Helping children practice gratitude early can nurture kindness, empathy, and a positive mindset that lasts a lifetime. The best part? Gratitude can be fun! Through simple, hands-on activities, kids learn to notice the good things around them and appreciate both big and small blessings. In this post, I’ll share 5 easy and meaningful gratitude activities for kids, along with a few helpful tools you can find on Amazon to make them even more engaging.
(Tip: These pair beautifully with children’s books about gratitude for a complete gratitude toolkit!)
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1. Gratitude Jar
Have your child decorate a jar with stickers, ribbons, or paint. Each day, they can write or draw something they’re thankful for on a slip of paper and drop it inside. At the end of the week (or month), read them together.
✨ Why It Works: Kids see gratitude “grow” as the jar fills up, and they learn that small blessings add up to something big.
👉 Try this: Mason Jar with Chalkboard Labels + Colorful Sticky Notes
2. Thank You Notes
Encourage your kids to write simple thank-you notes or draw pictures for family, teachers, or friends. They can be mailed, hand-delivered, or even snapped and shared digitally.
✨ Why It Works: Writing a thank-you note helps children express appreciation in a tangible way and strengthens their relationships.
👉 Try this: Funny Thank You Cards + Fun Gel Pens Set
3. Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
Make gratitude a game! Create a list of prompts like:
- Something in nature you’re grateful for
- Something that makes you smile
- Something that keeps you warm
- A person you love
Have kids find (or draw) an item for each category.
✨ Why It Works: Kids learn to look around with fresh eyes and notice the everyday gifts they often overlook.
👉 Try this: DIY Treasure Map Scavenger Hunt or make your own!
4. Bedtime Gratitude Ritual
At the end of the day, ask your child to share three things they’re grateful for. You can make it part of bedtime prayers or a simple nightly reflection.
✨ Why It Works: This routine shifts focus away from worries and helps kids fall asleep with a grateful heart.
👉 Try this: Gratitude Journal for Kids (Ages 5–10)
5. Gratitude Art Project
Set out paper, crayons, paints, or collage materials and let kids create art that represents what they’re thankful for. Hang it up as a reminder of their blessings.
✨ Why It Works: Art gives children a creative outlet to express gratitude, while visual reminders reinforce the lesson daily.
👉 Try this: Kids’ Art Supply Set + Bulletin Board for Displaying Gratitude Art
Final Thoughts
Practicing gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated—it can be joyful and creative! These gratitude activities for kids are simple ways to spark meaningful conversations, build character, and nurture lasting thankfulness.
Start small, keep it fun, and watch how your child’s perspective begins to shift toward appreciation and joy. 🌟
👉 Want more ideas? Check out my post on 5 Children’s Books That Teach Gratitude in a Heart-warming Way
💬 Your Turn!
What are your favorite fun activities to practice gratitude? Have you tried any of these before?
👇 Share your ideas in the comments — you might inspire someone’s next joyful habit!
If this post made you smile, share it with a friend who could use a little extra gratitude today. 💛
And if you’re ready to deepen your practice, start your own gratitude journey by subscribing to my newsletter and receiving the grateful path’s FREE 7-day gratitude journal — your first step toward a calmer, more appreciative life.
FAQ: Gratitude Activities for Kids at Home or School.
Teaching gratitude helps children develop kindness, empathy, and emotional resilience. Grateful kids are more likely to have positive relationships, strong self-esteem, and a healthy mindset.
Children can begin practicing gratitude as soon as they can communicate. Even preschoolers can name things they’re thankful for, while older kids enjoy journaling, art projects, and games. Read more in my post How to Raise Grateful Kids in a Busy World.
Daily is ideal, but even a few times a week makes a difference. Simple routines like bedtime gratitude or a weekly gratitude jar check-in help build consistency.
Yes! Gratitude jars, scavenger hunts, thank-you notes, and art projects work wonderfully in classrooms and group settings to promote kindness and emotional learning.
That’s normal. Keep gratitude light and playful. Let kids choose their favorite activities and focus on fun rather than forcing participation.
From the Author
If you’re reading these final words, thank you for walking alongside me today. I hope that the activities you discovered here will help create wholesome and joyful childhood memories & habits for the special children in your life! Until we meet again, keep following The Grateful Path.
One step at a time, with a thankful heart, along the Grateful Path.
Related Articles You Might Enjoy:
5 Children’s Books That Teach Gratitude in a Heart-warming Way – Discover 5 awesome children’s books that will inspire thankfulness, kindness, and joy in your little ones.
How to Raise Grateful Kids in a Busy World – Discover daily practices to help you raise kids who are more grateful, joyful and well-rounded!
5 Inspirational Children’s Books That Teach Important Life Values – Discover 5 wonderful children’s books that will inspire your little ones and teach them valuable life lessons.
Count Your Way to a Wonderful Day with Gratitude – Make every day wonderful by counting to 10. A unique guide to life through every TODAY!
How to Practice Gratitude in Fun, Unexpected, and Joyful Ways – Gratitude like you’ve never seen it before. Unusual, creative and possibly hilarious ways to practice daily gratitude.