What Do You Put In A Kindness Jar?
With World Kindness Day rolling around on the 13th November, there’s no better time to explore simple, uplifting ways to help kids express empathy, gratitude, and confidence. A kindness jar is one of the easiest creative activities for kids, and it doubles as a lovely moment of connection for the whole family. Whether you want to spark positive affirmations for kids, encourage mindful crafts, or simply sprinkle more joy into daily routines, a kindness jar is a gentle place to start!
What is a kindness jar?
A kindness jar is a decorated pot, jar, or box filled with notes that celebrate positive moments. You can write down kind acts kids have done, thoughtful things they’ve noticed, gratitude prompts, or simple uplifting messages. Some families use it like a gratitude jar, while others lean into positive affirmation cards to boost confidence.
How does a kindness jar work?
The idea is intentionally simple. Every time your child does something kind, spots something good in their day, or needs a dose of encouragement, you add a note to the jar. Over time, the jar becomes a wellbeing treasure trove. Kids can dip in whenever they need reassurance, ideas for kindness, or reminders of their strengths. It’s a small practice with big benefits for positive parenting, confidence building for kids, and emotional resilience.
What are the benefits of a kindness jar?
A kindness jar is a powerful tool for kids' wellbeing. It supports emotional awareness, encourages self-reflection, strengthens family bonds, and reinforces positive social behaviour. Regularly adding notes also helps kids engage in mindful crafting, slowing down long enough to notice the good around them. For children who benefit from structure, the jar acts as a visual reminder that kindness counts.
How To Make A Kindness Jar
Creating a kindness jar is quick, accessible, and fun. Here’s a simple guide:
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Choose your jar. A recycled glass jar works beautifully, especially if you’re interested in glass painting or exploring new glass painting ideas.
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Clean and dry it.
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Gather your decoration materials (more below).
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Write your notes. These can be:
• Short acts of kindness (“I helped tidy up today”)
• Positive affirmations (“I am brave”, “I can try again”)
• Gratitude journal prompts (“Something that made me smile…”)
• Messages for others (“I can do something kind for…”)
- Fold your notes and pop them inside.
- Keep the jar somewhere kids can access it easily.
If you’re wondering what to write in a kindness jar, simple is best. Focus on small moments that make your child feel valued, capable, and connected.
Decorating your kindness jar
Turning the jar into a mini art project makes the activity even more special. Here are some brilliant products to help kids personalise their creations:
Tiger Tribe Dual-Tip Paint Pens
These vibrant paint pens from Tiger Tribe are perfect for bright, bold glass painting. Kids can draw patterns, doodles, stars, or encouraging words directly onto the jar.
Neon Gel Crayons
Smooth, creamy, and super fun to use, these Tiger Tribe neon crayons are great for decorating paper labels, affirmation cards, or note prompts to pop inside the jar.
Stickabouts
Perfect for little hands, Fiesta Crafts' Stickabouts let kids build their own scenes and personalise their jar with magical or underwater themes. They’re reusable too, which means endless creative possibilities. We recommend the Fairy Stickabouts and the Aquarium collection.
Share Your Kindness Jars with Us!
A kindness jar is a simple yet powerful way to foster empathy, gratitude, and confidence in kids. Show off your kindness jar designs and ideas, and tag us on Instagram at @bigjigstoys!