A family heirloom is a treasured item that is passed down through generations within a family. It could have a monetary value, or it could simply have sentimental value. Sometimes, heirlooms have cultural or historical significance.
The memories that heirlooms hold help to connect generations. And these heirlooms are sure to be cherished by each individual who inherits them.
But what kinds of items are we talking about? Exactly what counts as a family heirloom today?
Types of Traditional Heirlooms
Many types of items are considered to be traditional heirlooms.
For instance, custom diamond jewelry and other types of jewelry are often passed down among generations.
Other common examples include:
- Clocks or watches.
- Silverware.
- Photographs, letters, and journals.
- Quilts.
- Antique weapons.
- Family Bibles.
- Furniture.
- Recipes.
- Books.
- Musical instruments.
All of those are still counted as family heirlooms today.
You may have been given one of those heirlooms yourself! And if you haven’t, you could always begin your own tradition by handing down one of those heirlooms to your children or grandchildren.
But other items (in today’s modern world) could also be given as heirlooms.
Types of Modern Family Heirlooms
Anything that holds sentimental value can become a family heirloom. So, if you’re considering starting a new heirloom chain for future generations within your family, consider those items that you have an emotional connection with.
For instance, while photograph albums are often associated with traditional family heirlooms, many people today don’t even own physical albums. Instead, they keep digital archives.
So, you could pass down digital photobooks (and even video content) to your children or grandchildren. Yes, heirlooms don’t necessarily have to take physical form anymore!
Other items that count as family heirlooms today include those things that will hold their value and become antiques of the future, such as:
- Collectible sneakers.
- Pokémon cards.
- Contemporary art from established artists.
- Early computers and game consoles.
- Early mobile phones.
Key Characteristics of Modern Heirlooms
So, if you have been given an heirloom yourself, you’ll want to keep the tradition alive and hand it down to the younger generations in your family. Alternatively, you may want to begin a tradition of passing down heirlooms.
You have the option of handing down traditional heirlooms like clocks and jewelry or modern heirlooms like digital photobooks and early computers.
When deciding, consider what the key characteristics of modern heirlooms should be. For instance, why heirlooms often have monetary value, they don’t always. Sentimental value should always be your top priority. Even a favorite handwritten recipe can become an heirloom.
Indeed, it’s the emotional attachment and the stories associated with the item that make an item an heirloom.
The item should also have a tangible connection to the past, to serve as a link to family history across generations. Younger generations who are given these heirlooms will then be able to understand their roots better.
You could also consider functionality. Many heirlooms, like clocks or furniture, have timeless functionality. So, future generations can continue using the item – rather than letting it gather dust.