Creating a Thanksgiving “Thankful Basket” for Your Grandkids

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we’re grateful for and to share our blessings with the people we love.

One of my favorite ways to share the spirit of the season with my grandkids is by creating “Thankful Baskets” just for them! Each year, I put together a small basket (or bucket, bag, whatever fits best) filled with goodies and activities that encourage them to think about gratitude in a fun, hands-on way.

Today, I’m sharing my step-by-step guide so you can join in on this tradition too!

1. Choose a Book About Gratitude

A great way to spark conversations about thankfulness is with a story that shares that message in a relatable way. Here are some book ideas for different age groups:

• For Toddlers: Thank You, God by P.K. Hallinan - a sweet, simple board book about giving thanks.
• For Preschoolers: Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman - Bear and his friends celebrate with food and gratitude.
• For Elementary Kids: The Thank You Book by Mo Willems - A fun story with Piggie and Gerald that keeps kids laughing while learning to say thank you.

Each of these books provides a gentle way to introduce the concept of gratitude and appreciation.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect book, tuck it into your Thankful Basket as a warm kickoff to the holiday season!

2. Add a Fun, Themed Craft

A craft project can keep little hands busy and give them something special to create and share with others. Here are some ideas for different age groups:

• For Toddlers and Preschoolers: Include pre-cut foam or felt leaves along with glue sticks to create their own “Thankful Tree.” Have them glue leaves onto paper or a small branch from outside, and write down things they’re thankful for as you talk.
• For School-Age Kids: Provide small canvases and washable paint for a “Thankful Hands” craft. They can dip their hands in paint and press them onto the canvas, writing something they’re thankful for on each finger!

Crafts like these help grandkids focus on what they’re grateful for while having fun and creating something special to bring home. You can also encourage them to share their creations with family members, reinforcing the spirit of giving.

3. Sweet Treat or Snack (With a Side of Gratitude)

No Thanksgiving basket would be complete without a treat! Here are some options for a little something sweet, along with a gratitude twist:

• Gratitude Cookies: Fill a small bag with homemade or store-bought cookies, then attach a “thankful tag.” Write a note on each tag, like “Thankful for your laugh!” or “Thankful for your big hugs!” It’s a fun way to give them something sweet and reinforce a grateful mindset.
• Thanksgiving Trail Mix: Create a mix of their favorite snacks—think pretzels, chocolate chips, and dried fruit—and call it “Thankful Mix.” You could even add a little note that says, “I’m thankful to share these treats with you!”

Having a treat is always fun, but by adding a thoughtful tag or story behind it, you’ll add meaning to this part of the basket, too.

4. Include a Manipulative Toy or Activity

For little ones, a manipulative toy or activity can keep them engaged and give them a small, special activity to explore on their own. Here are some ideas for each age:

• For Toddlers: Include a small sensory toy, like a mini pack of Play-Doh or stacking blocks, to keep their hands busy during the holiday gathering.
• For Preschoolers and School-Age Kids: Look for activity kits that are seasonally themed, like mini Thanksgiving puzzles or coloring pages. These activities can keep them entertained while you’re finishing up Thanksgiving prep!

These small additions make the basket engaging, educational, and a bit of fun. They’re perfect for occupying kids during those in-between moments, like waiting for dinner or during travel time.

5. Wrap It Up with a Gratitude Activity

One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is sharing what we’re grateful for. Each basket I create includes a small, simple gratitude activity that we can do together. Here’s an idea for each age range:

• Toddlers and Preschoolers: Include a pack of colorful paper and crayons so they can draw what makes them happy. Then, ask them to share what they drew!
• School-Age Kids: Create a “Thankful Jar” with a small mason jar and slips of paper. Have them write or draw things they’re grateful for throughout the holiday season, and encourage them to add to it until Thanksgiving. They can even share what’s in their jar with the family on Thanksgiving Day!
  
  

These simple activities can create lasting memories and provide a keepsake of what they were grateful for at this special time in their lives.

Sample Notes to Include in Your Basket

Each item in the basket is an opportunity to share a loving message. Here are a few sample notes you can include:

• Book: “I’m so thankful for the stories we share and the memories we make together!”
• Craft: “Create something special with this craft—just like you make every day special for me.”
• Snack: “Here’s a sweet treat because I’m so grateful for my sweet grandchild!”
• Gratitude Activity: “This jar is for all the things you’re thankful for! I can’t wait to hear about each one.”

We found so many great Thanksgiving-themed decorations at Hobby Lobby (50% off!) & Target to use for our boxes. If you can’t make it to either of those stores, here are some quick links to help you create your own Thankful Box!