Gratitude Drawing Prompts for Kids and Adults
Have you ever found yourself doodling absentmindedly, only to realize later that it brought you a surprising sense of calm? We’ve all been there—scribbling in the corner of a notebook or sketching little scenes after a long day. There’s something about putting pen to paper that helps us slow down, reflect, and connect with the moment.
Now, imagine combining that calming creative act with gratitude. Taking a few minutes to draw the things, people, and experiences we cherish can spark joy in the most surprising ways. Whether you’re a kid exploring simple joys or an adult seeking a moment of peace, gratitude-themed drawing prompts are a creative way to reflect on what truly matters.
So, grab a sketchbook and let’s bring gratitude to life, one drawing at a time.
Why combine gratitude and drawing?
"Art is the expression of gratitude for the beauty of life." – Unknown
Gratitude practices are powerful. Research shows they can reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve mental well-being. At the same time, drawing taps into creativity, offering a meditative escape and a chance to express ourselves visually.
When we combine drawing and gratitude, something beautiful happens. We slow down, pay attention, and celebrate life’s little treasures. For kids, this helps them connect with their emotions and joys. For adults, it’s an opportunity to step away from busyness and rediscover the good in everyday life.
We at the DIP think drawing gratitude is a wonderful idea. Writing down things you’re grateful for might be quicker and easier, but drawing allows you to reflect more deeply. You can use colors to express feelings and emotions, and you give yourself more time to relive those precious moments.
And no, you don’t need to be an artist. A stick figure with intention holds just as much meaning as a masterpiece.
Gratitude drawing prompts for kids
Here’s a fun, playful list of prompts to help kids focus on the good things in their lives.
- Draw your favorite person in the world. Who makes you smile the most? Sketch them doing something you love together.
- What’s your favorite food? Think about the yummiest meal you’ve ever had and draw it. Add toppings, colors, and details!
- Draw your happy place. It could be your room, a park, or anywhere that feels safe and joyful.
- Draw a pet or animal you love. Pets can be our best friends—sketch your furry companion or an animal you adore.
- What’s the best thing that happened today? Reflect on your day and draw a happy moment, big or small.
- Draw your favorite toy or game. What’s the one thing you love playing with the most?
- Create a gratitude tree. Draw a tree and write or sketch something you’re thankful for on each branch.
- Draw a family memory that makes you smile. Maybe it’s a trip, a holiday, or a cozy night at home.
- Sketch your favorite outdoor activity. Do you love swimming, biking, or playing soccer? Draw yourself in action!
- Draw someone who helps you every day. A parent, teacher, or friend who makes life easier for you.
- Draw something that makes you laugh. Think of a funny moment, joke, or silly face that made you giggle.
- Sketch your favorite holiday celebration. Birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, or April’s Fools Day—draw the decorations, food, and fun!
- Draw a rainbow of things you love. Use each color to represent something that makes you happy.
- Draw your favorite moment at school. Maybe it’s time with friends, an exciting lesson, or your teacher.
- What’s your favorite thing about yourself? Draw yourself doing something that makes you proud.
Click on the image to download the list in a PDF format:
Gratitude drawing prompts for adults
These prompts are designed to help you reflect, slow down, and celebrate the people, moments, and experiences that matter most.
- Draw three small things that bring you joy. A hot cup of tea, the sound of birds, or a cozy chair—capture the tiny pleasures.
- Sketch a moment this week that made you feel thankful. Maybe it was a compliment, a helping hand, or time spent with someone you love.
- Draw someone you’re grateful for. Sketch a person who has impacted your life, and include symbols of what they mean to you.
- Illustrate a happy memory you cherish. A scene from a trip, a celebration, or a simple afternoon that felt special.
- Sketch an object in your home that makes life better. A favorite book, a family photo, or your most comfortable blanket.
- Draw your favorite place to unwind. A reading nook, a garden, or your favorite park bench—where do you feel at peace?
- Sketch an act of kindness you received recently. Capture a moment when someone’s thoughtfulness lifted your spirits.
- Draw a gift you’ve received that means a lot to you. It doesn’t have to be big—sometimes the smallest gifts hold the most meaning.
- Illustrate a favorite meal or recipe you’re grateful for. Draw the ingredients, the dish, or a happy scene of sharing food with loved ones.
- Draw a life lesson you’re thankful for. Represent something difficult that taught you growth, resilience, or wisdom.
- Sketch a friend who always makes you smile. Capture their personality or a favorite moment you’ve shared.
- Draw a moment of nature that fills you with gratitude. Think of a sunrise, a blooming flower, or the sound of rain.
- Illustrate your gratitude for your body. Sketch your hands, feet, or any part of you that allows you to experience life fully.
- Draw the people or places that make you feel “at home.” It could be family, a cozy space, or a community that gives you a sense of belonging.
- Illustrate a word or a phrase that someone said to you and made you feel special
If you're looking for even more ways to spark creativity, check out our Drawing prompts for adults for inspiration beyond gratitude.
Click on the image to download the list in a PDF format:
Making Gratitude Drawing a Habit
You don’t need hours to explore gratitude through drawing—just 5 or 10 minutes can make a difference. Here are some simple tips:
- Keep it easy: Use a notebook, some pencils, or even sticky notes.
- Make it a ritual: Sketch in the morning to start the day mindfully or before bed to end with reflection.
- Involve others: Turn gratitude drawing into a family or group activity. It’s fun and meaningful together.
- Let go of perfection: This isn’t about creating art for a gallery. It’s about noticing the good in your life.
The benefits of reflecting on gratitude through art
Drawing gratitude prompts can be a small yet powerful way to pause and reconnect with life’s gifts. It’s more than just images on paper. It’s a practice of celebrating what we often overlook—quiet joys, meaningful relationships, and moments of peace.
When we focus on gratitude, our perspective shifts. We feel lighter, more aware, and more connected to what matters. Combine that with the creative flow of drawing, and it’s like giving your heart and mind a deep breath of fresh air.
Draw, reflect, and be thankful
The beauty of gratitude drawing is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy supplies or artistic skills—just a willingness to pause and pay attention.
So why not try a prompt today? Start small. Sketch something that makes you smile. You might just find that gratitude looks even more beautiful when it comes to life on the page.
