Time Capsule - Top Dos And Don'ts For Creating One At Your Next Party

                                                                                         

If you're looking for a fun, unique idea for your next party or celebration, then why not create a time capsule? This personalized treasure chest of current history, culture, trends and special memories is an easy and captivating activity for you and your guests. Here are the top do's and don'ts for making a personal time capsule.

DO tell everyone invited to the party that they will be creating a time capsule. Half the fun is the anticipation. It gives your guests a chance to plan what they would like to contribute. If they are going to be writing something to add to the contents, then they will have a little time to think about what they want to say.

DON'T limit making a time capsule to just milestone occasions. Of course, this is perfect for a first birthday party, graduation celebration or a wedding shower. Yes, it's a great gift for any special event, but you can also put one together for no reason at all.

DO choose the right container for your time capsule. Boxes are too flimsy. A big metal popcorn tin is ideal. If your objects are small, a large metal cookie tin would work. You could also use plastic food storage containers. The idea is to use something sturdy, that will protect your treasures and keep them cool and dry.

DO include cultural and historic documents of the day. Items such as newspaper headlines and clippings, a copy of this week's TV guide, magazines like People and Newsweek, a supermarket receipt listing prices and a current top 40 music chart are all great. Look for contemporary trends and fads in magazines and on the internet, and add pictures of them to the pile.

DO take photos of personal landmarks that might not be there when you open the time capsule. How many places have you frequented in the past that have disappeared over time, only to be replaced by banks, mini-malls and parking lots? Document places of interest that currently hold some meaning to you, and add them to the vault.

DO involve all your guests in the process. If the time capsule is to commemorate the birth of a baby, then give each person a notecard to write their feelings, hopes and dreams for the child. Or if you're creating a time capsule for a graduate or a couple getting married, then everyone could write predictions of where they think the guest of honor will be by the time the capsule is unsealed. Another fun thing to include is lists of favorites. It will be interesting to see how those lists change over the years.

DON'T be surprised by your guests creativity. Ask them to bring something small and significant that is either personal or represents the times to add to the time capsule. You just might be amazed to see the clever things that they'll supply.

DON'T just throw your items into the time capsule. Certain things like photos, newspaper and letters can deteriorate over time. Instead, place them in acid free envelopes, zippered plastic bags or even vacuum sealed bags for protection before including them.

DON'T add anything that could leak and ruin the contents. Stay away from food of any sort, batteries and of course, liquids.

DO decide when your time capsule will be opened. If you are making one for your daughter's first birthday, you might want to wait until she's 18 or 21 to open it. Or if you're creating one with friends on New Year's Eve, you could decide to gather together again in 5 years to revisit the contents.

DON'T even consider burying your time capsule. Between the harsh elements outside and the possibility you could move, you might never retrieve it. You also could forget exactly where you put it. Instead, tuck it away in a nice safe place inside, until you're ready for the big opening night.

Putting together all of the elements that make up a personal time capsule is a great party activity. It's a wonderful gift for a milestone occasion. And it's also rewarding if it was created for no special reason. But the best part is yet to come. One of these days, it will be opened!

About the author:
Linda Kling is the owner of www.photo-party-favors.com, which offers personalized photo favors and custom invitations, including Year You Were Born photo birthday favors, featuring your photo and fun facts from the year of your birth.

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