6 Ways to Create a Family Keepsake with Your Grandchildren

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Together, at long last! After what feels like forever, it’s time to be with your grandchildren. What better way to reconnect than spending quality time on vacation – near or far. There’s no better time than summer to make your family reunion dreams come true. When thinking about where to stay, note that you have member benefits perfect for travel as an AARP member – you can save 10% off the best available rate at Motel 6 and Studio 6. Other perks include late checkout, kids stay free and family-friendly amenities like pools and on-site laundry.  

This year, your family adventures will be extra special, so get creative and come up with ways to capture these memories! Here are a few ideas for DIY keepsakes you’ll enjoy for years to come.

1. Create a Memory Box  

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Nothing is more fun on vacation than the things you stumble upon. So, while you are out for walks in the grandkids’ favorite park or wandering the local beach, pick up little treasures along the way. Then fill a couple of jars with the shells, rocks, sand, or any other unique trinkets that tell the story of the wonderful time you’ve had together and put them in decorative boxes  and label them with the place and date. You’ll have a happy reminder of the new memories you’ve made together that you can proudly display on a bookcase, mantel or bedside table.  

2. Put Together a Page-Turner 

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Some traditions are worth keeping, and scrapbooking is one of them. All the bits and pieces of your trip come together, resulting in a big “Wow!” when you take a look back months or years later. You can save any and everything that reminds you of where you’ve gone and what you’ve done together. Gather print photos, postcards, ticket stubs from museums, restaurant menus and more. 

3. Say Cheese! 

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There are always one or two iconic photos that are taken when a whole group gets together. You’re at that special spot with a scenic backdrop, and the generations are gathered close wearing their best smiles. Go beyond just putting those photos in a frame on the wall (or worse, leaving them on your phone). Instead, look to an artisan to transfer the image to wood or glass. Have an artist create a painting. Or display your favorite photos on a pillow, mug or phone case.

4. Have Fun with Fabric

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Even if you only have basic sewing skills, fabrics can be repurposed to reflect place, time, and culture. You can give new life to scarves, tea towels, lace doilies, cloth napkins, handkerchiefs, or ethnic-patterned fabrics. Piece together colorful scraps to create art worthy of framing. Repurpose larger pieces like table runners, cushions and whatever else you can find. How special would it be to gather around for a big family meal at a table decorated with a runner or napkins you and the grandkids crafted together?  

5. Write, Write, Write

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You don’t want to forget even a moment of your trip, so be sure to take a journal with you. Scribble notes – fascinating facts about the area, a re-telling of a great conversation with your grandkids, feelings you experience during the trip. You can also document the highlights from your family hike to a detailed account of the best meal of the vacation. A journal makes for great reading during a family gathering. It’s something to cherish in your quiet time when you wish family were nearby, but a memory will have to suffice.

6. Personalized Baby Gifts

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Nothing can be more exciting than making the trip to meet your new grandchild for the first time. Baby gifts are a wonderful keepsake; whether it’s a homemade knitted blanket or monogrammed teddy bear, it’s sure to be a treasured heirloom for years to come. 

Regardless of how you decide to spend your time together, all hearts will be full by the experience. You’ll love your AARP Member Benefit from Motel 6. Save 10% off the best available rate and get late checkout upon request until 2 p.m., when available.   

Save more for what you travel for. 

Click here to learn about your AARP member benefits from Motel 6 or call 855-478-4752 to book your room.

^{AARP commercial member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions.}