5 memorial keepsake ideas to pay tribute to a loved one
Looking for a unique way to remember a loved one? Discover 5 ideas for cherishable memorial keepsakes.
We all process grief differently. It's a complicated emotion that can churn up all sorts of feelings, from sadness to confusion to anger.
The important thing to remember is that there is no "correct" way to grieve. That's because grief is a bit like a maze – and while friends, relatives and professionals can point us in the right direction, we ultimately have to find our own way through it.
For some, this will mean seeking solace in hobbies or interests. For others, it might involve joining a support group or turning to their social circle for comfort.
Memorial keepsakes can also help. These are items that serve to remind us of a person who has died. Many people find comfort in these keepsakes because they make them feel connected to a loved one after they've gone.
In this guide, we look at why memorial keepsakes work and suggest a few types of keepsakes that might offer comfort in a difficult time.
What is a memorial keepsake?
A memorial keepsake is an item that reminds us of someone who has passed away.
There are many kinds of memorial keepsakes, ranging from personalised ornaments to decorative urns to jewellery. Even something as simple as a lock of hair or a treasured photograph can serve as a memorial keepsake.
What connects all these different items is their purpose. For many people, a keepsake is a way to feel close to a person who has died and allow their memory to live on.
Can memorial keepsakes help with grief?
For some people, yes. It all depends on how you process grief and the kind of support that works for you.
Some might say you only need to look at the popularity of memorial keepsakes for proof. The keepsake industry is thriving – so, by one measure at least, they must be doing some good.
And while there hasn't been much research into keepsakes and their impact on grief, one study has hinted at positive effects.
The research team interviewed family members who received keepsakes from the medical staff who cared for their loved ones. They found that broadly speaking, the keepsakes were "highly valued by family members" and receiving the keepsake was "viewed as a gesture of compassion".
Perhaps the most compelling proof, however, is that we humans have been holding onto keepsakes for years. At least 2,000 years, in fact.
A University of York study suggested that Iron Age people kept everyday items that their loved ones had used. These were typically objects with little monetary value, such as spoons.
This behaviour is not unlike how people today sometimes hold onto worn-out shoes or other pieces of clothing. It seems to show that keepsakes are a very natural – and very human – part of the grieving process.
Memorial keepsake ideas
1. A memory bear
Memory bears are cute, smiley cuddly toys that you can cherish as a keepsake of your loved one.
But there's a big difference between these bears and typical teddies. See, memory bears are made using real clothing items your loved one wore. Often, they can be personalised with stitched messages, too.
Variations include memory cushions and a wide range of alternative animal designs, such as bunnies, dogs and even hedgehogs.
2. A garden ornament
The UK is a nation of gardeners – and many of us use our gardens as places of peace, quiet and reflection.
Perhaps that's why memorial garden ornaments are so popular. They can serve as a gentle and welcome reminder of a loved one's presence when we're already in a reflective mood.
There are myriad types of memorial ornaments on the market. Take a look and you'll find engraved stones, metal plaques, detailed sculptures and much more besides.
3. A piece of memorial jewellery
Memorial jewellery is a broad category that deserves its own article. There's a huge variety of personalised trinkets available, as well as unique handmade items created by master craftspeople.
Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
- A simple metal pendant engraved with a loved one's thumbprint
- A locket that folds out to reveal treasured photographs
- A transparent resin pendant that contains a lock of hair
- Something with personal meaning, such as earrings with a favourite gemstone or themed jewellery that reflects a loved one's hobby
If your loved one was cremated, you can even have their ashes turned into toughened glass crystals. These gems can then be incorporated into a beautiful and unique piece of jewellery.
4. A decorative urn
All urns are keepsakes. It doesn't matter whether they're as simple as a wooden box or as ornamental as a Ming vase.
Still, many people choose decorative or personalised urns because they can make loved ones feel that little bit closer. You'll find all sorts of options online, ranging from urns with photographs to themed urns that reflect hobbies and interests.
5. A remembrance website
Keepsakes don't have to be tangible, real-world objects. Online keepsakes are becoming more and more popular. These include things like digital memory boxes and Facebook memorial pages, where friends can access photos of the person who has died and share memories on their timeline.
Another option is a remembrance website. This is like a personal website for someone who has died. These kinds of sites often include photographs, written tributes and space for people to write their own condolence messages.
Remembrance websites might not work for everyone. Some people prefer having a real object they can hold and feel – and that's fine.
But the advantage of a remembrance website is that you can share your loved one's story with anyone you like. Simply provide a link to the site and friends and relatives can access it whenever they please.
And, of course, so can you. Your remembrance site can become a special place online where you can reflect, take stock and relive some of your most treasured memories.
Are you interested in creating a remembrance website? Treasured Moments crafts beautiful, unique online tributes that help make memories brighter. Learn how it all works – or feel free to get in touch with our friendly team if you have any questions. [link to 'For you/how it works' page // link to contact page]
