If you’re looking for a simple gratitude activity that works for the whole family (and doesn’t add one more complicated thing to your already full November), a Gratitude Jar might be exactly what you need.
I just finished creating my newest resource: a free printable Gratitude Jar Printable set—with a matching upgraded version if you want more options—and I’m so excited to share it with you.
This will be available as an instant download on Gumroad, Etsy, and Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) so you can grab it wherever you usually pick up your educational materials.
Want to skip all the text and get right to the freebie? Click here.
What Is a Gratitude Jar?
A gratitude jar is exactly what it sounds like: a designated jar (a glass jar, a mason jar, or even a “real jar” you already have in the pantry) where your family drops in slips of paper covered in things you’re thankful for.
You might call it:
- a thankful jar
- a family gratitude jar
- a gratitude jar challenge
Whatever you name it, it’s a fun way to slow down and notice the good things in your life—especially during the month of November and the Thanksgiving Day season.
What’s Inside the Free Printable Gratitude Jar Set?
The free sample of my gratitude jar printables is perfect if you just want an easy, low-prep activity to get started. Here’s what you’ll find in the PDF file:
You’ll get cute printable jar templates featuring colorful fall designs. You can print this on sticker paper, which is what we did, or on regular paper and tape to the jar.
This activity is not grade specific, so you can use it with 1st grade, 3rd grade, middle school, high school, and everything in between.
The free version includes:
- A mason jar label that you can print on sticker paper or on regular paper to affix to a jar.
- Blank notes in one leaf design.
You can print these on regular paper and cut them into small pieces of paper or slips of paper, or write on sticky notes if that’s easier. Each piece of paper becomes a little reminder of the important things from the past year.
How to Use the Gratitude Jar Printable at Home
We are pairing the gratitude jar with our Gather ‘Round homeschool curriculum. The Thanksgiving mini unit is a lighter unit study and is only 4 days long. We’re going to be taking two whole weeks to cover the four lessons and really expand on the idea of gratitude in our home.
I’m not sure if we will use this on Thanksgiving Day in anyway, but it’s certainly set up in way that you could!
You’ll probably find that this fun activity naturally leads to deeper social emotional learning and simple check ins about how everyone is doing.
Why Gratitude Jars Are Such a Great Way to Prepare for Next Year
One thing I love about this activity is how it sets you up for the next year. You can:
- Save all the gratitude notes in a bag or envelope
- Look back on the important things from the past year
- Use them as prompts in your child’s own gratitude journal or writing notebook
You’re not just cutting and gluing; you’re building a history of God’s faithfulness and all the good things your family experienced—big and small.
How to Get Your Free Printable Gratitude Jar
You can find the free printable gratitude jar printable on the following platforms. Important- The freebie is only available on Gumroad.
If you add a donation to your download on Gumroad or buy the upgrade on any of the platforms, I want to say an extra thank you! Your support allows me to keep creating prek-12 resources, printable templates, and other educational materials for your family.
If you share photos of your family gratitude jar or creative classroom displays on social media, I’d absolutely love to see them. Tag me so I can cheer you on and maybe feature your meaningful display of togetherness as inspiration for other families.
Get a Head Start on Gratitude This Fall
The month of November can feel busy and rushed, but it truly is the perfect time to pause, notice the good things, and give your kids a chance to express gratitude in simple, tangible ways.
Whether you’re using a real jar on your dinner table, printing the printable jar templates for a thanksgiving-themed bulletin board, or weaving it into your social emotional learning plans, this Gratitude Jar Printable gives you a gentle head start on what really matters.
One little slip of paper at a time.
Don’t Forget to Pin for Later!
