Let’s talk about gratitude. Some days, it feels like a magical cure-all for the chaos of family life. Other days? Well, let’s just say when my teen rolls their eyes at me again, it’s a little harder to find that thankful vibe.

But teaching gratitude is one of those gifts that keeps on giving, especially for kids. It’s like planting seeds for kindness, resilience, and joy in their hearts, and trust me, it’s worth it.

One of the best ways to nurture gratitude is through games. Yep, games! Turning it into something fun not only makes it easier to teach but also sneaks in some family bonding time (without them realizing it’s educational). Let me share some of our family’s favorite gratitude games, sprinkled with a dash of mom-wisdom and laughter along the way.

Gratitude Games: Fun Ways to Teach Thankfulness as a Family

1. Gratitude Scavenger Hunt

If your kids are like mine, they love a good scavenger hunt, whether it’s solving puzzles or finding little treasures around the house.

How to Play:
Make a list of gratitude-themed items to find. For example:

• Something that makes you smile.
• Something you’re lucky to have.
• A picture of someone you love.

Set a timer and let everyone hunt around the house, yard, or even the neighborhood. Bonus points if they can share why they’re grateful for each item they find!

Why It Works:
This gratitude scavenger hunt game gets everyone moving and thinking about the little things they love. Plus, it’s hilarious to hear your kids explain why they’re thankful for their favorite blanket or the dog’s squeaky toy.

2. Gratitude Jar with a Twist

We’ve all heard about gratitude jars, right? But let’s add a little game to the mix.

How to Play:

• Grab a jar (or any container, Tupperware works too!).
• Each family member writes down something they’re grateful for every day for a week.
• At the end of the week, pull out the gratitude cards and take turns guessing who wrote what.

Why It Works:
It’s fun to see what everyone comes up with, and it gives insight into each other’s lives. (And hey, when your teen writes, “Mom’s spaghetti,” it’s a win in my book!)

3. Thankful Charades

Charades are a family favorite around here, mostly because it ends up with us laughing so hard we cry.

How to Play:

• Each person writes down a few things they’re thankful for on small slips of paper.
• Pop them in a bowl.
• Take turns acting them out while everyone else guesses.

Why It Works:
It’s silly, it’s fun, and it turns gratitude into something tangible. Watching someone mime “hot chocolate on a snowy day” is bound to get a giggle (and maybe a craving).

4. Gratitude Pictionary

If charades aren’t your thing, Pictionary is a fantastic backup.

How to Play:

• Similar to charades, everyone writes down things they’re grateful for.
• Use a whiteboard, paper, or even a tablet to draw your gratitude item while others guess.

Why It Works:
Even the worst drawings (looking at you, stick-figure dad!) lead to laughs and sweet moments of appreciation.

5. Pass the Gratitude Ball

This one works great around the dinner table or during a cozy family night.

How to Play:

• Grab a soft ball, a stuffed animal, or even a rolled-up sock (no judgment).
• Take turns passing it around. When someone catches it, they have to say something they’re thankful for.
• Keep going until everyone’s had a turn, or several!

Why It Works:
It’s simple, doesn’t require prep, and works for all ages. Plus, hearing the littlest ones say things like, “I’m thankful for ice cream,” is just too cute to handle.

6. Gratitude Bingo

Here’s one for my fellow moms who love a good printable (and if you’re crafty, even better!).

How to Play:

• Create Bingo cards with gratitude prompts in each square, like “Something outside I love” or “A food I’m thankful for.”
• As a family, fill out the cards, and whoever completes a row first wins.

Why It Works:
It’s a mix of creativity and thoughtfulness, and it’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy weekend.

7. “I’m Thankful For…” Story Chain

This one’s great for long car rides, bedtime, or when you’re just lounging on the couch.

How to Play:

• One person starts a story with “I’m thankful for…” and says something they’re grateful for.
• The next person continues the story by adding their own gratitude item.
• Keep going and see how funny (or heartwarming) the story becomes!

Why It Works:
This game shows how connected our lives are and encourages kids to think about how their blessings link to others.

8. Gratitude Memory Game

Turn thankfulness into a fun memory challenge.

How to Play:

• Sit in a circle. The first person says something they’re thankful for.
• The next person repeats it and adds their own.
• Keep going around the circle, with each person adding a new gratitude item while remembering the previous ones.

Why It Works:
It’s like a gratitude workout for your brain! Plus, it’s a great way to get everyone thinking about how many things they can appreciate.

9. You've Been Thanked

This is a fun way to thank your friends, neighbors or coworkers.

How to Use:

• Put together some festive treats in a treat box or bag and tie a You've been thanked gift tag to it.
• Then look around your neighborhood for someone who you wan to thank and secretly leave a treat bag and sign on their doorstep.
• Show your appreciation without having to say a word (unless you want to!) 

Why Gratitude Games Matter

Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you.” It’s about noticing the good, even on the hard days. When the kids are bickering, the dog’s chewed up yet another shoe, and you’re running on coffee fumes, these games remind us of the little joys that make it all worthwhile.

These games also create moments to connect. Life gets busy, homework, work, and endless to-do lists, but pausing to play together is where the real magic happens. You’re building a habit of thankfulness that your kids will carry into adulthood.

So, grab a jar, a ball, or some paper, and give one of these gratitude games a try. Trust me, it’s worth it. And who knows? You might even find yourself a little more thankful for that eye-rolling teen or the toddler who insists socks are optional.