A network built on appreciation.

At Gratitude Bucket, we are running a large pay-kindness-forward experiment.

Our Approach

When you receive a note of appreciation to your Gratitude Bucket, you can not see until you pay-it-forward by adding a note of appreciation to someone else's Gratitude Bucket.

Gratitude is a powerful force that has the ability to transform our relationships and improve our mental and physical health. When we express gratitude to others, we strengthen the bonds of our relationships and create a sense of positivity and connection.

At the same time, expressing gratitude has been linked to increased happiness and well-being, as well as lower levels of stress and depression. It can even boost the immune system! On the other side of the equation, receiving gratitude can have a similarly positive impact. It can increase self-esteem and confidence, improve mood and overall well-being, and strengthen relationships. All of this adds up to a virtuous cycle of giving and receiving gratitude that has the power to create a ripple effect of positivity in our lives and the lives of those around us.

The Benefits of Gratitude: A Review of the Empirical Literature

Psychological Bulletin, Vol. 135, No. 2, pages 245-268

This review paper examines the empirical literature on the benefits of gratitude and concludes that gratitude is a positive emotion that is associated with a range of beneficial outcomes, including increased well-being, improved physical health, and better social relationships.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3010965/

Gratitude and Well-Being: A Review and Theoretical Integration

Clinical Psychology Review, Vol. 31, No. 6, pages 890-905

This review paper discusses the relationship between gratitude and well-being and presents a theoretical model of how gratitude may affect well-being. The authors suggest that gratitude may lead to increased well-being through a variety of mechanisms, including increased positive emotions, improved social connections, and increased feelings of control and self-determination.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20451313/

Gratitude interventions reduce cyber-aggression in adolescents: gender and disposition effects

Scientific Reports volume 15, Article number: 14602 (2025)

This study examined the effects of gratitude interventions on aggression and depressive symptoms in adolescents. The results showed that gratitude interventions were associated with significant reductions in aggression and depressive symptoms, suggesting that gratitude may be an effective tool for improving mental health in adolescents.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-97214-w#:~:text=Notably%2C%20some%20previous%20studies%20suggest,%2Deducational%20programs6%2C7.

Improving mental health in health care practitioners: randomized controlled trial of a gratitude intervention

J Consult Clin Psychol. 2015 Feb;83(1):177-86.

This randomized controlled trial tested the effects of a gratitude intervention on psychological and physical health outcomes. The results showed that the gratitude intervention was associated with significant improvements in well-being, happiness, and physical health outcomes, such as reduced inflammation and improved sleep quality.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25222798/

How it works

Create a Gratitude Bucket for someone you care about. They can then start receiving appreciation from others.

Our pay-it-forward approach

When you receive a note of appreciation on your Gratitude Bucket, you can not see until you pay-it-forward by adding a note of appreciation on someone else's Gratitude Bucket.