Everywhere we turn these days, it feels like kids are surrounded by a chorus of “more, more, more”: more toys, more screen time, more stuff. As a grandparent, it can feel overwhelming, especially when all you really want is for your grandkids to appreciate what they already have. I get it, because I’ve felt the same way myself. Here’s the encouraging part: gratitude isn’t something children are simply born knowing. It’s something we can gently teach, nurture, and watch blossom as they grow into adulthood.
Why Gratitude Matters
Gratitude is so much more than a quick “thank you.” You and I know that, but sometimes kids need a little extra help seeing it. Studies show that kids who practice it regularly are happier, more optimistic, and even sleep better. In fact, a study from the American Psychological Association found that grateful children report 13% higher life satisfaction than their peers. That’s pretty remarkable, isn’t it? And it’s exactly why gratitude deserves a spot in our grandparenting toolbox.
A Personal Story: When the Toy Didn’t Matter
A few years ago, I bought my grandson a toy I thought he would absolutely love. He opened it, played for a few minutes, and then went back to building a fort out of the couch cushions with his sister. At first, I’ll be honest, I felt a little disappointed—had I picked the wrong gift? But as I watched, I realized something important: he wasn’t going to remember the toy years later, but he would remember giggling under that blanket fort, with me crawling inside to join him.
That moment changed how I thought about “gifting.” Now, I try to focus more on the experiences we can share. Last year, I gave him a kids’ pizza-making kit, and we spent the afternoon in the kitchen covered in flour and cheese. He still brings it up with a smile, which tells me it wasn’t just about the kit, it was about us, together. Maybe you’ve had a moment like that, too, where the “thing” faded but the time together stuck. That’s gratitude at its heart, rooted not in things but in shared moments.
Cooking Up Gratitude and Lasting Memories
And if you’re looking for inspiration, here’s a fun idea. Our thoughtfully curated Little Chef Gift Bundle makes it easy to create those same kinds of memories: hands-on, a little messy, and a whole lot of fun. It’s one of those gifts that’s really a doorway to an experience.
The Little Chef bundle makes it easy and fun for kids of all ages to get hands-on in the kitchen. From beginner friendly tools and playful baking kits to a personalized apron and recipe box, this set is a deliciously fun way to builds kitchen confidence and introduces STEAM learning through cooking.
Everyday Ways to Teach Gratitude
So how do we weave gratitude into everyday life without making it feel like a lecture? The good news is, it doesn’t take anything fancy. Here are a few ways I’ve found that really make a difference, and I’ll bet some of them will fit right into your time with your grandkids, too.
Start with your own stories. Kids light up when they hear about “when you were little.” I sometimes tell mine about the joy of getting just one toy at Christmas or how special it felt to savor a slice of my grandmother’s homemade pie. When we share these memories, we’re showing them that real happiness doesn’t come from having a lot, but from savoring the little things.
Another easy way is to begin small rituals. In my house, we have a habit of sharing one thing we’re thankful for before dinner. It might be as simple as “I’m thankful for playing outside today,” but those tiny acknowledgments build up into a much bigger perspective. If your grandkids like to doodle, a gratitude journal can make this even more fun, they can draw or jot down what they’re thankful for, and you’ll both enjoy flipping back through it later.
When it comes to gifts, I’ve learned that experiences almost always win over objects. Think about it: what do you remember most from your own childhood, the toys or the time spent with family? A day at the park with a picnic, baking cookies in the kitchen, or building a birdhouse together creates memories that stick. If you do want to give something tangible, choose things that invite shared experiences, like a puzzle you can tackle together or a gratitude jar kit that sparks everyday appreciation.
And don’t forget, kids are always watching us. Modeling thankfulness is one of the most powerful tools we have. Writing a thank-you note, saying out loud, “I’m so glad the sun came out today so we could play outside,” or simply pointing out small joys teaches them how to notice life’s blessings.
Finally, one of my favorite lessons is encouraging them to give back. It doesn’t have to be big. Donating gently used toys, baking cookies for a neighbor, or volunteering side by side if they’re old enough shows them that gratitude and generosity go hand in hand. Even the smallest act of kindness leaves a lasting mark.
Personal Example: The “Thankful Jar”
One year, I started a “Thankful Jar” with my grandson. Every time he felt happy or lucky about something, we wrote it on a slip of paper and dropped it in. By Thanksgiving, the jar was overflowing. Reading them together reminded him of all the little moments he might have forgotten. His favorite? “Grandma let me lick the spoon when we made brownies.” It may sound small, but to him, it was huge. And to me, it was proof that gratitude grows in the tiniest of places. Maybe you’ll try something similar with your grandkids, you’ll be amazed at what they write down.
A Legacy Beyond Gifts
At the end of the day, teaching gratitude isn’t about doing it perfectly, it’s about planting seeds. We can’t stop the world from telling our grandkids they need “more,” but we can show them something far better: how to pause, appreciate, and find joy in the simplest things.
And here’s the beautiful part: years from now, they may not remember every toy they unwrapped, but they will remember how you made them feel. That, dear reader, is the true and lasting gift of gratitude, one only we, as grandparents, can give in such a special way.
By ZestYears contributor:
Susan Pasternack
