Have you ever paid for someone’s coffee at your local coffee shop or complimented a stranger on their outfit, just because? If so then you know how good that feels. Yes, the satisfaction of receiving a smile or even a Thanks can mean world, but have evidence to suggest that by helping others, you can experience positive psychological changes in your brain (changes, that’s right, are linked to happiness). It’s great, isn’t it? To help you reap the benefits (and bring more good to the world), we’ve rounded up 25 of our favorite random acts of kindness ideas.
Although Acts of Kindness coincidentally falls on February 17th, we strongly believe in expressing empathy and compassion all day, every day. Sharing kindness, showing kindness, and acting in benevolent ways is year-round. In fact, scratch it off – there can’t be anything we’d consider further from an errand.
So keep scrolling to discover 30 creative ways you can show kindness this and the following week. You will increase your good karma points, build stronger connections and even strengthenlove while you’re there. These ideas are so easy and rewarding, and you could just do for someone for an entire week.
Featured image of Michelle Nash.
25 Random Acts of Kindness to Share Generosity, Gratitude, and Love
Send a “just because” text to a friend who is going through a tough time. I used to feel sorry when I lost contact with a friend for a long time. Know this: You can always start over. Share a few gratitude notes or send one that simply reminds them how much they mean to you.
Offer babysitting for new parents. Really, I can’t tell you what this will mean for them. When you’re a new parent, your life revolves around your baby. And while it’s one of the most gratifying, wonderful things to experience in the world, sometimes all you want is a few moments of peace and quiet for yourself.
Wash your roommate’s clothes. Pack the pile and send it on a spin. They will be extremely grateful.
Tell someone they look great today. Because this is true every day.
Donate your workwear to Prepare for success. Take a moment to sift through your work wardrobe and identify clean, lightly used items to help someone look (and more importantly feel) their best.
Offer a batch of cookies. This Best chocolate chip delights ever is a great place to start.
Throw a cool party. It received hotttt you. If your house is equipped with air conditioning, invite friends who are not as fortunate as you, open some Roseand sink into the cold feeling of happiness.
Make soup for someone. Whether it’s a new mom or a friend in need, any soup will do, but this immune-boosting green soup is not only delicious, but also very nutritious.
Share a friend’s latest project or achievement on social media. Use that social media addiction for good.
Read a story (and dub!) to your child. Because it’s fun for you too.
Free offer back rub. While we’ve thoroughly explained how good it feels to perform an act of kindness without expecting anything in return, a hand massage is a nice bonus.
Take your kids out for the afternoon. Have you planned a trip to the pool or a hike with your family? Give a friend a few hours off by asking if their child would like to come along.
Donate books. Go to a local bookstore and pick a title that you think your friends will love. A little wrapping paper is not harmful.
Let your pet scratch its head for 15 minutes. They begged for it all day.
Send a Starbucks coffee card to your colleague who is doing great. Someone did this for me at my last job, and the smile then didn’t leave my face for an hour. Maybe more.
Set someone as a Spotify playlist. Similar sentiments to yore’s mix tapes, updated for 2022.
Surprise random friends with flowers. A beautiful gift inspired by nature keeps giving.
Give your partner the last bite desserts. Although you really really want it.
Share an Instagram story about a sibling or friend. They’re doing amazing things and while you can’t wait to celebrate them in person, social media can be a great place to spread the word.
Drop a positive note on someone’s desk. Alternatively, you can send it to Slack to share kudos about their great work (and to be a good person in general).
Offer to help a recent college graduate with her resume. You have the experience and perspective to help someone get off to a good start. Bonus: Experience will remind you how much wisdom you have to share.
Select the tab on your next coffee (dinner, movie) day. Whichever way you choose to hang out, treating someone can add a little unexpected joy and gratitude for your generosity.
Invite a friend over for a home-cooked dinner. Ask them their favorite food and design a meal around that. They will be touched by the thoughtful gesture.
Write an old friend a letter. Because while texting or talking on the phone is great, opening a handwritten letter shows that you spend a lot of time and think carefully about your words.
Call your mom and dad just to tell them you love them. Make it a habit.
This post was originally published on February 17, 2020, and has since been updated.
