Build a Gratitude Jar: A Hands-On Activity for Kids

Materials Needed

• A clear jar or container Glass or plastic. A wide opening makes it easier for younger children to drop notes inside.Example: A clean mason jar or a large peanut butter jar works well. Being able to see the colorful slips pile up is part of the fun.
• Art supplies for decorating Stickers, ribbons, markers, paint, magazine cutouts, washi tape, or any other craft materials the child enjoys.Example: One child might cover their jar in glitter and star stickers, while another prefers painting their favorite animals on the outside. Let them choose.
• Gratitude slips Small strips of paper for writing on. You can use blank strips or pre-printed prompt slips with sentence starters.Example: Cut colorful construction paper into strips about 2 by 6 inches. Keep them in a small basket next to the jar so they're always within reach.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Decorate the jar Give each child time to decorate their own jar with stickers, markers or ribbon. Kids tend to use a jar more when it feels like theirs.Example: A child might write 'My Happy Jar' on the lid with a marker and wrap the outside in washi tape. Making it their own creation gives them a sense of pride and motivation to use it.
2. Introduce gratitude statements Explain that a gratitude slip names one thing they are glad about and why. Share one of your own first, for example: I'm glad we had pancakes this morning because they made the rainy day feel cozy.Example: You might say: 'I'm grateful for sunny days because I love feeling the warmth on my face. Now it's your turn -- what's something that makes you feel happy or thankful?'
3. Write the first three notes Ask the child to fill out three slips, one idea per slip. Younger kids can draw a picture or say it out loud while an adult writes it down. Talk about each slip for a moment, then fold it and drop it in the jar.Example: A child writes: 'I'm thankful for my best friend Mia,' 'I'm thankful for pizza night,' and 'I'm thankful that my cat sleeps on my bed.' They fold each one and drop it in with a big smile.
4. Establish a daily routine Plan a specific time each day, such as after dinner or before bed, for the child to add one to three new gratitude slips. A consistent routine helps the practice become automatic.Example: Every night after brushing teeth, the family sits together for two minutes and each person writes one gratitude slip. Keeping the jar and slips on the kitchen counter makes it easy to remember.
5. Review the jar periodically Once a week, or whenever the child needs a boost, pull out a handful of slips and read them together. This reinforces positive memories and shows how much good accumulates over time.Example: On a rainy Sunday when a child says 'I'm bored,' pull out ten slips and read them aloud together. Hearing things like 'I loved our trip to the lake' often lifts their mood.

Sample Gratitude Prompts for Kids

• The best part of today was... Encourages the child to identify a standout moment from the day.Example: 'The best part of today was when my teacher read my story out loud and the whole class clapped.'
• A person who helped me this week is... Builds awareness of the people who contribute to the child's well-being.Example: 'A person who helped me this week is Grandma, because she let me help bake cookies and told me funny stories.'
• Something I worked hard on was... Connects gratitude with self-efficacy and personal growth.Example: 'Something I worked hard on was my book report, and I'm proud of how it turned out.'
• Something that made me laugh was... Helps the child notice small pleasures they might otherwise overlook.Example: 'Something that made me laugh was the squirrel outside my window stuffing acorns in its cheeks.'
• My favorite thing about home is... Strengthens family bonds and appreciation for home life.Example: 'My favorite thing about home is that we eat dinner together and Dad tells jokes that make everyone laugh.'
• Something I can't wait for is... Introduces future-oriented optimism as part of gratitude practice.Example: 'Something I can't wait for is summer camp, because I get to swim every day and see my friend Jake.'

Tips for Caregivers and Clinicians

• Participate alongside the child When adults model gratitude practice, children are more likely to take it seriously and stick with it over time.Example: Write your own slip at the same time: 'I'm grateful that you and I got to do this project together.' Seeing a parent participate shows the child that gratitude matters to grown-ups too.
• Keep it pressure-free Avoid correcting or judging the child's responses. Any authentic expression of thankfulness is valuable, no matter how simple.Example: If a child writes 'I'm grateful for chicken nuggets,' resist the urge to suggest something 'deeper.' Their honest answer is exactly right.
• Adapt for different ages Younger children may draw pictures instead of writing. Older children and adolescents may prefer a digital version, such as a notes app or voice memo.Example: A four-year-old can draw a picture of the sun and tell you 'I liked playing outside.' A teenager might prefer adding a quick note to their phone each night before bed.