Easy to Make Treasure Jar: Maximize Memories in Minimal Space

If you’re anything like me you find it hard to throw sentimental things away. Around here our rule is… if it’s not being used then why keep it? BUT, what do you do with all the tiny bits and bobs that have oodles of memories attached to them…mini treasures from your childhood or nostalgic odds and ends? Or what about all the small mementos that your children and grandchildren have given you and lovingly made with their two little hands? Do you store them in a box and put them in the back of your closet? I decided long ago that if something is worth keeping then it’s worth seeing. The perfect solution is to make a Treasure Jar! It’s an easy way to maximize memories in a minimal space.

Basically, a treasure jar is any glass jar (paid link) that holds beloved bric-a-brac…so you can proudly display it. The really neat thing about having jars is that you can rearrange the items as often as you like. You can make a new set of favorites facing outward…so the view can be restyled. Also, you can add or subtract items, which makes it super versatile. And, the absolutely best part about them is that you can take them down off the shelf. You can open them, dump them out, and look through them and share the memories with others….it’s like a 3d scrapbook!

Vacation Treasure Jar

To the average eye, this may look like an ordinary pile of rocks. But, place these rocks in a glass container, and NOW they become a favorite family memory from the beaches of Michigan.

Childhood Treasures

This might look like a colorful heap of hodge-podge…but in reality, it is a collection of precious trinkets. I kept baby bracelets, handmade magnets, and macaroni necklaces from my children. When placed in gallon glass containers they are now prized possessions in my bedroom display cabinet.

Nostalgic Treasure Jar

This pile of vintage autos (that my husband so dearly loved growing up) has a new life! Now, the colorful cars are displayed in the bedroom cabinet as well.

But my favorite treasure jars of all time are the three that my husband keeps on a vintage toy flatbed truck. Marbles from his youth, and golf pencils and ball markers from his father who passed away. They remind us of Papa Jack who was a avid golfer and a super special grandpa. These smaller jars (paid link) are super to use for smaller collections.

So the next time you are wondering what to do with those beloved mini souvenirs and mementos… think about displaying them. Try making a treasure jar! It truly is a great way to save maximum memories while taking up minimal space! It’s an inexpensive and fun little project. We have jars for every member of the family. We love to sit together and riflle through them, while sharing stories and reminiscing. Other tchotchkes may come and go but these jars just keep getting better and better as the years go by!

If you like these ideas, please see our Shop page for more decor ideas.