When I first started researching urns after my grandmother passed away, I was overwhelmed by the options. I knew I didn’t want a large urn on display, and scattering the ashes didn’t quite feel right either. That’s when I stumbled across keepsake urns—also called mini urns or small urns for ashes. It was a discovery that not only brought comfort but also helped me and my family honor her memory in a deeply personal way.
In this post, I want to share what I learned about keepsake cremation urns from a user’s perspective—what they are, why they’re meaningful, and how they can help in the grieving and remembrance process.
What Are Keepsake Urns?
Keepsake urns are small urns designed to hold a portion of a loved one's ashes. They’re typically a fraction of the size of a standard adult urn, making them perfect for families who want to share the ashes or simply keep a small amount as a personal tribute.
These urns go by many names:
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Mini urns for ashes
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Ashes keepsakes
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Sharing urns
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Keepsakes
While the names may vary, the purpose is the same—to provide a small, discreet, and beautiful way to preserve memories.
Why Choose a Small Urn?
I found that mini urns offered several practical and emotional benefits:
1. Sharing Among Family
After cremation, not everyone in the family may feel the same about where the ashes should go. Some might prefer burial, others may want to scatter them in a favorite place, and a few—like myself—might want to keep a small portion close. Keepsake urns let you do all of the above.
2. Discreet and Personal
Unlike a full-sized urn that often sits prominently in a room, a small urn for ashes can be tucked into a bedside drawer, a shelf in your home office, or a quiet nook where only you know it’s there. It’s comforting to have that physical connection without needing to display it publicly.
3. Beautiful and Customizable
I was surprised by the variety of designs available—classic, modern, rustic, even nature-inspired themes. Many keepsake cremation urns can be personalized with engraving, making them even more meaningful.
My Experience: Choosing the Right Keepsake
Choosing a mini urn was an emotional but thoughtful process. I wanted something that reflected my grandmother’s personality—elegant but simple. I ended up selecting a mother-of-pearl keepsake urn, and even had her initials engraved. Just holding it brought me peace.
If you're considering a keepsake urn, here are a few tips I picked up along the way:
Material Matters
Mini urns come in all kinds of materials: brass, marble, wood, ceramic, biodegradable options, and more. Choose something that fits your lifestyle. For example:
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Metal for durability
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Wood for warmth and natural feel
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Biodegradable for eco-friendly ceremonies
Size and Capacity
Most keepsake urns hold 2–6 cubic inches of ashes, which is about a tablespoon or two. It’s just enough to keep a small part of your loved one near, without feeling overwhelming.
Where to Place It
You don’t need to create a shrine—unless you want to. I placed mine next to a framed photo and a candle. Others keep theirs inside memory boxes or carry them during special trips. There’s no wrong way to do it.
Keepsake Urns for Pets
It’s not just people we lose. When my friend’s dog passed away, she chose a small paw-print urn that she keeps in her living room. Pet keepsake urns are a beautiful way to remember the furry companions who brought so much joy to our lives. Many are designed specifically with pet themes, like bones, paw prints, or animal silhouettes.
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