Starting a Hope chest?

**sdrjeolsen** · 08-24-2007, 10:20 AM

I had one that I started myself when I was a teen, I put cast off dishes and linens in it. My dad used to call it my "Dispair Barrel" lol.

**Odilia** · 08-24-2007, 10:58 AM

"Dispair Barrel!" LOL!

We've started these for all of our kids. (We have 4 boys and 1 girl -- 10yrs and younger.)

We put special momentos in them, as well as practical things. At this time, they're a little heavy on the special and light on the practical.

As we find deals on quality items, we add them to the chests. (Note: our "chests" are Rubbermade totes! When the kids are older and better at carpentry, Daddy is going to help them build their own cedar chest/bench, and I'll help them sew a cushion for the top.)

We've got practical items like hand tools, cooking utensils, cast iron and stainless steel cooking pots and pans, stainless mixing bowls. The rule of thumb is no plastic and only items that will hold up for decades.

As they get nearer to leaving home, we'll focus more on various linens. I envision the kids taking more of an active role in selecting these items. Our 10yr old is a knitter, and he just made a fabulous wool potholder that he's torn between giving to Grandma for Christmas or adding to his Independence Chest.

**fernykins** · 08-24-2007, 11:08 AM

My parents got me one when I was 15 they found it at a yard sale. was made in 1890. They redid the top and gave it to me. It help dishes and towels blankets. I need to redo the top and am thinking about giving it to one of my granddaughters when they get bigger.
Fern