I’ve recently come across a small book about daily habits and happiness. One of the recommendations is to do one random act of kindness a day, without the person knowing.
It made me think of the impact of small gestures and supporting each other – and of ways I could spread joy around me.
Reflecting on how to improve people’s day and being kind can go a long way.
From complimenting a stranger to writing a heartfelt note, there are countless ways to be kind to the people around you.
Here’s a list of 50 random acts of kindness to brighten someone’s day:
1 – Pay for the coffee of the person behind you in line.
2 – Write a handwritten thank-you note to someone who has made a difference in your life.
3- Hold the door open for a stranger.
4 – Leave an encouraging note in a library book, on a park bench, or anywhere someone might find it.
5 – Bake or buy treats and share them with coworkers, neighbors, or first responders.
6 – Donate gently used clothes or items to a shelter or charity.
7 – Compliment a stranger sincerely on something you admire about them.
8 – Offer to babysit for a friend or family member who needs a break.
9 – Return shopping carts left in the parking lot to the cart return area.
10 – Send a care package to someone who’s going through a tough time.
11 – Leave an extra big tip for your server at a restaurant or café.
12 – Let someone merge in traffic with a wave and a smile.
13 – Call a loved one just to ask how they’re doing and really listen.
14 – Pick up litter at a park, beach, or your neighborhood.
15 – Buy someone lunch (friend, coworker, or stranger in need).
16 – Give a genuine compliment to someone on social media.
17 – Donate books to a local library, school, or community center.
18 – Offer to help someone with groceries, like carrying bags for them.
19 – Plant flowers or trees in a shared space or your yard to spread beauty.
20 – Leave a kind note or small gift for your mail carrier, delivery driver, or garbage collector.
21 – Send a surprise gift or “just because” card to a friend or family member.
22 – Shovel snow, rake leaves, or do yard work for a neighbor who might struggle with it.
23 – Share your skills by helping someone with tutoring, fixing something, or giving advice.
24 – Donate food to a local food bank or help stock a community fridge.
25 – Smile and say hello to someone who looks like they could use a little kindness.
26 – Leave quarters in a laundromat for someone to find.
27 – Write positive messages on sticky notes and leave them in public restrooms or mirrors.
28 – Give someone your seat on public transportation or in a crowded space.
29 – Donate pet supplies to a local animal shelter.
30 – Send an uplifting email or message to a coworker or acquaintance.
31 – Support a local business by leaving a great review online.
32 – Leave a book or magazine in a waiting room for others to enjoy.
33 – Offer to take someone’s photo if you see them trying to take a selfie.
34 – Bring flowers or snacks to a nursing home to brighten someone’s day.
35 – Check on a neighbor who lives alone or is elderly.
36 – Give your extra loyalty card points to someone behind you in line.
37 – Offer water or snacks to delivery drivers or construction workers.
38 – Share homemade food with someone who might need it.
39 – Help someone with directions if they look lost.
40 – Send a positive text message to brighten a friend’s day.
41 – Offer your umbrella to someone caught in the rain.
42 – Praise a coworker in front of your boss or team.
43 – Donate art supplies to a local school, daycare, or art program.
44 – Put out birdseed or fresh water for wildlife near your home.
45 – Write a kind comment on a blog or post that inspires you.
46 – Offer to help someone carry heavy items up the stairs.
47 – Send a surprise e-gift card to a friend or coworker for coffee or lunch.
48 – Bring reusable bags to the grocery store and offer extras to others who forget theirs.
49 – Invite someone new to join you for lunch or an event so they don’t feel left out.
50 – Leave a little “thank you” basket (snacks, water, or notes) for delivery drivers at your doorstep.
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