Kid Memory Binders
This post shows you how to make kid memory binders with Costco binders and sheet protectors. It’s an easy way to save your kids memories, art work, pictures, awards, etc.
This is a repeat post from last year that got so much attention, I just had to share it again for those who never saw it. And also to inspire those who may have a New Year’s goal of keeping your kid’s stuff organized this year!
For many people, part of their reluctance to invite others into their home is because of their disorganization. And I know first hand with 3 kids how the paperwork piles up! It can really get discouraging.
I’ve shared this easy system with many of my friends. Years ago my friend Anne got me started with this simple organizational system for saving my kids’ memories over the years, by filing them into a binder.
I do not have time to scrapbook so this method gets the job done!
Now my kids spend hours looking through their books! It’s worth the extra effort to be organized! I’d rather my kids’ thumb through their books than watch a mindless T.V. show!
Supplies
- 2″ white binders from Costco (4 in a pack)
- Scrapbook paper (or plain colored paper)
- 1 box sheet protectors
Starting with Pre-K, I have saved art, special memories, class pictures, sports awards, first book report, every report card, articles their dad has written – you name it, and have filed these papers into these books.
Thank you notes from special people
A letter to a teacher
What to wear on a field trip
Moving up to high school
Congrats on driver’s license
10-day backpack trip
Abby’s fist time away to camp
Sports pictures
Accomplishments
Special school speeches
Annual family Christmas letters
Abby’s first post right here on RE
You get the idea …
How to make a memory binder book:
Start with younger years and move forward (Pre-K is when I started)
Create a binder for every 2 years (depending on how much you need to file)
Slip memories into sheet protectors, sometimes folding in ½ or however you can preserve it
Slip artwork into the front cover, or use a fun piece of scrapbook paper
Make a side label with child’s name and year(s)
When my kids get old enough, these books will become their memories to keep!
For now, they are mine, and I find myself occasionally thumbing through them too. Of course I get a bit sentimental!
What’s the secret to this easy system? Have your books ready, so when the stuff comes home you can slip it right into the book!
Do you have an organized system for keeping your kids’ memories? Or, if you saw this post last year and implemented it, I’d love to hear how it’s working for you?
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I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
I am so going to do this. I’m big on saving memories but not big on doing anything with them but sticking them in a box. I may sell my scrapbook supplies even as I’m not sure I’ll ever get to that craft. Thanks so much Sandy.
I like your concept — wish I had done this when my kids were younger.
But I have a suggestion that would result in a much more durable memory book that will not deteriorate as pages, drawings and other content surely will.
Scan all those materials — each drawing, letter, report card, paper — and upload to a photo sharing site like lifephoto.com. You can store your files and other photos there and create — at no cost — a digital photo book for each child. You can work on it at your leisure — your project will be saved. You can e-mail a “turning page” book preview to share the contents with Grandma via e-mail or on Facebook or other social media site.
When you’re ready to get a printed copy — and you might want to do this once a year — you can get a 20 page 6″x4″ photo book printed for $6.95 or an 8″x8″ (or 9″x6″) 20-page book for $12.95. These are softcover; hardcover are more. Each 20-page book can hold about 50 photos or graphics. You can put text in as well.
While a binder-type memory book is great for the short term — this is a terrific solution for a long-lasting child’s memory book and it doesn’t cost a lot to do.
See what you think.
great, great idea – thanks!
I may have told you last year, but I LOVE this – such a great idea. I won’t even go there that I’m so ridiculously far behind scrapbooking our kids’ memories – how I wish I’d had this idea back then – you make it very doable.
What a great idea..thanks for sharing it!
Thanks for stopping by my blog! :)
This is such a great idea! I remember when you posted this earlier and just never got around to doing it. I have rubbermaid totes full of school work to go through, and look forward to getting it down into a few notebooks! Thanks for re-sharing.
Blessings to you today…
Jennifer
I totally agree, these are great. Every house should use these. I started them last year because we homeschool, but I will use them for other items as well. My kids LOVE them.
cute!
Great system! My son is now grown, but I have boxes of memorabilia. This is a great way to break it down into more managable parts. = ) Thanks for reposting!
Sandy,
Thanks for resposting this one. This is an awesome idea.
I’ve got to get started!!!
Peace.