The random act of kindness is on February 17th, why not try spreading kindness all year round? Here are some inspiring ideas!
Throws kindness like confetti
Looking for a way to return or congratulate someone with a random act of kindness? I came up with a list of easy ways to spread kindness. This will help you to proactively fill your community!
People can always use a little extra kindness, so this is a great way to get the whole family involved, focus your attention on helping others and move it forward!
We all know that giving is much more rewarding than receiving, so we can start thinking about how your family can come together and model selflessness. Feel free to use your ideas. If you come up with your own unique list, we’ve created a blank one in addition to free printable inspiration for inspiration!
It’s worth noting that your idea could be a simple act of kindness that doesn’t cost anything, or could be a bigger project you’ll go out! Anyway, any act of kindness makes a difference, no matter how big or small.
There is no timeline of kindness, so you and your family can go at your own pace or set goal dates to achieve your list.
1. Collect and donate unused household items and clothing.
This is something that the whole family can easily participate in, and is also a great way to create a room and organize your home. Have your kids walk through toy boxes for unused toys and collect clothes that don’t fit any more. And don’t forget to check out what that game closet collects dust!
If you want to get serious detox in every room, check out the 4-week clean-out challenge as well. Don’t worry, we can print for that too! You can then donate to your favorite charity or hold a garage sale to donate your proceeds.
2. Deliver food to people in need.
There are a lot of food banks that need your help right now. Alternatively, you can call your local shelter to consider which foods you want most. Better yet, if you stock up on groceries in your pantry, this idea may not be a cost if you can shop for your own pantry.
You can also turn this idea into your own food drive! Food banks can always use extra hands to organize, so gather your family and make posters, count and organize donations from your loved ones, and deliver donations to your local food pantries.
3. Make a difference to animals.
Those who need it may have four legs and a furry tail! You can help your dog or cat in a variety of ways, including raising a few hours at an animal shelter near you, adopting, or even volunteering. You can also consider donating other necessary items to your local animal shelters, such as blankets, food, and dog toys.
Hip Tips: We often post great pet-related deals, so be sure to check them out before purchasing anything for your donation.
4. Lead the book drive.
Make sure everyone has a book to read! Collect new and gentle, used books from your home, friends, neighbors, and family to encourage literacy and donate to your local school, library, or women’s shelter.
Better yet, you can put out flyers for community pickups and set a date to collect donations for all your books.
5. Curated care package for those experiencing homelessness.
For those experiencing homelessness, consider collecting small personal care items and creating a “blessing bag.” Your family can put travel-sized shampoo, toothbrush, soap, granola bar, clean socks, food gift cards and other items in a freezer bag to help them put together!
6. Visiting a nursing home.
A surprise visit to a nursing home brightens up someone’s day. You can view it in a little care package or celebrate the time. Either way, you will certainly please the residents! Your time gift means so much for someone in the nursing home.
7. Recruit or support families in need.
Maybe there are families who know they are struggling or parents who can use a little extra help. You can also help out with babysitters, tutors, help with housework, walk your dog, or help with garden work.
As another idea (and if your budget allows), think about surprise and lessening the burden on families and people in need with some basic groceries and grocery store gift cards! If you are buying groceries yourself, you can also plan to deliver them directly to the recipient’s door!
8. Plan how to surprise others with acts of kindness.
Amazing random stranger feels really good unexpectedly! For ideas, you can grab some cash and leave it in unexpected places like gas stations or vending machines, or pay the person behind you at fast food or Starbucks drive-thru lines. Give it a gift card and a stranger as you walk down the street!
Do you have a budget for this? Surprise someone with lovely composures and friendly smiles. They are completely free and still can look back on someone else’s day. 🙂
9. “Thank you,” say “thank you,” lift your soldier’s spirit.
Do you want to spread a little kindness to a very appropriate individual? Write a letter of thanks or put together a simple care package to send to the military. For information on how to donate, visit websites such as OperationGratitude.com and theuso.org. Plus, this can be a great activity for kids to practice their writing skills! Win, win!
10. Run and walk for a cause.
The whole family will come together to benefit a big cause! Join local run and walks that raise money for charities that are important to you and your family. Participants usually pay a registration fee and collect a pledge. In return, they enjoy fun outdoor running and strolling that can become a tradition every year.
You can search on social media or visit Active.com to access your resident events by the event date to find upcoming events.
Looking for more ideas? Random acts of kindness don’t stop there!
11. Leave a kind note to someone.
12. Introducing yourself to your new neighbors and colleagues.
13. Share words of encouragement on social media.
14. Please return someone’s shopping cart for them.
15. Surprise your friends and neighbors by delivering homemade baked goods to them.
16. Thank you to your child’s teacher. They could probably use a little morale boosting now.
17. Give someone – anyone! – Compliments.
18. Donate blood donations if you can.
19. Pick up trash around your neighborhood.
20. Leave a coupon on matching products in the store.
21. Make sure someone line up in front of you.
22. Ask your child’s school if they can donate books for children that have been used gently to the school’s library.
23. If you notice that your employees are doing a great job, let your supervisor know.
24. Enjoy this free printable snack!
twenty five. You pay for someone else’s parking meter.
26. Volunteer in your community. Don’t know where to start? This service will help you connect with valuable organizations nearby.
27. Use your skills for those in need. Help someone hone their resume and help their neighbors with technology issues.
28. Send a call or text message to someone you haven’t heard from in a while. If you really want to blow their minds off, send us a physical “Your Thoughts” card!
29. Paint the kindness with your child and hide it on your next walk.
30. Send a thank you note to your local fire department, police department, medical facility or school.
31. Bring your neighbor’s empty trash can on garbage day.
32. Write a passionate online review for the business you love.
33. Smile people as you spend your day! 😊
Are there any ideas to add to this list? Leave them in the comments below!
