Ideas for Random Acts of Kindness

As we approach this holiday season, you and your family can perform random acts of kindness as a way to “pay it forward”. A random act of kindness does not have to be a major production. Kindness comes in many different shapes and sizes – and it is free. Teach your kids by doing, talk about nice things that you can do for others. Brainstorm and think of different ways that you can be kind to others. Then make a list and try some of these acts with your kids one day. If your kids are living these values, they will learn them and carry them on as they grow older.

On the Street…
1. Give hot chocolates to cold crews working on the power lines.

2. Tape the exact change that is needed for a soda on a soda machine. If you like, add a note, “This one’s on me!”

3. Bake cookies and take them to a neighbor you don’t know.

4. Hand out mylar balloons to children shopping with their parents.

5. Smile at people and say “good morning” or “hello.” Hold the door for someone.

6. Compliment a stranger, especially if they seem as if they are having a bad day.

7. When leaving a pay parking garage, pay for the person behind you when you pay for yourself. You could also pay for the toll of the person behind you.

Volunteer Activities…
1. Volunteer at a soup kitchen.

2. Read to children in the hospital.

3. Visit a retirement home.

Use Your Words
1. Write a letter, or for younger kids, help them write a letter to someone, telling them how much you appreciate them.

2. Write a letter to a friend, classmate or co-worker, highlighting their strengths.

3. Play “10 Good Things.” Say ten good things about someone.

At the Store
1. When you are in the checkout line and see someone with a full cart, help them unload it.

2. At the self check-out lines if you see someone struggling with the system, step up and help them out.

3. If you see someone trying to get something on a shelf that is out of reach and you are tall enough to reach it, get it for them.

4. When you are in the parking lot and see someone putting their groceries in their car, offer to help.

5. Let someone go ahead of you in the checkout line.

Originally published November 2013

Where to Find More Acts of Kindness Ideas
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation
Lots of inspiring ideas on this site. You can also share your acts of kindness and read what others are doing.

Birthday Project Blog
The Birthday Project is to complete one Random Act of Kindness for every year of your life thus far.

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