A Hope Chest simply refers to preparing your child for independent life. To us, it doesn't mean simply "marriage" but independent life, and have a good start for it.
(not my photo)
There is actually a book written about the Hope Chest, and suggestions. I used to own this book, but passed it on to a friend years ago.
We don't want our kids going broke, when it's time to leave the "nest" so I try to add to their stash quite often. The first three to move out even had boxes of homemade Christmas ornaments for their own, first Christmas trees away from home.
I recently added a scrap rug to our youngest's daughter's "Hope Chest" along with a few Christmas ornaments. I also added a set of coffee cup coasters with a hand embroidered kitchen towel, and a new kitchen utensil.
It's not limited to what you put in a child's hope chest, but most importantly useful and needed items. I just add a few items to keep it fun and real, like the ornaments or other items.
Just for example (but not limited, let your mind be creative), here is a list of ideas to stock up and prepare your child for independent life:
-Bedding, handmade quilt, hand crocheted afghan
-Handmade washcloths and face scrubbies (I crochet)
-Handmade hot pads, dish towels (embroidered etc). I hand crochet hot pads, XL pt holders.
-Handmade dishcloths, hand crocheted dish scrubbies (I knit and crochet them)
-kitchen items: salt/pepper shaker, butter dish, utensils, set of dishes, canister set
-basic bakeware/cookware
-handmade doilies, dresser and night stand covers
-handmade tablecloths
-recipe box, locally made or handmade
-cookbook with family recipes, including homemade cleaner recipes like homemade laundry soap, foaming hand soap, grout cleaner, and homemade "lysol" wipes. Our youngest is the only one to have a "family" cookbook, but I get messages from the older ones for family recipes often. Include easier recipes for homemade dry mixes like taco mix, italian, seasoned salt, homemade hot cocoa, homemade butters (honey-cinnamon, cranberry etc.,) Recipes for herb infused cooking oils, spreadable butter etc.
-books on growing indoor/outdoor herbs, veggies etc.
When they get older gift them a dehydrator with a recipe book, and homemade useful, frugal recipes.
Our daughter already has quite a bit, aside from the bedding. She has entire set of 7 hand embroidered "cat" kitchen towels and many other items.
I often look for unique items while out at the thrift stores, but more-so at antique stores (butter dishes, measuring cups, measuring spoons, spoon rest, etc.).
Store items in a chest (thrift stores often have them), or storage bins. A hope chest is not limited to your own children either. It could be a grand child, God child etc.
I hope you enjoyed my post today. I just try to add a personal touch to most of what we put in Youngest Daughter's Hope chest.
I remember when our oldest daughter set up in her first apt. by herself. She sent me photos of everything I had made, and was so proud of her new "home." Even the smallest item can make a difference.
