Gratitude Tree Activity for Families (Free Printable and SVG File)

I love a good holiday craft as much as the next person, but a gratitude tree is no ordinary craft. It holds a special secret! Practicing gratitude can help you survive the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and serve as a reminder to count your blessings. In this post, I’m sharing a simple gratitude tree activity for families, along with free printable leaves and an SVG file for Cricut.

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What is a gratitude tree?

A gratitude tree is a visual expression of thanks that reminds us to have a grateful heart. It’s a great way to involve the whole family in a gratitude practice during the Thanksgiving season and beyond.

What is the point of a gratitude tree?

Money may not grow on trees, but happiness can!  A recent Harvard Health article suggests gratitude is “strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness.”

If you don’t believe Harvard, check out Dr. Brene Brown’s 3-minute video on the relationship between joy and gratitude. Her research on courage, vulnerability, and gratitude is worth watching.

Have you ever found yourself feeling like things aren’t going your way or that you’ll feel happy once you achieve/obtain/buy something?

Practicing gratitude can refocus your attention on what has gone your way, rather than on what you lack. Nurturing gratefulness in kids will also set them up for happiness down the road.

Gratitude Tree Activity for Families – Supplies

For the gratitude tree activity, you’ll need the following:

• Scrapbook paper
• Brown gift wrap or craft paper
• Painter’s tape
• Optional: Cricut machine

Gratitude Tree Instructions & Free Printables

Step 1: Download leaves to print/cut

First, download your free set of printable leaves below. If you own a Cricut machine, you have the option of downloading an SVG cut file.

• Printable Leaves (Print & Cut Download): Single leaf pattern
• Printable Leaves (SVG File): Two leaf patterns

Step 2: Create the tree trunk and branches

Unroll a long strip of brown wrapping paper and rip the top edge into long branches as shown below.

Then, crumple the paper to add texture to the branches before attaching the tree to a wall. You can use painter’s tape or another wall-safe adhesive to secure the tree.

Don’t stress about making it look pretty. It’s all about practicing gratitude, not perfectionism! You’ll notice my boys left a little painter’s tape peeking out behind the leaves. It adds character, in my book! 

Step 3: Write notes of gratitude

With a routine that works for your family, begin writing your grateful thoughts and comments on each leaf. The key is making it a habit.

Here’s what surprised me about this activity. My pre-school boys jumped on this gratitude train without much prompting!

A few of their leaves expressed thankfulness for material possessions, but most had to do with special people or experiences in our lives. The tree really works!

Here’s a closer look at our tree (blue painter’s tape and all).

10 Ways to Practice Gratitude Beyond the Tree

1. Pray or meditate each day, starting with, “I’m thankful for…”
2. Keep a gratitude journal or download a gratitude app.
3. Send thank-you notes.
4. Set a daily gratitude calendar reminder.
5. Say what you are thankful for at family mealtime.
6. Thank a co-worker or friend with a small gift.
7. Listen to a podcast or music about thankfulness.
8. Read books about gratitude.
9. Thank your kids for small chores and acts of kindness.
10. Have a family contest to count your blessings!

More Fall Crafts

If you’re looking for more fun activities to keep the kids busy this fall, try making this fall pennant banner or painting foam pumpkins from the dollar store.

Kids can also use scrapbook paper or wrapping paper to make easy decoupage pumpkins.

Pin it for later!

Enjoy practicing mindfulness this fall!