In November, we naturally focus on giving thanks and appreciating the things we have as we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. This is a great time to work on habits of gratitude that last all year long!

Over the past few years, it seems like our world has become a REALLY rude place. When social media first became a thing, it was amazing how quickly the comment threads became breeding grounds for bickering and name calling. Several years later, that “keyboard warrior” behavior is spilling over into real life with bickering between strangers in the grocery store line, road rage incidents, contentious neighbors, and so on.

We’ve got to stop being so overly critical and so quick to become angry and start becoming generously gracious and kind. We have to stop assuming the worst about everyone and their motives and start giving people the benefit of the doubt. We must notice others’ contributions to society, instead of just focusing on what we wanted but DIDN’T get.

For our family, I want to make gratitude a way of life. God takes such amazing care of us. We have so much to be thankful for, and we can appreciate the people in our lives!

Here’s a great way to help kids notice and appreciate all the good around them.

The Power of a Thank You Card

I made these printable gratitude cards for kids to make and send. Just print, fold, and have kids write a message. They’ll probably need help knowing what to write, but as you take the time to teach them, you are forming a life skill.

Isn’t it so encouraging to receive a hand-written note? One of these cards would make someone smile, and probably spur them on to even more kindness

In fact, I really think these cards could change the course of someone’s day! Imagine a grocery store cashier who has been dealing with a whole string of impatient and demanding customers. Maybe he doesn’t smile or talk as much as you think he should, because he’s tired. But just taking the time to hand him a note that says, “I appreciate the work you’re doing! I know this is a hard job, and we just wanted to say that we notice and are thankful for you.”

Well, that would put a spring in anyone’s step! So maybe this cashier is now a little more kind to the next customer. And so on it goes…

There are four card designs to print. Each design has the option to print it with or without lines to help young children write neatly.

You can give the cards just as they are, or use them to decorate a small gift. We made a simple jar of chocolates to give our mail carrier.

These would make great teacher gifts too!

Ideas for who to give these gratitude cards to:

  • Teachers
  • Coaches
  • Scout leaders
  • Church leaders
  • Neighbors
  • Mail carriers
  • Cashiers at the store
  • Restaurant servers
  • Doctors
  • Nurses
  • Lab staff at medical offices
  • Police/fire fighters
  • Anyone that needs to be appreciated!

Here’s how to fold the cards. First, print the ones you want. The link to download them is down at the bottom of this post.

Fold the paper in half so that the top edge touches the bottom.

Then fold it in half again. Easy peasy!

Print your set of Gratitude Cards! Click the link below. The file will open, and you can save or print from there.

CLICK HERE: Printable Gratitude Cards

Want more gratitude ideas? You’ll also want to check out our Thankful Tree!

6 Comments

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  1. Rhonda Lowe Taylor Nov 3, 2021

    These are awesome!

    Reply
  2. Vicki Whalley-Worrall Nov 3, 2021

    I love these! Teaching our children to be grateful for what others do is so important. Thank you for these, my twins and I shall be making lots!

    Reply
  3. LaDeane Galloway Nov 3, 2021

    I tried to print out the letter and free printable gratitude cards, but they would never print.
    Can you help me please?

    Reply
  4. Jeanie Oliver Nov 4, 2021

    I agree with Rhonda! Awesome! This is among the many wonderful ways to let someone know that they are valuable and very much appreciated. Sometimes we need to be reminded of our responsibility to show love and support to one another, even strangers. That's what being human is all about. God didn't give us emotions for nothing.

    Reply
  5. Bev Ethington Nov 8, 2021

    What a wonderful way to teach kids to think of others : D

    Reply
  6. Marcy Nov 15, 2022

    These are great!!!

    Is it possible to make a black and white version so my students can color them? Color printing is too expensive for our budget. It is currently locked to editing with a password. Please advise. Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Sarah Nov 15, 2022

      That's a great idea! I will see if I can find time to make a black and white version. I purchase the clipart, and it's part of the terms of use that the file be locked to editing. But I do have black and white versions of those images. I will do my best!

      Reply
      1. Janelle Nov 15, 2022

        I would love a black and white version as well for my kids to color. Thank you for any help. These are awesome.

        Reply

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