How to Make a Family Gratitude Jar

Materials Needed:

1. A jar or container (e.g., mason jar, large coffee can, or an empty plastic tub).

2. Small slips of paper or colorful sticky notes.

3. Pens, markers, crayons, or colored pencils.

4. Decorations (stickers, ribbons, pom-poms, glitter, paint, washi tape, etc.).

   
   

Instructions:

1. Pick the Perfect Jar

   Let the children choose the jar or container you’ll use. If they’re involved in the decision-making, they’ll feel more connected to the project.

   
   

2. Decorate the Jar Together

   • Set up a crafting session where everyone can help decorate the jar.

   • Use stickers, markers, and other supplies to make it colorful and fun. Children can even draw pictures or write their names on the jar.

   • Add a label like “Our Gratitude Jar” or “What We’re Thankful For.”

     
     

3. Create a Gratitude Station

   • Place the jar in a spot that’s easy for children to access, like the kitchen counter or a family room table.

   • Provide a small basket or box nearby with colorful slips of paper, sticky notes, and crayons so kids can easily write or draw their gratitude anytime.

     
     

4. Explain What Gratitude Means

   • Gather the family and talk about what gratitude is in simple terms, like, “Gratitude is being thankful for the things that make us happy.”

   • Share examples so younger children can understand, such as being thankful for their favorite toy, a yummy meal, or playing outside.

     
     

5. Make It a Family Routine

   • Decide as a family when to add notes to the jar. It could be after dinner, before bedtime, or at the end of the week.

   • Encourage kids to write or draw something they’re thankful for, like a fun moment from the day, a kind friend, or their favorite activity. Adults can write for younger kids if needed.

     
     

6. Add a Creative Twist

   • Use colorful pens or crayons so each note feels unique and fun.

   • Younger children who can’t write yet can draw pictures of what they’re thankful for instead of using words.

     
     

7. Celebrate Your Gratitude Together

   • Pick a special time to read the notes together, like family game night, a holiday, or the end of the month.

   • Let each family member take turns pulling notes from the jar and reading them aloud (or showing their pictures). This is a great way to celebrate happy memories as a family.

     
     

Extra Tips for Fun:

• Let children take turns being the “Gratitude Leader” who reminds everyone to add notes.

• Encourage children to decorate their gratitude slips with little doodles or stickers.

• Add seasonal decorations to the jar (e.g., leaves in fall, snowflakes in winter) to keep it exciting throughout the year.

  
  

This way, children are actively involved in both the creative process and the daily or weekly habit of gratitude. We are planning to open our notes on the last day of the year as a family to count our blessing. Happy Gratitude Jar Making! Let me know how this go in your family!