A little gratitude goes a long way.
The kindness that you show to others will always come back to you.
As elders, it is our responsibility to teach our young ones the importance of gratefulness, goodness, and integrity.
Young minds are impressionable.
They learn from their elders.
Besides that, we bring to you a collection of 12 thankfulness-themed activities that will surely help your little ones.
1. Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
A feel-good twist on the classic scavenger hunt, where kids find things that spark thankfulness.
Requirements:
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Printed hunt list or chalkboard
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Pens or markers
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Optional small prizes
How to Play:
Kids receive a list of prompts like “Find something that makes you smile” or “Find something you’re thankful to wear.”
They search around the house or classroom and write or draw what they find. Everyone shares their favorite item at the end, creating a gratitude circle of sharing and smiles.
2. Thankful Hot Potato
An active game that blends classic fun with meaningful words of thanks.
Requirements:
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Soft ball or plush toy
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Music player
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A basket of “thankful topics” (optional)
How to Play:
Play music while kids pass the “potato” around. When the music stops, the child holding it shares something they’re thankful for.
To keep it fresh, you can offer random “topic cards” like “a person,” “a place,” or “a feeling.” Continue until everyone’s had a turn or time runs out.
3. Gratitude Jar Guessing Game
A mysterious jar filled with warm fuzzies and thoughtful notes.
Requirements:
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Jar or container
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Slips of paper
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Pen or pencil
How to Play:
Each child writes something they’re thankful for on a slip of paper, folds it, and places it in the jar.
One by one, notes are pulled and read aloud while the group tries to guess who wrote it. It sparks connection and gentle laughter as kids learn sweet surprises about each other.
4. Kindness Bingo
A simple and interactive game that celebrates everyday kindness in action.
Requirements:
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Printable bingo cards with kindness tasks
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Markers or stickers
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Small prize for completion
How to Play:
Kids complete acts of kindness like “share a toy” or “give a compliment,” and mark their squares.
They can work on it over a day or week depending on your setting. Once someone completes a row (or the whole card!), they earn a prize and applause from the group.
5. Grateful Alphabet Game
A creative brain-stretching game where kids find gratitude from A to Z.
Requirements:
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Alphabet sheet or chalkboard
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Pens or dry erase markers
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Timer (optional)
How to Play:
Kids go through the alphabet, listing one thing they’re thankful for with each letter—like “A for apples,” “B for books.”
They can do it solo or in teams, racing against a timer or simply for fun. It’s a fantastic way to discover new things to be thankful for, even for tricky letters like Q and Z!
6. Thankful Chain Reaction
A growing visual of gratitude that doubles as a beautiful classroom or home decoration.
Requirements:
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Strips of colorful paper
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Markers or crayons
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Tape, glue, or stapler
How to Play:
Each child writes something they’re thankful for on a paper strip, then connects it to another strip to form a chain.
The chain keeps growing as more children add theirs. It’s a simple but powerful way to see gratitude physically grow in the space.
7. Kindness Charades
Acting meets empathy in this joyful guessing game.
Requirements:
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Cards with kind actions (e.g., “hug a friend,” “say thank you”)
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Timer
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Bowl or bag to draw from
How to Play:
Children take turns pulling a kindness card and acting it out silently while others guess what it is.
Once guessed, they briefly talk about why that act matters. It’s silly, heartwarming, and opens the floor for discussion about kindness and gratitude.
8. Pass the Thank You Note
An adorable game that turns compliments into keepsakes.
Requirements:
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Blank cards or thank-you notes
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Pens, stickers, crayons
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A timer or music
How to Play:
Each child writes a thank-you note for someone in the circle, then passes it around until it reaches the person it’s meant for.
Alternatively, they pass notes randomly and whoever receives one reads it aloud. It’s a great confidence booster and makes kids feel seen and appreciated.
9. Gratitude Pictionary
Draw your thanks and let others guess what’s in your thankful heart!
Requirements:
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Drawing board or large paper
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Markers
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List of thankful-themed prompts
How to Play:
Kids take turns drawing something they’re thankful for while others guess.
Prompts can include things like “family,” “favorite food,” or “pets.” After guessing, the artist shares why that item is special to them. It’s a mix of creativity, connection, and lots of laughter.
10. Kindness Catcher (Fortune Teller)
A classic craft becomes a tool for kind conversations.
Requirements:
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Origami paper
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Markers or pens
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Kindness ideas to write inside
How to Play:
Each child makes a paper fortune teller filled with kind actions or questions like “Name one thing you’re grateful for today.”
They partner up, take turns playing, and then complete the kindness task or answer. It’s playful and gently encourages meaningful exchanges.
11. Gratitude Freeze Dance
Movement and mindfulness come together in this energetic twist.
Requirements:
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Music player
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Open space
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A list of gratitude prompts
How to Play:
Start the music and let kids dance freely. When the music stops, call out a gratitude prompt like “Name a person you’re thankful for!”
Everyone freezes and answers before dancing resumes. It’s the perfect way to burn energy and warm hearts at the same time.
12. The Giving Tree Challenge
Inspired by the beloved story, this game teaches that giving is a form of gratitude.
Requirements:
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Large tree drawing or cutout
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Paper leaves
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Markers or crayons
How to Play:
Each time a child does something kind or expresses gratitude, they get to add a “leaf” to the Giving Tree.
Throughout the day or week, watch the bare branches fill with acts of goodness. It becomes a visual reminder of how little things make a big difference.
See Also:
Teach and train your little ones from a young age.
This ensure that they will remember your discipline and counsel when they grow older.
Have fun!!