Choosing Family Heirlooms that will last for Generations
We all want to be remembered fondly after we’re gone. Our kids and grandkids are sure to hold on to fond memories, tell humorous stories of silly things we did, or smile when they remember our quirks and habits. But what about our great great great grandkids? How will our distant family members remember us? They won’t have had the pleasure of meeting us in person, so it’s important that they have a small memento of their heritage.
In today’s world, it isn’t easy to choose quality heirlooms to pass down. Why? Because things these days just aren’t made to last. Think of that entertainment centre you bought from the local big box store, or the jewellery box you bought online. They have a lifespan of maybe 15 years, but probably much less than that.
Here are a few ideas on quality items you can pass down to your kids and grandkids, so they can be passed down for generations to come.
Furniture
As mentioned, you don’t want to choose just any old furniture, or it won’t last beyond a few years. Choose quality furniture that is sturdily built to pass down from generation to generation. A reputable company, such as Boyles Furniture, has a vast selection of finely made pieces that will be cherished for many years to come. Think of a table, set of chairs, hutch, or even a grandfather clock.
Tools
Tools are probably not the first thing you think of for heirlooms; but in fact, they can make valuable heirloom pieces. Your favourite power tools may be the latest and greatest now, but what about 50 years from now? They could make a great conversation piece for your great-grandchild.
Appliances
These are definitely not made to last. Buying a washing machine today will get you only about 15 years or so of quality washing, but there are still some appliances that are worth saving for the next generation and beyond. Examples include cake mixers, blenders, food processors, juicers and even popcorn machines. If they are cared for, these can last for several generations. You can also include some of your favourite roasting pans, cast iron pots and pans, and other cooking items.
Jewellery
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but when it comes to family heirlooms, anyone, male or female, will keep these treasures close to their heart. Pocket watches, rings, necklaces, brooches, earrings and hair clips can all have a special place in a jewellery box, even if they are not worn daily. Diamonds, precious metals and gemstones will last many generations and if they are cared for properly, they will last forever.
A vintage engagement ring is a very special piece of jewellery to pass down. It will make a romantic proposal even more special.
Handmade items
Sometimes, the best heirlooms are the ones you don’t buy in a store at all; they are handmade with love and skill. Think of handmade quilts, baby blankets, Christmas and other holiday decorations, paintings, knit scarves, hats or other clothing. Even the smallest handmade trinkets can have priceless value knowing it was made with love by someone special.
Let’s face it; we won’t be on this earth forever. Those close to us will have fond memories, but beyond that, we have to leave a legacy that future generations will cherish. That doesn’t mean offloading our furniture, photo albums and ‘stuff’. Our Millennial children don’t want them, and chances are, future generations won’t either. Finding middle ground is the key, so choose your heirloom items wisely; it may be a good idea to talk with your kids first and find out what they would cherish most.
*This is a collaborative post.
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It may be just me but I don’t like to think about heirlooms. I don’t care about them. Memories and photos will do me.
I have lots of things that I have from my grandmother and great grandfather. I treasure them so much and look forward to passing them down to my children.
We have a few heirloom pieces that have been passed down over the years and hold tremendous history and value to us.
We can create our own, I agree.
For family heirloom I will go for jewellery, paintinfs and some vases from my travels. It appreciates the value, unlike appliances and furnitures. Or maybe helping to build schools. The name of the family will be remembered forever.
I love this post. These are great tips. I always want to leave something meaningful and useful to my family in the future. Thanks for sharing.
XOXO
This is such a great tip! I hope to pass down my cooking appliances and jewelry. There have sentimental values on them.
Admittedly, I’ve never purchased something with the idea that it would become an heirloom. I think about those things in our family that have been passed down, and most are because they have sentimental value. The chair in my office comes from my grandmother. It my favorite when I’d go to visit. The grandfather clock in my parents living room, my father built with his grandfather way back when he was in high school. My favorite heirloom? My great-aunt’s handwritten recipe collection. x
I have lot of memories about my grandmother: furnitures, jewels, simple objects… I love them so much, I remember my granma everyday thanks to them, I loved her so much!
Actually tools are the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of heirlooms. I’ve got all my granddad’s tools and my father’s too. I also have a few from my seamstress grandma!
I’d never thought about doing this. I can’t think my kids would want to keep anything we’ve got just now, lol!
I love your idea about asking your children which items they would cherish most. My grandmother left our family so many heirlooms – but it was only a choice few that most of us grandkids really wanted to save for ourselves and our families. I feel so grateful to have received her molcajete which I love and treasure.
I have a few items that belonged to both of my grandmothers and I treasure them. Someday I will pass them down to my own children.
An heirloom is all about the next generation. It is their chance to remember the positive things about us when we are gone. So the choice is very personal.
This was a fun read because I am mainly surrounded by family heirlooms. I was raised in a family where quality goes over quantity and it pays off. =D
I need to keep this in mind. We do have some furniture that can be passed down–and jewelry.
Family heirlooms are so important. I have many that have been handed down.
My mom is a big time anticer and collector. She has pieces that I know one day ill want to pass on to my kids.
I’m not at all a sentimental person so I have a hard time holding unto random nick nacks that family members have passed down. This is a great list of things that would actually be valued and treasured as they are passed through the generations!
In my family, it’s furniture that go from one generation to another. Some of my parents’ furniture are 500 years old! So old! xx corinne
I am not so sure that you can choose a family heirloom. An heirloom is something that acquires value for multiple reasons, like my grandmother’s chair that I now use in my living room.
My grandmother passed down all of her jewelry before she passed away and we will continue to pass it down to our girls! Such a sweet way to remember her.
My Kitcheaid and Vitamix will last a long time for a happy family member. 🙂
I’m glad I came upon your post. This is just what I needed; thank you for sharing about treasuring precious family heirlooms. I was just visiting my grandparents and they were talking about what they would like me and my siblings to have to remember them by