11 Things To Buy Today That Your Grandkids Will Treasure as Heirlooms
While not everything we buy today will stand the test of time, some things might just become future heirlooms. Whether due to craftsmanship, rarity, or pure nostalgia, certain items are built to outlast trends and tell stories for decades to come. “This was theirs … and now it’s mine,” your grandkids will one day proudly say.
If you’ve ever wanted to invest in something meaningful now that your future family will hold dear, this list is for you. From timeless collectibles to vintage classics, here are 11 things worth buying today that could become priceless to the people you love most.
1. Jewelry With Personal Meaning
A ring, necklace, or watch carries more value than what it’s worth in dollar bills — it holds priceless memories of your life’s accomplishments. Whether it’s an engagement ring, a birthstone piece, or a family crest, jewelry can become a wearable heirloom that your kids and grandkids will proudly show off one day. Consider choosing classic designs like a signet ring or a pearl necklace over fleeting trends. This way you’ll know your bling will never go out of style.
2. First-Edition Books of Literary Classics
Books are easy to buy and sell, but a first edition of a literary jewel, like “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Jane Eyre,” or even modern classics like the “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling can be coveted treasures among collectors. Even if it sits unopened on a shelf, these beloved classics can sell for hundreds of thousands (if not millions) at auction. Bonus points if it includes an inscription in your handwriting. Years from now, your grandkids might flip through it and imagine the world you lived in.
3. Antique Furniture
Skip the flat-pack furniture and invest in well-built pieces that age with grace and character. A solid wood desk, a hand-carved rocking chair, or an Art Deco dresser carries history in its grain (not to mention how Art Deco collectibles are currently hot in the resale market). Unlike mass-produced modern furniture, classic and sturdy antiques endure and gain character over time. Just wait until your grandkids start fighting over who gets grandma’s vintage china cabinet.
4. Custom Vinyl Records
Yup, vinyl is officially back. But you know what would be even more special? A custom record of your own. Platforms like Vinylify and Cuts on Wax now allow you to create and press your own record with your favorite songs, voice recordings, or even stories. This way, you can create a time capsule in analog form that your kids and grandkids can enjoy for generations to come.
5. Military Memorabilia or Family Medals
Service medals, uniforms, or wartime letters carry deep historical and emotional weight. They’re also a direct link and way to honor our ancestors that shaped history. Framed or preserved, these artifacts can teach future generations about sacrifice and tenacity. Depending on condition and provenance, military memorabilia can also resell for thousands at auction.
6. Artwork or Handmade Pottery
Original paintings, sculptures, or even that crooked mug your kid made in pottery class can become a cherished keepsake and nostalgic relic that connects your family’s history to the past (mass-produced decor could never). Years from now, your grandkids might remember exactly where that painting hung or how that wobbly mug held grandma’s pencils.
7. A Classic Car
Few things evoke nostalgia like a well-maintained vintage car. A Mustang from the ’60s or a Chevy Bel Air are akin to a rolling piece of family history. Driving it, polishing it, or even just hearing it roar to life becomes a shared ritual between generations.
8. A Fountain Pen You Actually Use
A well-designed fountain pen — paired with notes and letters you’ve written — can be more meaningful than an expensive relic. Choose one that feels good in your hand and let it become part of your daily routine, whether for journaling or balancing that checkbook. It’ll tell its own story through use, ink stains and all. Plus, fountain pens can be worth surprising amounts!
9. Handwritten Journals or Family Recipe Books
A leather-bound journal filled with your thoughts, dreams, or family stories is like offering a unique glimpse into your life’s most special moments. Even if you think you have nothing profound to say, jotting down memories or favorite recipes gives future generations something tangible to hold onto and remember you by. A splash of tomato sauce on the pasta-making page or a tear-smudged entry about a hard year tells them more than any photo album could.
10. Cast Iron Skillets or Dutch Ovens
Cookware might seem like an odd heirloom until you realize how many family traditions start in the kitchen. A well-seasoned cast iron skillet holds decades of meals and memories, from quick Sunday breakfasts to hearty stews in the winter. Another bonus? These sturdy pans only get better with age, and with proper care, they’re built to last forever.
11. Vintage Watches
A well-crafted watch from a respected brand (like Rolex or Omega) only grows more desirable with age. Unlike fleeting tech gadgets or smartwatches that depreciate over time and become outdated, mechanical watches are built to last and can run for generations with proper care.