Some days can be so hectic and over scheduled that the pure thought of dealing with people can cause a headache. But have you ever been on the receiving end of a random act of kindness? Has someone ever taken a small step to make your life a touch easier for that moment? Simple acts like holding the door for a mom pushing a stroller or allowing someone ahead in the grocery line can uplift spirits and renew hope for humanity.
This list of 50 ideas hosts a variety of things to complete simple acts of kindness for all types of situations, budgets and lifestyles.
- On your way returning your shopping cart, take a fellow shoppers as they finish loading up their car.
- Pick up the phone and talk to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.
- Give credit or kudos to a co-worker.
- Buy the handmade item your friend is selling to make money.
- Leave a note of thanks for the good service on a restaurant bill.
- Leave a note on a public restroom mirror that says “You look gorgeous”
- Mow your neighbor’s lawn or rake their leaves after you’ve done yours.
- Smile and say hello to someone walking down the hall.
- Arrange a playdate with the neighbor’s child.
- Ask someone what they need.
- Volunteer your time and expertise.
- Leave a small gift or note of appreciation for your mail carrier.
- Remember birthdays.
- Leave pennies next to the fountain.
- Give up your seat for someone who needs it.
- Clean up a neighborhood park.
- Pay for someone’s coffee or lunch.
- Order dinner for delivery for a friend you know is having a busy day.
- Compliment a stranger.
- Let a car in front of you during rush hour.
- Send a friend or family member and old photo or memory.
- Make a donation to Girls Scouts/Boy Scouts without expecting something in return.
- Leave a sweet note in your partner’s lunch.
- Bring a homeless a meal.
- Buy what your neighbor’s child is selling.
- Leave a treat on a co-worker’s desk when they aren’t looking.
- Tell a parent how well behaved their child is in public.
- Gather gloves, hats and scarves and donate them to a shelter.
- Order dessert for another table and pay for it.
- Bring fresh flowers to a friend’s house.
- Learn to say hello in a friend’s native language.
- Leave extra time in the meter.
- Send a note of thanks to the school nurse.
- Donate old towels and blankets to animal shelter.
- Leave kind notes on cars in a parking lot.
- Send a care package to soldier.
- Stop a child dressed in a superhero costume and thank him for his bravery.
- Put money in a vending machine without buying anything.
- Donate new and gently used stuffed animals to SAFE.
- Place a bunch of paper hearts or stars in an envelope, give it to a child.
- Post a positive review of your favorite restaurant or store online.
- Donate funds through Kiva to help someone start their own business.
- Plant flowers in your neighbor’s garden.
- Donate books to school library.
- Bring cookies to the local fire house.
- Compliment a person you do not like.
- Keep a stash of lollipops in your purse, hand them out freely.
- Pay for a magazine subscription for the new parents.
- Keep an extra umbrella in your car, hand it to someone who needs it.
- Give away and awesome “something” on Craigslist.
