Memory Box

When baby was six months old we held a naming ceremony for her. The ceremony was centred around our wishes for baby's future.

In the invitations I asked that everyone bring a small token or gift representing their wish for baby's future. I explained that these would then be placed in a memory box for her to open and treasure when she is older. The emphasis is on small because ideally all the gifts will fit into the box you have chosen.

I couldn't find a box that I liked so I had one made by Lorriane at Creative Stuff. It is covered in daisies and now sits out of reach on a high shelf in baby's room. Its so pretty her little arms often reach out towards it.

During the ceremony we had it on a pretty table, near where we stood with the celebrant. Everyone was invited to step forward and share their wish for baby's future.
I made some pretty blank cards for them to write their wish on if they wanted. These and any gifts were placed in the memory box.

A few people held back, though shyness, but it wasn't a big deal. They just put their gift on the table after the formal ceremony was over.

Tokens gifted included:

• a shell collected from a favourite family beach
• small heirlooms (a locket, a silver salt spoon, miniature dog)
• treasured personal possessions (including a boarding pass and a club membership card)
• traditional bracelet charms
• figurines
• handmade bookmarks

This idea was suggested by our celebrant and worked really well. I'd recommend it for any occassion you want to be interactive for your guests eg wedding, baby's first birthday. You'll end up with a whole box of memories and treasures that will far outlast most store bought gifts.

Related posts
Naming Day Ceremony
Naming Day Wording (Naming Day Script)
Cupcake Recipe