Random Acts of Kindness

If you have ever experienced a random act of kindness, you know what joy a simple act can produce. This month, encourage your family to spread kindness to the people you encounter during the holiday season and beyond.

Simple Enough for a Child

Collect stray carts outside the grocery store and put them back in the corrals.
Send a note of appreciation to a coach, teacher or neighbor.
Do a chore without being asked.
If you see something out of place at the store, put it back where it goes.
Start the day on the right foot. Smile and say good morning to everyone you see.
Bring in a neighbor’s garbage cans or mail on a cold day.
When you receive prize tickets from arcade games, give them to someone else so they can get a bigger prize.
Hand out a refreshing bottle of water to the mail carrier or delivery driver.
Read to a younger sibling to give Mom and Dad a break.
Hold open the door for a stranger coming in behind you.

Make Someone’s Day

Let someone ahead of you in line at the store.
Compliment someone on their hair, clothes, nail polish, or new car.
Ask a friend about their day and let them vent.
Send a silly TikTok to a friend and let them know you are thinking of them.
Give another parent a break. Offer to babysit while they catch up on sleep or shopping.
Write a handwritten letter to an older family member. Show them that they are worth the time.
Share a word of encouragement with a parent who has her hands full.
If you have to run out to the store on a cold or rainy day, be sure to ask your neighbor if they need something.
Pull a shy partygoer into the conversation by asking her about herself.
Share a friend’s business or service on social media and tag them.

Share the Wealth

Hand out $5 gift cards at the gas station, donut shop or fast food restaurant.
Tape coins to the machines at the Laundromat or hand out boxes of detergent.
Place singles on items at the dollar store – the toy aisle might be the best place.
Pay for the order of the person behind you in the drive-up window or toll booth.
Purchase a buy-one-get-one item and share it with a friend.
Leave a generous tip for a small bill. We have all worked for tips at one time in our lives.
Buy lunch for the service man working at your house. Pizza goes a long way when there is more than one.
If you have an extra ticket, give it to someone who is waiting in line.
Offer your skills for free to someone who needs the help.
Share the harvest from your garden or baked goods from your oven.
Bring in a coffee for a co-worker.

Do Something Together as a Family

Tape coins to the gumball machines
Play board games with residents at the nursing home. Bring a plate of cookies with you.
Collect old towels and blankets for the animal shelter
Help someone load groceries into their car and take their cart back to the corral.
Make twice as much dinner as your family needs and give it to a neighbor – just because.
Attach coupons to items in the grocery store.
Bring goodies to the school secretary, the groomer or your hairstylist.
Donate used books to the local Little Free Library.

Help your Fellow Human

Leave a used book or magazine at the dentist’s office, coffee shop or auto repair waiting room
Give of yourself. Sign up to be an organ, bone marrow or blood donor.
Offer your seat to someone who needs it more on the bus, train or waiting area.
Say “Bless you” when a stranger sneezes.
If you find a stray dog with a collar, call him over so you can reunite him with his owner.
If a store or restaurant employee has been kind or helpful, be sure to tell their boss.
If you follow someone on social media, leave a comment and let them know why you enjoy their content.
Leave a package of baby wipes in a public bathroom changing area.
Clean off a dirty park bench or swing if a bird has been there.
Leave a nice review for a business on Yelp.
Offer to take a photo for a group trying to take a selfie.