This is a small collection of some of my favorite acts of kindness that I think everyone can do. We all have the power to make someone's day, or maybe even their week, and we should take advantage of that! If you have a little free time and are in a giving mood, here are a few things you can do:
Write [thank you] letters
If you recently had a celebration and received gifts, thank you letters are a must. But you can also think a little more outside the box. Write a thank you letter to someone who helped you move out of your dorm, to your parents for dealing with you all summer; write letters to your friends or grandparents, or leave a thank you letter for the mailman. You can write to soldiers, thanking them for keeping us safe. The list is endless, and once you start, you realize how many people there are in your life and in the world that you need to thank.
Paper Source has an array of adorable thank you notes
Leave change in an envelope for the next person to use
This could be at a vending machine, parking meter, laundromat, arcade, or anywhere you need coins to pay for things. Personally, I would be ecstatic if I pulled up to a parking space after continuously driving in circles and found this awesome surprise waiting.
30th Birthday Random Acts of Kindness from Warm Winter Wishes
Bake cookies or make a treat for a friend who's feeling down
We all have those days... We just want to lay in bed and stare at the ceiling, or curl up into a ball and watch some Netflix. But as a friend, we should try to cheer others up, listen to their troubles, and, of course, feed them.
Student Recipes has hundreds of super easy recipes to choose from.
Cheer someone on
The first thought that came to my mind was using sidewalk chalk to cheer on runners around campus. Who wouldn't want a little pick me up when running and most likely hating every second of it? (Or is that just me?) Another way you can accomplish this random act of kindness is by going to a sporting event that you would normally pass on. Whether it's an intramural, D1 sport, or club game, everyone needs support.
Awesome examples of running inspiration as told by chalk
Make a "Take What You Need" poster
My Peer Resource class made these in high school and posted them around our school. They were a big hit simply because they made everyone smile, and are a really easy way to make someone's morning.
Pay-it-Backward
Simply put, buy coffee or pay the toll for the person behind you in line. I personally think this works best at drive-through places because then you and the person behind you don't have to wait for your drinks together, and they don't feel pressure to say anything to you. Although a bonus about being in an actual store or restaurant is that you can see if a person seems down, and you can be more selective about who you're paying for. But it's really up to you.
Send a meaningful text
Depending on how in depth you go, this can take less than a few minutes. Text a friend who you haven't seen in a while. Tell your Aunt you miss her and can't wait to see her at Christmas. The possibilities are endless, and this is a quick way to make someone you care about smile and feel instantly more loved.
Buy scratchers or lotto tickets and give them away
Even if they don't win, the person who receives the ticket will get a feeling of hope and excitement just from the possibility of winning. And if they do win, well, then you really made their day!
Printable Cards like the one pictured here
Ding Dong Ditch
This is too cute (if done in a mature fashion). But, as always, you can add your own spin on it as well. Leave anything from a letter to a new toy, if the family living there has children or a pet. There are a ton of options both for a house where you know the people and one where you don't. If you want to do this to a friend at school, there's always the option of a bottle of any alcoholic beverage or a plate of freshly baked cookies.
You've Been Ding Dong Ditched printable
Bring a treat to your neighbors
Maybe you and your friends played the music too loud the night before, or maybe you haven't met them yet; no matter the reason, not many people will turn down a treat. So why not bake some brownies or cookies and head over to your neighbors house? It could be a nice "welcome to the neighborhood," or an invitation to a party that night. Whatever the reason, it's easy and fun.
Here are some even easier acts of kindness you can do:
- Compliment the first three people you see today
- Write sweet messages on sticky notes and place them around your apartment for your roommates, or around your dorms and classrooms for others to see
- Write a funny message on a sticky note and leave it on your desk for the person in the next class
- Let someone go in front of you in line at a store
- Call your grandparents or other relatives who you don't see as often as you would like
- Leave unused coupons next to their matching items at a store
- Take a minute to make that 5 star review
- Smile at people as they walk by
- Talk to the person on the elevator with you
- Donate things you don't need anymore
- Put a stranger's shopping cart away for them
- Frame a picture of all your roommates together and put it in a common room, or just put it up on the fridge
- Leave a bigger tip than normal
- Learn the names of people you pass everyday on your way to class or work (Campus Safety guards, the front desk worker in your apartment or dorm building, etc.)
- Have an extra umbrella to lend to someone when it rains
- Put your phone away when you're out with friends or are even just hanging out at home
- Genuinely listen to people when they talk to you (you'll learn a lot more too)
- Send your sibling a funny link on Facebook
- Buy a box of Oreos or other cookies to give to the firemen in your neighborhood
- Volunteer
- Help someone carry their groceries
- Help a friend do dishes or clean up around the house
- Clean up around your own house for your roommates
- Pick up the tab
- Give a friend a great book you just read
- Respond to emails and texts in a timely manner, even if you tell them you'll get right back to them – at least then they know you received the message
- Be optimistic and don't complain
- Let people know they are appreciated
- Be genuinely happy for others
- Support your friends and family in all their endeavors
I could go on and on, but there really are so many things we can all do to brighten other people's days. The key is to get creative and just go for it. You'll feel better about yourself, that's true, but you'll also realize how many people there are in the world and in your life that you can make happy. Have fun! :)
