Personalized gifts are always highly appreciated, and a shadowbox is a creative option that will be treasured for many years. These deep-set display cases are used to highlight memorabilia or artistic works in an attractive way. Use this guide for various ideas on how to use one to create a thoughtful gift.

What Should You Put in a Shadowbox?

1. Memories of Special Occasions

Commemorate occasions like graduations, birthdays, and anniversaries by displaying photos, greetings cards, and cake candles in a shadowbox. Use this type of display case to include wedding mementos, like pressed bouquet or boutonniere flowers, personalized napkins from the meal, and invitations or save-the-dates. 

2. Recipes

Handwritten recipes on high-quality paper look beautiful in a shadowbox, and this gift could be given to a family member or friend who loves cooking. It could also be used to preserve special family recipes, such as those passed down from grandparents. Small cooking implements like measuring spoons and salt shakers could be built into the display, as well.

3. Baby Memories

Most accessories a newborn uses are tiny and can fit perfectly into this kind of display. Have fun arranging a child’s first booties, socks, hat, or pacifier in the box. Their coming home outfit and a photograph would also work well. Other ideas include sonogram pictures, announcement cards, and display footprints.

4. Mementos From a Special Trip

Whether it’s a honeymoon or a trip to a favorite destination, vacations produce plenty of mementos to help create a unique shadowbox. Boarding pass stubs, museum tickets, postcards, and napkins from a special restaurant all bring back wonderful memories. Natural pieces, such as seashells and stones, also work well to commemorate a favorite beach trip.

5. Collectibles 

If you’re gifting a shadowbox to someone who enjoys collectibles, they might like to see their most prominent pieces displayed, such as coins, stamps, miniature cars, or trading cards. Single, larger items—like a vinyl record or a rare book—are also useful. Although a surprise gift is always nice, displaying collectibles should be discussed with the owner first to ensure they are okay with the objects being stored this way.

If a shadowbox would be the perfect gift for someone you know, Seattle Custom Framing can help you put the display together. They have been in business for 15 years, serving residents throughout Seattle, WA. They also offer custom framing, glass replacement, and mirror framing, and the owner is a certified picture frame specialist. Call (206) 838-7908 to speak to a team member, or visit them online to learn more about their services.