Hope Chests for our daughters? (or sons?)

I know its an old fashioned "straight" sort of idea, but I was given my Mother's cedar chest when I was 21.

I never really used it as a "Hope Chest", just to store the things she'd stored in it. I didn't make use of it until my daughter was born and then I looked out the outfit I'd been brought home from the hospital in and used the sweater from it for my daughter.

If any of you are interested, please read "The Hope Chest: A Legacy of Love" by Rebekah Wilson.

In these times when money is often scarce for a new couple setting up house, so I believe a hope chest is a good idea.

For a young mans hope chest, maybe some practical tools for household repairs, a tool belt, measuring tape--guy stuff.

I'd love to hear everyone's feed back--and even if you think its a dumb idea, please post the reason why you think its dumb, but sorry, being old-fashioned is not an acceptable answer.

Old, yes-Practical YES!
Lois

 

My mom had made me a hope chest, she planned on giving it to me when I got married.
Didnt work out that way though, Im not married, and dont plan to be anytime soon.
I live with a guy though, and we just bought our 3rd house togeather and had a few apartments before that. She has been giving me things out of it with each move.
I guess she realized Im not getting married anytime soon, and if she waited Id already have everything she put into it.
Its been nice because she got all high quality stuff. So I have stuff nicer then I would have ever went out and bought myself.

 

I'm glad you got a hope chest . so few girls do anymore.

Even if you only got a few things out of it at a time, good quality things really do last.

I'm trying to do the same for my daughter, though I will be making MOST of what goes into her chest. I do shop the thrift stores and good brands often turn up there after a while. (I have such things myself-food processor etc)

But the most important thing I give my daughter will be recipes handed down to me and special recipes I collect for her from friends.

At 7, she already loves to cook, so I know she will treasure a homemade recipe book.

If you don't plan to have kids right now, maybe start a little box for your "Someday Child" and put in things either a girl or boy will like.

Thanks for responding

Lois

 

Yea, I know my mom got a lot of the stuff at discount stores, sales, and going out of business sales. Doing it over time let her find the good deals, I know she got a $800 set of knifes of $137!
Recipes and things unique to your family are a good idea. I think my mom said there is some of that stuff in there. Haha she has been waiting to give me all the stuff like that till I finally settle down. Too much gets lost trecking all overy the counrty.

Thats a good idea to start a box in advance. I dont think Id do it know, IF i have kids, its way off. But if I do decide i want them Ill start one.

It might be old fashioned, but I think its a good thing to do. When your getting started in adult life there is so much you need all at once. Also it seems now a days familys are living further apart, not spending as much time togeather etc and its a good way to pass down some of your history.

 

I know this sounds like a stupid question but what is the purpose of a hope chest? Where did the idea originate?

 

Remember to save pictures and be sure to write who, when & where the pic was taken on the back of the pic.

That is a problem I have, and I'll have to take the time to sit down and copy pictures of both sides of my family and be sure to put on the dates.

The most cherished item I've had handed down to me from my Dad is a 100+ year old cougar skin, from a cougar his Dad shot. (All males in this family have hunted)

From my Mother's side I have a peacock brooch my Grandmother brought when she came out from England.

Depending on the likes and dislikes of the child or parent involved every chest is different.

I'm definitely including a Family Bible for mine, because I know she's in Sunday school now, and I know she may choose later to not attend church, but the bible will be there as a record and a reference for her all her life.

Sarah reads like I do, LOTS, so I'll be putting in all sorts of books, my collection may require a second chest in future, and her Daddy can make that.

In the story I'm writing, one friend begins a chest for another using an old fashioned round top trunk with trays in the lid.

In the story, I'm being pretty traditional with what she and other friends put in, but for my own, I'll have a mix of things from old to new to put in.

Thanks for taking an interest.

Lois

 

Okay Padme, you almost had me there, but they evolved from dowries being paid, instead the bride brought her own linens, dishes etc, and perhaps livestock she had raised, to a marriage instead

 

i think this is a great idea! I have a 6 month old son and I have a trunk I painted I might start filling it with things for him. Does anyone have any idea?

 

Glad you aprove

For boys, the book says tools, paint brushes, tool belt, things he will need to do household repairs (ie: faucet washers) some packages of smaill nails and screws for fixing small things, basically anything a young man moving out married or single might need for repair jobs. Sturdy linens for guys, warm blankets and sheets, work shirts, jeans etc can all be added at the end when your son reaches maturity. Oh and DEFINITELY a handbook of household repairs, or should he begin leaning towards a certain specialty in life, you may want to add things for that.

Some simple recipes, good set of hair brushes, new shaving kit, All sorts of things.

If you go back to my original post I do believe I put the author's name down, if not PM me and I'll send it as it provides a better list than I can--and if you should have a girl later, you can plan accordingly for her.

HUGS
Lois

 

I'm just making up an "in case of domestic disaster" box for a friend of mine who isn't too happy in his relationship, and I plan on including many of those same things, as well as a set of towels I'm crocheting and at least one new shirt, plus a shaving kit, any piddly little thing he might need if she throws him out with what he's standing up in.

I'm going to make up a basic cookbook on my computer with a lot of my recipes and I will remember the toilet brush-because you are absolutely right, nobody thinks of the darn things-or a good toilet plunger either

I also plan to get tools where I can because what is a construction worker without tools?-up a creek without a paddle!

Thanks for the ideas.

HUGS
Lois

 

I thought of that last night, he just got a different truck and its possible he got a toolbox for in the back of it.

At our flea market, things aren't too expensive-and I was only thinking basics anyhow.

I will make sure to get a mop, broom, and bucket.

As for dishes-well he'll get what I have to spare, that is how it goes around here.

As for the toilet plunger-like the brush-nobody thinks of it until the toilet is plugged and there is no way to un-plug it!

Otherwise I am going to make most of what will be needed, I was up most of the night thinking and unravelling another cotton sweater to make towels with.

Take Care
Lois