Thanksgiving has long been a time to gather around tables filled with food and family. Yet, the spirit of this holiday goes beyond the turkey and trimmings. It’s rooted in gratitude and appreciation, but sometimes the deeper meaning of Thanksgiving can get overshadowed by the feast itself. This year, why not bring the focus back to gratitude by introducing some fun, interactive “Gratitude Games”? These activities will engage your kids and help them understand the true essence of giving thanks.
1.Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
A Gratitude Scavenger Hunt is an engaging way for kids to look at their surroundings with fresh eyes. Create a list of prompts, like “find something that makes you smile,” “find something someone made for you,” or “find something that you love to do with family.” This game encourages kids to think about the things in their lives they appreciate, from small objects to shared experiences.
You can even make this scavenger hunt a part of your Thanksgiving decor by displaying the items on a “Gratitude Table” to remind everyone what the day is really about.
2. Thankful Tree
The Thankful Tree is a perfect centerpiece that evolves throughout the day. Set up a bare, branchy tree with tags, sticky notes, or paper leaves beside it. Ask everyone, including the kids, to write down something they’re grateful for and hang it on the tree. This can be a wonderful pre-dinner or post-dinner activity where family members reflect on what truly matters.
This activity isn’t just for the kids! You may be surprised by what adults share too, sparking conversations about shared experiences, personal growth, and love.
3. The Gratitude Jar
Get a jar and set it in a central place in your home where people can drop notes about things they’re thankful for. You can encourage kids to decorate the jar or even start with a week or two before Thanksgiving to get everyone thinking ahead. When Thanksgiving Day arrives, take turns reading out some of the notes. The Gratitude Jar is a simple yet impactful way to emphasize that the little moments throughout the year build up a thankful heart.
4. Thank You Card Relay
Here’s a game that teaches kids the joy of expressing gratitude through words. Gather some blank cards and have kids pick a family member, friend, or teacher to write a thank-you note to. Make it fun by setting a timer to see how many thank-you cards can be written in 10 minutes. Afterward, they can deliver the cards in person or send them out by mail. It’s a great way to help kids understand how sharing appreciation feels good both to give and receive.
5. Gratitude Pictionary
Transform a classic game into a gratitude-themed experience. Write down various prompts about things that people might be thankful for—like “family,” “home,” “pets,” or “favorite meal”—on slips of paper and put them in a bowl. Kids then draw from the bowl and sketch out the item on a whiteboard or piece of paper while others guess. It’s a lighthearted way to reflect on everyday blessings while sharing some laughs.
6. Gratitude Bingo
Create Bingo cards with each square listing something to be thankful for. These could be broad themes like “favorite holiday memory” or specific ones like “grandma’s hugs.” When someone calls out something they’re thankful for, everyone else marks it on their cards if it’s listed. This game can spark conversations and remind everyone of shared, cherished memories. When someone gets five in a row, they win—maybe a small prize or a first choice of dessert!
7. Acts of Kindness Challenge
Challenge your kids (and adults, too) to complete a few small acts of kindness throughout the day. Ideas might include helping clear the table, sharing a compliment, or taking care of a younger sibling for a few minutes. These acts can be a beautiful reminder that gratitude and kindness go hand in hand. At the end of the day, gather and share how these little gestures made a difference.
Wrapping Up the Day of Gratitude
Thanksgiving is a time to come together, celebrate, and feel a deep sense of gratitude. With these games, you can help your kids understand that while the food is delightful, it’s the love, kindness, and appreciation for each other that make Thanksgiving truly memorable. By adding gratitude-focused activities to your traditions, you’ll not only deepen the holiday’s meaning but also give your kids lifelong habits of thankfulness and joy.
This year, make Thanksgiving about more than just what’s on the table—make it about what’s in your heart. These Gratitude Games are just the beginning of a new tradition that will help bring your family closer together with laughter, kindness, and a spirit of thanks.