Ideas for something to buy that could become an heirloom (passed down in the family)?

Question

I have some money from my great uncle who passed last year. I'd like to do something with it that isn't just temporary or materialistic. Ideally something timeless and could be passed down to keep his memory alive.

I've considered a bonsai though that would be a fraction of the money so it's still a possibility.

Any other ideas?

midnightmoon05 · Accepted Answer

$1k? Hard to buy much with $1k
depends how many kids you have and if that’s your intend… to give from your heart…

when I was little… silver coins were still in circulation in the US… we had relatives, melted the coins and made me and my older sister silver necklaces… we still have them in our possession.
my dad purchased 2 gold necklaces. He passed away. I still have them.
I also have my parents 24k gold wedding rings. Yes 24k… can’t really wear them because they are so soft. So these are some sentimental items from our family.

everyone is different… you have to come up with something …. We don’t know your situation.

petitedollbabee · Accepted Answer

Something specific to him, rather than just any thing. For us, we have an 8-ball, black with the number 8 on it, which represents my grandad. It sits on its own stand in my mums ornament cabinet. We also have a glass cabbage ornament, lol, as he loved cabbage and loved to force everyone in the family to eat it.

exitseven · Accepted Answer

That is a very thoughtful thing to do. We bought a very nice dining room table. It was very expensive but the store was going out of business and we got a very good deal on it. Later we had to buy chairs to go with it that were more expensive than the table. It has two leaves and is big and beautiful. I have often commented that my kids will fight over it when we die.
I also bought a trailer and this time I got an aluminum one because the ones I buy usually rusted out after ten years. Thid will last forever and my boys will fight over it as well.

Grond21 · Accepted Answer

Custom things are excellent. Some of the best things are things that are able to last a long time and very memorable. Such as a hand-carved rocking chair, custom wooden toys, a unique dining set, etc. You could have custom jewelry with birth month stones to be given to the girls when they're 16, or watches for the boys. What you want is something that can be used at many different age ranges, and can be passed down as each parent enjoys sharing their memories and their love of this item with their children.

Valdemort · Answer

I think whether it's just materialistic or not depends on the value you put to it.
The value of the money shouldn't outweigh the value of what it represents. One of my most valuable books was €3.-

I've kept books; theses; coins; rings; bracelets; pictures; clothes; a typewriter; music albums from family members and when the time arrives, I hope at least some of that will stay around.

AManOnTheWeb · Answer

I'd invest it, but if you want to spend it on something tangible, perhaps a beautiful desk or dining table that is heirloom worthy?

AviatorTom · Answer

I've given each of my 3 kids a US silver dollar from the year they were born.

How about some unique coins, say from the years your parents were born, that could be passed down to future generations, to keep their memory alive.

You are from New Zealand, a silver NZL dollar from each of your parents years would have physical value, as well as sentimental value.

nawtee_me · Answer

How about something specific to your great uncle since it started with him, then something specific to you since it came to you, and something specific to who is next in line. And so on as it is passed down through the ages. Each person adding to it so that it becomes a treasure trove much like a time capsule or sorts….

Friendlybro79 · Answer

A house... Mostly anything else is materialistic if you think of it. That said it is still a really nice gesture. I would say a really nice watch. Talk to watch expert for recommendations.

NathanDavis · Answer

we still have a  molcajete...  from my great-grandma, lol... just made some very good salsas for the Holidays

DryGermanGuy · Answer

A pocket watch with a picture or his face engraved in the lid.

seeyounexttuesday · Answer

Doesn't it kinda need to be an object to be passed down through the years? Something that won't die and has a material value? Like a gold watch you get custom made?

msc545 · Answer

Perhaps a painting or a piece of sculpture? I think Bonsaa is just too fragile.

Bklynbadboy12 · Answer

Well i have a watch that has been past down to me from my father

justabuddy · Answer

Have an artist paint a picture of him. Maybe something to do with his life or hobbies.

llorando · Answer

Cast iron cookware ware. Properly/well cared for cast iron can last hundreds of years.

Flower7 · Answer

A beautiful house.

Jennz6 · Answer

I like your idea 💡

Kelly6 · Answer

picture in a crystal

jjj101010 · Answer

A silver ornament

Ideas for something to buy that could become an heirloom (passed down in the family)?

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