52 Random Acts of Kindness Ideas

Happy National Random Acts of Kindness Day! As this weeklong celebration comes to an end, I wanted to share some of my favorite ideas to continue promoting random acts of kindness. The beauty of it all is that you can choose to participate anytime and anywhere. Below is a list of 52 ideas you can partake in!

52 Random Acts of Kindness Ideas

1. Pay it forward! Pay for the person behind you in a drive-thru, especially at a drink stop like Starbucks.

2. Write a letter or call someone and tell them how much you love them.

3. Mentor an elementary student and help with any challenging homework.

4. Bring a snack and share it with your coworkers or classmates.

5. Learn hands-only CPR. Check out the American Heart Association's tutorial here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CmPsVNAAVP5/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY%3D 

6. Rekindle and reconnect with an old friend! Social media is the perfect tool to do this.

7. Post a quote of encouragement on your Instagram or Snapchat story.

8. Participate in a local fundraiser. It's girl scout cookie season!

9. Make up a holiday in honor of someone you appreciate and surprise them with balloons and a card.

10. Read to kids at the library during your free time.

11. Donate a book to the nearest little library in your area.

12. Grab a box of your favorite soda cans, collect the tabs, and donate them to the Ronald McDonald House.

13. Plant a tree. Water any plants in need.

14. Learn the best available parking spot open for someone else.

15. Help someone unload groceries at the store.

16. Put away stray carts outside at your local grocery store, Target, Walmart, etc.

17. Visit a nursing home and play games/puzzles with the residents.

18. Adopt a grandparent! Go to your nearby retirement home and find out who does not get visitors. This also applies to group homes for adults with special needs.

19. Donate gently used clothing to a charitable thrift shop.

20. Post uplifting messages on sticky notes in a public restroom.

21. Surprise your neighbors and sweep the sidewalk. You can also offer to help rake leaves.

22. Make dinner and drop it off for a family in need.

23. Write a thank you note to a teacher, past or present, that has made an impact on your life.

24. Lend a book or movie to a friend who is interested in borrowing it.

25. Sign up to be an organ donor.

26. Shop and support a local business.

27. Participate in creating a more sustainable environment. Avoid fast fashion, use reusable water bottles and grocery bags, and try to limit energy consumption.

28. Leave a positive review for a company online.

29. Ship a care package to soldiers across seas.

30. Send a card thanking a soldier, firefighter, first responder, officer, etc. for their service.

31. Donate gently used towels and blankets to an animal shelter.

32. Make a dog toy using recyclable components. Check out these five DIY toys made out of old t-shirts here: https://www.sewhistorically.com/5-different-diy-no-sew-t-shirt-dog-toys/ 

33. Take someone you love to a place you find special.

34. Create a rock garden by decorating rocks with colorful quotes and phrases. Place them in a random location for others to find.

35. Pick up trash in a communal area, park, beach, or near a highway.

36. Sign up to volunteer with a group of friends.

37. Make someone laugh! Tell a joke to someone who looks like they're having a bad day.

38. Tape a quarter to a gumball machine.

39. Compliment a stranger.

40. High-five and smile at five people...Offer a hug if you feel comfortable.

41.  Take out the trash or bring in the trash cans for your house or (preferably) a neighbor.

42. Stop and smell the roses! Pick a flower and give it to someone else.

43. Hold the elevator for someone.

44. Set an alarm on your phone to go off at three random, separate times during the day. During those times, stop what you are doing and do something kind.

45. Leave unused coupons next to the corresponding items at the grocery store.

46. Throw a surprise party to celebrate someone for being a great friend.

47. Bake goods and drop them off.

48. Write a list of things you are grateful for in the morning and later that evening.

49. Make a list of all the reasons you love someone and share that list with them.

50. Spend the day being a good, responsive listener.

51. Hold up positive signs for people driving by or stuck in traffic. Make sure to find a safe spot!

52. Practice self-kindness and self-love by doing something for yourself. Be kind to everyone, including you.