Take a moment to consider how you can spread a little kindness in your day-to-day life. Random acts of kindness are gestures of goodwill or charity that often take just a few moments of your time, but can have a lasting impact and bring a smile to someone’s face. Here are some ideas for random acts of kindness for strangers, loved ones, friends and family, co-workers, neighbors, and your community.
Random Acts of Kindness Ideas: For Strangers
Smile and make eyecontact with someone you are passing on the street. Give up your seat on a crowded bus or train. Let someone in front of you in line at the grocery store. Pay for someone’s coffee in line behind you. Hold the door open for someone entering the building. Tell a stranger they look nice today.
For Your Loved One
Write a love letter. Give a surprise hug. Plan a surprise outing. Leave kind notes around the house. Do something special they don’t expect. Cook their favorite meal. Create a homemade gift.
For Friends and Family
Send someone a care package. Offer to babysit for free. Send a text expressing your appreciation. Give someone a meaningful gift. Offer to help with errands. Do something nice for their family. Share something meaningful with them.
For Co-workers
Write a thank you note for a job well done. Offer to stay late to help a co-worker finish a project. Bring snacks or treats to share. Introduce co-workers from different departments. Offer help with projects outside of your job description. Always be a source of encouragement.
For Neighbors
Bring over a plate of cookies. Offer to help walk their dog. Shovel their driveway or mow their lawn. Share a meal. Invite them for a cup of coffee. Compliment their garden or landscaping. Offer to run errands for them.
For Your Community
Organize a food drive. Pick up trash in your neighborhood. Volunteer at a shelter. Donate clothes to a charity. Donate money to a cause. Help out at a local event. Visit a nursing home and chat with residents.
For Teachers
Say thank you to your teacher with a card. Help out in the classroom. Offer to give a presentation on a topic. Bring a snack or a treat. Write a letter of appreciation. Offer to tutor students. Participate in a teacher appreciation event.
For Students
Organize a study group. Offer to help a classmate with a project. Offer to tutor someone for free. Share a positive word of encouragement. Make cards or gifts for your classmates. Help set up a school event or activity. Offer your notes to someone who missed a class.
Best Random Acts of Kindness Videos
There are countless videos on the internet that capture moments of random acts of kindness and the impact they can have. Here are some of our favorites:
• Good Samaritan Rescues a Homeless Man from the Cold
• Man Surprises a Teacher with a Brand New Car
• Officer Buys Shoes for a Homeless Man
• Stranger Pays for Elderly Couple’s Groceries
• Girl Surprises Her Teacher with a New Whiteboard
• Stranger Saves a Struggling Mom at the Grocery Store
• Girl Gives Away Her Prize to a Young Fan
• Man Gives Away His Last $20 to a Struggling Family
• CIA Agents Help an Elderly Woman Cross the Street
• Daughter Surprises Her Dad with a New Car
• Man Gives Away Airplane Seats to a Struggling Family
• Police Officer Helps a Homeless Man in Need
FAQ
Q: What is a random act of kindness?
A: A random act of kindness is any kind of activity that is done without expecting anything in return. Kindness can be as simple as smiling at a stranger, giving up your seat on the bus, or holding the door open for someone.
Q: How can I participate in random acts of kindness?
A: You can participate in random acts of kindness in many ways, such as smiling at a stranger, giving up your seat on the bus, or holding the door open for someone. You can also write a love letter, give a surprise hug, or plan a surprise outing for someone you love. There are countless ways to spread kindness and you can find more ideas in the article above.
For the Strangers
Showing kindness to the unknown is something that brings smiles and joy to those around us. Here are a few ways to do just that!
Offer compliments to those throughout the day.
Give the person in front of you in the line a chance to go ahead, possibly even forfeiting your place.
Smile at passers-by and strangers.
Buy the next person's groceries out of the goodness of your heart.
Help someone transport their items from the store to their car.
Offer to carry a heavy bag or two if you notice someone struggling.
Decide to surprise the individual in front of you and buy their coffee.
Consider leaving an above-average tip.
Make sure an elderly person or someone who needs it more has a seat on public transportation by giving yours away.
Create a positive thought or message and leave it on someone's car as a surprise.
Assist an elderly person cross the street, they would appreciate it.
Offer to help an elderly person with their grocery shopping.
When appropriate, put money into a parking meter that has expired so that someone could benefit from the extra time.
Leave change at the laundromat for someone else to use.
Have some coins ready to be a lasting gift at the vending machine for the next person in line.
Make a meal for a family that is in need of it.
Give a homeless person a sandwich and something to drink.
Donate a blanket for a homeless person to keep warm in the cold.
Hold the door open for the person coming from behind, even if they are not quite there yet.
Volunteer to donate blood.
Make a donation to a chosen charitable cause.
Dedicate some free time to volunteer.
Do something spontaneous like a good deed and keep it anonymous.
If you spot a lost tourist, help them find their way.
When able, return a lost item to the rightful owner.
Send a care package to those serving in the military overseas.
Adopt a family for the holidays.
Cook a meal for a new mom, she will appreciate it.
Post a cheerful and encouraging words on social media.
Buy groceries for someone who you know needs them.
Propose carpooling to a coworker or friend to help the environment.
Give a good review when appropriate and it is deserved.
Unexpectedly give someone a small gift.
Visit a nursing home and make the residents smile.
Offer a hug to someone in need of comfort and affection.
Telling a joke is a great way to lighten a person’s mood.
Leave a book in a public place for someone else to find and take pleasure in.
Allowing someone to merge in front of you in traffic.
Even though the service wasn't ideal, still leave a generous tip.
Bring a furry friend to the nursing home so the residents could be around one.
Place a treat or toy on your doorstep for the delivery person.
If you notice that somebody is looking for directions, provide it without being asked.
Show some kindness in the parking lot by returning a shopping cart for someone.
Offer to tutor somebody in a subject you are passionate about and proficient in.
Find a lost wallet or cellphone and return it to the rightful owner.
Creating Special Moments with the One You Love
Recognize their presence and express appreciation for their willingness to be there. Thank them for their unconditional support.
Make them smile with an unexpected bunch of flowers.
Show them you are there for them by giving your loved one a big hug or embrace.
Surprise your partner with a delicious breakfast in bed.
Offer to give them a massage or foot rub.
Check one item off of their bucket list that you can experience together.
Give back to a charity by donating in their name.
Tell them something you admire about them each day.
Send a heartfelt letter detailing how much you value having them in your life.
Compliment them honestly on something they do that is commendable.
Allow your loved one to naturally talk through their worries without judgment.
Do something kind for someone they care about.
Treat them to coffee and take the time to truly listen to them.
Show your support by helping with something they need but haven’t been able to find the time for.
Cook up their favorite meal or dessert as a special treat.
Going for a pleasant walk or carrying out a mutual pastime together is a great way to bond.
Enjoy each other’s company by engaging in conversation, having a good laugh, and creating lasting memories.
Place a sweet note in their lunch box to make sure they have a good start to their day.
Plan a special date night that celebrates the two of you.
Get away together to recharge and have some fun.
Urge them with words of encouragement during a difficult time.
Step out of your comfort zone and do something they would really love.
Create a photo collage with pictures of all the moments you have shared.
Make a playful video message to show affection.
Spoil them with a shopping spree and purchase something they have been wanting.
Show your support to a local charity in honor of their birthday.
Offer to help run an errand or pick up an item they need.
Brighten up their day by bringing their favorite takeout for dinner.
Share a funny meme with them, something you know will make them laugh.
Give a gift card to their favorite place, showing that you pay attention to what they like.
Plan a fun activity for the two of you and make it a day to remember.
Put together a music selection that reminds you of them, and share it.
Recall and express your gratitude for how they were there for you during a specific moment.
Take a day off of responsibilities and let them just relax or do whatever they choose.
Organize a fun-filled day in accordance with their hobbies and interests.
Show your consideration by volunteering to handle household tasks.
Leave a kind comment on their social media, demonstrating your admiration for them.
Join in on their favorite game or take the initiative to learn how to play.
Tell them how much you love and cherish them, as it is often the simplest words that mean the most.
For Loved Ones
In order to show the important people in your life just how much you care about them, here are several ways to show your appreciation:
Offer to look after a newborn so their parents can take a break from parenting duties.
Take a friend or family out for a night, by providing them with babysitting services.
Mailing a card to your grandparents to simply say hello.
Give a call to someone you haven’t heard from in a while for the purpose of catching up.
Writing a heartfelt letter to a friend, expressing your gratitude for their friendship.
Send a thank-you note to someone that has had an influence in your life.
Take the time to thank your parents and/or grandparents with a thank-you note.
Do not forget to tell the important people in your life how much you love them and how much they mean to you.
Bake deliciously yummy cookies or a treat for someone close to you.
Show your support for a friend or family member who are going through a difficult time by giving them a care package.
Preparation of a lunch for your children with a loving message inside.
When you know that a friend has had a hard day, provide them with their favorite drink or snack.
Offer to assist a loved one with an activity that is overwhelming them.
Let the people around you know how much you are thinking of them.
Provide pet-sitting services to a friend or family member who is going away.
Listen to your friend when they need someone to talk to.
Give an encouraging text while someone is going through a tough situation.
Do a chore for a friend or family member without them having to ask.
Leave an uplifting note for someone to find.
When a friend has been hospitalized, bring flowers to show your care.
Help them out of a difficult situation when you can.
Send a positive text to someone close to you.
Give out an encouraging text to lift your friend’s spirit.
Plant a tree to honor someone you love.
Make a donation to an animal shelter in respect for a pet a friend may have lost.
Create a unique homemade gift for someone special.
Use social media to thank a friend or family member for something they have done.
Put down your phone and spend quality time talking with the people around you.
Make a playlist of uplifting songs and give it to a friend in need of cheering up.
Offer to help a friend to decorate their home for the upcoming holidays.
Give a hug to the beloved people in your life.
Buy flowers or a small gift to show your admiration.
Compliment a friend on something they have done that you really appreciate.
Do something nice and kind for a loved one anonymously.
Write a positive review for a business or service they provide.
Introduce your friend to someone you think they would get along with.
Invite them to an event or gathering that you think they would enjoy.
Make a photo album or scrapbook with all the treasured memories you share.
Gift them a subscription to a magazine or online service they love.
Create a care package filled with their favorite items as a surprise.
For Colleagues
Make sure to show appreciation and gratitude to your colleagues for their support and help. Take the initiative and bring in snacks for your co-workers, or even a full meal for everyone in the team. Not to forget, it is nice to show extra care towards the janitorial or maintenance staff by bringing them lunch too. A small gesture of leaving a nice comment on a co-worker’s desk or helping them with their current project can go a long way. An extra level of kindness can be reached by offering your co-workers rides to and from work, or even making breakfast for those who tend skip this meal. Furthermore, you can brighten up someone’s day by sending them a motivational message, or a compliment for their latest job well done. As a result, it is also beneficial to put together a care package for someone who is dealing with a hard situation. Alongside this, make coffee or tea for everyone in the office, or even the early risers. Show consideration by lending a helping hand with tidying up a fellow’s workspace or relocating them to a new one. Also, remember to all provide positive feedback and praises while also writing a thank you card to a colleague. Lastly, give a small gift or acknowledgment in front of your colleagues to finish it up.
For Neighbours
Making your neighbours feel special is just as important as colleagues. Leave a doorstop present such as freshly baked goodies or a bouquet of flowers. Show your kindness by offering to take care of their kids for free, helping with yard work or even inviting them over for dinner. Take part in physical actions such as carrying grocery bags, shoveling snow from their driveway, walking their dogs and watering their plants while they are away. Introduce yourself to the newbies on the block and welcome them to the neighbourhood. Reach out to elderly neighbours and check in on them regularly to make sure their wellbeing is taken care of. Lastly, send a thank you message for the effort they put in for you.
Community Outreach
With a lot of enthusiasm, show your concern and support for your local community by offering your contribution and service. Donate items that you may no longer need to a nearby charity or thrift store. Provide toys to a nearby children’s hospital or leave them in the toy container of your local grocery store. Make a surprise visit to the local police station with a baked-good or a delicious meal. You could also volunteer your time to help clean up a local park and while you’re at it, pick up any litter that might have been left behind. Donate blood at a nearby blood bank and initiate funds or other essential items for those organizations that are dedicated for helping local residents in need. Plant trees or flowers and cheer up the local land. Notes of encouragement and positivity can be stuck around local public places for people to read. Money or other supplies could be given to a nearby animal shelter or rescue group. Take part in the local school events and offer your wisdom and knowledge freely to those who need it. Lastly, leave positive online reviews for any local businesses.
Showing Appreciation To Teachers
Make sure to express your gratitude and respect to people who have been part of your life. A thank you note can be given to your child’s teacher or to the one who has made a real difference in your life. Do not forget to thank the school bus drivers, crossing-guards, and other staff members for their hard work in maintaining the school atmosphere. Put together a thoughtful care package for a new teacher which could include items like school supplies, books and other items like maps of the local surroundings. Showing appreciation could be done spontaneously with the help of a gift basket full of teacher-themed candies or chocolates, tea or coffee, a gift card, and a heartfelt note.
Supporting Students
Make sure to provide continuous support and care to students. Send a care package to any known college student and leave encouraging notes in students' lockers. Compliment a student in front of their parents or guardians. Help out a classmate who is having difficulty in completing his/her work and extend an invitation to a new student to join you for lunch. Stand up for those who are being bullied or teased and never ignore them. Share your snacks with others and make cards for those who are ill or hospitalized. Mentor those who require assistance in their homework or studies. Include everyone in the outdoor activities so that nobody is left out and make sure everyone has fun. Lastly, smile at everyone you meet and spread beautiful vibes.
