How To Make A Gratitude Jar

Happy November! With Thanksgiving around the corner, I have been thinking a lot about gratefulness and thankfulness. A gratitude jar is a simple DIY craft to help you practice kindness and appreciation. It even makes a nice fall decoration for any room in your house!

What Is Gratitude Journaling?

Gratitude journals have become very popular. The idea is to spend some time every day or every week reflecting on what you are particularly grateful for. For example, one entry may be that I’m thankful that I was able to celebrate my daughter’s birthday with her while she was away at college.

There are many positive benefits to gratitude journaling, such as being more present and becoming more positive in your daily life. Plus, it’s a really good way to lift your spirits when you’re feeling down. All you have to do is re-read all those moments you took note of!

Instead of writing in a book or journal, I decided to place handwritten notes in a gratitude jar. I have been trying to craft more and this is an easy, creative project that requires very little supplies. And what better time to start a gratitude practice than Thanksgiving!

How To Make A Gratitude Jar

Most of the supplies needed for this project can probably be found around your home already. I recycled a large mason jar and used some jute string I found in my craft drawer.

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Supplies Needed

• wide-mouthed jar or vase
• glue gun
• jute or string
• scissors
• double-sided tape
• card stock
• printer (I use the Canon PIXMA TS8120 Wireless Printer)

Directions

1. Print out labels and gratitude cards

Download the free printable at the end of this post. Load paper into your printer (I used cardstock for the labels and copy paper for the cards) and print. I included two versions of the label, one in portrait and another in landscape. There are 2 gratitude cards per page so print out as many copies as you like.

2. Decorate Jar

To decorate with jute or string, place a dab of glue with a hot glue gun on one end of jute. Attach firmly to the jar. Wrap the string around the mouth of the jar as many times as you desire. Cut the string, making sure you leave a little at the end. Dab some more hot glue on the jute and attach. Add any other decorations you like (I added a wooden leaf sticker).

3. Attach Label

Cut out the label that best fits your jar and attach it to the jar using double-sided tape. Cut out each gratitude card. That’s it!

How To Use Your Gratitude Jar

Write down what you’re grateful for, someone or something you appreciate, a happy memory, or even an act of kindness from a stranger and place them all in your gratitude jar. Read on for 15 additional prompts to help you get started.

Gratitude Jar Prompt Ideas

1. What family tradition are you most grateful for?
2. Did you enjoy reading something today?
3. What do you like most about where you live?
4. Do you have a favorite place to visit in your community?
5. What made you smile or laugh today?
6. List 5 people that you are grateful for.
7. What is the best thing that happened to you this week?
8. Do you have a favorite season or holiday?
9. What is something you’re good at doing?
10. What food do you enjoy eating?
11. Did you listen to a song you liked?
12. List some of your favorite scents.
13. Who do you cherish?
14. What do you love most about your partner/family/friend?
15. What are you grateful for that you normally take for granted?

I think a gratitude jar is a terrific way to celebrate Thanksgiving with your family and friends. You can also fill the jar up throughout the year and make a tradition of reading your notes aloud on New Years Day.

And, if you prefer not to DIY, here are some cute gratitude jars that I found!