Gratitude Jar for Kids: How to Make One (Free Printable)

A gratitude jar is one of the simplest family habits you can start. Each day, someone writes down one good thing on a slip of paper and pops it in the jar. Over time it fills up with small moments worth remembering, and reading them back together is a lovely lift on a harder day.

This guide explains how to make a gratitude jar with children, how to keep the habit going, and what to write when you're stuck. There's a free printable with jar labels and gratitude slips below.

What is a gratitude jar?

A gratitude jar is a jar, tub or box where you collect notes about things you're thankful for. They can be big things, like a family holiday, or tiny ones, like a warm bath or a friend saving you a seat. The point isn't the size of the moment, it's the habit of noticing it.

Why gratitude is good for children

Noticing good things helps children build a more balanced view of their day. Instead of only remembering the argument at playtime, they also remember the game that went well afterwards. Over time, a gratitude habit can support:

• Wellbeing: paying attention to positive moments can lift mood and help on harder days.
• Relationships: many notes are about people, which helps children notice who cares about them.
• Emotional literacy: talking about why something felt good gives children words for their feelings.

Gratitude isn't about pretending everything is fine. Every feeling is okay, including sad and cross ones. A gratitude jar just makes sure the good bits get noticed too.

How to make a gratitude jar

1. Find a jar. A clean pasta sauce jar, a plastic tub or a shoebox all work.
2. Decorate it. Colour in one of the printable labels and stick it on. Add ribbon, stickers or paint if you like.
3. Prepare the slips. Print the gratitude slips, or cut up any paper into small squares.
4. Pick a time. After dinner or at bedtime works well for most families.
5. Keep everything together. Leave a few slips and a pencil next to the jar so it's easy to add a note.

How to keep the habit going

• Keep it short. One note a day is plenty. It should take a minute, not become homework.
• Join in. Children copy what they see. Add your own notes and read them out sometimes.
• Help little ones. Younger children can draw a picture, or tell you and you write it down.
• Accept "nothing". Some days are hard. That's okay. Try again tomorrow.
• Read them back. Empty the jar at the end of the week, month or year and read the notes together.

Gratitude jar ideas: what to write

If your child is stuck, try one of these prompts:

• Someone who was kind to me today
• Something that made me laugh
• Something I'm proud of
• A favourite food I had
• Something I learned
• Something beautiful I saw outside
• A person who helps me
• Something I'm looking forward to
• A kind thing I did for someone else
• Something I can do now that I couldn't do before

Gratitude jars in the classroom

A class gratitude jar works the same way. Children add a note during the day, and the teacher reads a few out at the end of the week. It's a calm way to finish a Friday, and it can help a class notice each other's kindness. Keep it optional and avoid reading out anything a child might not want shared.

Other ways to practise gratitude

• Three good things: at bedtime, each person shares three good things from the day.
• Thank-you notes: help your child write or draw a thank-you for someone who helped them.
• Gratitude walk: on a walk, take turns spotting things you like.

If you're working on feelings more generally, our feelings check-in chart and kindness advent calendar ideas fit well alongside a gratitude jar.

Gratitude jar FAQs

What age is a gratitude jar for?

Children from about 3 can take part by drawing or telling you their good thing. From around 6, most children can write their own notes.

How often should we add to the jar?

Once a day works well, but a few times a week is fine too. Consistency matters more than frequency.

What if my child can't think of anything?

Offer a prompt, share your own first, or let them skip a day. Gratitude shouldn't feel like a test.

What do you do with the notes?

Read them together regularly. Some families keep a year's notes in a scrapbook or read them all on New Year's Eve.