Gratitude Letter Writing and Delivery
Write a heartfelt letter to someone who has made a difference in your life and deliver it in person — one of the most powerful gratitude exercises.
What You'll Need
- 1Nice stationery or paper
- 2Pen or colored pens
- 3Envelope
- 4Decorating supplies (optional)
What You'll Need
Nice stationery or paper
A pen or colored pens
An envelope
Decorating supplies (optional)
How to Play
Ask: "Who is someone who has really made your life better? A teacher, coach, friend, family member?"
Choose one person. Talk about what they did and why it mattered.
Outline the letter together: what the person did, how it affected your child, a specific memory.
Write the letter by hand. Include real details: "Remember when you stayed after school to help me with fractions?"
Seal it in an envelope. Decorate it if your child wants to.
The most powerful part: deliver it in person and read it aloud to the recipient.
The recipient's reaction is unforgettable. Discuss how it felt afterward.
Why It Works
The gratitude letter is one of the most extensively researched positive psychology interventions. Studies consistently show that writing and delivering a gratitude letter increases happiness for both the writer and the recipient for weeks afterward. For kids, the exercise requires deep reflection ("What specific impact did this person have?"), emotional vulnerability (sharing heartfelt feelings), and social courage (delivering it in person). The in-person delivery is what makes it transformative — seeing someone's face when they realize they've mattered to you is a lesson no worksheet can teach.
Tips
If in-person delivery isn't possible, a video call reading or a mailed letter still has powerful impact.
Help with the outline, but let your child write in their own words. Authenticity matters more than polish.
This is a wonderful birthday, holiday, or end-of-school-year tradition.
Write your own gratitude letter alongside your child. Modeling vulnerability gives them permission to be genuine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 30 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: nice stationery or paper, pen or colored pens, envelope, decorating supplies (optional).
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 8-12 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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