Time Capsule Ideas

[OilBaron]

At the risk of being lame, wanky and sentimental, I'm making DP a time capsule for Christmas. It'll basically be a sealed box which says 'Don't open until Christmas 2040'.

I know it's lame but I'd love to have a box to open now with personal stuff in from 20 years ago.

Anyway, I bought a lovely notebook and I'm regularly writing 'Letters to Future Us'. It's basically a diary but more conversational with questions for our future self (e.g. "Do you still live at 34 Smith Street?"). I've saved a local newsletter and the Government gubbins about Covid which came in April.

I'm going to put in some food packaging, some receipts, some photographs, newspapers from random days.

But what else could I put in?

If you were going to open a time capsule from 20 years ago, what would you want to see in it?

A photo of the two of you taken on the day you seal it, as well as ones of your house and any children or pets.
A newspaper from the date you seal it.
Copy of Radio Times.
Copy of football tables if he likes football (if so, a programme for his favourite team as well), or something similar related to a sport or hobby hr follows.
School newsletter.
Church magazine, if you attend.
Bottle of wine best to be drunk in 2040.

Sorry don't have any suggestions but just wanted to say what a great idea.

hello mums, my son (10 years old) wants to play fortnight because all his friends do. i want to know if any of your children have fortnight and if it’s appropriate for a 10 year old.

Hi @christiebrown you need to start a new thread, click on the arrow at the top of the page or if on the app come out of this page and click new at the bottom of the page.

face mask
News report.
Favourite Candy bar
picture,
letter,

Roll of toilet paper and bag of pasta to remind him that they all ran out.

An Argos catalogue if you can get hold of one, as this year, they've discontinued it. Also has the advantage of showing a wide selection of today's goods and prices.

Have you been going out for walks? I've got a print out of the ordnance survey map for our local area with all my favourite lockdown walks highlighted on it in my memory box.

In the notebook you could write about X things you missed most during lockdown and Y things that you did instead and what went well, new things you found you liked and those you didn't like.

The fashion page from the weekend paper featuring fancy masks.

This is a wonderful idea OP! How about some money? In case it changes and also, awesome having a note of money when you open it!

Money is a good idea, how about some small coins, they could very well not exist in 20 years time.

If you have any DC then get them to draw a picture ordinary handprint. If you had plans that got cancelled include the tickets. Small bottle of his current favourite aftershave / your fave perfume. When you're in your local supermarket pick up a gift card for his favourite shop. Don't put money on it but include it...it may not be in the high street in 20 years. Travel sized bottles of his fave bathroom products. Great idea xx

As an oldie I've had many alterations to the house and garden over the years. Keeping old photos is a great reminder. Even the awful wallpaper is funny to look back on. Is there any areas which might in the future be altered eg extension built, part of the garden redesigned. Also any local land marks that might be changed or be demolished -pics of the street you live in?
20 years is a long time - trees grow to their full height in that time, making a big difference to scenery.

Thanks so much for these ideas, people!

An Argos catalogue is an amazing idea. I might try and get hold of a fashion catalogue as well to see how much fashions change.

I'm not actually planning to tell him what's in it. I'm gathering all the stuff myself over the next few months, sealing the box then giving him the sealed box this Christmas so it'll be a double surprise!

I might take myself off for a walk alone another day and take some pictures of our local area to print off. As PP said, a lot changes in 20 years

I love the idea of money too - I'll most definitely get some coins together.

I think I'm going to need a bigger box