Activities

15 Fun and Simple Gratitude Activities for Kids

Written By

Daniela Vega

Reviewed By

Lorena Koppel

This article shares 15 fun activities that can help parents nurture gratitude in their children.

Uploaded on:

September 27, 2024

Last Reviewed:

September 19, 2024

Reading Time

10 min

Table of Contents

As parents, we all want to teach our kids good values that help them grow into happy, well-rounded individuals. One of those values, often overlooked, is gratitude.

This article shares 15 fun activities that can help parents nurture gratitude in their children, enriching their character and supporting their emotional development.

You can also explore related activities like empathy activities for kids  to further build a compassionate mindset.

1. Practice positive affirmations  

Starting the day with a positive affirmation can work wonders.

You can say things like, "I love our home" or "I'm so lucky to have friends like you."

In the Storybook App, find the story "Material Things Don’t Make You Valuable" and help your children understand that what truly matters can’t be bought.

Share this heartwarming story with them, teaching them to value what's in their hearts over any material possession. Download and enjoy it together today! 👀⬇️

Repeating this daily, whether before bed or during meals, will help children appreciate what they have.

2. Gratitude journal  

Encourage your child to keep a gratitude journal.

Each day, they can write down a few things they’re thankful for. This simple habit can help them notice the good things around them and feel more grateful.

Journaling can also be combined with mindfulness activities for kids to boost self-awareness.

3. Design thank you cards 

Let your child design their own thank you cards.

This creative activity allows them to express their gratitude in a tangible way.

It’s also a great opportunity to talk about why saying thank you is important.  

4. Gratitude jar  

Create a gratitude jar with your child. Whenever they feel grateful for something, they can write it down on a slip of paper and put it in the jar.

Over time, they’ll see the jar fill up with all the good things in their life.

This activity can be paired with generosity activities for kids to encourage giving back.

gratitude jar

5. Gratitude tree  

A gratitude tree is another great visual reminder of all the things to be thankful for.

Your child can write down what they’re grateful for on paper leaves and attach them to a tree. It’s a fun way to see their gratitude grow!

This can also tie in nicely with perseverance activities for kids as they watch the tree fill over time.

6. Acts of kindness 

Encourage your child to do small acts of kindness.

Whether it’s helping a friend or picking up trash in the park, these actions can help them understand the connection between kindness and gratitude.

You might also explore forgiveness activities for kids to teach them the value of letting go and being kind.

7. Gratitude collage 

Help your child make a gratitude collage using pictures, drawings, or magazine cutouts of things they’re thankful for.

It’s a fun, creative way to visualize gratitude and decorate their room with positive vibes!

This project can also introduce them to tolerance activities for kids by including diverse elements they appreciate.

8. Family gratitude circle  

Start a family gratitude circle where everyone shares something they’re grateful for.

This simple activity not only strengthens family bonds but also shows your child the importance of expressing gratitude.

Incorporate patience activities for kids to teach them to listen and wait their turn.

9. Be the example  

Kids learn a lot by watching their parents. Show them what gratitude looks like by regularly expressing thanks in your own life.

This could be thanking a family member, a neighbor, or even a stranger for something they’ve done.

This is also a great way to demonstrate integrity activities for kids by being sincere and honest in your gratitude.

10. Volunteer together 

Volunteering as a family is a fantastic way to teach gratitude.

It helps kids see firsthand how their actions can positively impact others and makes them appreciate what they have.

This activity can also be linked with generosity activities for kids to highlight the joy of giving.

11. Play “Thank You” or “How Would I Feel Without...?” 

Turn gratitude into a game! Ask your child to think about things they’re grateful for or imagine how life would be without certain things or people.

It’s a playful way to get them thinking about gratitude.

This game can also introduce breathing activities for kids to help them stay calm and focused during reflection.

12. Daily gratitude rituals  

Incorporate simple daily gratitude rituals, like saying what you’re thankful for before bedtime or at dinner.

This regular practice can make gratitude a natural part of your child’s day.

Complement this with grounding activities for kids to help them stay centered.

13. Gratitude art project  

Get creative with a gratitude-themed art project! Whether it’s painting, drawing, or crafting, this activity lets kids express their thankfulness in a fun and creative way.

14. Practice gratitude before meals 

Encourage your child to express gratitude for their food before meals.

This simple habit can help them appreciate what they have and recognize the effort that goes into providing it.

This can also tie into respect activities for kids by appreciating those who prepare their meals.

15. Create a gratitude calendar 

Make a gratitude calendar where your child marks each day with something they’re thankful for.

This ongoing project serves as a constant reminder of their blessings and keeps the focus on positivity.

It’s a great way to reinforce perseverance activities for kids by sticking with the practice daily.

Why is it important for kids to practice gratitude?  

Gratitude helps kids appreciate the good in their lives, fosters a positive attitude, and builds empathy.

How often should kids do gratitude activities? 

Try to make gratitude activities part of your daily routine, so it becomes a natural habit for your child.

What are some benefits of gratitude for children?  

Practicing gratitude can boost happiness, increase empathy, and improve overall well-being.

Teaching our kids to be grateful is one of the most valuable gifts we can give them. By trying out these 15 activities, parents can help their children develop a grateful mindset that will benefit them throughout their lives.

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Written By

Daniela Vega
Co-Founder Storybook

Entrepreneur mum. I created Storybook: Bedtime Stories the #1 app in over 90 countries. I have been able to help families with the app and through my social media influence. I also created a Facebook group with over 12,000 moms where we support each other.

Medically Reviewed by:

Lorena Koppel
Child Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Lorena Koppel is a distinguished Child Clinical Psychologist based in Azuay, Ecuador, with over 26 years of experience at Monte Sinaí Hospital. She specializes in treating emotional disorders in children and adolescents, providing family counseling, and integrating theoretical and practical approaches in clinical psychology.

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