The Art of Thankfulness

November naturally invites us to bring more gratitude into our lives. Changing leaves and upcoming holidays are the perfect opportunity to help us reconnect with thankfulness for what we have and an appreciation for others.

I encourage you to nurture the spirit of thankfulness that goes beyond words by creating with your child. Through these acts of kindness, children learn that even small gestures truly matter.

Here are a few engaging, meaningful, and expressive projects you and your child can enjoy together. I’ve also made several of these projects myself with an adult group of friends, sparking deep and beautiful conversations.

My personal Gratitude Jar!

Thankful Artmaking Ideas:

Gratitude Jar
Embellish a glass jar with whatever you have on hand. Try paint markers, ribbon, stickers, tissue paper, and a fun beaded elastic to go around the rim. Together, draw or write something you’re grateful for each day. Fold the note and drop it in the jar. On Thanksgiving, foster reflection and joy as you read through the messages as a family or friends group.

Gratitude Rocks
Gather some fairly flat landscaping rocks and paint them with black acrylic craft paint. After they dry, use paint or paint pens to write or illustrate what you are thankful for. Spread the rocks near your doorstep, place them around your neighborhood for others to find, or fill a Gratitude Jar with them.

Thank You Cards
Buy a package of blank cards and encourage your child to write or dictate a personal message to anyone who has made a positive impact on their lives. Use markers, colored pencils, stickers or whatever you have to draw a unique design on the front tailored to that person. Beat the holiday rush and send or give out your thank you cards now!

Gratitude Journal
Let your child decorate the front of a blank journal as they wish. Try one for yourself as well! Each day, wind down by writing 3 things you’re thankful for, and draw a quick doodle by it if you want. Research shows that a short daily gratitude practice significantly improves mental wellbeing by boosting happiness, reducing stress, enhancing resilience, and even promoting better sleep!

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These projects encourage us to look beyond gifts, grounding our season in meaningful reflection and creative expression. Building a sense of thankfulness extends well beyond the holidays. Which of these projects would you like to create first?

Wishing you and yours a sweet November,​
Susan