Things to Be Grateful For: 100+ Powerful Ideas + Family Activities That Cultivate Gratitude

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The Gratitude Gap

There have been many times (and many times to come) when I feel exhausted, frustrated, alone, unseen or run down as a mom and just as a person in general. I get so focused on what is not getting done, what I don’t have and what can be better. It is only when I stop and really take some time to think about things to be grateful for that I can shake those feelings. Real gratitude has power!

I know you have felt that way and you see the effects those feelings have on your kids. The world is constantly driving us to feel that way ALL the TIME! These feelings and lack of gratitude tend to become the focus, especially around the holidays, ironically. We get in a loop of WE NEED instead of WE HAVE. We need gratitude to become a part of us and extend beyond superficial answers for us and our kids. Gratitude should fill our hearts, not cross something off a list.

I have complied a list of 100+ things to be grateful for this season and activities to help you and your kids cultivate the true spirit of gratitude! There are activities for kids of all ages and families of all kinds, plus these are all based in science that changes families’ lives!

The Science Behind Gratitude: Why This Actually Matters for Your Family’s Health

Sometimes solutions seem so easy that we don’t try them. Seriously what is wrong with us?!

The reality is that complex problems don’t always require complex solutions. Problems like broken family relationships, mental health issues, discontentment, burn out, failing relationships can all be positively impacted by the simple act of gratitude.

There have been a lot of times that life gets so overwhelming. It feels like I’m getting buried alive that there is nothing that can fix it expect, a miracle and a couple million dollars… Not surprisingly, I didn’t win the lottery but I did take a shot in the dark. I started practicing gratitude. My situation didn’t change but I did and that made a world of difference. The weight bearing on me was lighter and I found blessings in places I never saw them before. Gratitude really can strengthen anyone to get through anything.

What Happens in Your Brain When You Practice Gratitude

Gratitude isn’t just some crunchy mom mumbo jumbo. Finding things to be grateful for changes your brain. Science has shown that by focusing on things to be grateful for it regulates the part our nervous system that is in charge of the fight-or-flight response. This means reduced stress and anxiety.

It doesn’t stop there, focusing on gratitude boosts serotonin and dopamine which means a better mood and feel goods for everyone. It can literally change the structure of our brain helping us feel more happier and content. Of course these means finding things to be grateful for increases resilience and helps us cope with stress better.

These benefits are undeniably something we want for ourselves and our families. Our kids are going to experience hard times and especially as kids/families with allergies, challenges arise. Resilient kids get up and keep trying. Happy and grateful families pull through.

For more information on this awesome brain stuff check out, The Neuroscience of Gratitude & Its Effects on the Brain.

Why Specific Gratitude Matters More Than Generic “Thankfulness”

When we all go around the table and each share things to be grateful for, are we or our kids really digging and thinking or it is surface level?

Getting specific and beyond those surface level answers helps us to really feel the gratitude and dig deep especially in hard times. We are truly getting to work our gratitude muscles! Not only does practicing this with our families change our brains and make us happier, but finding things to be grateful for welds us together as a family. It encourages vulnerability and shows its good to talk and recognize your emotions! So what are some non-surface level things to be grateful for….. well lets get into our list of 100+ things!

100+ Things to Be Grateful For: The Complete List Your Family Needs

This is where families can get stuck – vague gratitude doesn’t work. When you can name specific blessings, everything changes! Now that doesn’t mean simple answers don’t count it’s the meaning and feeling behind your answers that will transform you, your family and your life.

Things to Be Grateful For: Basic Needs & Comforts

This is helpful to remember what we have and what we need versus what we want, especially when on a budget and raising financially responsible kids!

1. Food to eat that I like
2. A warm bed that I think is really cozy
3. Electricity so that I can do some of my favorite things
4. Clean clothes so I can feel good about myself
5. Warm clothes because I hate being cold
6. Warm showers because I like being clean
7. A house that I feel safe in
8. A house that has all the people I love in it
9. Snacks mom makes me so my tummy can be full
10. Food to take to school so I can be happy all day
11. A warm house to keep me away from the cold
12. A comfy pillow so I can get good sleep
13. Always having food in the fridge so I can eat anytime I am hungry

Things to Be Grateful For: People & Relationships

This is going to be just a list of people or relationships you may have in your life but remember to be specific! For example: Not “grateful for Mom” but “grateful Mom read three books even though tired”. For kids getting specific comes with time and age but encouraging them to dig deep helps them grow and think!

1. Mom
2. Dad
3. Sister
4. Brother
5. Grandparents
6. Aunts
7. Uncles
8. Cousins
9. Friends
10. Teachers
11. Neighbors
12. Boss
13. Coworkers
14. Coaches
15. Strangers you interacted with
16. Church members
17. People who support you
18. People you don’t like but taught you something
19. Enemy that helped you grow

Things to Be Grateful For: Experiences & Memories

This is proof money can’t buy happiness. Memories cost nothing and experiences bring those more than a toy they got at the store.

1.  A small moment you got to relax
2. Spending time with family
3. Family dinner
4. A Tradition you have
5. A routine you like
6. Inside jokes
7. Vacation memories
8. Learning new things
9. Game nights
10. Night out with friends
11. Pictures you have taken
12. Old photo books
13. A struggle you overcame
14. A place you visited
15. A food you tasted

Things to Be Grateful For: Body & Health

Being grateful for our bodies should go beyond how we look. We should love how we look, but our bodies are more than things to look at, they are wonderful amazing gifts from God that do EVERYTHING for us. Teaching our kids to appreciate them build confidence and respect for themselves.

1. Legs that help me go places
2. Hands that hold my loved ones
3. Arms that hug the people I love
4. A brain that helps me love my family
5. Eyes that help me see
6. Ears that hear my favorite song
7. Feet that help me stand up so I can do things I like
8. A brain that learns new things
9. A stomach that helps you eat food
10. A body that isn’t in pain
11. A healthy heart so you can move
12. Hair that flows down and makes it so you aren’t bald
13. A smile that helps others
14. Teeth that help you eat your favorite snack
15. Tastebuds
16. A face that connects me to my family

Things to Be Grateful For: Nature & Beauty

This list can easily be turned into a scavenger hunt list! A great way to get your family moving!

1. Trees
2. Birds
3. Smells
4. The temperature
5. The sun
6. The moon
7. The stars
8. Flowers
9. Seasons
10. Clouds
11. Consistency- sun always rises
12. Water
13. Rain
14. Animals
15. Pets
16. Parks
17. Peaceful places
18. A safe neighborhood
19. The playground

Things to Be Grateful For: Opportunities & Abilities

When we think of gratitude, it is usually for things, but our experiences and abilities help us find constant abundance and value in all things in life.

1. The chance to learn
2. The ability to make choices
3. The chance to grow
4. The ability to dream
5. Books to read
6. Time to play
7. Time to sleep
8. Money to do fun things
9. Second chances
10. The ability to forgive
11. The ability to love
12.  The chance to smile
13. Freedom
14. The chance to do what you want in life

Things to Be Grateful For: Small Daily Joys

This is all about finding joy along the way. The most extraordinary is found in the ordinary, this builds our simple gratitude muscle.

1. Writing with your favorite pen
2. Eating healthy food
3. Eating your favorite food
4. Watching a funny video
5. Getting to wear the coziest pajamas
6. Wearing your favorite t-shirt
7. A good hair day
8. Clean sheets
9. A phone that works
10. A car that runs
11. A toilet that works
12. A good smelling candle
13. A charged phone
14. A full water bottle
15. A yummy meal
16. A good day at school

Things to Be Grateful For: Challenges & Hard Things

This section is most impactful for building resilience and seeing the good in the hard times. This skill is going to be what sets our kids apart and makes them mentally strong.

1. Mistakes that taught you lessons you’ll never forget
2. Challenges that made you stronger than you thought possible
3. Tight budgets that taught resourcefulness and creativity
4. Food allergies that taught mindfulness about what you eat
5. Failures that redirected you to something better
6. Health struggles that made you appreciate feeling good
7. Difficult relationships that taught you boundaries
8. Seasons of loneliness that built self-sufficiency
9. Job losses or setbacks that opened new doors
10. Times you had to start over from scratch
11. Financial stress that clarified your priorities
12. Sleepless nights with babies that taught patience
13. Postpartum struggles that made you seek help and community
14. Family conflicts that taught you communication skills
15. Times you felt like you weren’t enough as a mom
16. Overwhelming seasons that taught you to ask for help
17. Physical limitations that taught you to adapt
18. Loss or grief that deepened your compassion
19. Criticism or judgment that thickened your skin
20. Days you could barely afford groceries but made it work
21. Times you didn’t get picked for the team but found something you loved more
22. Sharing a room with siblings that taught you compromise
23. Not having the toys or games other kids had
24. Being told “no” when you really wanted something
25. Having to do chores that taught responsibility
26. Times you got in trouble that helped you learn right from wrong
27. Not being able to do activities your friends could afford
28. Having food allergies that made you careful and aware
29. Moving schools and having to make new friends
30. Hard homework or subjects that taught perseverance

35+ Thanksgiving Gratitude Activities That Cultivate Change

These activities are meant to be done like a checklist. This list is to help you find something that is long lasting and works for you or your family. Gratitude isn’t instilled in a day, its something we build and constantly foster. Choose a few to try and continue with for a few weeks!

Gratitude Activities for Toddlers (Ages 1-3)

I don’t expect my one year old to understand gratitude but these are ways we can plant seeds, teach manors and include them!

1. “Thank You” Song and Dance (with hand motions, multiple times daily)
2. Gratitude Clapping Game (“Yay for snacks! Yay for Daddy!”)
3. “I Spy Thankful Things” (point out during daily routines)
4. Thankful Sensory Bin (items representing gratitudes)
5. Gratitude Hug Time (specific “thankful hugs”)
6. Simple Gratitude Books (board books, 2-3 minutes)
7. Thankful Meal Ritual (simple “thank you for food”)

Gratitude Activities for Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)

These answers might be off the wall, but they’ll surprise you. Your little ones are just starting to understand and teaching them to love the positive is a great way to grow their little brains.

8. Gratitude Jar with Pictures (visual progress)
9. Thankful Handprint Turkey (with specific gratitudes on feathers)
10. “Three Good Things” at Bedtime (nightly routine)
11. Gratitude Turkey (use paper make a turkey and cut out feathers, each day at a specific time write a thing they are grateful for and stick the feather to the turkey. Slowly you build the turkeys feathers!)
12. Thankful Treasure Hunt (find pictures, say what grateful for)
13. Gratitude Playdough Creations (hands busy = brain receptive)
14. “I’m Thankful For You Because…” Circle (builds sibling connection)
15. Gratitude Story Acting (act out books from library)

Gratitude Activities for Elementary Kids (Ages 5-10)

The Sweet Spot: Can understand AND articulate – love being “in charge”!

16. Gratitude Journal with Drawing & Writing (daily practice)
17. “Interview the Grown-Ups” Project (intergenerational connection)
18. ABC Gratitude Challenge (find gratitude A-Z)
19. Gratitude Photography Project (mindfulness through observation)
20. “Random Acts of Kindness” Calendar (gratitude into action)
21. Gratitude Letters or Cards (writing practice + impact)
22. Family Gratitude Tree (branch in vase, add leaves daily)
23. “Gratitude Reporter” Role (rotate who leads dinner sharing)
24. Gratitude collage (cut out pictures of magazines and glue to a poster of things to be grateful for)

Gratitude Activities for Tweens/Teens (Ages 11+)

25. Private Gratitude Journal (no sharing required – respects privacy)
26. Gratitude Photo Challenges on Social Media (peer influence, their style)
27. “Gratitude Texts” to Friends/Family (low pressure, their communication style)
28. Service Project Planning (let them lead, discuss privilege)
29. Gratitude Playlist Creation (music is their language)
30. “Debate the Gratitude Research” (intellectual engagement – honors critical thinking)

All-Ages Family Gratitude Activities (Everyone Participates!)

The Magic: Everyone participates at their level

31. Gratitude Scavenger Hunt (toddlers find objects, teens interpret abstractly)
32. “Hot Seat” Family Appreciation (direct appreciation, all ages)
33. Gratitude Meal Prep Party (everyone contributes at their level)
34. Thankful Charades (no reading/writing needed, silly)
35. Family Gratitude Video/Photo Book (everyone’s perspective)
36. Gratitude Walk or Hike (exercise + nature + gratitude)
37. Thanksgiving Gratitude Breakfast Tradition (less pressure than dinner)
38. Gratitude Poster (draw or write ideas each to add to a poster displayed in family area)

You can find more seasonal activities that you can use to create family connection and incorporate gratitude into in my Fall Bucket List!

Connecting Gratitude to the 8 Pillars of Wellness

Here’s something most people don’t realize: gratitude isn’t just a “feel-good” exercise. It actually impacts EVERY single area of your family’s health and well being. That’s why gratitude practices aren’t optional—they’re essential! And the best part? They’re completely free. Let me show you exactly how gratitude strengthens each of the 8 pillars of wellness in your family.

Emotional Wellness

Gratitude is like a natural antidepressant for your whole family. Studies show it reduces anxiety and depression while improving emotional regulation and building resilience.

Real life example: When my kid has an allergic reaction or we’re stressed about money, gratitude gives us actual coping tools. Instead of spiraling, we can pause and remember what’s working. It doesn’t make problems disappear, but it keeps us from drowning in them.

Physical Wellness

This one blew my mind—gratitude improves sleep quality by 25%, lowers blood pressure, and strengthens immune systems. Your body literally responds to a grateful mindset.

Budget win: This is FREE preventative healthcare! No supplements, no gym memberships, just teaching your family to notice the good stuff.

Social Wellness

Gratitude strengthens family bonds, improves friendships, and reduces loneliness. When kids learn to appreciate others, they build social skills that prevent isolation later in life. Grateful families connect better, period.

Intellectual Wellness

Grateful kids actually learn better. Gratitude improves focus, enhances memory, and increases creativity.

Practical application: Your kids can do better at school without expensive tutoring programs. A gratitude practice literally helps their brains work better for learning.

Spiritual Wellness

Gratitude connects us to something bigger than ourselves and builds a sense of purpose. This works for religious families AND non-religious families—everyone benefits from feeling part of something meaningful.

Environmental Wellness

When you’re grateful for what you have, you naturally take better care of it. Families practicing gratitude appreciate nature more and waste less.

Budget bonus: Grateful families don’t throw away food as often, take care of their belongings, and consume less mindlessly. It saves money without even trying!

Financial Wellness

This is HUGE for families on tight budgets. Gratitude leads to better financial decisions, reduces impulse buying, and increases contentment with what you already have.

Game-changer: Teaching kids gratitude now means raising adults who don’t need material things to feel happy. You’re literally setting them up for financial freedom and contentment their whole lives.

Family Role Wellness (Occupational Wellness)

Gratitude changes how everyone approaches their responsibilities. Kids have better attitudes toward school and chores. Parents show up better in their role when they’re grateful for the opportunity to raise these humans.

Check out my beginner’s guide to get your family started growing in all these areas of wellness!

These gratitude activities build a wellness foundation across every single area of life. They cost nothing, require no special equipment, and create lasting change in your family. That’s the kind of wellness win I’m always looking for—maximum impact, zero cost, real results!

Smart Budget Tips for Gratitude Activities

You honestly don’t need to spend any money on these activities, that’s not the point. You can spend money, supplies from the dollar store will suffice, but the point is to focus on what we already have! Harness that! Dig around and some “supplies” you might want can be substituted, found or used from something repurposed!

Get Your Free Printable Gratitude Resources

What’s Included

• Age-appropriate journals (3 versions: 3-5, 6-9, 10+)
• Daily tracking pages with space for details
• ABC gratitude worksheet
• Interview template
• Gratitude jar labels/slips

Download the gratitude resources to start with your family today!

Making “Things to Be Grateful For” Your Family’s Daily Language

There are a millions things to be grateful in each of our lives and with consistency those small things will change the way we think, feel and act. The more specific and meaningful we make even the quickest simplest gratitude exercises the bigger impact they will have for us and our kids. This is more than a good thing to do around thanksgiving, it will change affect all areas of wellness in your life and the best part, finding things to be grateful for is completely free.

Print the gratitude resource’s and chose one activity for your kids to start with! Try being consistent for as long as you can and sit back and watch. Your kids are about to change.