12 Simple Activities for Teaching Toddlers Gratitude

My little one said “Danke = Thank You” the first time. (Or some toddler brabble that sounded very much like it). Twice! After he received something from me.

So in celebration, today’s post is about Simple Activities for Teaching Toddlers Gratitude. Which I think is super important. It also suits, with Thanksgiving coming up.

Ever notice how much toddlers love saying “more”? They’re enthusiastic little humans who ask for more of everything, from snacks to bedtime stories, to toys.

But teaching gratitude can help them appreciate what they have, and it’s totally possible even with young kids!

Here’s how I try to introduce my toddler to gratitude (and some other ideas other mums recommend) through simple, fun activities that will build their appreciation for the little things in life.

Table Of Contents

Why Teach Gratitude?
1. Start a Gratitude Jar
2. The Thankful Tree
3. “Helping Hands” Acts of Kindness
4. Read Books About Gratitude
5. Gratitude Drawing
6. Practice “Thank You” Often
7. A Bedtime “Grateful For” Routine
8. Family Gratitude Walk
9. Thank You Notes for Friends and Family
10. Cooking Together and “Thanking the Chef”
11. Practice Sharing and Giving Back
12. Delay Gratification:
When Do Children Start Learning About Gratitude?
How to Teach Your Toddler to Say "Thank You"
All-in-One Chart:

Why Teach Gratitude?

Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you”—it’s about recognizing and appreciating what we have. Research shows that children who understand gratitude are often:

more optimistic
empathetic
and resilient.
Gratitude also helps toddlers manage emotions better
and builds a foundation for emotional intelligence and social skills.
A new study even suggests they might live longer.

And as a bonus, toddlers with gratitude skills are often easier to please and more cooperative (a win for you and your family life!). If you want to teach your toddler about emotions check this post.

Activity Ideas for Teaching Toddlers Gratitude

1. Start a Gratitude Jar

Get a jar, some colored paper, and crayons, and you’re all set! Each day, write down something you and your toddler are grateful for, then pop it in the jar. It could be something as simple as “sunshine” or “grandma’s visit.” Over time, the jar fills up, and on special days, you can read through the notes together.

Tip: If you’re looking for more fun activities like this one, check out our post on Teaching Toddlers about Emotions!

2. The Thankful Tree

Create a Thankful Tree using brown construction paper for the trunk and colorful paper for leaves. Each leaf represents something you’re grateful for. Attach it to your wall or fridge, and let your toddler add a new “thankful leaf” each day. This is a great visual way to reinforce what it means to be grateful. Perfect time to start in autumn when trees have no more leaves.

You see, little ones love to see their contributions, and over time, it becomes a tree full of gratitude—a beautiful family keepsake!

3. “Helping Hands” Acts of Kindness

Toddlers love to help! Show them the joy of giving back with simple acts of kindness. You could bake cookies for a neighbor, collect some toys to donate, or let them help you make a thank-you card for someone special. By involving them in acts of kindness, you’re teaching them the value of gratitude and the joy of giving to others.

4. Read Books About Gratitude

Storytime is powerful, and books on gratitude can make a big impact. Find stories that talk about being thankful and appreciating others, like “The Thankful Book” by Todd Parr or “Bear Says Thanks” by Karma Wilson. These are simple yet meaningful ways to introduce gratitude. Afterward, ask questions like, “What are you thankful for today?”

5. Gratitude Drawing

Toddlers love to draw, so turn it into a gratitude activity! Let them draw something they are thankful for, whether it’s their favorite toy, their friend, or even the family pet. Once they finish, talk about why they chose that item.

You’ll be surprised how their little minds work. And who doesn’t love a piece of toddler art?

stick_figure_drawing_on_paper,_family,_white_backg_f77cbd2e-089e-4fa4-98cf-e846c30d8287 (1)

6. Practice “Thank You” Often

I live by the believe that being a role model is the best way to teach your toddler. Say thank you and mean it as often as possible.

Make “thank you” part of your daily vocabulary. This doesn’t have to be formal; even thanking your toddler when they do something helpful reinforces the behavior. Toddlers are natural mimics, so they’ll pick up on this and start saying it more themselves.

7. A Bedtime “Grateful For” Routine

kids_bed,_stick_figure_style_drawing,_watercolor,_8b557823-2708-443c-a0d0-b6917221dbfe (1)

Turn bedtime into gratitude time. Before tucking them in, ask your toddler, “What was your favorite part of today?” or “What made you happy today?” You can even keep a small journal by their bed to jot down their answers. This routine helps toddlers end the day on a positive note and builds a habit of daily gratitude reflection.

8. Family Gratitude Walk

Take a “Gratitude Walk” with your little one. Go outside and let them point out things they’re grateful for as you walk around. Whether it’s the flowers, the birds, or just the wind blowing, let them express their appreciation for the world around them. This simple activity is a great way to connect gratitude with nature.

9. Thank You Notes for Friends and Family

thank_you_note_envelope_with_heart,_watercolor,_wh_248855e8-da06-4b84-84d5-e4f371b56e61 (1)

Teach your toddler the power of a thank-you note. It could be for a family member who visited, a friend they enjoyed playing with, or even a favorite babysitter. Let them help color or “sign” the note. This little gesture goes a long way in building empathy and appreciation for others.

10. Cooking Together and “Thanking the Chef”

Letting your toddler “help” with a meal can teach appreciation for the food we eat and the hands that prepare it. Even if it’s something as simple as stirring ingredients, it’s a small way of showing them gratitude for their contribution.

11. Practice Sharing and Giving Back

Introduce your child to the concept of sharing by picking out toys, clothes, or books they no longer use and donating them together. Explain that these items can bring joy to other children, teaching them the idea of giving back and being thankful for what they have.

12. Delay Gratification:

Waiting a little longer for something teaches patience and appreciation. For example, if they want a new toy, create a small activity for them to earn it, teaching them that good things come with time and effort.

When Do Children Start Learning About Gratitude?

Gratitude awareness begins around ages 2-3, but true understanding usually develops between ages 4-7. Younger children start by imitating “thank you” without fully grasping its meaning, so activities like gratitude jars and asking them what made them happy help cultivate this awareness gradually. As they grow, they’ll start understanding that “thank you” is more than words—it’s a way to show appreciation.

How to Teach Your Toddler to Say “Thank You”

Teaching Thank You to Your Toddler, Mum and Child

Teaching “thank you” doesn’t have to be a battle. Try these small steps to naturally encourage your toddler to start using this powerful phrase:

Model the Behavior: Start by saying “thank you” regularly, even for small actions they do. Kids love copying adults, and soon, they’ll want to say it too!
Encourage Them: Remind them to say “thank you” after receiving help, a gift, or food. Make it part of daily routines to reinforce its importance.
Positive Reinforcement: Acknowledge when they say “thank you” on their own. They’ll learn that gratitude is not only polite but something that brings joy to others.

All-in-One Chart:

toddler activities to teach gratitude and kindness

Final Thoughts

Teaching gratitude to your toddler isn’t about forcing “thank you” every five seconds but about helping them recognize and enjoy the things that make life beautiful. So, get creative, make it fun, and enjoy these little moments of appreciation with your little one!