When we did the pirate scavenger hunt for our son a few months ago, he collected quite a few “treasures.” We took a shelf in his room, cleared it off, and allowed him to put all of the mementos from that day on display. It was a rotating display, he could change the contents of the shelf at any time.
We have done similar things with all of our kids’ rooms over the years. Each of our kids has had at least one shelf or bookcase to show off their collected memories. The treasures can be from one memorable day, a special trip, gathered throughout the year, or be a collection they were trying to establish!
Having a place for children store all the little treasures they gather not only help to decorate their room on a budget, but gives them a sense of belonging, history and helps them to focus on all of their blessings and happy moments in life.
I love the row of Pez candy dispensers along the molding in the child’s room in the top photo! And, I really like the bookshelf to the right that has the artwork taped on it! Perfect for a memory shelf.
And a memory shelf doesn’t have to just be for children! Make one for yourself! Show off your love letters, your beach shells or any mementos that bring a smile to your face!
Shared for Tightwad Tuesday at Beingfrugal.net
Top and bottom photos,
Absolutely Beautiful Things (from Serena & Lily and Cox & Cox)
Hi, I'm Melissa. This is where I share inspiration for creating a simple, authentic and beautiful home.
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{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
What a great idea! I love the shelf display. I know my girls would enjoy making a special spot for their “stuff”!
Jennys inspiring blog post..A Proper Perch
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Cool idea. I am going to look into this pronto.
Terri Steffess inspiring blog post..Happy Birthday, Lisa!
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I DID THIS WITH OUR PEEPS WHEN THEY WERE LITTLE AND THEY AND I LOVED IT! GREAT IDEA. HUGS FROM MAINE
http://sophie4me.blogspot.com/
Lisas inspiring blog post..Sick Peep Day
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Maybe I’m already doing this and didn’t realize it. I know that my grandmother is as she has toys from her childhood plus photos of herself as a teen and dolls that she collects now on her memory shelf. Great idea to allow children to have this kind of freedom. And why couldn’t it be a memory jar or a memory box or a memory can?
Vees inspiring blog post..Kitchen Musings Again
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This is a fabulous idea. A great way to let kids feel “involved” in the decor in their room, even if Mom can’t reliquish control! Not that I have that problem or anything…
Kimm at Reinventeds inspiring blog post..Saturday Shout Out
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Love it Melissa!
Dawn-Hydrangea Homes inspiring blog post..Tent Sale Tuesday
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Great idea.
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I was thinking what a great idea, then laughed because I realized my entire home is set up like a memory shelf! Probably would be a designers nightmare
Jacque Asselins inspiring blog post..Wonderful Surprise!
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So Cute!! It’s all about creating memories!
darlenes inspiring blog post..Do you have Personality??
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I am currently redecorating my little man’s room and this is a fabulous idea!
Courtney from Mommie Blogss inspiring blog post..don’t weep..
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Great idea- wish I had done something like that when my children were little- Now we have what I call our wall of honor.
I’m going to share this idea with my daughter and daughters in law.
Thanks
teresas inspiring blog post..Happy Birthday Payton-
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As a mom of a little boy, who is always trying to figure out creative ways to display things…THANK YOU!! These are some fabulous ideas. I too love the Pez dispensers all lined up….we have TONS of these at our house and are always buying more. Great post!
jennykates inspiring blog post..I ♥ Faces: The Eyes Have It!
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Perfecto! We have shelves attached or on the wall of next to each of our kiddos beds. They’re very umm…. creative. My kids love that they have their own space that I don’t regulate. My dad also made each of my kids one year their own treasure box… complete with hidden compartment! Now I can say, “If it’s important to you, put it in your box.” Such a great idea to give kids independence.
Love it! Come on over to Wendy at the ShabbyNest.blogspot.com and link up there to this post. IT would be a great contribution to our Conquering Kids Clutter that we’re throwing!… well, she’s hosting.
Have a super day!
Pretty Organizer
Pretty Organizers inspiring blog post..The Ideal Homemaker
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Hey there Melissa…I echo Pretty Organizer…this post would be perfect for my Linky Pary tomorrow…you should link up! Oh, and by the way, I LOOOVE the little Pirate Shelf. I have a three-year-old that would go bonkers over that!
Wendys inspiring blog post..Inspire-Me Tuesday~
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My 5 year old keeps her “special” things on the top shelf of her bookcase. She does this to keep her 2 year old sister from discovery the wonderful treasures.
SoBella Creationss inspiring blog post..LaDesigns2
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What a great idea for kids! I struggle with them wanting to put all their “treasures” out on display. This way they get to see their treasures and it is contained which makes mom happy!
http://www.lazymoms.com
Lazy Mom Leslies inspiring blog post..Recipe of the Day
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My kids love to collect things and keep treasures they find I need to add more shelves in there room to help display it,, thanks for the reminder.
LuLu
LuLus inspiring blog post..Work In Progress
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I love all of the pictures, too cute!
You should come visit my blog, I’m doing a giveaway…….something you might need/want for your house.
katys inspiring blog post..Today is TUESDAY
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Awww, this makes me happy for some reason.
My DS just turned 3 and has really started to want to pick up rocks and sticks to bring home. Maybe I should let him keep them after all. 
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Oh yes, we have memory shelves, but ours collect weird things like rocks and dirty pennies! Somehow they just love showing them off to the world.
~Misti
Misti @ Studio M Designss inspiring blog post..Who says a Window Seat has to be White?
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Loving these ideas Melissa!
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I love to keep reminders of special moments around our home. This is a great way to showcase them without making my walls/shelves look cluttered. Thanks for sharing!
Kristens inspiring blog post..A Balancing Act
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I have been the lucky one in that my dad has built us a variety of these kinds of shelves over the years – I highly recommend them
Mavens inspiring blog post..The Crazy Things We Purchase from Infomercials
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Always original, always practical, always inspiring! You rock!
Irenes inspiring blog post..Domino and a new Meme!
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Now why didn’t I think of doing my own shelves? My son’s shelves are all covered with Lego creations – LOL!
Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolatess inspiring blog post..Wordless Wednesday ~ Our Son Used To Be Little
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What a really lovely idea, I think my daughter would love that. Thanks for the inspiration!
Liz@VioletPosys inspiring blog post..Poladroid
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LOVE the pez lined along the wall. I have a huge collection and have never known what to do with them. My kids definitely need a place for their little keepsakes as well!
Jennifer Wellss inspiring blog post..DVD Organization
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Hi Melissa! Can’t thank you enough for your help with this party! You rock!
Wendys inspiring blog post..Taming Kid Clutter Linky Party
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I love the Pez lineup…but I doubt my children would go for as cute a collection as that!
Sarahs inspiring blog post..Taming Kids’ Clutter
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So cute! We had a million PEZ lined up like that in our room growing up
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my kids all have this in their rooms. and it’s so full of stuff that it gets on my nerves but i do nothing about it…it’s THEIR shelf. with THEIR treasures. everyone needs their own space to feel themselves. and shelves full of junk help that.
i love the pirate.
meg duerksens inspiring blog post..loving red
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Lovely idea! I’ve got several mementos on my daughter’s dresser…she keeps rearranging it though to her liking. LOL!
Astrids inspiring blog post..Drowning in Kid Stuff….
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I love that shelf with the treasures. I have some shelves in my daughters’ rooms where they display their special things. They love them!
Thanks – I enjoyed your post!
Jen
jenjens inspiring blog post..Creative Fridays: Embellished Hanging Plaques
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What a fabulous idea! I think I will have to do this when my son gets just a bit older. Thanks for sharing!
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I think it is important to personalize your home with reminders of fond memories. Thankyou for sharing these great ideas of how to showcase them.
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What a great idea. I have two boys and I think boys are typically less sentimental so this is a great way to get them to think about things which are special to them. I’ll be chatting to my two in the morning!
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