45 Ways to Spread Kindness

If you have ever experienced a random act of kindness, you know what joy a simple act can produce. The most basic gestures like a friendly smile or a warm hello can truly brighten someone’s day. When times seem to be laden with stress and strife, take charge and change course. This month, encourage your family to spread that kindness to the people who cross your paths during the holiday season and beyond. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Simple Stuff for Kids 

• Collect stray carts outside a grocery or retail 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 and recycle bins.
• 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.

Help Others

• Leave a positive review online for outstanding services at a small, local business.
• 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 a blog, leave a comment and let them know why you enjoy their blog.
• 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.

Share the Wealth

• Deliver cold water to the Salvation Army bell ringers.
• 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.

Make Someone’s Day

• Let someone go ahead of you in line at the store.
• Compliment someone on their hair, clothes, nail polish or clothes.
• Ask a friend about their day and let them vent.
• Give up a great parking spot to the person behind you.
• Send a silly e-card 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 hand-written 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 rainy day, be sure to ask your neighbor if they need something.
• Pull a shy partygoer into the conversation by asking her about herself. 

Do Something Together as a Family

• Order a gift card from Red Box and hand out codes to visitors along with a bag of popcorn.
• Tape coins to the gumball machines.
• Play board games with residents at a 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.