If you’re anything like me, you’ve got loads of sweet cards, notes and drawings from your little one that you can’t bear to throw away. The trouble is, while you can’t bear to throw them away, you also don’t know what to do with them! Mine were taking over my night table and several of its drawers when I finally decided it was time to dedicate a special space to them.

That’s when we created this super simple but really cute memory box. It’s got my daughter’s handprints and printing on it, which makes it a keepsake in itself, and my guess is that many moms would love something similar for Mother’s Day this year.

The materials required for this project are pretty basic, which is always a win in my mind.

What You’ll Need:

a sturdy, plain box (we used a cardboard storage box)

a pencil

a black permanent marker

paint (we used acrylic)

a paintbrush

How To Make It:

1. To start off, help your little one print the word "memories" across the bottom of the box’s lid. Different children will require different levels of support for this step, but do remember that those perfectly imperfect letters made by your little one are what makes this simple memory box charming and special.

2. Next, trace "memories" in black permanent marker. This may be a step that you want to do, or you can invite your little one to do the job.

3. Next up, the fun part: making the handprint heart! First, brush a nice, even layer of paint onto your little one’s hand.

Then, with his or her fingers pointed down towards the middle of the word "memories," help your little one press his or her hand carefully onto the box lid, just off centre.

After a quick hand wash, repeat this process with the other hand, making sure to overlap the fingers so that the finger tips cross to form a "v" shape.

4. Once the paint is dry, outline the heart with permanent marker. This step just gives the memory box a more finished look, so be creative with your outlining if you wish.

That’s it! Your special memory box is complete and ready for giving. If you’d like, add the recipient’s name somewhere on the box and tuck a special note or drawing inside before gifting it.