Thanksgiving is the perfect time to help children slow down and think about all the wonderful things they have to be thankful for! If you’re looking for a simple and meaningful Thanksgiving activity, this free gratitude tree template is a fun way to encourage kids to practice thankfulness while getting creative.
I created this printable gratitude tree template with two different versions so you can choose the one that works best for your children or students. One includes a blank tree with separate leaves to color, cut, and paste, while the other has the leaves already on the tree for an easier, no-cutting option.
Both versions give children the opportunity to think about the people, places, and things they appreciate while creating a colorful fall tree they can proudly display.
This easy Thanksgiving craft is perfect for homeschool lessons, preschool and kindergarten classrooms, November activities, and family Thanksgiving traditions.
Be sure to enter your email in the form near the end of this post to get your FREE gratitude tree template!
Why I Love This Gratitude Tree Template for Kids
One of my favorite things about printable crafts is how easily they can turn a simple activity into a meaningful learning experience.
This printable thankful tree does just that!
Instead of simply coloring a fall tree, children get to think about the things that make their lives special. Each leaf represents something they are grateful for, whether that’s their family, friends, pets, favorite activities, or even something as simple as a warm meal.
I also love that this activity combines several important early learning skills.
Children can practice:
- Gratitude and thankfulness: Recognizing the people and things they appreciate.
- Fine motor skills: Coloring, cutting, and gluing the leaves onto their tree.
- Writing skills: Writing words or short sentences on each leaf.
- Creative expression: Choosing fall colors and decorating their trees.
- Social-emotional learning: Talking about kindness, appreciation, and the people who make them feel loved.
Best of all, this gratitude tree activity doesn’t require complicated supplies or a lot of preparation, making it an easy addition to your fall or Thanksgiving lesson plans.
What’s Included in the Free Printable Gratitude Tree Template?
I wanted to make this printable easy to use with different ages and abilities, so I included two versions of the gratitude tree.
1. Cut-and-Paste Gratitude Tree Template
The first version includes a tree with bare branches and a separate page of ten leaves.
Children write something they are thankful for on each leaf, color the leaves using their favorite fall colors, and carefully cut them out.
Once they’re finished, they can glue the leaves onto the tree branches or around the bottom of the tree to create their very own thankful tree.
This version is especially nice for children who enjoy hands-on crafts and could use a little extra cutting and gluing practice.
2. Easy Gratitude Tree Coloring and Writing Template
For younger children or those who aren’t quite ready for cutting and pasting, I included a second version with ten leaves already arranged on the tree and ground.
Children simply write what they are thankful for inside each leaf and color their finished tree.
This option is perfect for preschoolers, kindergarten students, classroom activities, or anytime you need a quick, low-prep Thanksgiving printable.
Both versions include the words “My Gratitude Tree” at the top, making them perfect for displaying on a bulletin board, refrigerator, or classroom wall.
Supplies Needed for Your Gratitude Tree Template
You only need a few basic template supplies to complete this Thanksgiving thankful tree activity.
- Free gratitude tree template printable (download near the end of this post)
- White printer paper or cardstock
- Crayons, colored pencils, or markers
- Child-safe scissors (for the cut-and-paste version)
- Glue stick (for the cut-and-paste version)
I recommend using regular printer paper for an everyday activity, but cardstock is a great option if you want the finished template to be a little sturdier for displaying.
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How to Make Your Gratitude Tree Template
This easy fall craft can be completed in just a few simple steps. Before getting started, choose which version works best for your children or students.
Step 1: Print Your Gratitude Tree Template
Download and print your preferred gratitude tree template.
For the cut-and-paste version, print the blank tree and the separate leaf page.
For the easier version, print the tree with the leaves already attached.
Step 2: Talk About What It Means to Be Thankful
Before children begin writing, spend a few minutes talking about gratitude.
You might ask questions such as:
- What is something that makes you happy?
- Who is someone you are thankful for?
- What is your favorite thing about your family?
- Is there something special you love about your home?
- Who helps you when you need it?
- What is something you enjoy doing?
I think this is an important part of the activity because it helps children understand that gratitude isn’t just about receiving gifts or having favorite toys. It’s also about appreciating the people, experiences, and everyday blessings in their lives.
Step 3: Write Something You’re Thankful for on Each Leaf
Have children write one thing they are grateful for on each leaf.
Younger children can use simple words, while older students can write more detailed answers.
For children who aren’t writing independently yet, you can help them spell their words or write their answers for them.
Step 4: Color Your Gratitude Tree
Now comes the creative part!
Have children color their leaves using beautiful fall colors like red, orange, yellow, brown, and gold.
They can also color the tree trunk brown and the grass green.
Encourage children to make their trees unique. They don’t have to use traditional autumn colors if they would rather create a colorful rainbow gratitude tree!
Step 5: Cut and Paste the Leaves (Optional)
If you’re using the cut-and-paste version, carefully cut out each leaf.
Arrange the leaves on the branches before gluing them down. Children can also place a few leaves around the bottom of the tree to make it look like they’re falling.
Once they’re happy with their arrangement, glue the leaves in place.
If you’re using the easier version, you can skip this step!
Step 6: Display Your Finished Thankful Tree
Once the craft is complete, find a special place to display it.
These gratitude trees would look adorable on a Thanksgiving bulletin board, classroom wall, refrigerator, or homeschool display area.
I especially love the idea of displaying everyone’s gratitude trees together so children can see all the different things their friends and family members appreciate.
What Can Kids Write on Their Gratitude Tree Leaves?
Sometimes children need a little inspiration when thinking about what they’re thankful for.
If your children or students aren’t sure what to write, here are some simple ideas to help them get started.
People They’re Thankful For
- Mom and Dad
- Grandparents
- Brothers and sisters
- Friends
- Teachers
Things They’re Thankful For
- My home
- My pets
- My favorite books
- Food
- My toys
Experiences They’re Thankful For
- Playing outside
- Family game nights
- Going to the park
- Reading together
- Spending time with friends
Everyday Blessings
- Sunshine
- A warm bed
- Hugs
- Kindness
- Having someone to help me
Children can also come up with their own answers. There’s no right or wrong way to fill out their gratitude tree!
Fun Ways to Use This Thanksgiving Gratitude Tree Activity
This printable can be used for more than just a one-time Thanksgiving craft. Here are a few ways to make it part of your fall learning activities.
Create a Thanksgiving Gratitude Bulletin Board
If you’re a teacher, have each student complete their own thankful tree and display the finished crafts together.
You could add a bulletin board heading such as:
“Our Hearts Are Full of Thanks!”
This makes a meaningful November classroom display while giving students a chance to share what matters most to them.
Make a Family Thankful Tree
This gratitude craft also works wonderfully as a family Thanksgiving activity.
Have everyone complete their own tree, or work together to create one family gratitude tree.
Once everyone has finished, take turns sharing what you’ve written on your leaves.
It’s a simple way to encourage meaningful conversations and help children recognize the good things in their everyday lives.
Use Your Gratitude Tree as a Thanksgiving Writing Activity
For kindergarten and elementary students, you can easily turn this craft into a writing lesson.
After children finish their trees, have them choose one leaf and write a sentence explaining why they’re thankful for that person or thing.
For example:
- I am thankful for my mom because she takes care of me.
- I am thankful for my dog because he makes me happy.
- I am thankful for my friends because we have fun together.
Older students can write an entire paragraph about something they’re especially grateful for.
Add a Gratitude Tree to Your Fall Morning Work
The easier version makes a great addition to your November morning work activities.
Instead of completing the entire tree in one sitting, children can fill in one or two leaves each day.
By the end of the week, they’ll have a completed gratitude tree filled with things they appreciate.
I love this idea because it encourages children to think about gratitude throughout the week rather than only on Thanksgiving Day.
Thanksgiving Picture Books to Pair With Your Gratitude Tree Craft
One of my favorite ways to make printable activities more meaningful is to pair them with a good picture book.
Reading a story about gratitude, kindness, or giving thanks before completing this craft can help children understand the importance of appreciating what they have.
Here are a few wonderful books to consider.
Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson
In Bear Says Thanks, Bear wants to have a feast with his friends, but his cupboard is empty. As his friends arrive with delicious food to share, Bear discovers that he has something special to contribute, too.
This sweet story is a wonderful way to introduce gratitude, friendship, and generosity.
After reading, ask children what Bear was thankful for before completing their own gratitude trees.
The Thankful Book by Todd Parr
The Thankful Book is a colorful, simple story that introduces children to the many different things they can appreciate in their everyday lives.
It’s especially helpful for younger children who may need examples of what gratitude looks like.
After reading, encourage children to think of something they’re thankful for that wasn’t mentioned in the book.
Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
This beautiful picture book tells the story of Omu, who shares her delicious stew with the people in her neighborhood.
It’s a wonderful story about kindness, generosity, community, and giving back.
Pair this book with your gratitude tree craft by asking children to think about someone who has shown them kindness.
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell
This thoughtful picture book introduces readers to the Cherokee expression of gratitude, otsaliheliga, and explores ways gratitude is expressed throughout the seasons.
It’s a lovely choice for elementary students and provides an opportunity to discuss how people can practice thankfulness all year long.
More Thanksgiving Crafts and Gratitude Activities for Kids
If you’re planning a Thanksgiving unit or simply looking for more ways to encourage gratitude, there are plenty of activities you can pair with your thankful tree craft.
Create a Gratitude Jar
Have children decorate a jar and fill it with small slips of paper describing things they’re thankful for.
Throughout November, encourage them to add new notes whenever they think of something special.
On Thanksgiving Day, read the notes together as a family or class.
Make a Thankful Turkey Craft
Another fun Thanksgiving activity is creating a turkey with colorful feathers.
Instead of simply decorating the feathers, have children write something they’re thankful for on each one.
This is a wonderful companion activity to the gratitude tree because children can continue practicing thankfulness while making another adorable Thanksgiving decoration.
Go on a Gratitude Nature Walk
Take your children or students outside for a fall nature walk.
Encourage them to notice things they appreciate about nature, such as colorful leaves, trees, birds, fresh air, or sunshine.
When you return, have children add something from their walk to their gratitude trees.
This is a simple way to combine outdoor exploration with a meaningful Thanksgiving activity.
Create a Thank You Card
After completing their gratitude trees, have children choose one person they’re thankful for and make them a special thank-you card.
They can draw a picture, write a kind message, or explain why that person is important to them.
It’s a wonderful way to turn gratitude into an act of kindness.
More Free Thanksgiving Printables for Kids
If you’re putting together Thanksgiving activities for your homeschool or classroom, be sure to check out some of my other free printables!
I love creating activities that make learning fun while keeping preparation simple for busy parents and teachers.
Here are a few more Thanksgiving printables you might enjoy:
- Free Thanksgiving Coloring Pages: Fun Thanksgiving-themed pictures for children to color.
- Thanksgiving Word Search: A simple way to practice vocabulary, spelling, and word recognition.
- Thanksgiving Word Scramble: A fun holiday word activity for older children.
- Free Thanksgiving Writing Prompts: Encourage children to practice creative writing and reflect on the things they’re thankful for.
- Build a Turkey Craft: A hands-on cut-and-paste Thanksgiving craft for preschool and kindergarten.
- Free Thanksgiving Planner: A helpful printable for organizing your Thanksgiving celebrations.
These activities work well for Thanksgiving learning centers, homeschool lessons, early finishers, and fun November activities.
Pin This Free Gratitude Tree Template for Later!
Planning your Thanksgiving activities ahead of time?
Be sure to save this free gratitude tree template printable to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it when you’re ready to start your fall or Thanksgiving lessons.
It’s a simple, meaningful activity that children can enjoy at home or in the classroom.
Get Your Free Gratitude Tree Template Printable Here!
Ready to make your own thankful tree?
I’ve made it easy for you to download this FREE gratitude tree template printable and get started right away!
Your free download includes:
- Cut-and-paste gratitude tree template
- Ten printable gratitude leaves
- Easy gratitude tree with leaves already attached
- Simple craft instructions
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A Simple Way to Encourage Gratitude This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a wonderful reminder to appreciate the people, experiences, and little moments that make life special.
I created this free gratitude tree craft because I wanted an activity that would be both fun and meaningful for children. It’s easy to prepare, requires only a few supplies, and gives kids the opportunity to express their thankfulness in a creative way.
Whether you’re using it during a homeschool lesson, as a classroom Thanksgiving activity, or as part of your family’s holiday traditions, I hope this printable helps encourage thoughtful conversations and a little extra gratitude this season.
Happy crafting, and I hope you enjoy your free gratitude tree printable!
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