Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can play a huge role in our lives.
For children, learning to be grateful can foster positivity, enhance emotional well-being, and strengthen family bonds.
Parents often wonder how to teach gratitude in a way their children will remember.
The answer lies in sharing engaging gratitude activities into daily routines, making it a natural and enjoyable part of life.
26 Fun Gratitude Activities For Kids and Teens To Appreciate The Little Things
In this blog post, you’ll learn various gratitude activities for kids that parents can do in their home.
And the best part is these activities are designed to be fun, interactive, and meaningful, helping children develop a lasting sense of gratitude.
You won’t have to “break the bank” to help your child develop the habit of counting their blessings.
From keeping a daily gratitude journal to embarking on gratitude scavenger hunts, you’ll find plenty of free and cheap ideas to get you started.
Thank You Notes
Writing thank you notes is a creative way for kids to express gratitude towards others.
This activity teaches children the importance of acknowledging kindness and helps them develop strong social skills.
Give your child a sheet of paper and a box of crayons.
Or, if you have some colorful stationery or construction paper at home, let them use that instead.
Together, think of someone who has done something nice for you: a friend, relative, teacher, or neighbor.
Help your child write heartfelt thank you notes, focusing on specific actions and the positive impact those actions had.
Sending these notes not only spreads joy but also reinforces the habit of expressing gratitude.
Make it a regular practice by setting aside time each week for writing and sending thank you notes.
Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
A gratitude scavenger hunt is a fun and interactive way to help children recognize and appreciate the little things in life.
This activity can be done indoors or outdoors, making it perfect to any environment.
Create a list of items that represent different forms of gratitude.
For example, a:
- favorite toy
- cozy blanket
- beautiful flower
- photo of a loved one
- green leaf
- delicious treat
Give your child the list and challenge them to find each item, explaining why it holds significance to them.
This activity not only improves observational skills but also encourages children to reflect on the positive aspects of their surroundings.
It’s a great way to turn an ordinary day into an exciting adventure while fostering a sense of gratitude.
Gratitude Tree
Creating a gratitude tree is a visually engaging way for kids to express what they are thankful for.
My family and I did this gratitude tree around Thanksgiving and I still have their little turkey’s tucked away in their keepsake boxes.
Creating your own gratitude tree can be a wonderful addition to the sweet spirit in your home, serving as a constant reminder of gratitude.
To make a gratitude tree, start with a large piece of paper or cardboard and draw a tree trunk with branches.
I grabbed some brown packing and construction paper.
You can cut out leaf shapes or do little turkey’s like we did.
Each day, have your child write something they are grateful for on a leaf and attach it to the tree.
Over time, the tree will fill up with colorful leaves, each representing a moment of gratitude.
This activity not only promotes creativity but also provides a visual representation of the abundance of positive things in your child’s life.
Family Gratitude Circle
Incorporating a gratitude circle into family time is a simple yet powerful way to strengthen family bonds.
This activity encourages open communication and allows each family member to share what they are grateful for.
Choose a regular time, such as during dinner or before bedtime, to gather as a family.
Take turns sharing one thing you are grateful for and explain why.
Listen to each other’s responses and offer positive feedback.
The gratitude circle fosters a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
It also helps children see the many ways gratitude can be expressed, deepening their understanding of this important emotion.
Gratitude Calendar
A gratitude calendar is a wonderful way to make gratitude a daily habit.
This activity involves creating a calendar where each day, your child can write or draw something they are thankful for.
You can print a free calendar on websites like, Canva, or make a simple grid with dates.
Each day, encourage your child to fill in a box with a gratitude entry.
By the end of the month, they’ll have a visual record of all the things they appreciated.
This calendar can serve as a conversation starter and a way to reflect on the past month’s positive moments.
It also helps children see that there is always something to be grateful for, no matter how small.
Gratitude Drawings & Prompts
For kids who enjoy drawing, gratitude drawings can be a fun and creative way to practice gratitude.
Provide your child with drawing supplies and prompt them with questions like:
- What made you happy today?
- Draw someone who helped you this week.
- What is something you have that others might not?
- How does your favorite person help you?
- Draw something that you are grateful for in nature.
These prompts encourage children to think about their positive experiences and express them through art.
Display their drawings around the house to reinforce the habit and celebrate their creativity.
This activity not only helps children reflect on their blessings but also provides a creative outlet for their emotions.
It’s a great way to combine gratitude with artistic expression.
Gratitude Games to Play
Kids love games.
And when you use games to teach gratitude, you’re making learning this principle enjoyable and engaging for your kids.
There are several gratitude-themed games that families can play together, such as “Gratitude Bingo” or “Gratitude Charades.”
For Gratitude Bingo, create bingo cards with different gratitude prompts in each square.
As you go about your day, mark off the squares when you experience or express gratitude related to the prompts.
The first person to get five in a row wins.
Gratitude Charades involves acting out things you are grateful for and having others guess.
This game encourages creativity and helps children think about gratitude in a fun and interactive way.
Daily Gratitude Journal
Starting a daily gratitude journal is an excellent way for kids to reflect on the positive aspects of their day.
This simple activity encourages children to write down things they are thankful for, helping them develop a habit of recognizing and appreciating the good in their lives.
You can grab this fun printable gratitude journal in our shop.
Or, you can use a notebook or journal from your local store.
Each day, ask them to jot down three things they are grateful for.
These can be anything from a fun playdate to a favorite meal.
Encourage them to be specific and elaborate on why they feel grateful for each item.
Over time, this practice can help children focus on the positives, even during challenging times.
Maintaining a gratitude journal can also be a bonding activity.
Give your child 10-15 minutes each evening to write together as a family, sharing and discussing your entries.
This not only reinforces the habit but also fosters open communication and strengthens family connections.
Gratitude Walks
Going on gratitude walks is a peaceful and reflective activity that allows families to appreciate nature and their surroundings.
During the walk, take time to notice and discuss things you are grateful for, such as the beauty of a blooming flower or the sound of birds chirping.
Encourage your child to share their observations and feelings.
This activity not only promotes physical exercise but also helps children develop mindfulness and an appreciation for the world around them.
Gratitude walks can become a regular family tradition, providing a calming and bonding experience while fostering a sense of gratitude.
Family Gratitude Book
Creating a family gratitude book is a collaborative project that brings everyone together.
This book can be filled with drawings, photos, and writings that capture the things your family is grateful for.
Start with a blank notebook or scrapbook.
Each family member can contribute by adding their entries, whether it’s a drawing of a memorable day or a written thank you note for a kind gesture.
The family gratitude book serves as a keepsake that you can look back on and cherish.
It also reinforces the habit of gratitude by making it a shared family activity.
Gratitude Jars and Paper Chains
Gratitude jars and paper chains are simple yet effective ways to practice gratitude every day.
For a gratitude jar, provide each family member with slips of paper to write down things they are grateful for and place them in the jar.
At the end of the week or month, read the notes together.
This activity not only fosters gratitude but also creates a sense of anticipation and excitement.
Gratitude paper chains work in the same way.
Write your gratitude entries on strips of paper and link them together to form a chain.
Over time, the chain will grow, serving as a visual reminder of all the things your family is thankful for.
Read Gratitude Quotes & Practice Writing Them
Reading and writing gratitude quotes is an inspiring way to instill the value of gratitude in children.
You can find quotes about gratitude and discuss their meanings with your child.
Encourage your child to practice writing these quotes in a journal or on decorative paper.
This activity encourages literacy skills with gratitude practice, making it both educational and meaningful.
Displaying these quotes around the house can serve as daily reminders to stay grateful and positive.
Gratitude Show and Tell
Gratitude show and tell is a fun activity that allows children to share what they are grateful for with others.
Set aside time for each family member to bring an item that represents something they are thankful for and explain its significance.
This activity will help your child with their public speaking skills and their feelings of gratitude.
It also provides an opportunity for family bonding and mutual appreciation.
Gratitude show and tell can become a regular part of family gatherings, reinforcing the habit of expressing gratitude.
Create Gratitude Bookmarks
Making gratitude bookmarks is a creative and practical activity that encourages children to think about what they are thankful for.
Provide art supplies and blank bookmarks (or cardstock pages you can cut up) for your child to decorate with drawings and gratitude messages.
These bookmarks can be used in their favorite books or given as gifts to friends and family.
This activity combines creativity with mindfulness, helping children focus on positive thoughts.
Gratitude bookmarks are a simple yet meaningful way to practice gratitude and spread kindness.
Make Gratitude Posters Using Old Magazines
Creating gratitude posters using old magazines is a fun and eco-friendly activity.
Provide your child with magazines, scissors, glue, and a large piece of paper.
Have them cut out images and words that represent things they are grateful for and arrange them on the paper to create a collage.
This activity encourages creativity and helps children visualize their gratitude.
Display the posters around the house as reminders of all the positive things in their lives.
Gratitude posters are a great way to combine artistic expression with gratitude practice, making it enjoyable for children.
Play Gratitude Toss and Share
Gratitude toss and share is an engaging game that encourages children to express their gratitude.
All you need is a soft ball and a group of players.
Sit in a circle and take turns tossing the ball to each other.
When someone catches the ball, they must share something they are grateful for.
This game promotes active participation and helps children practice speaking and listening skills.
It’s a fun way to make gratitude a group activity and strengthen family bonds.
Gratitude toss and share can be played at family gatherings, parties, or even during playdates, making it the perfect game to teach children.
Thankfulness Nature Hike
A thankfulness nature hike is a peaceful activity that allows families to connect with nature and each other.
During the hike, take time to notice and appreciate the beauty around you.
Encourage your child to share what they are grateful for in nature, such as the tall trees around them or the fresh air they’re breathing.
This activity promotes mindfulness and helps children develop an appreciation for the natural world.
It also provides an opportunity for physical exercise and family bonding.
Thankfulness nature hikes can become a regular family tradition, fostering a sense of gratitude and well-being.
Learn to Say “Thank You” in Multiple Languages
Learning to say “thank you” in multiple languages is a fun and educational activity that broadens children’s cultural awareness.
Teach your child how to express gratitude in different languages, such as “Gracias” in Spanish, “Merci” in French, and “Arigato” in Japanese.
This activity not only teaches valuable language skills but also highlights the universal importance of gratitude.
Encourage your child to use these phrases in everyday situations, such as thanking a friend or family member.
Learning to say “thank you” in multiple languages can be a fun way to incorporate gratitude into daily life and celebrate cultural diversity.
Gratitude Stone Painting
Kids can paint their blessings on smooth stones and use them as reminders to be grateful.
This hands-on activity allows children to express their creativity while reflecting on what they are thankful for.
They can paint things like a happy memory, a special person, or an item that brings them joy.
Placing these gratitude stones around the house serves as a constant reminder to give thanks and appreciate the little things in life.
Or, your child may choose to hide these stones around your community for others to find and be inspired to practice gratitude as well.
M&M Gratitude Game
The M&M gratitude game is a fun and tasty way to practice gratitude with kids.
All you need is a bag of M&Ms and a list of gratitude prompts.
Assign each color of M&M a different prompt, such as “Red – Something that made you smile today” or “Green – Someone who helped you this week.”
Take turns picking an M&M and sharing your gratitude based on the color.
This game promotes active participation and helps children think about different aspects of their lives they are grateful for.
The M&M gratitude game is a delicious and engaging way to make gratitude practice enjoyable for kids.
The Thankful Leper: Bible Lesson
The story of the Thankful Leper from the Bible is a powerful lesson in gratitude.
Read the story together as a family and discuss its meaning.
You can use this printable, which includes a done-for-you lesson and activity sheets.
Talk about how the leper’s gratitude for being healed shows the importance of expressing thanks.
This activity not only teaches children about gratitude but also highlights the value of faith and kindness.
Encourage your child to think about times when they felt grateful and how they can show their appreciation.
The Thankful Leper lesson can be a meaningful addition to your family’s spiritual practice, reinforcing the importance of gratitude.
Gratitude Wreath
Creating a gratitude wreath is a festive and decorative activity that encourages children to express their gratitude.
You can use this wreath printable to help you with your family’s activity.
Or, you can use a cardboard cutout for the base and and colorful paper leaves for your blessings.
Each day, have your child write something they are grateful for on a leaf and attach it to the wreath.
Over time, the wreath will fill up with leaves, each representing a moment of gratitude.
This activity not only promotes creativity but also provides a visual representation of the abundance of positive things in your child’s life.
The gratitude wreath can be displayed as a seasonal decoration, serving as a constant reminder to stay grateful.
Thank a Teacher
Teaching children to express gratitude towards their teachers is an important lesson in appreciation and respect.
Encourage your child to write a thank you note or create a small gift for their teacher.
You can use this teacher appreciation printable packet to help you with this activity.
It’s so important you help your children recognize the hard work and dedication of their teachers and develop a gratitude for their education.
Thanking a teacher can become a regular practice, reinforcing the habit of expressing gratitude and showing appreciation for those who make a difference in our lives.
Write and Count Your Blessings (Affirmation Sheet)
Writing and counting blessings is a reflective activity that helps children focus on the positive aspects of their lives.
Provide your child with an affirmation sheet, like this one, where they can write down their blessings and count them.
Encourage your child to think about different areas of their lives, such as family, friends, school, and hobbies.
This activity promotes mindfulness and helps children develop a positive outlook.
The affirmation sheet can be a valuable tool for building self-esteem and reinforcing the habit of gratitude.
Display it in a prominent place to serve as a daily reminder of all the things your child is thankful for.
Random Acts of Kindness
Kindness is a powerful way to spread positivity and gratitude.
Encourage your child to perform random acts of kindness, such as helping an elderly neighbor or writing a thank you note for the mail carrier.
This activity not only teaches children the value of giving back but also helps them see the impact their actions can have on others.
It promotes empathy and encourages children to be grateful for what they have by spreading kindness to those who may be less fortunate.
Random acts of kindness can become a family tradition, reinforcing the importance of showing gratitude towards others and making positive contributions to society.
It also serves as a reminder that even small gestures can make a big difference in someone’s day.
Make Gratitude a Habit
Practicing gratitude should be a daily habit, not just something we do on special occasions, like Thanksgiving.
Not personally attacking anyone here, because I’m taking my own advice with this one.
Encourage your child to make sharing thanks a part of their routine by setting aside a specific time each day to reflect on what they are thankful for.
This could be during dinner time or in their morning prayers.
By making gratitude a regular practice, children will develop an attitude of appreciation and become more mindful of the blessings in their lives.
As a parent, you can also set an example by expressing your own gratitude and modeling this behavior for your children.
This creates a positive and grateful atmosphere in the home which can have lasting effects on the entire family.
Tips for Making Gratitude Activities a Habit
And bringing these gratitude activities in your daily life doesn’t have to feel like a chore.
Here are some practical tips to help make gratitude a natural and enjoyable part of your family’s routine:
- Be Consistent: Set aside a specific time each day for gratitude activities. Consistency helps build habits and makes it easier to incorporate gratitude into your daily routine.
- Make It Fun: Choose activities that your child enjoys and mix them up to keep things interesting. The more fun it is, the more likely they are to stick with it.
- Adjust for Age: Tailor activities to suit your child’s age and developmental stage. Younger children may enjoy simple activities like drawing, while older kids may prefer writing or more complex projects.
Final Thoughts
Teaching children to be grateful is one of the most valuable lessons parents can share.
By including fun and engaging gratitude activities into daily routines, you can help your child develop a lasting sense of appreciation in their lives.
Start with a few of the activities mentioned in this post and watch as your family’s attitude of gratitude blossoms.
We’d love to hear about your experiences and any additional gratitude activities you’ve tried. Share your stories and ideas in the comments below.
Let’s spread the joy of gratitude together!
Micah Klug is a wife, homeschooling mother to five children, and author. She teaches time-tested solutions to help parents remember what matters most in life, including strengthening their home, faith, and family relationships. To learn how a child who grew up in an authoritarian home is now creating an environment of peace and joy in her own home visit this page. If you want to contact Micah, send her an email here or email [email protected].
