White Scallop A2 Notecards > paper-source.com, Personalized Elephants A2 Stationary > paper-source.com, A2 Envelopes - Poppy > paper-source.com, A2 Envelopes - Sunshine Yellow > paper-source.com, 5mm Velvet Ribbon > mjtrim.com, Large Lacquered Rectangular Box > containerstore.com, Large Lacquered Rectangular Box 2 >
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