Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the things we’re grateful for—and what better way to celebrate than with a hands-on activity that inspires outdoor exploration and gratitude? As Zig Ziglar wisely said, “Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” This activity will help you and your little Iksplorers connect with nature and create meaningful moments to appreciate life’s small and big blessings.

Supplies Needed:

• Colored Paper
• Scissors
• String or Pipe Cleaners
• Sticks
• Rocks
• A pot, bucket, or basket
• A hole punch

Directions:

Step 1: Hunt for Sticks
Every kid’s dream activity—go outside and look for sticks! You’re not hunting for the perfect marshmallow-roasting stick; instead, search for sticks that resemble small trees. The more branches, the better! The number of sticks you need will depend on a few things: how many people are in your group, the size of your pot, and how many leaves you want to hang. (For our group of four, we found about 10 medium-sized sticks.)

Step 2: Hunt for Rocks
Now for the next exciting part—finding rocks! Collect enough rocks to fill your pot or bucket.

Step 3: Fill the Pot with Rocks
Place the rocks into your pot or basket to create a sturdy base for your sticks. Kids of all ages will love doing this part and working together. 

Step 4: Assemble the Tree
Stick the branches into the rocks so they resemble a small tree growing out of the pot. Make sure the branches are stable and spread out, ready to hold your thankful leaves.

Step 5: Cut Out Leaves
Using your colored paper (we chose fall-inspired colors and patterns), cut out various leaf shapes. If cutting a maple leaf seems too tricky, try a simpler shape like a dogwood leaf or even trace your family members’ hands for fun leaf shapes. If you’re doing this with a large group of people, cut out enough leaves for each person to have one. If it’s just with your immediate family, consider cutting out enough for everyone to have several leaves. The more leaves, the prettier your tree will look. (You can also do this part in advance.)

Step 6: Hole-Punch the Leaves
Once your leaves are cut out, use a hole punch to make a hole at the top of each leaf. Then, tie a loop of string through the hole, or use pipe cleaners to create loops and twist them to secure. (This is similar to making Christmas ornaments!)

Step 7: Share Gratitude
Now it’s time to talk to your kids about gratitude. Ask, "What’s something that makes you happy?" Share some of your own examples to get the conversation started: family, sunsets, books, coffee…merino wool. :) Then, have each person draw a picture or write something they’re thankful for on each leaf. Or on ten leaves! The sky's the limit when it comes to gratitude. 

Step 8: Decorate Your Tree
Finally, hang all of your thankful leaves on the branches and admire your beautiful THANKFUL TREE!

This activity is perfect for the entire crew on Thanksgiving, a playdate with friends, or just a cozy afternoon in your backyard with your kids. It can even make a wonderful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dinner!

We are grateful for YOU, for adventure, and for cozy accessories that make life’s moments even more enjoyable—like our Adventure Blanket. Whether you’re swaddling your newborn, exploring the trails, or traveling the world, the Adventure Blanket is your perfect companion. Its temperature-regulating merino wool keeps you comfortable in any weather, it packs effortlessly into your carry-on or diaper bag, and it’s designed to last through every stage of life. Embrace comfort, sustainability, and endless possibilities with a blanket made for adventure.

Happy Thanksgiving, Iksplorers!