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Inside: Discover an easy way to create a family time capsule that will preserve precious family memories for years to come. It’s a very fun idea and your kids will certainly love it!

Some time ago we moved to a new home, and while I was packing, I discovered a little box in one of our drawers. It was a colorful box that I used 2 years ago to store some family photos and keepsakes.
I opened it, and I was surprised by how much joy and emotion it brought! The pictures reminded me of the lovely family moments I enjoyed with my son when he was a little younger. I even discovered his handprint and a small toy figurine that used to be his favorite when he was a toddler.
That little box made me realize how much things change in such a short time, especially with young kids.
The truth is that years ago, when I was pregnant with my oldest son, I would have never imagined how different my life would be after becoming a mom. So many things happened during these years!
Finding that box with family memories reminded me of an idea that I discovered some time ago and wanted to try: creating a family time capsule.
How to create a family time capsule
After some research, I created a list of ideas for our family time capsule. I decided to use a clear plastic canister as a container because it’s practical and easy to use.
I also looked for some nice time capsule printables to use, but I couldn’t find everything I wanted, so I decided to create our own printable templates.
I started gathering family photos and small items that seemed a good fit for our time capsule and stored them in a box. After preparing everything, we decided that we will fill in and seal the time capsule on New Year’s Eve because it seemed a great occasion to do this.
If you like the idea of creating a family time capsule, here are some tips to help you get started.

What to include in a family time capsule
There are many things that you can include in your family time capsule. At first, make sure that you have a container for the time capsule. We chose this clear plastic canister that is easy to store and big enough for the items that we want to include.
Here is the list of things that you can include in the time capsule:
✔️ list of every family member’s favorites (included in the printable set at the end of the article)
✔️ family photos
✔️ children’s artworks
✔️ letter to your future self
✔️ keepsakes (drawings, hand prints, special items)
✔️ movie tickets / event tickers
✔️ postcards from family members and friends
✔️ a list with a short explanation for each item
✔️ toy figurines
✔️ newspaper / magazine pages
✔️ facts about the current year
✔️ a note from you to your children
✔️ favorite quotes
✔️ memorable family memories
✔️ predictions for the future.

Make it special
Plan a special family meeting and create the time capsule together. Invite all family members to fill in the questionnaires and contribute with items to the time capsule.
One important thing to decide on is the time frame for opening the time capsule. You can either pick a specific date or a special milestone (future birthday, anniversary, a child’s graduation day or wedding day).

We plan to open our time capsule on New Year’s Eve 5 years from now.
I can’t even imagine how our life will look like 5 years from now because the last years brought so many changes! I can only hope that moment will find us happy and healthy together!
Download the printable set & create your family time capsule
I’ glad to share with you the printable set that we created for our family time capsule.

The set includes:
- label for the time capsule
- list of things to include in the time capsule
- questionnaire for kids and questionnaire for adults
- facts about the current year
- favorite family memories (template)
- keepsake drawing and handprint
- letter to my future self (template).
To download the printable set just click on the below link.
⭐ Click here to download the time capsule printables
I hope that you’ll enjoy creating your family time capsule and that it will help you preserve lovely family memories!
More family fun ideas
- The ultimate list of the best family night ideas
- How to create family rules that kids will be happy to follow {+ printable family rules}

preview photo from depositphotos.com
Hello! I love your time capsule printables. I signed up my email address, but still cannot seem to download them. Thank you!
Hi, Faith! I’m sorry that you didn’t receive the printable! I don’t know why it didn’t arrive in your inbox. I’ve just resent it now. Could you please let me know if you got it?
Hello!
I love this idea and wanted to do this with my kids, but when I signed up with my email, I never received the document. I even checked my spam folder! Please help!
Hi, Christina! I’m very sorry you didn’t receive the printable! The email was sent from our system, and I don’t know why it didn’t get in your inbox. I’ve just resent it now. Could you please check if you received it now?
Where did you find the plastic container at? Thank you for the fun idea!
Hello, Lisa! I’m glad you liked the idea! I got the plastic container from Amazon.You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Canisters-capacity-10-inch-BPA-free/dp/B06XT81NW7.