As a Social Worker who has worked with children and families to create Life Story Books, I decided to do a similar thing with my Preschoolers (twin boys).

The thought started as they were approaching their 5th birthday and I was thinking about how special it would be for them as twins to have their own box of memories. What a great way of spending special time together collecting and creating memories of their final year of Preschool!

This transition time for me represents the drawing to a close of a very special time together as we “say hello” to the next exciting chapter of our lives.

In our case, our boxes have included various keepsakes from birth to the end of their final year at Preschool. I have kept special mementos over the years and have been conscious of creating a story of love around my twins premature birth as it was impacted by separation for medical treatment and parental distress.

The great thing about creating a box together with your child is that you can do it at your own pace. You can also focus on the affirming the positive memories if your life tapestry as a family has been affected by sadness.

Ideas for Creating a Memory Box

Purchase a sealable plastic Box from a Discount Store, or
Decorate a lidded shoebox/copy paper box with:

- Bright adhesive contact Paper, paint, glitter, textas,

- create a collage using digital images that have been photocopied,

- a collage of hand prints and art work


To give the box a durable finish, spray with a coat of clear sealer.

Starter Ideas for Keepsakes to include in the Box…

Stories written together about: fun times, holidays, special occasions, a stay in hospital, the birth of a sibling, or other significant life events

Drawings and/or Photos of: your child’s family (you could include Grandparents and Family Pets) your child’s bedroom, their house/s, other places you may have lived since their birth,

Preschool Photos including their classroom, teachers and friends

A lock of your child’s hair, cut-outs of their hand prints (traced or paint printed), a traced, decorated body print of your child (you could use Butcher’s Paper for this)
A favourite t-shirt, stuffed animal, comfort toy that they no longer use
A video/DVD of their favourite TV programs
A video of Special Occasions and Humorous moments
Mementos of special times together – movie ticket stubs, a pressed flower from the park, a shell from the beach, a pet rock


Mementos from special loved ones who are or have been a special part of your child's life.
My Grandma passed away recently and as my boys were close to her they wanted a musical Christmas card that she had given them to go in their boxes. As a seperate special thing we took them to choose 'something cuddly' to remind them of Grandma (as she was an warm affectionate person). They each chose a similar soft dog (in different colours) with soulful eyes. They love their 'Grandma Dogs' and this has provided a way for them to talk about missing Grandma while having a special keepsake to associate with her and to cuddle.

Birthday Cake Decorations – I have kept the birthday candles, Ninja Turtles and Star Wars decorations from each of my boys birthday cakes – ready to go into their Memory Box

Make Collages with old magazines/junk mail/drawings/photos of:

When I grow up I want to Be…
My Favourite…Books, DVD’s, Songs, Games, Toys,
My Favourite Places to Visit…ie: parks, play centres, picnic places, grandparents, cousins
My Favourite Foods...Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners, milkshake and ice-cream flavours, treats, take-away food
These are just a few ideas to get you started!

I think this will be a great ongoing activity through the cooler months when it is often more difficult to keep kids occupied.

Hope you enjoy creating your Special Box of Treasured Memories together!