“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
– Aesop
Why are random acts of kindness important? It improves wellbeing whether you’re the giver or receiver. These acts help neighbors and friends as well as ourselves, and research has proven it’s beneficial for good mental and emotional health. Within a community, kindness builds strong bonds and relationships—and thus it strengthens the community and provides a sense of happiness. Random acts of kindness can be quick and simple, and even a small act can completely change someone’s day.
These are 35 ways you can make a difference through kindness.
35 Ways to Show Random Acts of Kindness
- Give an unexpected compliment
- Let someone in line in front of you
- Talk to someone at a party or event who looks like they don’t know anyone
- Smile at someone who looks sad
- Help someone struggling to unload their groceries from their car
- Make dinner for a neighbor who has had surgery
- Say something encouraging to someone struggling
- Stop to assist someone who looks lost
- Plant a tree
- Walk a neighbor’s dog
- Send an inspiring article to a friend
- Slow down so someone can merge in front of you in traffic
- Pick up a piece of litter on the street and throw it out
- Keep an extra umbrella to give to someone stuck in the rain
- Buy a warm meal for someone in need
- Send a message to a friend, letting them know you appreciate them
- Give a friend or neighbor a book they might like
- Leave a great coupon next to that item in the grocery store
- Offer to return a stranger’s grocery cart to the front of the store
- Reconnect with an old friend
- Give drinks out to people walking on a hot day
- Make someone a homemade blanket or scarf
- Send flowers to someone for no reason
- Make a music playlist for someone
- Mow your neighbor’s lawn
- Leave a nice note on someone’s car
- Donate to a friend’s charity
- Pay for someone’s meal at a restaurant
- Offer to take a photo of a couple
- Text someone good morning or good night
- Send some nice comments on social media
- Be welcoming to a new community member
- Leave a positive note in a library book
- Take a new acquaintance to lunch
- Take 15 minutes to really listen to someone
