How to Make A Memory Jar Gift

This Memory Jar Gift is simple but thoughtful for almost anyone on your list. Includes basic supply list and free printable to complete your gift.

Do you need a nice but simple and inexpensive gift for some on your list this year? This Memory Jar Gift is just what you are looking for!

These are perfect for a Christmas gift but also for beginning or end of school teacher gift, Mother’s Day, birthday or any appreciation gift.

Or what about you?

Have you ever wanted to keep a journal and it was just too big of a job to get started?

Or you made a New Year’s Resolution to keep better records of the family memories and it lasted a whole week because you didn’t have time to sit and write pages and pages?

Yeah, it is a lot.

Too much!

But what if you could get a lot or even most of those memories down without spending so much time and energy?

That is where a Memory Jar is so great! Just grab the pen and paper next to your jar, jot down your memory or happy moment from the day and drop it in the jar.

Done!

You don’t need to wait for someone to make one for you. Make a Memory Jar Gift for yourself!

Who would use a Memory Jar Gift?

One great thing about Memory Jar Gifts is that they can be adapted to anyone!

Women

Men

Children

Teens

Whole families

Yourself! Yes, go right ahead and make one for yourself!

I gave one to my daughter-in-law last Christmas and she was thrilled with it! I included the offer of the service of typing out the memories the following year if she wanted.

It would even be a fun idea to do as a class and read together at the end of the year.

Does it have to be a Jar?

We are calling this a Memory “Jar” but no, it doesn’t have to be a jar.

It doesn’t even have to have a lid. Sometimes it would be best to have one with a lid. Other times, it won’t matter.

Use whatever container you think is best for the person you are making it for.

Make sure it is dry and clean if you are using something from the recycle bin.

Usually, a quart mason jar size is large enough for one person. If a whole family will be adding memories all year, you will want something bigger.

If you are doing a family memory jar, you may want to assign each person their own color of paper.

Even men or teen guys may enjoy this. Just don’t make their jar or box too fancy.

Supplies:

1 large pretty jar, vase or even a box with a lid.

Pretty ribbon in whatever color and thickness you like. You can also decorate the whole jar if you would rather.

A pad of post-it notes (multicolored looks pretty in the jar)

A pretty pen

The “How to Use the Jar” and Memory Inspirations sheet printable

Scissors

Hole punch to thread the printable onto ribbon

Directions

Print out the memory idea printable for the jar.

Cut out the printable. If you want to add a hole punch to thread some ribbon through, cut around a “handle” to do so.

Cut the ribbon to the length you need.

Add a hole punch and carefully thread some ribbon and a pen through it.

Tie the ribbon around the top of the jar or vase.

Add the lid and any other decorations you would like.

Starting on January 1^st, write good and happy things that you don’t want to forget on the notes and put them in the jar. Write things like:

Goals accomplished

Anything that made you smile

Things you are thankful for

Special activities

Funny moments

Things you thought were beautiful

Happy surprises

Any memory you don’t want to forget

–On December 31^st, empty the jar and read all of the wonderful things that happened to you last year!

This could also be a school year jar from August until May, Mother’s Day gift or any time you would like. It certainly doesn’t have to be only one year of memories. Adapt it to be anything you like!

Tips to Help your Memory Jar Work

Put it in a place you can see it. If you can’t see it, you probably won’t remember to use it! Don’t put it in a drawer or closet and forget to do it.

Take an extra second when you write your memory to also write the date on the paper.

As the giver, be sure to include the post-it notes or a small notepad and a pen! And if you receive the Memory Jar, be sure to keep those things handy. If you have to hunt for them, you will get busy doing all kinds of other things and forget all about writing down that sweet memory.

The idea is to be able to quickly be able to jot down memories but do make sure you can be able to read them later!

Tips for Past Memory Jars

What if you have done Memory Jars for several years now? Wouldn’t that be neat?

You could dump each year into Mason jars and label them with the years they contain and set them on a shelf together. Take them out any time you need encouragement or a fun time of reading past memories. Pick a year and read them!

If your papers are labeled with the dates with your memories, you could even stack them in order and make a small project of typing them out. Then you WILL have a journal!

I hope this helps others keep records of special times in their lives. One thing I have never regretted is keeping records of happenings in our family. It is so much fun to read back on them.

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