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Helping kids practice gratitude is one of the best gifts we can give them—and a DIY gratitude jar is a fun, simple way to do just that!
Whether you’re looking for Thanksgiving crafts for kids or a family activity you can do together at any time of year, making a gratitude jar is the perfect way to teach kids the power of appreciation.
Here are some of our favorite gratitude jar ideas, including inspiration for gratitude jar messages, ways to personalize your jar, Thanksgiving snacks for kids, and more.
A gratitude jar, sometimes called a grateful jar or thankful jar, is a container where kids (or the whole family) can add small notes about things they appreciate. By regularly adding thoughts of gratitude, kids learn to recognize all the good in their lives, which can improve their mood, foster empathy, and create a happier mindset.
Creating a gratitude jar is one of the most simple and fun Thanksgiving crafts for kids. Here’s a quick guide on how to start a gratitude jar:
Pick a jar, box, or small container. This can be a mason jar, a recycled jar, a shoebox, or any container you have around the house. Kids can turn their jars into Thanksgiving craft ideas by personalizing them with paints, stickers, or ribbons in fall colors.
Put out slips of paper or sticky notes near your jar, ready for writing. We like to use different colorful papers to make it more visually appealing. Or use paper shaped like stars or hearts for extra flair. Be sure to keep crayons, markers, or pens nearby to make things convenient.
Encourage kids to write a note daily or weekly, or even whenever something special happens. Consider making it one of those Thanksgiving activities for the family that you revisit every year as a tradition.
If you’re looking for unique gratitude jar ideas or ways to make a gratitude jar activity fun for kids, here are some tips:
Use prompts to inspire kids to think about different things they’re thankful for. Some gratitude jar messages and thought starters include:
Assign colors to different types of gratitude: one color for family, another for friends, another for hobbies or activities, and so on. The colorful notes make the jar look cheerful. Or instead of color coding by category, you can also assign each family member their own color.
For younger kids who may not be writing yet, drawing pictures of what they’re thankful for is a great alternative. This could include their favorite toy, a pet, or even a sunny day.
Set a time each week to gather as a family and read a few notes from the jar. Not only does this create bonding time, but it also encourages kids to see how much there is to be grateful for in their lives.
Try creating a theme for different days of the week. For example:
Again, to make things extra festive, encourage kids to decorate their thankful jar with fall-themed items like leaves, acorns, and pumpkin stickers. You could also use paint or colorful ribbons in traditional fall colors and use your jar as a table centerpiece.
If you’re still wondering: “What should I write in my gratitude jar?” It can be anything—a favorite memory, a kind word from a friend, or something that made them laugh that day.
Kids can write (or draw) anything that makes them feel happy, loved, or thankful. Here are some examples of gratitude jar messages:
You get the idea!
One of the best parts of making a gratitude jar is reading through your answers later on. Around Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, or at the end of the school year, gather as a family and go through each gratitude note.
Reflecting on the little joys of the year is a wonderful way to celebrate the positive moments your kids experienced. This gratitude jar activity can be a heartwarming family tradition, encouraging kids to carry an attitude of gratitude into the future.
To make the experience even more fun, consider including kid-friendly snacks in your DIY gratitude jar. Each time someone adds a note, they get to choose a snack or small treat. Hopefully this will help kids remember to participate each day, or even create a positive association with expressing gratitude.
Get creative with themed fall snacks like pumpkin candies or use heart-shaped treats to encourage kindness around Valentine’s Day. Just make sure the snacks are individually packaged so kids can grab and go.
Welch’s® Fruit Snacks are the perfect gratitude jar option for any time of year. Made with real fruit, these allergy-friendly snacks are an excellent source of Vitamins A, C, & E and come in a variety of fun flavors to suit everyone’s tastes.
We hope we inspired you with plenty of gratitude jar ideas. Start your own gratitude jar today and fill it with sweet moments and tasty treats from Welch’s® Fruit Snacks!
