Hands holding old printed baby photos, one in black and white showing a toddler with curly hair, the other in color showing a baby with a pacifier, open photo album on lap with vintage family portraits inside, scene suggests reminiscing or family memory sharing

14 Things I Wish I’d Saved From My Childhood

One of the greatest joys in life is the ability to look back on our past and reminisce about the good old days of our childhood. We all have fond memories of the toys we played with, the clothes we wore, and the books we read. However, as we grow older, we often let go of these precious items, only to wish later that we hadn’t. This blog post aims to illuminate the importance of preserving certain elements from our childhood, and to serve as a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

1. Favorite Books

Adult with red sleeve and watch reading fox-themed children's book to child in checkered shirt, page shows "Poor old Fox"
Image Credit: Lina Kivaka /Pexels.

Books often serve as a ticket to another world, especially during our childhood. They spark our imagination and creativity, and can hold sentimental value. If you had a favorite book that you read over and over again, chances are it’ll still bring a smile to your face years down the line.

Moreover, saving your favorite childhood books can be a great way to bond with your own children in the future. Reading them the same stories that you loved can be a beautiful shared experience that brings you closer together.

2. First Teddy Bear

Beige teddy bear, seated upright, yellow ribbon tied around neck, green embroidered details on feet, soft textured fur, plain white background
Image Credit: Hurlford1954 / eBay.

Our first teddy bear is usually our very first friend. It has seen us through our highest highs and lowest lows, and has been a constant source of comfort. While it might seem a bit worn out and old, it holds a special place in our hearts.

Saving your first teddy bear can serve as a reminder of your carefree days and the simple joys of life. Plus, it could make for a great hand-me-down to your future kids.

3. Old Photos

Box filled with old black-and-white and sepia-toned photographs, showing various people and scenes, some photos curled or worn
Image Credit: Miray Bostanci/Pexels.

Old photos are a window into the past. They capture moments of joy, silliness, and even awkwardness. Keeping these photos can serve as a visual timeline of your growth and evolution.

Additionally, old photos can also make for great conversation starters at family gatherings or reunions. They can spark interesting discussions and stories about our past and reveal aspects of our personality that we might have forgotten.

4. Childhood Artwork

Person holding a child’s drawing showing stick figures labeled Daddy, Jenny, and Mommy, with a house, sun, and clouds drawn on the page
Image Credit: Ron Lach/Pexels.

Artwork from our childhood is usually our first attempt at self-expression. It might not be a masterpiece, but it certainly has its charm. Keeping these drawings can provide a glimpse into our young, unfiltered minds.

Moreover, childhood artwork can serve as an inspiration for our future creative endeavors. It can remind us to keep our creativity alive and to not be afraid of expressing ourselves.

5. Old Video Games

Super Nintendo Entertainment System console, gray controller with colorful buttons, Mario figurine emerging from cartridge slot, wooden surface background, nostalgic retro gaming setup
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Video games are a huge part of many people’s childhoods. They provided endless hours of fun and entertainment, and helped us build virtual worlds and friendships. Keeping these old games can bring back memories of lazy afternoons and late-night gaming sessions.

Furthermore, old video games can serve as a testament to the evolution of technology and gaming. They can provide an interesting comparison to the high-tech games of today and remind us of the simpler times.

6. Childhood Clothes

Children’s clothing hanging on a white crib, mustard knit sweater, red and white striped tank top, wooden chair with elephant-print blanket, basket with stuffed animal, colorful bunting on wall
Image Credit: Kaboompics.com/Pexels.

Our childhood clothes, particularly those for special occasions, encapsulate a part of our history. Preserving these clothes can help us remember the fashion trends of our time and the events we wore them to.

In addition, these clothes can be reused or recycled in creative ways. They can be turned into quilts, cushion covers, or even be passed down to your own children.

7. Old Diaries

Image credit: Min An/Pexels.

Diaries are a treasure trove of our deepest thoughts and feelings. They provide a raw, unfiltered look into our past selves. Keeping these diaries can help us understand our growth and evolution.

Plus, reading our old entries can be both entertaining and enlightening. They can remind us of our old dreams, fears, and aspirations, and help us appreciate the journey we’ve been on.

8. Childhood Toys

Weebles Haunted House Playset, vintage plastic playhouse, purple and orange color scheme, fold-out design, ghost and skeleton-themed Weebles figures, moving trapdoor and staircase, toy accessories, 1970s style
Image Credit: mds64/eBay.

Toys from our childhood often hold sentimental value. They remind us of the games we played and the imaginary worlds we created. Preserving these toys can bring back those cherished memories.

Furthermore, these toys can be passed down to future generations as a family heirloom. They can continue to bring joy and create new memories for years to come.

9. School Projects

colorful origami paper, folded into crane shapes, clean folds, sharp edges, placed on white background, assorted colors including red, blue, yellow, and green
Image Credit: LA MM /Pexels.

School projects are a testament to our hard work and creativity. They encapsulate our learning journey and the skills we developed. Keeping these projects can remind us of our academic achievements and the fun we had while making them.

Moreover, these projects can serve as a source of inspiration for future work or hobbies. They can remind us of our potential and encourage us to keep learning and creating.

10. Old Letters

Stack of vintage airmail envelopes tied with string, old newspaper, red and green fountain pens, round eyeglasses
Image Credit: Ylanite Koppens /Pexels.

In this digital age, handwritten letters have become a rarity. If you have any letters from your childhood, they are worth preserving. They can serve as a reminder of the friendships and relationships we had.

Moreover, these letters can provide a nostalgic escape from the digital world. They remind us of the joy of receiving handwritten notes and the effort that went into writing them.

11. Favorite Music CDs

Vinyl records and compact discs scattered on a white surface, multiple black records with colored labels, CDs reflecting light, casual display of music media collection
Image Credit: Muffin Creatives/Pexels.

Music has a way of transporting us back in time. Having a physical copy of your favorite childhood music can bring back memories of the times you spent listening to those songs.

Additionally, these CDs can serve as a testament to the evolution of music and technology. They can provide an interesting comparison to the digital music of today and remind us of the simpler times.

12. Childhood Movies

Stack of VHS tapes, VCR player with open tape slot, two remote controls, wooden surface, vintage home entertainment setup, retro technology
Image Credit: Anthony /Pexels.

Movies from our childhood often have a special place in our hearts. They remind us of the joy and wonder we felt while watching them. Keeping these movies can allow us to relive those feelings and share them with our future kids.

Moreover, these movies can provide an interesting insight into the culture and values of our time. They can help us appreciate the changes in filmmaking and storytelling over the years.

13. Sports Memorabilia

Vintage baseball with multiple autographs in blue ink, visible red stitching, placed on dark blue fabric
Image Credit: Funqueyjunque/eBay.

If you were into sports as a kid, any memorabilia you have can hold a lot of sentimental value. It can remind you of the games you played, the teams you supported, and the joy of winning.

Moreover, this memorabilia can serve as a motivation to stay active and involved in sports. It can remind you of the benefits of teamwork, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle.

14. Family Recipes

a collection of vintage handwritten recipe cards, aged paper, faded ink, overlapping layout, nostalgic and rustic kitchen feel, some cards with stains and torn edges.
Image Credit: Esty

Family recipes are a link to our past. They remind us of the meals we enjoyed and the traditions we followed. Preserving these recipes can help keep those traditions alive.

In addition, these recipes can be passed down to future generations. They can continue to bring joy and create new memories for years to come.