|
Looking for an unusual and
memorable gift? Why not preserve a slice of history by
creating a time capsule for your loved one?
A personalized time capsule
can be made for any special event, such as a birthday,
wedding anniversary, graduation or even the birth of a
child. Your personally designed time capsule preserves
history, popular culture, special memories and can help
link generations of a family together. It is a unique and
thoughtful gift that will be appreciated and long
remembered.
There are a number of steps
to keep in mind when creating a time capsule gift.
MAKE YOUR OWN HISTORY
Traditionally, a time
capsule provides a “snapshot” of a specific day in
history. Consequently, if you are making a capsule to
welcome a new baby into the family, then you would focus
on the baby’s birth date -- what was happening in the
world and with the baby’s family on that day. On the
other hand, if the capsule is to mark your grandparents’
50th wedding anniversary, you probably want to make it
more of a “retrospective” on their many years of
marriage.
TIME CAPSULE 101
1. Start Early. The best
part of any time capsule is the thought and preparation
that goes into it. Be sure that you don’t rush the
process. If you leave everything until the last minute, it
will look that way!
2. Choose a Container.
Think cool and dry when you search for just the right
container. Check online for affordable time capsules and
you will find a variety of styles. Some will even engrave
the person’s name on your selected capsule. However, to
make it very simple, you can make your own capsule by
choosing a sturdy metal container that can be properly
sealed.
3. Select an Unsealing
Date. Perhaps you want to set a significant date, such as
a child’s 21st birthday, a couple’s silver wedding
anniversary or return from military service. Most people
give their time capsule to the recipient unsealed so
additional items can be added. However, you can seal it
before it is presented and have the contents be a total
surprise when it is opened.
4. Put it in Writing. This
is especially important if the time capsule will be opened
far in the future. Make a capsule document that details
everything about it, including the contents, unsealing
date, purpose of the capsule and who should be present
when it is unsealed. Then keep it in a safe place.
5. Storing the Time
Capsule. Although you may be tempted, it is not advisable
to bury your capsule. You are likely to move or forget
exactly where it is buried, and the contents could be
damaged by the elements. It’s a better idea to give the
capsule a special place in your home -- perhaps the
fireplace mantle or on the family piano. Let the capsule
become a conversation piece as you show it to friends and
family and talk about its significance.
CAPSULE CONTENTS
The key to a meaningful
time capsule is to make it personal, relevant and
interesting. Following are some ideas on items to include
and more importantly a few to leave out.
First, it is strongly
recommended not to include food, drinks or liquids.
Basically, anything that could ruin the contents or create
a bad odor. Instead, consider coins, money, stamps, a
small keepsake album, newspapers and magazines. Write a
letter explaining the time capsule’s purpose -- be sure
to use acid-free paper that won’t deteriorate as
quickly. Cards and photos are an excellent choice, but
consider layering them with acid-free paper as well.
If you are making the
capsule for a person with special interests, try to
incorporate their personality into the contents. For
instance, a political junkie will enjoy campaign buttons
and literature. Someone who is a golf fanatic will love
golf paraphernalia or the signature of a famous golfer. A
college graduate will get a kick out of seeing the plastic
and metal “character” style toys that kids were
playing with when he was born.
You can choose contents
that are more lighthearted and funny or more serious and
reflective. Just remember that you set the tone.
To learn about the history
of the time capsule and how to register your personally
created capsule, please visit the All About Baby website
at http://www.allbaby.com
|
About
The Author
Nancy
Wurtzel founded her ecommerce business,
All About Baby, in 1995, All About Baby at
http://www.allbaby.com
specializes in personalized and memorable
gifts for children. Ms. Wurtzel also
consults with small businesses seeking to
enter the marketplace.
nancy@allbaby.com |
|
|
