Creating a Memory Box with Cremation Stones and Keepsakes

Many people collect a box of keepsakes after a loved one passes, and it often feels quite natural to gather small items and tokens that remind them of their loved one. Currently referred to as a “memory box”, these containers house items such as cremation stones, jewelry, photos, and any small, personal object that feels important to hold onto. Let’s explore memory boxes in more detail and how they can help you grieve and remember your loved one.

What is a Memory Box?

Sometimes, people want memorial keepsakes but may not want to display them in plain sight, fearing breakage or loss of the item. A memory box is the perfect solution for sensitive and tender items that remind you of your loved one. It can feel wrong to throw away your loved one's glasses or other deeply personal items that they may have treasured or used every single day. 

A memory box can be anything you want, whether it’s a special chest, a cardboard box, or a plastic storage bin. Whatever container you choose is fine, and you can always upgrade when the grief-driven brain fog lifts. If you’re crafty, decorating or making a special box can be a very soothing activity. 

What a Memory Box May Represent for a Grieving Heart

A memory box is a tangible, physical keepsake of the person who has passed. It represents a connection to the departed that you can touch, hold, and even smell. These material reminders are a connection to your loved one and a way to preserve memories through keepsakes and tokens. 

A memory box is often quite practical; it allows you to keep a reasonable amount of the items you can’t bear to part with while grieving. It can also be an intentional project to process grief, honor your loved one, and bring you some tangible comfort during this dark time. 

Adding Cremation Stones and Keepsakes to the Memory Box

Cremation stones and memorial keepsakes are perfect additions to a memory box. These personal memorial items deserve a special home, and a memory box is a loving place to store them. Cremation stones use a part of your loved one's ashes, making an extremely personal keepsake. For example, the Living Urn’s Touchstones are handblown glass cremation stones that hold a small bit of cremation ash. When the ash is added during the glass-blowing process, the extreme heat refines the ash into a fine white powder that swirls throughout the stone. Choose a color that represents your loved one and share the other touchstones with family and friends.

Other memorial keepsakes that fit in a memorial box are miniature urns or cremation jewelry. Miniature urns hold a small portion of cremation ashes, allowing you to bury, scatter, or display the remaining ashes. Cremation jewelry can also hold ashes, but you can also find jewelry that features the fingerprint of your loved one or their birthstone. Even if you wear your cremation jewelry regularly, a memory box is a lovely place to store these special pieces of jewelry. 

Other Meaningful Items Families Often Include in a Memory Box

• Photographs are a classic addition to a memory box.
  
• Cards from birthdays and holidays.
  
• A handwritten grocery or to-do list.
  
• One of their favorite recipes.
  
• Tokens from their sports team.
  
• Items of faith or their religion.
  
• Handwritten notes to them from you.
  
• A CD of their favorite music.
  
• Their old phone or other electronic devices.
  
• Dried flowers from their passing.
  
• Dried plants from their garden or houseplants.
  
• Dried leaves from their memorial tree, if you plant a Living Urn. 
  
• Rocks, shells, or dried seeds from a walk or favorite hike.
  
• Receipt from a dinner or night out.
  
• Movie, theatre, or concert ticket stubs.
  
• Personal items from the departed, like jewelry, figurines, or a watch.
  
• Plane tickets from a trip you took together.
  
• The key to their house.
  
• A small item of their clothing.
  
• A bottle of their favorite spice, tea, coffee, or alcoholic beverage.
  
• Their pocketknife or a favorite small tool.
  
• Glasses.

There isn’t a wrong item to add to your memory box, as long as it’s non-perishable and properly stored. If it reminds you of your loved one and you want to keep it around, then a memory box is an excellent project for you to help you grieve and process your loss. 

Creating a Place of Quiet Reflection with Help from The Living Urn

Here at the Living Urn, we handcraft our memorial keepsakes with high-quality materials and great care. Honoring the journey of loss is part of our mission, and we’re proud to offer miniature keepsake urns, a variety of cremation jewelry, and a range of memorial keepsakes. Any of these items would make a meaningful addition to your memory box. Creating a place of quiet reflection will help you move through loss while creating a place of memories for years to come.