- Time capsules are a great way to reminisce about the past, spend time with your giftee in the present, and create something for the future. You can make them as simple or as extravagant as you want.
- Take a bit of time beforehand to figure out a few important details:
- 1. What’s your timeline and who are you making the time capsule for?
- Do you intend to open it yourself in 5-15 yrs?
- Are you hoping your kids or grandkids will open it in 25-50 years?
- Or is it intended for someone to stumble upon 100 years from now?
- Tips:
- Depending on your timeline, include a description of the capsule location and intended recipient in your will.
- Consider registering your time capsule. There are a few companies online that can assist you with this.
- 2. What would you like the time capsule to contain? The options are endless but here are a few to get you started…
- Items that help show what life was like in the year ____.
- Personal items like keys to your first car, your wedding invitation, a toy from your childhood, a movie or concert ticket, personal letters, a journal, photos, your old smartphone, etc…
- Think about adding some items that get better with age such as alcohol (wine, scotch, whiskey…).
- Consider enclosing a letter to the person who will open the capsule. Have some fun and make a few predictions about what the future will be like when the capsule is opened.
- Tips:
- Write up an inventory of the items in the capsule.
- Put paper in plastic sleeves to protect it from decay.
- If you enclose digital media of any kind, try to include a device that will read it.
- 3. Choose a location
- If you’re intending to open the capsule yourself or bequeath it to a family member, then a great option is storing it within your own house or backyard.
- For longer timelines or if you intend for a stranger to come across it, your best bet is to choose a landmark that will stand the test of time (eg: a large rock, a statue).
- Make note of the location via photos, description and/or GPS.
- 4. Pick a suitable container
- If the storage is indoors and shorter-term, then something as simple as a shoebox should be adequate.
- If the storage is outdoors and/or longer-term, you may need to look into more sturdy/waterproof options. There are many commercially made options online.
- Mark the intended open date on the outside.
- 1. What’s your timeline and who are you making the time capsule for?
- On a budget? A message in a bottle is just a simple time capsule. Sit down with your giftee and write a note to a stranger. It can be as simple as “have a great day” or “you’re awesome” to something more personal like sharing how you fell in love. Consider leaving your contact info so the person that finds it can let you know. Seal the note in a clean, dry glass bottle (not plastic). Create a little ceremony along a river or at a beach, then toss it in (you may want to check litter rules at the water source you’re accessing first).
- Think outside the box:
- If you bury the capsule in the ground, use that to represent earth in our Elements theme.
- The paper you put in the capsule could easily fit with our Rock, Paper, Scissors theme.
- Think of the time capsule as buried treasure in our Treasure Hunt theme.
- Keep this idea in mind for significant events in your giftee’s life such as: weddings, anniversaries, graduation and baby showers.
