You will find that everyone has a different opinion on adding memorabilia and items other than photographs. Here is some basic information to help you get started.

First, don't let anyone tell you that something cannot be added to your scrapbook. It is your scrapbook and you have the right to include what ever you would like. You also have the right to decide how concerned about safety you will be with your scrapbooks. There is almost always a way to add memorabilia safely, you'll read more on that later. Next, let me give you some examples of items that you might like to add to your albums.

• Baby (or adult) bracelet from the hospital
• Crib Card from the hospital
• Polaroid pictures from the hospital
• Special restaurant menus
• Invitations
• Cards and letters
• Postcards
• Travel brochures and souvenirs
• Maps
• Certificates of achievement
• Diplomas
• Resumes
• Job offer letters
• Awards from school or employers
• Report cards
• Sports certificates
• Ribbons for sports or awards
• Family Trees
• Newspaper articles
• Beauty pageant awards or memorabilia
• Copies of the title papers on a first car or first house
• Copies of receipts for typical groceries at the time of marriage or at the time of your child's birth
• Tickets and/or programs from concerts or other special entertainment
• Pit passes from races
• Souvenir photos from vacations
• Color copies of photos
• Color copies of fabric ( your child's first blankie or favorite T-shirt)

Should you include the original item or a color copy? That is up to you. If you do include an original item, you will need to consider whether or not you will ever need to remove the item.  If you need to file the original and will need it later, like a car or house title, you will need to make a copy for your scrapbook. Are copies "safe" in my scrapbooks? The safety of a copy depends upon the paper it is copied onto. Many copy shops stock acid free, lignin free paper or will let you bring your own and some copy shops will not allow you to use your own paper- it would be wise to call ahead. Are copies permanent? It depends on the process that is used. the copy should have a long life if it is going to be stored in your scrapbook out of direct sunlight. 

What if you want to include the original item, how can you tell  if it is "safe"? You cannot tell if an item is safe. the pH pens on the market will tell you if an item is currently acidic, but they will not tell you if an item contains acid and will become acidic in the future. What do you mean, become acidic in the future? Check our definitions and read about permanent paper. How can I add an item to my scrapbook if I do not know if it is safe? There are several methods to add an unsafe or unknown item.

1. The safest method to include memorabilia is to encapsulate the item. Place the item into a polypropylene or Mylar sleeve and seal the sleeve. This will not keep the item from deteriorating, but it will keep the item from damaging your photos.
2. You can de-acidify the items. Using a de-acidification spray like Wei T'o or Bookkeeper you can neutralize the acid and make the item safe for your scrapbooks.
3. You can use the item on a page alone. If the item is on a page alone with a page protector covering it, acid migration will be minimal.

What if I want to use a sticker or decoration on a page that isn't safe? I found some stickers that I love but they aren't safe, can I use them? Sure you can use them if you love them. Just remember that they might cause damage tot he photos on that page and make sure that you have negatives for the photos. Don't place any item that isn't safe next to irreplaceable photos like the first photos of your child that is taken by the hospital.

Also remember that with every passing year our photos are getting more stable and will last longer. the most unstable photos are from the early years of color and they should be treated with the most caution.

• Memorabilia may be added by placing it in a photo sleeve or photo wrap.
• Memorabilia pockets with a self-adhesive back are sold by 3L.
• Photo corners are used in cases where the item might need to be removed
• Keepsake Keeper
• Treasure Windows by What's New
• De-acidify the item by spraying with Wei T'o or Bookeeper
• De-acidify the item with this recipe:
  Dissolve a milk of magnesia tablet in a quart of club soda and let it sit overnight. The next day pour the mixture into a glass or plastic pan large enough to hold the item. Soak for one hour; remove and gently pat dry. Place the item on a flat surface and do not move until the item is completely dry.
  ** I recommend testing for running ink before using this method. This method is used with great success on newspaper clippings. (Source: Sue DiYanni)