Making a time capsule is very simple. The most important part is to use containers and select materials that will not deteriorate too badly over time. For example, you might use a favorite photo, but you would not want to include a piece of your favorite candy. However, a clean wrapper from the candy or sales ad clipping with a picture of it would work great.
You can purchase pre-made time capsules designed especially for such projects, or you can use a hard plastic container with a tight seal. Be sure to include the date that you bury your capsule.
Here are some recommended items to place inside your time capsule:
- List of names of those participating
- Photos of those participating, if desired
- Drawings or other artwork
- Fashion accessories
- Images of current trends, styles (magazine pages, etc.)
- Sample of today’s music
- List of today’s hottest movies (or a DVD)
- Newspaper clippings covering current events (local and around the world)
- Poems and other writings that include children’s thoughts and feelings (can be sealed inside an envelope for privacy)
- Greeting cards or sports or other collectors’ cards
Tuck your items inside the time capsule and seal it tightly. Decide upon the perfect spot to bury it. Don’t bury it too deep, but deep enough to keep it from popping up during wet weather. Carefully mark the spot so you will be able to find it later. Decide on an amount of time, five years, ten years, or more, in which you will dig it up to take a stroll down memory lane. It is really amazing how much things change over time.
*If you plan to move soon, make the time capsule after you get settled in your new home. If you live in a rental, encourage your child to ask about making a time capsule at school or church, or just dig it up and patch the area before you move.