memorial capsule
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How to Make a Memorial Time Capsule

Written by: Oaktree Memorials

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Time to read: 3 min

When we lose someone we love, preserving their memory becomes a meaningful part of the healing process. While photos, keepsakes, and stories are all cherished forms of remembrance, one creative and increasingly popular idea is to build a memorial time capsule.


A memorial time capsule is a curated collection of items, letters, and mementos sealed and stored to be opened at a future date. It can serve as a personal reflection, a family heirloom, or a way to pass down legacy to future generations. Whether you're honoring a loved one privately or involving an entire family or community, this lasting tribute offers a beautiful mix of nostalgia, healing, and intention.


Here’s how to create one, what to include, and the best containers to keep your memories safe for years to come.

What Is a Memorial Time Capsule?

A memorial time capsule is a sealed container filled with meaningful items that represent the life, legacy, and love shared with someone who has passed. It’s designed to be opened at a later date—perhaps on a milestone anniversary, by future descendants, or during a family gathering.

Unlike a typical keepsake box that’s revisited often, a time capsule carries a sense of mystery, anticipation, and ceremony. It gives families a ritual of creation, reflection, and eventual rediscovery.

Step 1: Choose the Right Container

The first and most important decision is selecting a durable, secure, and beautiful container for your capsule.

We recommend using one of our wooden cremation urns, particularly those with a hidden compartment or ample interior space like:


  • The Bleecker Urn – Oak or Walnut: Crafted from solid wood with a modern design that fits beautifully into home decor, this urn doubles as a timeless vessel for memorial items

  • The Taylor Urn: A clean, minimalist design with enough room for tokens, letters, and even digital storage

  • The Oaktree Candle Urn: Combines a candle holder with a compartment, ideal for reflection and remembrance


If your time capsule will not include ashes, you might also consider one of our keepsake urns, which are smaller in size and perfect for letters, dried flowers, or jewelry.

Step 2: Decide When It Will Be Opened

Set a clear intention around when the capsule will be opened. This gives it significance and provides a meaningful goal for loved ones.

Some ideas:

  • On the 10-year anniversary of their passing

  • On what would have been their 100th birthday

  • At a child’s coming-of-age moment (e.g., 18th or 21st birthday)

  • On a family reunion or milestone holiday

You can even include a card on the outside with instructions like “To be opened in 2045.”

Step 3: Choose What to Include

The contents of a memorial time capsule are deeply personal. Here are some meaningful ideas:

  • Handwritten letters from family members, friends, or caregivers—expressions of love, memories, or updates on life since their passing

  • Favorite photos that capture special milestones, vacations, or everyday joy

  • Personal mementos like wedding bands, recipe cards, or favorite books

  • Art or creative pieces like children’s drawings, poems, or songs

  • Recorded messages on USB drives—video tributes, voicemails, or even audio of their voice

  • News or pop culture clippings from the time of their life

  • Keepsake jewelry such as our gold teardrop necklace or silver heart pendant

Step 4: Seal and Store With Intention

Once all your items are chosen and placed carefully in the container, seal the capsule thoughtfully. Consider wrapping it in protective cloth or placing it in a drawstring bag for extra care.

Attach a note or plaque explaining its significance. You can use one of our engraved brass plaques to personalize the outside with a name, quote, or instructions.

Store your capsule in a safe, climate-controlled location such as:

  • A memorial cabinet or shelf

  • A family altar or home shrine

  • A designated space in a funeral home memorial garden

  • A secure storage area with heirs aware of its significance

Step 5: Let Loved Ones Know About It

A time capsule shouldn’t be forgotten—its impact depends on being rediscovered. Share its existence with trusted family members, include it in your will or estate documents, or write a letter detailing its location and purpose.

For families going through pre-planning or working with a funeral home, you may consider creating a companion capsule during arrangement discussions. Funeral directors can help facilitate the process and even integrate it with memorial events.

Creative Variations

If you want to expand or customize the time capsule idea, try one of these:

  • Family time capsule: Each family member contributes something—great for kids who want to feel involved

  • Video capsule: Collect video messages from family and store them on a flash drive or cloud drive

  • Pet memorial capsule: Include tags, paw prints, and photos in memory of a beloved companion. Explore our pet memorial collection for beautiful ideas

Final Thoughts

Creating a memorial time capsule is a healing act of memory, storytelling, and intention. It allows us to capture the essence of a life and seal it for future hearts to rediscover.

Whether you’re doing it solo, with children, or as part of a community remembrance, this project reminds us that love, once shared, lives on—and that legacy can be a beautiful thing to unwrap.

To get started, explore our collection of modern urns, engraved keepsakes, and personalized add-ons that will make your capsule both meaningful and lasting.

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FAQs

What are the shipping options for my memorial?

Oaktree offers free nationwide shipping on all urns and cremation jewelry items, with delivery typically taking 2-5 business days, including processing time. Need it sooner? Expedited shipping (overnight or 2-day) is available at checkout for an additional cost, and we will also prioritize processing for faster delivery. If you need international shipping, please contact us first to confirm availability and rates.

How long will it take for my engraved item to arrive?

Engraved urns and cremation necklaces require an additional 1-3 business days for personalization before shipping. If you need faster delivery, please contact us—we’ll do our best to expedite processing and accommodate your timeline. Expedited shipping options are also available at checkout to ensure your memorial arrives as soon as possible.

What do I do if I never received my order?

If your order hasn’t arrived within 10 business days, please contact us so we can track your shipment and resolve any issues. We’ll ensure your memorial reaches you as soon as possible.

What do I do if I received a defective order?

If your order arrives damaged or defective, contact us right away. We take pride in our high-quality craftsmanship and will work quickly to replace or repair your item at no additional cost.

Can I return my urn or cremation necklace? What is your return policy?

Oaktree offers a 100-day return and exchange policy for non-engraved items. Due to personalization, engraved urns are final sale and cannot be returned. For full details on how to start a return or exchange, visit our Returns & Exchanges page.

How do I make changes to an urn I’ve already ordered?

If you need to modify an order, contact us as soon as possible. If your urn is already engraved, we may not be able to make changes, but we’ll do our best to accommodate your request before processing.

How are your urns made? Where do the materials come from?

Oaktree’s urns are handcrafted in the USA and Europe using sustainable, locally sourced materials. Our artisans ensure each piece is beautifully designed and built to honor your loved one’s memory with care.

How do I choose the right urn size?

Each product page includes detailed dimensions, weight capacity, and cubic inches to help you select the right urn. As a general guide, 1 cubic inch holds 1 pound of pre-cremation weight. If you need help choosing, feel free to contact us.

Some urns are marked as “sold out.” When will they be available?

Our handmade urns may take a few weeks to restock. If you’re interested in a specific style, contact us for an estimated restock date, and we’ll notify you when it’s available.

Does Oaktree place the ashes into my urn?

Yes, we offer an optional ash transfer service for an additional fee. If you’d like us to handle this process, please contact us when placing your order. You’ll need to mail the ashes to us, and we’ll carefully transfer them into your selected urn.

How do I transfer ashes into my urn?

Cremated remains typically arrive in a sealed plastic bag inside a plastic container. To transfer them, simply place the sealed bag inside your urn. If needed, use a funnel for precise placement. If you have any concerns, our team is happy to assist.

How do I order an engraved urn?

To personalize your urn, select “Yes” under “Would you like your item engraved?” on the product page. If you’d like a custom design beyond standard engraving, contact us and we’ll explore options to create a unique tribute.

Can my urn be shipped directly to a funeral home?

Yes! During checkout, you can enter the funeral home’s address for direct shipping.

Can I customize my urn beyond engraving?

Yes! In addition to engraving, we offer custom design services, including unique finishes, symbols, or artwork. If you’d like to personalize your urn beyond standard options, contact us to discuss customization possibilities.

What materials are Oaktree urns made from?

Our urns are crafted from premium materials such as wood, ceramic, marble, metal, and biodegradable materials. We focus on sustainable sourcing and high-quality craftsmanship to create lasting memorials.

Do you offer keepsake urns or mini urns?

Yes, we offer keepsake urns and mini urns, which are smaller versions designed for sharing ashes among family members or keeping a small portion as a personal tribute.

Can I pre-order an urn for future use?

Absolutely! Many customers choose to pre-order an urn in advance. This ensures availability and allows for customization without time constraints. Contact us to arrange a pre-order.

Do you offer pet urns?

Yes, we provide a range of pet memorial urns designed to honor beloved pets. These are available in different materials and sizes to suit dogs, cats, and other pets.

How do I clean and maintain my urn?

Urns require gentle care to maintain their beauty. Use a soft cloth and mild cleaner for metal or ceramic urns. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture to preserve wood urns. Contact us for specific care instructions based on your urn’s material.

Can I travel with an urn? Are they TSA-approved?

Most Oaktree urns are TSA-compliant, making them safe for air travel. Choose a non-metal urn to ensure easy screening. We recommend carrying the urn in your carry-on bag and bringing the cremation certificate from the funeral home.

How do I track my order?

Once your order ships, we’ll send you a tracking number via email. You can use this to monitor the shipment status. If you don’t receive tracking details, contact us for assistance.

How do I contact Oaktree if my question isn’t answered here?

We’re happy to assist! Visit our Contact Us page to reach us via email, chat, or phone. Our compassionate team is ready to help.