Time capsules are fun to make and even more fun to open! We’ll show you how to make one from plastic soda bottles. Fill them up with things that remind you of the current time including the filled out sheets we give you below. Seal your capsule, label it with the included label and set it in some out of the way place with a reminder to open at a designated time. We suggest at the very least one year but the longer you wait the more fun it is! You can make one as a group or one for each family member. It’s a wonderful way to preserve the past and see how things have changed in the future!
Supplies for Time Capsules
- Two plastic soda bottles with straight sides as those work best.
- X-acto type knife
- Dry erase marker (optional but great for marking your bottles)
- Printable sheets below
- Packing tape
Download
There are pages for adults and children. (pdf)
Content Ideas
- Newspaper clippings or headlines cut out
- Small magazine
- Photos from family activities during the year.
- Family photo
- Hand print or outline
- Receipt from local grocery shopping.
- Article of clothing
- Artwork or drawings
- Money with current date.
- Music CD
- Small Inexpensive Flash Drive filled with videos and any of the above!
Instructions
Measure and mark your bottles with a dry erase marker as it rubs off when you’re done. Exact measurements are not needed. Just make them the size you want them to be. Each side can be the same size. Cut your bottles and then trim with scissors if needed. Cut a 1″ to 2″ slit on the top of one. This is the bottom piece and overlapping the slits a bit allows the top piece to slide on snugly.
Gather your contents that will fit in your bottle. 
Fill your bottle, rolling or folding any papers as needed. 
Cut out the label you want to use and fill it out. Use packing tape to cover it completely around the bottle to seal it.
Place your time capsule in an out of the way place until the date you set to open it. 
14 responses
Hi,
great idea
! But the link is not working.
Hi! Sorry for the issue on your side. The link has been tested and it’s working fine. Could be an issue with your browser etc. That happens on occasion. Here’s a direct link that the button goes too. Maybe this will help: https://craftyourhappiness.com/?smd_process_download=1&download_id=20672
The link for downloading the printables is missing or not working.
The link is working fine on our end. Could be an issue on your side. Ü Here’s a direct link that the button goes too. Maybe this will help: https://craftyourhappiness.com/?smd_process_download=1&download_id=20672
Hi Nancy!
Great idea but I can’t figure out how to access the free printables for the time capsule. Help!
Hi Cori! Not sure what the problem is but the link is fine on our side. We’ve tested it. Here’s a direct link that the button goes too. Maybe this will help: https://craftyourhappiness.com/?smd_process_download=1&download_id=20672
[…] Try some winter science experiments or get cozy with a winter read. You can even build your own time capsule and talk with kids about historical […]
I love this! I want to do a summer time capsule with my stepkids this summer! How fun!
What a fun idea! We will have to do this for a family night in the next few weeks! Thanks for sharing at the Happiness in Homemade party. Can’t wait to do this!
You’re so welcome. Thanks so much Krista for the kind comment!
A family time capsule is such a great idea!!! #ThisisHowWeRole
Thank you Erin. Ü
Fantastic idea! Thanks so much for sharing on craft schooling Sunday, great to reconnect in 2016!
You’re so welcome. Thank you for the kind comment. Ü