Plus, download our FREE printable Thanksgiving Gratitude Challenge!
Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Between planning family gatherings, preparing favorite recipes, and keeping little hands busy while the pies bake, this season can get pretty full, pretty fast.
Thanksgiving can be a great time to focus on gratitude and it really is the little things that help kids remember and develop the habit of being thankful. So, donβt get overwhelmed by what you should be doing and just use this super simple 7-day Family Gratitude Challenge that we made so you donβt have to get anything ready or add anymore on to your plate.Β
Why Teaching Kids Gratitude Matters
Have you ever noticed how easily kids get excited about the next thing? The next toy, the next holiday, the next fun adventure?
It's completely natural! But Thanksgiving gives us a wonderful opportunity to help our children slow down and appreciate what they already have.
When we practice gratitude together, we're helping our kids learn to:
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Recognize everyday blessings, even the small ones.
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Appreciate the people who love and care for them.
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Find happiness in experiences rather than just things.
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Look for opportunities to serve and brighten someone else's day.
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Remember to thank Heavenly Father for His love and blessings.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we're reminded, "In every thing give thanks."
What a beautiful message to share with our children this season!
Take the 7-Day Family Gratitude Challenge!
We've put together seven simple activities that families can do in the week leading up to Thanksgiving.
Each challenge takes just a few minutes, and you can easily adapt them for toddlers, older kids, or the whole family.
Day 1: Count Your Blessings π
Let's start with the little things!
Gather your family and challenge everyone to name five things they're thankful for. Encourage kids to think beyond toys and treats.
Maybe they're grateful for warm blankets, their favorite bedtime story, a best friend, or the beautiful world Heavenly Father created.
Make it fun: See if your family can come up with 25 different blessings together!
Day 2: Thank Someone Special π
Think of someone who makes your life better.
It might be a teacher, grandparent, neighbor, friend, or someone in your family.
Help your child write a thank-you note, draw a picture, or record a little video sharing why they're grateful for that person.
Make it fun: Deliver your message as a surprise!
Day 3: Go on a Gratitude Hunt π
Bundle up and head outside!
Take a walk around your neighborhood, visit a park, or explore your own backyard. Challenge your kids to find five things in nature they're thankful for.
Colorful leaves? Beautiful mountains? A friendly dog? Fresh air?
There's so much to appreciate when we take the time to look.
Make it fun: Let your kids take photos or collect a few fallen leaves to remember what they discovered.
Day 4: Be a Secret Helper β€οΈ
One of the best ways to show gratitude is by sharing kindness with others.
Today, challenge everyone to do one secret act of service.
Maybe it's making someone's bed, helping with the dishes, leaving a kind note, or picking up toys without being asked.
Make it fun: At dinner, see if anyone can guess who their secret helper was!
Day 5: Thank Heavenly Father π
Today, focus on recognizing God's blessings.
Read James 1:17 together and talk about the good gifts Heavenly Father has given your family.
Then invite each child to say a prayer of gratitude. Encourage them to focus on thanking Heavenly Father rather than asking for things.
Make it fun: Start a family gratitude jar. Have everyone write or draw one blessing on a slip of paper and add it to the jar.
Day 6: Share What You Have π§‘
Gratitude grows when we learn to share.
Invite your kids to find a way to give something to someone else today.
They might choose a toy or book to donate, help bake a treat for a neighbor, or share something special with a sibling.
Make it fun: Let each child choose their own way to give!
Day 7: Make Thanksgiving a Day of Thanks π¦
You made it to Thanksgiving!
Before the big meal, gather your family and look back on your week of gratitude.
What was your favorite challenge? Did you notice something you'd never thought to be thankful for before? How did it feel to make someone else's day brighter?
If you've been collecting blessings in a gratitude jar, now is the perfect time to read them aloud.
Make it fun: Start a new Thanksgiving tradition! Have everyone share one blessing from the past year before enjoying your holiday meal.
Download Your FREE Thanksgiving Gratitude Challenge!
Ready to make gratitude a family tradition?
We've made it easy with a free printable 7-Day Family Gratitude Challenge that includes all seven activities and a space to check off each day's challenge.
Hang it on your refrigerator, keep it on the kitchen table, or let your kids take turns choosing the day's activity.
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE GRATITUDE CHALLENGE
No complicated preparations. No special supplies. Just seven days of simple opportunities to help your family grow closer and find joy in the blessings all around them.
Keep the Gratitude Going All Year Long
Thanksgiving may only come once a year, but gratitude is something we can practice every day.
Try making thankfulness part of your family's regular routine. Ask your kids what they're grateful for at bedtime, look for blessings during family prayers, or find little ways to serve together.
And remember, it doesn't have to be perfect!
Some days, your kids might come up with a long list of thoughtful blessings. Other days, they might just be thankful for pizza.
Both count!
What matters is helping our children develop the habit of looking for the good.
From all of us at Kanga Toys, we wish your family a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and grateful hearts.
Happy Thanksgiving! π§‘
We'd love to hear from you! What's one simple way your family practices gratitude? Share your favorite Thanksgiving tradition in the comments!
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