“Gratitude turns what we have into enough”
Table of Contents
A Gratitude Wreath Craft for Thanksgiving (or Anytime!)
This easy, enjoyable gratitude wreath craft is a wonderful way to spark meaningful conversations with kids about thankfulness while creating something beautiful together.
Gratitude wreaths are a simple, thoughtful craft project that helps children and families reflect on the people, moments, and things they’re thankful for.
This craft isn’t limited to Thanksgiving! A gratitude wreath can be a meaningful decoration year-round, reminding us to appreciate the small joys in life.
To make this project easier for kids, I’ve provided a free printable PDF that includes:
- A wreath base template.
- A variety of leaf templates that you can color, paint, or decorate.
- A small banner that reads, “I am grateful for…”
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Benefits of Practicing Gratitude, Especially for Kids
Creating a gratitude wreath isn’t just a fun craft; it’s also a powerful tool for fostering gratitude in children. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can have a profound impact on mental and emotional health for people of all ages. Here are some benefits of encouraging kids to practice gratitude:
1. Promotes Happiness and Positivity
When kids focus on the things they’re grateful for, they’re less likely to dwell on negative thoughts. By making a gratitude wreath, children visually capture their positive memories and blessings, which can boost their mood and create lasting feelings of contentment.
2. Builds Empathy and Compassion
Gratitude can help kids recognize the people and moments that make their lives better. This awareness can foster empathy, as they begin to understand and appreciate the effort others put into helping or supporting them. Gratitude wreaths offer a chance to reflect on these people and acknowledge their kindness.
3. Strengthens Family Bonds
Making a gratitude wreath is an excellent family activity, and sharing what each family member is grateful for helps build connections. When kids hear their siblings or parents share their gratitude, it encourages a culture of appreciation and mutual respect within the family.
4. Encourages Mindfulness
Being grateful requires children to slow down and pay attention to what’s happening in their lives. They’re encouraged to appreciate their surroundings, friends, and family, and to take note of things they might otherwise overlook. Mindfulness, combined with gratitude, can help kids develop resilience in challenging times.
5. Fosters a Growth Mindset
Expressing gratitude can help children develop a growth mindset, where they learn to see obstacles as learning opportunities. Gratitude helps kids focus on what they can be thankful for, even in difficult situations, teaching them that there’s value in every experience.
Here are a few other activities that you can also check out:
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This gratitude wreath craft provides a hands-on way for kids to practice gratitude by thinking about what makes them feel thankful, decorating each leaf with a unique message, and displaying their wreath proudly.
Step by Step Tutorial
Appropriate for Children Ages 6 and up
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 60 minutes
Materials:
- Wreath PDF (Optional)
- White Cardstock or blank paper (8 1/2 X 11″)
- Markers/pencil crayons etc. for coloring the leaves (optional)
- Glue
- scissors
- Optional: glitter glue, sequins, or stickers for extra flair
Instructions:
Step 1 – Download and Print the Template
- Start by downloading the free template provided HERE. Print the wreath base, leaves, and banner on sturdy paper, such as cardstock, for durability.
Step 2 – Choose Your Colors
- Encourage kids to think about fall colors or other shades that feel warm and inviting. They can stick to traditional autumn colors (reds, oranges, yellows) or make their wreath as vibrant and colorful as they like.
Step 3: Color or Paint the Leaves
Get creative! Use pencil crayons, crayons, pastels, or watercolors to decorate the leaves. Encourage kids to make each leaf unique, which adds to the beauty of the wreath. For a touch of sparkle, add glitter glue.
Step 4 - Cut Out the Leaves and Banner
Once you’re finished decorating, carefully cut out each leaf and the “I am grateful for…” banner.
Step 5 – Assemble the Wreath
Attach each leaf around the wreath base, arranging them in layers or patterns you like. Once all the leaves are in place, glue or tape the banner to the top or bottom of the wreath.
Step 6: Write Down What You’re Grateful For
On each leaf, write down something you’re grateful for. This could be family, friends, pets, nature, or favorite memories. Let kids express gratitude for both big and small things in their lives.
Step 7 – Display your wreath
Hang it in a prominent place in your home as a reminder of gratitude! You could even add new leaves each week or month to keep the wreath relevant throughout the year.
Ideas to Keep Gratitude Alive All Year for Kids
A gratitude wreath is a perfect decoration for Thanksgiving, but why stop there? Here are a few ways to make gratitude a lasting habit:
- Seasonal Wreaths: Swap out the wreath base and leaves seasonally. Create a winter wreath, spring wreath, and summer wreath with seasonal colors, symbols, and things to be grateful for.
- Monthly Gratitude Challenge: Add new leaves each month to keep the wreath fresh. Challenge kids to think of new things they’re grateful for.
- Gratitude Journals: Along with the wreath, kids can start a gratitude journal. Encourage them to write down three things they’re thankful for at the end of each day.
- Gratitude Conversations: At dinner, lunch, or during community circles in the classroom, go around and share one thing you were grateful for that day. It’s a simple, meaningful way to reflect on your day in a positive way.
Additional Tips for Creating this Gratitude Wreath Craft
Here are a few tips to help make this craft even more unique for children:
- Add Texture and Dimension: You can add texture by using materials like felt, foam, or real dried leaves instead of just coloring the paper leaves. This extra touch makes the wreath more tactile and fun to assemble.
- Incorporate Nature: If possible, take kids on a nature walk to collect fallen leaves or small twigs, then incorporate these natural items into the wreath. This helps kids connect gratitude with the beauty of the natural world.
- Try a New Coloring Medium: Experiment with different art supplies like pastels, watercolor pencils, or even oil pastels. Each medium creates a unique effect, making the craft more dynamic and encouraging kids to explore different forms of art.
Making a gratitude wreath is a beautiful way to celebrate Thanksgiving and instill a sense of appreciation that can last long after the holiday season. Whether you’re crafting with young kids, teens, or as a family, the gratitude wreath serves as a colorful reminder of what truly matters in life. Plus, it’s an artful way to brighten your home or classroom with love, color, and creativity.
If you create this wreath with your kids or students, please let me know! I’d love to add your creations to our gallery, so upload your photos or send them directly to me at: [email protected] Thank you!
You can also tag us if you post your masterpieces on Instagram or Facebook.
Here are some other art activities that you’ll want to check out!:
Looking for even more cool activities? You might be interested in our leaf printing craft. Click here or the image below to learn more .
If you love to tangle as much as we do, you’re going to love our zentangle paper globes. Click HERE to check them out or click on the images below.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for more activities designed to encourage mindfulness and spark creativity, check out my printable resources below or visit my shop!
Don’t forget to download our free 15 page Mindfulness coloring book to help add a few mindful moments to your child’s day. Just click here or the image below!
