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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Thanks for reposting this! I never saw it the first time. I LOVE this idea and plan to start mine right away for my 3 boys. I have felt so guilty over not getting any scrapbooking done anymore, and really wanted a new solution.
I sent this link to 8 friends today also, because I love it that much! Thanks for sharing!
Denise
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Thanks for this post. It’s a great motivator!
I started doing these for my kids a few years ago when I felt like I was drowning in construction paper and glitter glue. It’s been such a do-able system so I’ve actually been able to keep up with it, even with the addition of kiddos 3 and 4. :>
I find that I save it all up til Christmas and summer breaks and then spend an hour or two sorting through the piles and filing. I also added in a letter from me to each child. The last day of school, I spend the morning in my pajamas with a cup of coffee, typing away at the computer, composing a special letter to each child. The letter includes who their teacher and friends were, what they enjoyed about the year, things that were difficult that had to be overcome as well as how I’ve seen them grow through the year. And then, of course, some sappy mom stuff. At the bottom of the letter, I add in a few of my favorite photos throughout the year, especially one with the teacher or friends. Then I tuck it into the binder for them to discover on some rainy afternoon when they are flipping through it.
I LOVE this idea and am just now getting ready to start the project! Two quick questions…do you also put pictures (aside from the class ones you mentioned – think family vacations, 3 year old professional photo, miscellaneous snapshots) in this binder, or do you do something different with them? And, do you often put groups of things in one sheet protector (ie. 8 special birthday cards) that you would have to pull out to see or do you only put in what you can actually see when you flip through? Thanks for the great idea!
Just followed the link from The Inspired Room to here – LOVE this idea! Going to start ASAP! :D
.-= N.´s last blog ..Post-Christmas Reds =-.
I wish I had known to do this when my children were younger… I love it. Can’t wait to see you at Blissdom friend.
And for all those projects that you can’t put in a binder take a picture of them. Then you can toss the project but still have a picture of it.
I love this idea – I’ve been wondering how to keep track of all the art work & such…and my daughter’s not even in school yet. This will work out so well if I have this in place *before* she starts school!
I, too, love this idea but I hate storing binders. While I LOVE The Container Store, I purchased some of their clear lidded boot storage boxes and I allow myself only that amount of space for their school year “stuff”. I do have a keepsake box for other things and save only the school related stuff in these (mine are young, so we don’t have lots of other stuff) but I do like the idea of having a place for all of their cards and memorbilia! Hmm…. how to combine the two systems!!…