In a world that moves so quickly and thrives on new advancements without respect for the past, finding a way to create meaningful gifts to leave for your children can be difficult. However, so long as it shows them how much you love them and how much you’ve thought about their future, they’re sure to appreciate your gift.
Handmade Heirlooms
Giving your child something that represents you and your love for them allows them to take that piece of you everywhere they go. Hard days in a college dorm across the country can be easier with a letter from Dad. Having a piece of your art or a craft that you’ve made for them will remind your child to stay creative and ambitious without forgetting home.
You can even make a gift with your children’s children in mind—give them a handcrafted crib, a rocking chair, or hand-sewn baby’s toys for them to pass down to your grandchildren one day.
Childhood Memories
Collecting bits and pieces of your child’s life throughout their early years can yield a truly heartwarming gift for them as adults. You only recognize how quickly the years went by once you’re older, so give them a framed photo montage or album that shows how much they’ve grown.
The first time they wrote their name, photographs of the family together, one of their favorite toys that they grew out of, and many other sentimental items tell their story and are perfect for this kind of gift.
Tools for the Future
Preparing your child for life as an independent young adult can begin before they’re even born. Dedicated savings accounts can make a huge impact by providing your child the foundation to get their life started, but there are other ways to provide for them down the road besides putting money away.
Opting to bank cord blood, for example, preserves your child’s stem cells in case they ever face cancer or other diseases in the future and require a match for stem cell therapy. Though it’s hard to imagine, writing a will as early as possible can give your child direction and answers even after you’re gone.
The most meaningful gifts to leave for your children center around the idea of making an impact farther down the road. If you choose to leave your gift as a surprise until after they graduate high school or college, it can help define their milestone and serve as the perfect transition into independence.
