Gratitude Challenge for Kids and Adults with Free Printable

Sometimes, our world can literally feel as though it’s upside down. In times like this, it’s important to think about all the things that we’re thankful for. This simple gratitude challenge is a great way to remember all the blessings in our life so that we can stay positive and thankful.

For the next 25 days, you’ll be given something to look for and be thankful for. And while it might not seem like a “big” deal, it is. Remembering the good in life during hard times can make the whole day go better.

Gratitude Scavenger Hunt

Gratitude Challenge

As you can tell, finding things to be grateful for doesn’t have to be anything over the top. You can literally find small things to be happy about and thankful for that can turn your whole day around.

Here are 25 simple things to be grateful for!

1. Someone you’re thankful for
2. Something that makes you smile
3. A food you love
4. Someone that goes unnoticed
5. A favorite book and movie
6. A favorite animal
7. Something unique about you
8. Something beautiful
9. Something that challenges you
10. Beautiful art
11. Something happy
12. A favorite song
13. Something funny
14. Something unique
15. Your favorite foods
16. Something that’s helped you
17. Someone in your family
18. A favorite sound
19. Something sweet
20. Freedom
21. A good friend
22. A favorite smell
23. Someone who has taught you something
24. Someone who has helped you
25. Someone you love

Gratitude Practice

The great thing about this gratitude challenge is that you can literally do it over and over again. Doing it once 25 days in a room and doing it again just might show that you have a lot more to be thankful than you realize.

This is a great activity for adults and kids. Stress and anxiety are at an all-time high, so we need to slow down and be grateful.

Gratitude: A Practice for Everyone

What is Gratitude?

Gratitude is the feeling of being thankful and appreciative for the good things in our lives. It’s about noticing and acknowledging the positive from big moments like achievements and celebrations to small everyday joys like a sunny day, a kind word, or a delicious meal.

How to Practice Gratitude

By simply thinking of one thing each and every day that can alter our minds and emotions, we can set ourselves up on a path that is going to be productive and happy.

And if you decide to do this challenge together as a family, it’s such a great experience to have. Sitting around the dinner table at night and talking about what everyone was grateful for the day is a great way to communicate and bond as well.

Gratitude for Kids

Why it matters:
Practicing gratitude helps kids feel happier, sleep better, and get along better with friends and family. It teaches them to notice the good things around them instead of only focusing on what they don’t have.

Simple ways kids can practice gratitude:

Gratitude jar: Write down one good thing each day on a slip of paper and put it in a jar. Read them together at the end of the week or month!
Thank you notes: Draw pictures or write simple thank-you cards to people who have been kind
Bedtime gratitude: Share three things you’re grateful for before going to sleep
Gratitude walk: Take a walk and point out things you appreciate in nature or your neighborhood
“I’m thankful for…” game: Go around the dinner table and have everyone share something they’re grateful for

Gratitude for Adults

Why it matters:
Research shows that regularly practicing gratitude can reduce stress, improve mental health, strengthen relationships, and increase overall life satisfaction. It helps shift our focus from what’s missing to what’s present.

Practical ways adults can practice gratitude:

Gratitude journal: Write down 3-5 things you’re grateful for each day, being specific about why
Express appreciation: Tell people directly how they’ve positively impacted your life
Mindful moments: Pause during your day to consciously appreciate simple pleasures—your morning coffee, a comfortable bed, running water
Gratitude meditation: Spend 5-10 minutes reflecting on people, experiences, and things you appreciate
Reframe challenges: Look for lessons or silver linings in difficult situations
Gratitude letter: Write a detailed letter to someone who has made a difference in your life

The Beautiful Thing About Gratitude

Gratitude is free, available to everyone, and gets stronger the more you practice it. It’s like a muscle—the more you use it, the more natural it becomes. Whether you’re 5 or 95, taking time to appreciate the good in your life can make each day a little brighter.

Start small, be consistent, and watch how gratitude transforms your perspective!