Thanksgiving is all about sharing, caring, and giving thanks, but it’s also a perfect time to have fun together as a family! Imagine gathering around with your loved ones, sharing stories, and talking about all the things that make you feel grateful. For kids, Thanksgiving is a chance to learn about gratitude in a way that’s fun and easy to understand—like making crafts, playing games, and doing special activities that bring everyone together. Gratitude doesn’t have to be a big, serious thing; it can be as simple as saying “thanks” for the cozy bed you sleep in or the friends you laugh with at school.
Doing “Thankful for” activities as a family makes the holiday feel even more special. By creating a “gratitude tree” or decorating a “thankful jar,” kids can have a blast while learning what it means to appreciate the good stuff in their lives. Plus, these activities make for amazing keepsakes that you can bring out year after year! This Thanksgiving, dive into these fun ways to celebrate gratitude and see how it brings your family closer, one thank-you at a time.
Thankful Tree Craft: Growing Gratitude Together
Bring the spirit of Thanksgiving to life with a family “Thankful Tree” that grows brighter and fuller as each day goes by! This craft is not only fun, but it’s also a beautiful way for everyone to share what they’re thankful for as Thanksgiving approaches.
Materials Needed:
- Construction paper (in fall colors like red, orange, yellow, and brown)
- Scissors
- Markers or crayons
- Tape or string
Instructions:
- Start by creating a tree trunk out of brown construction paper, and find a spot on a wall or window where everyone can see it. Attach the trunk with tape to give it a strong foundation.
- Next, cut out leaf shapes from the colored construction paper. Each family member can get creative with the shape and color of their leaves!
- Throughout the month leading up to Thanksgiving, have each person write something they’re thankful for on a leaf, then attach it to the tree. This could be anything from a favorite family activity to a small moment that made them smile!
Tip: Make this a family tradition each year. Keep the leaves from previous years or start fresh and see how your tree—and your gratitude—grows year after year. It’s a beautiful, homemade reminder of all the wonderful things in life that can bring the family closer together each Thanksgiving season.
Thankful Jar: A Year-Round Gratitude Project
Create a family “Thankful Jar” to capture all the little things that make life special! This simple yet meaningful activity gives everyone a chance to pause, reflect, and share their gratitude – plus, it makes for a heartwarming tradition to read together on Thanksgiving.
Materials Needed:
- Mason jar or any clear container
- Strips of paper
- Markers or pens
- Decorations for the jar (like ribbons, stickers, or paint)
Instructions:
- Start by decorating the jar as a family. Add ribbons, stickers, or any other fun touches to make it uniquely yours!
- Throughout the days leading up to Thanksgiving, have each family member write down something they’re thankful for on a strip of paper and place it in the jar. These could be simple things like a favorite meal, a sunny day, or a moment that made them smile.
- On Thanksgiving, bring out the jar and read each note aloud during dinner. It’s a wonderful way to spark laughter, gratitude, and some shared memories as you gather together!
Tip: Keep the “Thankful Jar” out all year and continue adding new notes as the seasons change. By Thanksgiving next year, you’ll have a whole collection of memories and little joys to revisit and celebrate. This ongoing project becomes a beautiful reminder of the many things worth being thankful for every day.
Gratitude Place Cards: Adding a Personal Touch to Thanksgiving Dinner
Make your Thanksgiving table extra special with personalized gratitude place cards! These thoughtful cards are a great way for kids to show their creativity and share something they appreciate about each guest, adding warmth and gratitude to your dinner setting.
Materials Needed:
- Blank place cards (or cut out your own from cardstock)
- Markers or colored pens
- Stickers or small leaves for decoration
Instructions:
- Give each child a blank place card for every family member or guest attending Thanksgiving dinner.
- Have them decorate each card with markers, stickers, or small leaves for a festive fall touch.
- On each card, help the kids write something special they’re thankful for about that person—whether it’s a shared memory, a favorite quality, or simply something that makes them smile.
- Place the finished cards on the dining table to mark each guest’s seat and add a personal, heartwarming detail to your Thanksgiving meal.
Tip: These place cards can double as name tags, helping everyone find their seat while feeling celebrated and appreciated. This simple activity is a beautiful way to create an atmosphere of love and gratitude at your Thanksgiving table!
“Thankful For” Scavenger Hunt: A Fun Adventure in Gratitude
Turn gratitude into a playful adventure with a “Thankful For” scavenger hunt! This hands-on activity gets kids exploring, thinking, and talking about the things they’re grateful for in a fun and memorable way.
Materials Needed:
- A list of gratitude-themed clues
- Small items or tokens to hide (like a toy for family, a snack for food, a photo for friends)
- Baskets or bags for collecting treasures
Instructions:
- Create a list of clues that lead to different objects hidden around the house or yard. Each clue should hint at something to be grateful for, like family, nature, or friendship. For example, a clue for family might lead to a small family photo, while one for food could lead to a favorite treat.
- Give each child a basket or bag to collect their items, and set them loose on the hunt!
- Once all the items are found, gather together and discuss what each one represents. Talk about why these things are special and why it’s important to be thankful for them.
Tip: Personalize the clues to reflect your family’s values and interests. This activity can be a new Thanksgiving tradition that helps kids connect with the meaning of gratitude in a fun, interactive way!
Gratitude Chain: A Growing Display of Thankfulness
Create a beautiful “Gratitude Chain” to showcase all the things your family is thankful for this season! This simple craft brings everyone together to share their blessings, and it makes for a colorful decoration that stretches as your gratitude grows.
Materials Needed:
- Strips of construction paper in fall colors
- Markers or pens
- Glue or tape
Instructions:
- Give each family member a few strips of paper and have them write down something they’re thankful for on each one. These could be big things like family or small joys like hot cocoa and cozy blankets!
- Form a chain by linking the strips together and securing each loop with glue or tape.
- Hang your Gratitude Chain around the house—along the staircase, across the mantel, or around doorways—as a cheerful, ongoing reminder of your family’s blessings.
Tip: Add new links throughout November to make the chain grow! By Thanksgiving, your chain will be filled with colorful, heartfelt reminders of everything you’re grateful for, creating a tradition that adds meaning to the holiday season.
Thankfulness Placemat Craft: A Personalized Touch for Thanksgiving Dinner
Let kids create their own “Thankful For” placemats as a special, personal addition to your Thanksgiving table! This craft allows each child to express their gratitude in a colorful and creative way, adding a personal touch to the holiday meal.
Materials Needed:
- Blank paper or cardstock
- Crayons, markers, and stickers
- Laminating sheets (optional, for durability)
Instructions:
- Give each child a blank sheet of paper or cardstock to design their own placemat. Encourage them to fill the space with drawings and words about what they’re thankful for – whether it’s family, pets, favorite foods, or fun memories.
- Once the artwork is complete, you can laminate the placemats for a longer-lasting keepsake.
- Use the finished placemats at your Thanksgiving dinner. Each one becomes a unique place setting, reminding everyone of the little things that make them feel grateful.
Tip: Save these placemats and bring them out each Thanksgiving! They’ll serve as heartwarming reminders of previous years and the things that make each holiday special.
Thankful Family Photo Collage: Cherishing Moments Together
Capture and celebrate family memories with a “Thankful Family Photo Collage” that brings smiles and gratitude to your Thanksgiving celebration. This craft is a wonderful way for everyone to reflect on the special moments you’ve shared, creating a visual reminder of the love and joy in your family.
Materials Needed:
- Family photos (printed or photocopied)
- Poster board
- Glue
- Markers for captions
- Decorative items like leaves, stickers, or ribbon
Instructions:
- Arrange family photos on a poster board, featuring snapshots of fun adventures, holiday gatherings, and simple everyday moments.
- Have each family member add a short note or caption near their favorite photos, explaining why they’re thankful for those memories. Kids can add drawings, stickers, or decorations around the pictures to make the collage extra special!
- Display the finished collage in a spot where everyone can enjoy it on Thanksgiving, bringing back happy memories and sparking gratitude for the time spent together.
Tip: Make this collage an annual tradition by adding new photos and captions each Thanksgiving. Over the years, you’ll create a beautiful and growing collection of thankful moments that everyone can treasure.
“Thankful For” Storytime: Sharing Gratitude Through Stories
For a cozy and meaningful activity with younger kids, try a “Thankful For” Storytime! Reading together is a wonderful way to introduce themes of gratitude and appreciation in a way that’s fun and easy for little ones to understand.
Materials Needed:
- A favorite book about gratitude or Thanksgiving (like Thank You, Omu! or Bear Says Thanks)
- A cozy reading spot
Instructions:
- Gather in a comfy spot and read a story that focuses on thankfulness or the spirit of Thanksgiving.
- After the story, have a gentle discussion with your kids, asking them what they’re thankful for and why. Encourage them to think about things that make them feel happy and loved.
- For a creative twist, invite them to draw a picture of what they’re thankful for after storytime. These drawings can be displayed as a sweet reminder of their gratitude.
Tip: Make storytime a regular part of your Thanksgiving tradition, helping young children learn the importance of gratitude through stories and art!
Building a Gratitude Tradition
Incorporating these “Thankful For” activities into your Thanksgiving celebration can create lasting memories and instill a spirit of gratitude in kids from an early age. These simple, joyful traditions help children understand that Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food on the table—it’s about celebrating the people, experiences, and everyday joys that fill our lives with meaning.
By engaging in these activities, families can turn gratitude into something special to look forward to each year, building bonds that go beyond the holiday season. These traditions remind us all to pause and recognize the good around us, encouraging kids to carry that gratitude with them throughout the year. This Thanksgiving, embrace the spirit of thankfulness together and watch as each year brings more cherished memories and reasons to be grateful.
More Thanksgiving Fun for Families
Looking for even more ways to make Thanksgiving memorable? Check out our blog for a treasure trove of family-friendly crafts, activities, and delicious recipes to bring everyone together. From creative DIY projects to festive treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
We’d love to see how you celebrate gratitude! Share your family’s “Thankful For” activities on social media using the hashtag #GratefulGatherings, and join a community of families spreading thankfulness this season.
Jenny has a passion for learning and sharing what she learns. She has researched, written and published hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics, including: SEO, art, design, marketing, ethics, business management, sustainability, inclusion, behavioral health, wellness and work-life balance.
