Future heirloom gifts are given with the intention that they will be passed down through the generations of a family from child to grandchild. They are designed to withstand the test of time and not to be thrown into a corner and forgotten about. Here are some fantastic future heirloom gift ideas.
Image by Harry Strauss
Quilt
Quilts have long been passed down through generations. Hundreds of years ago, women would meet in groups and make them from scrap material and old clothes. It was a way of socializing and becoming a part of the local society. Today, quilts are still made by family members and given as a keepsake. They can be made from your baby’s old clothes, so they have a memento of their infant years when they are adults.
Quilting is still as popular as it was all those years ago, and there are machines that can make the job easier and quicker to do. Long arm quilting machines are great for substantial sewing projects, and the devices themselves measure up to 21 feet in length. The frames of long-arm quilting machines typically come with an industrial-length sewing machine head and rollers for attaching the fabric layers. Unlike other quilting machines that require you to move the fabric to get the results, you’re looking for, with a longarm quilting frame, the head of the device moves instead.
Memory box
A wooden chest is a popular item to give for an heirloom gift. The trunk can be used as a piece of furniture, or it can be filled with souvenirs from family adventures from over the years. The chest could be personalized with carvings or pyrography of the family name or portraits of family members.
Jewelry
Jewelry has been passed down through families for years. If you have a granddaughter, you might want to consider buying a silver locket. The locket can be engraved with the child’s name, date of birth, a poem, or special message. A photo of someone special can also be placed inside the locket. Boys might like to receive the gift of a unique watch or bracelet that can be engraved with special words.
Recipe book
For the child who enjoys cooking or for an older child who is ready to move out on their own, a collection of family recipes is a great option. Handwrite or type all the favorite family recipes into a beautiful notebook so the child can recreate the dishes on their own. If you have old recipes from grandparents or other relatives, scan the handwritten recipes and print them for a sentimental touch.
Made from The Heart
The most memorable gift you can give your child is something that you have handmade with love. You don’t have to be particularly crafty – you could make a simple sock puppet or a knitted blanket. If you enjoy writing, you could pen a story, poem, or even a song for them. A real visual treat is the gift of a video featuring the child’s family, pets, and home. You could add to it each year until the child becomes an adult.
