Receiving an heirloom is a huge deal. You’re being handed a prized possession as a forever keepsake. If you’re lucky, you will receive something cool enough to share online.
These people are doing just that–sharing the most interesting inheritances they’ve received from someone close to them. Some took home a new pet, while others got antiques, sparkling jewelry, and classic cars, each with a unique backstory.
We’ve collected some of the best ones from various corners of Reddit. Enjoy scrolling through, and feel free to share any family or friend heirlooms you’ve received.
#1 I Inherited My Grandmother’s Cat
He’s pretty cool.
Image credits: crazycatlady328
#2 Inherited This From My Dad
Image credits: Short_Expert1900
#3 Just Inherited My Grandmother’s Recipe Box And I Don’t Know Where To Start! These Stretch Back To The 40s And Have Handwritten Notes And Additions. Give Me A Section And I’ll Post The Most Interesting Recipes
Image credits: LadyParnassus
Sentimental values aside, some family heirlooms may make your home feel cluttered. Books collect dust, and furniture with no particular purpose only takes up space.
When dealing with heirlooms, professional organizer Julia Williamson advises prioritizing making good use of them.
#4 Inherited My Dog From A Former Roommate Who Got Him Off Craigslist. He’s 112lbs And Comes Up To My Waist. I See German Shepherd And Possibly Lab, But What Else?
Image credits: tannk_girl
#5 My Inheritance: Mom’s Cat Is Here To Stay
TW: parental loss
This is Joey, my Mom’s huge orange cat. He has spent all of his life fat, happy, and an only very spoiled cat.
He’s been here since February but as of last Friday, he’s officially ours. He now has two sisters who are not amused. He also has lost some weight because he likes to play and run around with his new siblings, much to their annoyance.
I arranged my Mom’s Playbills for a photo. Joey came by and sat on her collection. It was his little tribute.
Image credits: MaddyandOwensMom
#6 Inheriting A 39 Year Old Parrot While 8 Months Pregnant
I made a post a few months ago explaining that my husband’s grandfather had passed away, leaving a 39 year old hello headed Amazon who needed a home and that despite being 8 months pregnant with our first child and having no experience with birds, we had decided to step up and be the family members who brought him home.
Image credits: linkon_1848
“If there are family letters or photos you love to look at, put them in an album or otherwise make them accessible — using archival materials to keep them safe,” Williamson wrote in an article for Business Insider.
Old paintings and records can be framed and hung on a wall for room decor. As Williamson writes, “Revel in these inherited treasures.”
#7 Ring Originally Belonged To My Husbands Great-Great Aunt. His Grandmother Inherited It, Eventually Passing It To My Husband While We Were Dating Saying, “Either Give This To Op Or Give It Back To Me”
His grandmother never wore the ring and I haven’t changed anything about it since my husband gave it to me two years ago. It’s a bit flashy but I adore it.
Image credits: NansThighs
#8 Inherited My Dad’s Analog Collection. Kind Of Overwhelmed
Image credits: farewelltokings2
#9 Inherited This Car
Hello! I know nothing about cars but I recently inherited this beautiful Studebaker. Could anyone tell me the exact year/name of it, and any other info about it? I won’t be holding onto it, but I’d like to be as informed as possible about what I have. Thanks for any reply
Image credits: lovelyopponent
Some face the challenge of picking which items to toss out and which to keep. Instead of keeping everything and being a pack rat, Williamson recommends saving heirlooms that hold great personal importance, are useful, and have historical significance.
If you’re still facing a dilemma, Williamson suggests setting aside boxes and revisiting them after a few months.
“As time goes by, you will realize that the antique train that seemed so special has lost its magic, and it will be easier to let it go,” she wrote.
#10 I Am The 4th Woman In The Family To Inherit My Great Grandma’s Wedding Necklace. She Got Married At 15 In 1956 Back Home In Pakistan
22k pakistani gold, one of our family’s many jewellery heirlooms
Image credits: dumbbratbaby
#11 My Mom Died So I Inherited Her Shih Tzu
My mom recently died of cancer, it happened very quickly. Four years prior, we traveled out of state and we each got a shih tzu. We were so happy with our puppies. At that time, she made me promise I would take her dog if anything happened to her which I was happy to do. I never would have guessed it would happen so soon.
My mom and her dog were inseparable. He followed her everywhere as shih tzu’s do and even went to work with her. He was there when she passed so I hope he has some closure with that. He went from a quiet house with my mom to moving in with my family that consists of my husband, three kids and two other shih tzus. Thankfully, I am a SAHM so I spend a lot of time with him and we go for walks often. It has only been three weeks. He seems pretty confused here but is starting to play and show his personality.
My male shih tzu is not very friendly with him. Growls and sometimes attacks him if he gets too close to me. They both seem to be alpha males so neither back down. My female shih tzu is great with my mom’s dogs but I feel so bad for the little guy and just hope he is happy here. Here’s a picture of my mom’s dog, he is so sweet and well behaved.
Image credits: Otherwise_Ad_1340
#12 I Inherited This Watch Recently, Was Told It Was My Great Grandmothers (She Lived 1890-1950). Does Anyone Know What Year It’s From?
Image credits: mags1027
Many younger people today prefer not to inherit family heirlooms from their parents or grandparents. Since some antiques hold little to no value, they are often rejected or disposed of.
In an interview with PBS, Former National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) president Susan Devaney explained that young couples would rather not have “the same things people used to have.”
#13 Me In My Father’s Old Circesian Dance Uniform
Image credits: treadbolt5
#14 Inherited This Ring From Grandma, Was Told It’s 18k Gold, Diamonds & Rubies. Weighs About 3oz. About 1.5” Wide
Image credits: douglaslagos
#15 My Inheritance From My Stepdad
I inherited two things from my beloved step dad, his dog who’s the best boy, and his Yuka Tree.
While his family cleared the house I left the tree as it was rather heavy and we needed to move some furniture first. It’s been a couple days and his family have moved a lot of the furniture out and left the plant outside his house for me to go get and I’ve come to find it and it seems someone decided to pull all its leaves off. I’m not sure if it was malicious or kids in the area, I just hope they grow back.
Image credits: barberbee
Ultimately, heirlooms are tangible traditions passed down through generations. As Mumford Restoration notes, they bridge the present and the past. It’s all a matter of keeping those that matter the most.
#16 Inheriting The Family Stack
Image credits: blaq_marketeer
#17 Inherited This Guitar
I recently inherited this guitar and I’d like to learn more about it. I haven’t been able to find a name on it a brand I think it might be custom-made. What do you think?
Image credits: GoldieKind
#18 This Cat That Inherited The Tabby Pattern And Color Only On Its Head
Image credits: edgeplorer
Now, we would like to hear from you. What was the best and most interesting heirloom you received? What is the story behind it? Share them in the comments.
#19 Inherited This From My Grandmother. Would This Make For A Good Engagement Ring?
Image credits: Motor_Head9575
#20 My Daughter Wearing Her Great-Great-Grandmother’s Wedding Dress
Image credits: reddit.com
#21 Check Out These Levi's That Belonged To My Mother In The 1970s!! I Totally Over Wear These Pants. Haha
Image credits: maricano9
#22 Inheriting My Stanley Thermos
My dad died very unexpectedly almost 3 months ago now. This was his Stanley thermos that's somewhere around 20 years old and in basically perfect condition. I've always wanted one of my own and have been on the lookout at garage sales and thrift stores. Now it's mine, and it's bittersweet but it's a nice memory that will be around forever.
Image credits: halicarnassus-geode
#23 Anyone Know Anything About This Box I Inherited?
Very heavy bronze with silver plate.
Image credits: alaf420
#24 We Inherited A Cat... His Name Is Pumpkin But We Also Call Him Pig Cat
Image credits: Liv4LittleSerialKillers
#25 Found This Gold Bar In A Safe I Inherited. What’s It Worth?
Image credits: dietpeptobismol
#26 My Great Grandma Millie’s Best Dress. I Wish I Could Ask Her More About It. Would Not Be Surprised If It Were Handmade
Image credits: Spoonless727
#27 Inherited 24k Gold Bracelet 40 Grams
Image credits: Smnadn
#28 Inherited From My Father 6 Months Ago. Wore It For The First Time Today
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#29 My Son Inherited My Joined Together Toes
Image credits: Microwavehead
#30 Inherited My Grandfather’s Watch Today, What Am I Looking At Here?
Grandfather was an airline captain, circa 1960’s. According to my grandmother, the bracelet was a custom made silver piece that weighs about a pound. Would like to have it cleaned up and functional, with a leather band so that I am able to enjoy the watch in the future. What is my best path forward?
Image credits: myc210
#31 Recently Inherited 1964 Galaxie
Image credits: armsareheavy69
#32 I Inherited This. What Would You Do?
This was my father's home, back half built in 1873 and front half built in 1906. I grew up here, but it's gone several decades without proper maintenance. What would you do, knowing that it's owned free and clear?
Image credits: pm-me-asparagus
#33 After My Grandads Death, I Inherited All His Old £££. I Thought It Would Be Nice To Add The Latest Discontinued Notes To His Collection
Image credits: kristoffison
#34 Recently Inherited This Natural Diamond Tennis Chain And Was Wondering If It Looks Too Feminine On A Guy
I don’t know how much it’s worth and I’m getting it appraised soon, but would love some of yalls experience
Image credits: DefiantPercentage453
#35 Inherited This Ring From My Grandpa Over 20 Years Ago. Was Told He Got It While Fighting In Ww2. Any Idea What It Might Be?
Image credits: ico59
#36 My Grandmothers Monstera She Inherited From Her Mother In 86. It Is Well Over 50-Years Old
Image credits: Mamma-grus
#37 Inherited This Insane Ring From My Great Great Aunty. How Old Is It?
I need help finding information on this kind gift as I know very little about it. I've tried myself but didn't get anywhere. She was born in 1912, and lived around Bolton, UK all her life. The note was in the bag with the ring, describing the '69 diamonds' inlaid in Platinum. This description has been cut out of a bigger piece of paper - possibly the receipt? The scribbles where there when I got it.
It seems well made as all of the diamonds are flush with the ring (I literally know nothing lol). I'm terrified of wearing it in case I lose one.
Image credits: 9inchsemi
#38 My Great-Great Grandmother's Wedding Blouse From 1902
Image credits: awena626
#39 Mechanical / Automatic Watches Appreciation
I Inherited my Grandfathers Omega Geneve (late 1960’s). He wore it every day on the farm and it was in pretty rough shape when I got it last year.
Some service at a local watchmaker and it’s good as new. Manual wind. Should last another couple of generations
Image credits: Dunsteen
#40 Inherited My Mother’s Favorite Ring. Thoughts?
Is it vintage and cool or look outdated? Anyone have any insight on the design/style?
Image credits: ThrowRA2557
#41 Inheriting My Late Father's Mustang At 17; What To Know?
Respect the power, filing under my mother for insurance etc.
Image credits: toasterman2507
#42 Inherited These Rings From My Great Aunt. They Are Priceless To Me, But Should I Get Them Evaluated?
Don’t know where to start with these rings! Not looking to sell them, but I would love to know more about them in general.
The top 2 rings are marked “900 PLAT” on the inside
The bottom gold ring is marked 14k
The next ring up is obviously broken but still looks nice
Image credits: Aurora1073
#43 Inherited A Large Amount Of Comicbooks
I recently inherited a large amount of comic books. Many are from the 1970s. Also some from the 80s and 90s. I’ve been enjoying looking through them but I’m new to it. Are there any holy grail books I should be looking for? Also not sure I can keep them in my limited space. If anyone in Baton Rouge, Louisiana wants to look through them, shoot me a message.
Image credits: club27vinyl
#44 Braun Coffee Grinder Made In West Germany
I “inherited” this coffee grinder when we went remote during COVID.
I realized it was made made before the Berlin Wall fell when I was trying to buy another for a friend who was seeking a replacement. Bonus points it is a fun color.
Image credits: _futuresting_
#45 From Great Aunt’s Inheritance
Given this interesting bracelet with some sort of image in the center. Any ideas about it? Thanks for your time. And if this is not the correct place to post please let me know.
Image credits: West_Ad_4764
#46 My Dad Recently Passed Away And Left Me With All Of His Ham Radio And Testing Equipment. Need Help Identifying Some Items And Their Value
Image credits: CVLRY01
#47 My New Keystone Olympic Standard 8mm Film Video Camera, Inherited From My Great Grandfather
Image credits: Day47media
#48 Inherited Cards From Brother Who Passed Away
Hi Pokémon fans. My brother who was really into Pokémon cards sadly passed away recently and I got more or less all of his possessions.
I tried to make a poster out of the cards I thought looked the coolest but couldn't fit the ones in the thicker plastic, I also don't have much of a clue when it comes to Pokémon. Any tips or recommendations about what to do with them? I can't imagine I'll ever sell them even if they are worth something as I know he loved his cards.
Thanks for any tips! Its much appreciated
Image credits: Carlsssson
#49 Inherited All These Clubs. What Do I Do?
Inherited all these clubs from my uncle. What’s the best way to unload them (hopefully for $)?
Image credits: elvisfan2000
#50 Friend Of Mines Coworker Inherited “Ancient Mayan Alien Ruins”
Context: his dad spent $10,000 on a briefcase at a auction. My friend claims he got cursed after he put on the ring. The day they put it on they got robbed at gun point and got rear ended. The week after they got rear ended again. The month after they got their house broken into.
Image credits: Kale_The_Vegetable
