good things to write about kindness

Writing Prompts

56+ Kindness Writing Prompts 💕

A single act of kindness can change a life. Just a kind word can make someone’s day. So why don’t we do more of it? To celebrate world kindness day, we have made a list of over 56 kindness writing prompts. From reflecting on the importance of kindness to inspirational stories of kindness. If you have a story to share about kindness, you can publish your story online for free on Imagine Forest.

One of the greatest tales of kindness is Aesop’s Fable called The Lion and the Mouse. The moral of this fable is that no act of kindness is ever wasted. Now if you think back to your own life, would you agree with this moral? How has kindness impacted you and those around you? Today, we explore a range of writing and journal prompts about kindness that will help you become a kinder person to others, yourself and even the planet.

Looking for more ways to show kindness? Check out this post on writing a letter to your best friend and this list of cute writing prompts about friendship .

56+ Writing Prompts About Kindness

Here is a list of inspirational and reflective kindness writing prompts:

When was the last time you did something nice for someone who didn’t expect it?
Think about a time when you were feeling particularly low and there was no one to lift you up. How did that make you feel? What would it mean to have someone say to you: ‘You are enough just as you are?
Do you know what it’s like to be told that you are perfect in every way? What do you think it means ‘to be perfect?
If you could spend five minutes with your favourite person, alive or dead, who would they be and why?
Did you know that by doing one simple thing you can brighten up someone’s day? Can you list at least five ways to show kindness to someone else?
When you are having a rough time, how can you show more kindness to yourself? Can you think of three things you could tell yourself to cheer yourself up?
Why are some people kinder than others?
Think about the word ‘kindness’. Write down three words that come to mind.
What does kindness look like to you? Is it showing affection towards someone? Doing an unexpected thing for someone? Giving someone a compliment?
Have you ever been kind to someone and they did not seem to appreciate it? Why do you think this is? What could you have done differently?
You have a choice when it comes to being kind. Are you always kind, or do you sometimes choose to be unkind? Is it ever okay to be unkind to someone?
Did you know that when you are kind to someone, you feel better about yourself? Is this true for you? Do you find yourself wanting to help people who you think are having a hard time in life? Or do you think that it is pointless to be kind to others?
Is there someone at your school whom you do not get along with very well? If so, why do you think that is? Would it be possible to show them kindness even though you may not like them?
Keep a kindness diary of your own acts of kindness each day. Try to aim to do at least one act of kindness a day.
Imagine you are in the position of the person who received the kind deed. What would you want to say to the one who did you a favour or act of kindness? How would you feel or react?
A boy buys an orange from a street vendor. The vendor is surprised to see someone buying from them. He says that he has never sold an orange in his life. The boy gives the vendor five dollars for the single orange. Why did he do that? Is this an example of kindness?
How many times do you usually say “I’m sorry”? Did you ever stop to think how much it means to the person you are saying sorry to?
Write a story about being kind to someone who was unkind to you.
Sometimes you have to fake it. What is something that you would like to say, but are not really saying it?
Write a short story titled, “The Kindness of Enemies”. This story is about two characters who hate each other, but after a series of events, they learn the importance of showing kindness to one another.
Write a short story about the power of words. Think about a few words or even a single word that can change someone’s life. How could these words improve someone’s life?
Write a short story about kindness and forgiveness. Think about a character in your story who needs to forgive someone. How does this person react when they finally decide to forgive their enemy? What do you think will happen if they don’t forgive?
Write a short story about friendship. You may include a character who is shy, an outcast, a new kid, and/or someone with a disability. You may also have them deal with bullies or loneliness.
The kind people in your life are just as important as those you love. Tell a story about someone in your life that has always shown kindness to you. What does this person do to show you kindness?
There are some people in this world who believe that the definition of “kind” means that you have to be nice to everyone all the time. For example, there are times when being kind is not the best thing to do. Can you think of a time when being kind was the wrong choice?
Imagine you are walking down the street one day and you came across a homeless man who is begging for money. As you walk past the homeless man, you have nothing to give him. What is the best thing to do in this scenario?
What is the difference between being kind and being a pushover? For example, it’s easier to give away all your money than it is to save for later. However, it is not very kind to be selfish.
Write a story about two children that have an important choice to make. One will make the right choice, and one will make the wrong choice when it comes to being kind to a stranger.
Write an acrostic poem using the letters that spell, Kindness.
Write a short story that features a character who is very kind. But, there’s a twist! The character doesn’t realize the impact of his/her kindness on those around them.
Write a short story titled, “A Kindness Ritual”. A group of teenagers at a school decide to make their school a nicer place and get rid of all bullies.
Write a short story titled, “Kindness in a Small Town”. In this story, you will write about a family that moves into a small town. They experience kindness from everyone, their neighbours, the mailman, the cafe owner and even the animals.
Write an encouraging letter to a friend about all the things you like about them.
What do you think would happen if we all treated people how we want to be treated?
Is it better to give something away than to keep it for yourself?
Write a letter to someone you care about, thanking them for being in your life.
Write a letter to an elderly person who might be feeling alone or unloved at this time of the year.
Sometimes being kind doesn’t come naturally. It takes time, practice, and patience. Write a how-to guide on how to be kind to someone.
Write about something that you have learned from being kind to other people.
Think about a time when you were not so kind. What happened, and how did it make you feel?
Make a list of the people in your life who make you smile. For each person, write down one way to show kindness to them.
Complete the following sentence in at least three different ways: Today I will practice being kind to myself, by…
Write a newspaper article titled, Kindness is contagious. The article could be about a wave of kindness sweeping across a city.
Complete the following sentence in at least three different ways: When someone shows me kindness, it makes me feel…”
Think about someone you know who is kind to others. Write down two or three ways that person shows kindness.
Finish the following sentence in at least three different ways: I want to be kind to…
Use this story idea as inspiration: The main character is sick in a hospital and all the kindness this character receives during this hard time.
Write down three benefits of being kind to someone else.
Complete the following sentence in three different ways: I am a kind person because…
Do you have a friend or family member who needs a kind word right now? How will you help them feel better?
Think about what would happen if everyone in the world practised acts of kindness every day. How would that make the world a better place?
It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Explain your answer.
Continue the following story starter: My father was a kind and gentle man. He had a lot of problems, but he never let them get him down.
Make a list of three goals relating to kindness for the next month.
A little girl who, through the power of a smile, brings happiness to everyone she meets. She is able to do this by showing love and compassion to others. You can use this book title as inspiration, The Power of a Smile.
A young boy makes a promise to his mom to do one nice thing for someone each day. Each day he writes down in a journal what he did and how he felt before and after. He labels his journal, The Kindness Experiment.

How to Create a Kindness Journal

Using the ideas in this post, you could create your own kindness journal. Here are some additional kindness journal prompts to help you:

Make a list of ways to show kindness.
Write some inspiring stories about kindness.
How can you be more kind to yourself?
How can you be kinder to the planet?
Make a list of words related to being kind.
Update your journal every day with acts of kindness.
Who is the kindest person you know?
How can you show appreciation to your friends and family?
What does kindness mean?
List some inspiring quotes about kindness

Learn to be a kinder person with these amazing kindness writing prompts. Did you find this post useful? Let us know in the comments below.

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50 Kindness Writing Prompts to Unleash your Inner Writer

Whether you're working on a novel or essay, or just want to practice being more kind, these 50 kindness writing prompts will help you get there.

When it comes to writing, kindness is one of the most important virtues we can exhibit. It’s not always easy to be kind, but it’s always worth it. That’s why I’ve put together a list of kindness writing prompts to help get your creative juices flowing. Whether you’re working on a novel or essay, or just want to practice being more kind, these 50 kindness writing prompts will help you get there. So dive in and start tapping into your inner kindness!

What are Kindness Writing Prompts?

A writing prompt is a short, focused question or prompt that asks you to take a particular action with your writing. Prompts can be used to help you get started on a piece of writing or to get yourself unstuck when you’re feeling stuck. Writing prompts can also be helpful when you’re trying to practice a new skill or technique.

Here are 50 kindness writing prompts to get you started:

1. Write about a time when someone was kind to you and you weren’t expecting it.

2. Write about a time when you were kind to someone else.

3. Write about a time when you did something kind for no reason.

4. Write about the power of small acts of kindness.

5. Write about how kindness can change a person’s day, week, or even life.

6. Write about how being kind makes the world a better place.

7. Write about how we should all aim to be more kind to one another.

8. Write about how we can all make a difference in the world by being kind.

9. Write about how your life has been changed by acts of kindness from others.

10. Write about how you try to be kind every day, even in small ways.

11. Write about why you think it’s important to be kind, even when it’s hard.

12. Write about why you think it’s important to be kind to yourself, especially when you’re feeling down or discouraged.

13. Write about how being kind makes you feel happy and fulfilled inside.

14. Write about how being kind makes you feel connected to others and the world around you.

15. Write about how being kind can help make the world a better place for everyone.

16. Write about how being kind can help make the world a more peaceful place.

17. Write about how being kind can help reduce stress and anxiety in your life.

18. Write about how being kind can help you feel more positive and optimistic.

19. Write about how being kind can help you attract more kindness into your life.

20. Write about how being kind is contagious and can spread like wildfire!

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More Kindness Writing Prompts

21. Write about how you hope to inspire others to be more kind with your own acts of kindness.

22. Write about how one act of kindness can make a ripple effect that touches many people’s lives.

23. Write about how we should all strive to be “kindness ambassadors” in the world.

24. Write about how being kind is a choice we make each and every day.

25. Write about how we can make the world a kinder place by paying it forward.

26. Write about how one act of kindness can change someone’s entire outlook on life.

27. Write about how acts of kindness are often repaid in kind, creating a never-ending cycle of goodness.

28. Write about how you believe that kindness is the most important thing we can give to others.

29. Write about how being kind is its own reward, and why that’s enough reason to do it.

30. Write about times when you’ve seen the power of kindness firsthand.

31. Write about a time when you were the recipient of an act of kindness.

32. Write about a time when you witnessed someone being kind to another person.

33. Write about a time when you were on the receiving end of an unkind act and how it made you feel.

34. Write about a time when you saw someone struggling and you offered help or assistance.

35. Write about how even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.

36. Write about how we should aim to treat others with kindness, even if they don’t deserve it.

37. Write about how sometimes people are unkind because they themselves are hurting inside.

38. Write about how we should try to see the good in everyone, even if they’re not being very kind.

39. Write about how we can all be more mindful of our words and actions and the effect they have on others.

40. Write about how we should always try to speak and act from a place of kindness.

41. Write about how being kind is more important than being right.

42. Write about how being kind is more important than winning or losing.

43. Write about how being kind costs nothing but means everything.

44. Write about why you think it’s so important to be kind to animals.

45. Write about why you think it’s so important to be kind to the environment and our planet Earth.

46. Write about how one person can make a difference in the world by being kind.

47. Write about how together we can change the world one act of kindness at a time.

48. Write about how kindness is something that we can all give freely, without expecting anything in return.

49. Write about how even the simplest acts of kindness can make someone’s day and brighten their life.

50. Write about how you hope to inspire others to be kinder in their own lives through your own acts of kindness.

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51 Kindness Essay Topics & Examples

Looking for kindness topic ideas to write about? The concepts of kindness, generosity, and compassion are crucial nowadays.

🏆 Best Kindness Essay Examples

📌 top kindness topics to write about, 🥰 interesting kindness essay topics, 👍 controversial kindness topic ideas, 🙏 catchy kindness essay titles.

Being a debated subject in philosophy, psychology, and religion, kindness is definitely worth writing about. The topic of kindness is one of the key in the Bible. It has become especially important nowadays, in the era of intolerance and instability. In your kindness essay, you might want to focus on the importance of helping others. Another option is to consider the concept of kindness in philosophy, psychology, and religion. Whatever direction you will choose, this article will be helpful. It contains everything necessary to write an A+ paper on generosity & compassion! There are kindness essay examples, topics, and research titles.

Stories of Random Acts of Kindness Foundation I made a shopping list and after completing it, I went to one of the shelters to hand over the purchases to its representatives. In addition, it is important to understand that the reaction of […]
Acts of Kindness and Happiness in Human Life The research at hand is aimed to prove that, to boost happiness through receiving positive emotions, a person should commit more actions that can be referred to as acts of kindness.
“Selfless Gene” by Olivia Judson and Reasons for Altruism Once people realize that the biology and social life of another race is the same, they tend to be more understanding and kind.
Does True Altruism Exist? Therefore, in their experiment, Cialdini and his colleagues sought to separate the feelings of sadness from those of empathy among the subjects in order to assess the reliability of the findings of the former experiments […]
Random Acts of Kindness Foundation and Personal Acts of Kindness This exercise enabled me to reflect on my principles and think about the kind of impact I make in my day-to-day life.
Acts of Kindness in Society Initially, she wrote a report on this topic, in the preparation of which she visited the shelter and was upset to tears about how depressing the life of animals is.
“The Kindness of Strangers” by Ruben Martinez The USA may promote itself to be the “land of immigrants” with the Statue of Liberty as a shining reminder of what the rhetoric of residency means.
Altruism and social behavior This shows altruism is not only beneficial to the recipients of the meritorious deeds but also to the doers of the deeds.
An Anonymous Act of Kindness When speaking about the relation of altruism to psychology, it is necessary to state that altruism is considered to be the issue of social psychology.
The Role of Compassion While Anne Fadiman’s this book seems to be primarily related to the impact of linguistic and cultural barriers on the experiences of immigrants, Amy Tan’s essay suggests that their difficulties can be explained primarily by […]
Critical Response “On Compassion” She is a lawyer, a sign that her level of literacy is quite higher and she able to learn and understand, even by seeing, the situation of other people.
Happy People Become Happier through Kindness: A Counting Kindnesses Intervention
How Kindness Shapes One’s Destiny in Million Dollar Baby
How Patience Can Be Considered An Act Of Kindness
Important to Treat Patients with Kindness and Respect
Introspection in A Complicated Kindness and The Catcher in the Rye
Jacqueline Woodson’s Lovely Letter to Children About Kindness, Presence, and How Books Transform Us
Job’s Suffering Not Befitting His Kindness and Compassion
Larry and Friends: An Illustrated Ode to Immigration, Diversity, Otherness, and Kindness
Love, Kindness, and the Song of the Universe: The Night Jack Kerouac Kept a Young Woman from Taking Her Own Life
Marcus Aurelius on What His Father Taught Him About Humility, Honor, Kindness, and Integrity
Muslim Muslims And Muslim People With Kindness And Love Essay
People Can Still Show Kindness Despite all the Evil Out There Essay
Portrayal Of The Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment On Kindness
Positive Interventions: Happiness Attained from Acts of Kindness and Gratitude
Revealing of the True Identity in Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews and Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones
Revisiting Kindness and Confusion in Public Goods Experiments
Roland: A Charming Vintage Illustrated Ode to the Imagination and the Animating Power of Kindness
Secular Views on the Concept of Kindness
Self-Indulgence or Kindness as the Keys to Happiness and a Better Life
Self-Scrutiny Applied with Kindness: Epictetus’s Enduring Wisdom on Happiness and How Philosophy Helps Us Answer the Soul’s Cry
Shakespeare: Portia’s Kindness Out Shines
The Disabled With The Utmost Kindness And Compassion
The Effect Of Kindness During The Iranian Revolution
The Effect Of Random Acts Of Kindness, And Social Responsibility
The Essence of Life: Kindness
The Farmer and the Clown: A Warm Wordless Story about an Unlikely Friendship and How We Ennoble Each Other with Kindness
The Huge Impact of the Small Acts of Kindness in Mawi Asgedom’s Memoir of Beetles
The Importance of Kindness and Thankfulness in The Rihla Essay
The Importance of Showing Kindness Through Acts
The Importance of the Qualities of Shredders, Adaptability and Basic Human Kindness in Mark Twain’s Novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
The Injustice of Reality: Social Messages in Gilman’s “Wedded Bliss” and Plath’s “Kindness”
The Issue Of Identity Change In The Novels “Mister Pip” By Lloyd Jones And “A Complicated Kindness” By Miriam Toews
The Kindness of Strangers? An Investigation into the Interaction of Funder Motivations in Online Crowdfunding Campaigns
The Kindness of Strangers: The Usefulness of Electronic Weak Ties for Technical Advice
The Lion and the Mouse who Returned a Kindness
Themes of a Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews
The Semblance of Selflessness: The Ingenuity of Kindness in As I Lay Dying
The Theme of Kindness in The Grapes of Wrath, a Novel by John Steinbeck
The Toil of Good and Evil: Multi-Faceted Kindness in The Book Thief
The Value Of Kindness In Bhakti According To Vyasa’s The Bhagavad Gita
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30 Creative Writing Prompts about Kindness

In a world that often seems fast-paced and full of challenges, a little act of kindness can brighten someone’s day and create a ripple effect of positivity. The power of a kind word , a thoughtful gesture, or a compassionate action can never be underestimated.

As writers, we have the unique ability to explore and celebrate the beauty of being kind through the words we craft. Whether it’s a heartwarming story, a touching poem , or an inspiring essay , certain kindness writing prompts allow us to delve into the depths of human emotions and create meaningful narratives that inspire readers to spread more love and compassion in the world.

So, let’s pick up our pens and embark on a journey of exploring the countless possibilities of storytelling that revolve around this very theme.

Here are some delightful writing prompts that will surely ignite your creativity and fill your pages with the essence of empathy and understanding.

Writing Prompts about Kindness

Reimagining a World Revolving Around Kindness: Imagine a parallel universe where kindness is the most prized and valuable resource. Society is structured around the acts of kindness people perform, and this value is reflected in every social , economic, and political aspect. This gives you a chance to explore what such a society would look like, how it might function, and the potential challenges and benefits it would face.
Historical Figure’s Act of Kindness: Choose a historical figure known for their contributions to science , politics, art , or any field, then craft a story based around an act of kindness they performed that may have been overlooked by history . This allows you to add depth to their character and explore the impact this act of kindness had on their life or the lives of others.
A Ripple Effect of Kindness: Write a story that demonstrates the ‘ripple effect’ of one simple act of kindness. It starts with a character doing something kind for someone else, and then follows the chain reaction that takes place as each person pays it forward. Explore how these seemingly small actions can ultimately lead to significant changes in multiple lives.
Kindness During Crisis: Imagine a setting amidst a crisis – a war , natural disaster , or a pandemic. Your main character is someone who consistently demonstrates acts of kindness despite the circumstances. This prompt will allow you to delve into the courage it takes to be kind when confronted with hardship, as well as the impact of such actions on those around them.
Stranger’s Kindness: Write a story where a complete stranger unexpectedly shows kindness to your protagonist in a crucial moment. This encounter should significantly alter your protagonist’s perspective and impact their subsequent decisions. This is an opportunity to show the profound effects of unexpected kindness, and how it can change a person’s life trajectory.
The Price of Being Kind: Often, kindness is seen as an inherently good trait. However, being kind can sometimes have negative consequences. Write a story where the protagonist’s act of kindness leads to an unexpected and challenging result. This invites a deeper examination of the complexities of human nature and the unforeseen impacts of our actions.
Kindness as a Healing Mechanism: Explore a situation where a character uses kindness as a way to heal from personal trauma or grief . This act of kindness could be towards others who are experiencing similar situations, or it could be a form of self-kindness. This prompt encourages exploration of the therapeutic potential of kindness, and its power to help individuals cope with painful experiences.
Acts of Kindness Amidst Harsh Realities: Set in a harsh environment – be it a dystopian future , a strict boarding school , or a high-pressure corporate job – a character insists on performing small acts of kindness. Even when these actions are not appreciated or reciprocated, they persist. Write a story exploring their motivations, resilience, and how their kindness eventually creates an impact.
Traits of Non-Human Creatures: Write a story where the protagonist shares a special bond of kindness with an animal or a mythical creature. This unusual relationship should demonstrate how kindness transcends the barriers of language and species, and highlight the profound impacts that such a relationship can have on both parties involved.
Forgiveness as an Act of Being Kind: The main character of your story is wronged in a significant way by someone they trusted . Over the course of the story, they must grapple with feelings of anger and betrayal , ultimately arriving at a place of forgiveness as an act of kindness to both themselves and the one who wronged them.
Leadership traits: Write about a leader – be it a king, CEO, or captain of a sports team – who rules not by fear or authority but by kindness. Show how this approach influences their followers and the culture of the organization they lead, challenging common stereotypes about leadership and power dynamics.
Posthumous Act: In your narrative , a character receives a surprising act of kindness from a loved one who has recently passed away. This act of kindness, planned before the loved one’s death , should serve as a powerful symbol of enduring love and have a significant impact on the character’s healing process.
Kind towards the Elderly: Develop a story in which a young person regularly commits acts of kindness towards an elderly character. Show how this relationship based on kindness allows the two characters to learn from each other and develop a deep bond, despite their differences in age and experiences.
A Child ’s Perspective on Kindness: Write a story from the perspective of a young child who is learning about the concept of kindness for the first time. This can include their own attempts to be kind, their observations of kindness around them, and their reflections on the importance of kindness in their own innocent and unique way.
Stories of Everyday Life: Craft a narrative around the small acts of kindness that a character performs in their everyday life, like making someone’s favourite meal, helping a stranger, or simply lending a listening ear to a friend . These acts might seem mundane, but they have a profound impact on the lives of the people around them, illuminating the extraordinary power of ordinary acts of kindness.
The Quiet Helper: The main character in your story is someone who performs acts of kindness anonymously, never seeking recognition or thanks. Write a story exploring their motivations, the lengths they go to keep their identity secret , and the ultimate reveal of their identity. This prompt allows exploration of the idea that kindness itself can be its own reward.
Kindness in Rebellion: Write about a character who, living in a society or system that values power and competition, quietly rebels by consistently practicing kindness. This prompt provides an opportunity to explore the revolutionary power of kindness in a world that often fails to appreciate it.
Unseen Traits: Imagine a scenario where your main character has a secret admirer who expresses their affection through random acts of kindness. Over time, the character begins to notice these acts, and your story should explore their reactions, attempts to find the secret admirer, and the eventual revelation.
A Change in the Antagonist: Craft a story where the antagonist, typically expected to be unkind or evil, is instead characterized by profound kindness. This twist allows for exploration of a different perspective on what it means to be an antagonist, challenging the traditional roles in a narrative.
Kindness as a Bridge: Write a story where an act of kindness is the catalyst for bridging a deep cultural, social, or personal divide. This act could lead to an unexpected friendship, a resolution of a long-standing conflict , or a personal transformation that helps to break down barriers.
Kindness in a Professional Setting: Explore a story where a character rises in their professional life not by being ruthless, but by being kind. Show how their approach influences their colleagues and redefines success within their workplace. This prompt encourages the exploration of how kindness can change professional environments.
Acts of Kindness to the Environment: Write about a character who expresses their kindness through their relationship with the environment. This could involve actions like tree planting, animal rescue, or simply picking up trash on their walks. Through this story, you can underline the importance of treating our planet with kindness.
Kindness Towards Oneself: Often, we forget to be kind to ourselves. Write a story where a character learns the importance of self-kindness after a personal setback or crisis. This story can emphasize the idea that being kind to oneself is as important as being kind to others.
The Journey of an Act of Kindness: Imagine an act of kindness as a physical object, like a kindness stone. Write a story tracing its journey as it gets passed from person to person, exploring the effects it has on each individual who receives it and the ripple effect of kindness it creates.
Kindness and Technology : Write a story about an AI or robot who is programmed to understand and practice human kindness. This prompt encourages reflection on the nature of kindness, and whether it’s something that can be artificially replicated or is uniquely human.
A Kindness Misinterpreted: Create a scenario where a character’s act of kindness is misinterpreted, leading to unintended consequences. This could involve a misunderstanding, a cultural difference, or even a well-intended action that backfires. This explores the complexities of communication and intentions in acts of kindness.
Kindness and Humor : Consider a character who uses humor as their way of spreading kindness, brightening people’s days, and helping others cope with tough situations. This character could be a comedian, a class clown, or a friend who always knows how to make people laugh. Explore how humor can be a unique form of kindness.
Kindness in a Competitive Environment: Write a story set in a high-pressure, competitive environment like a sports competition or a top-tier university. The main character, despite the competitive atmosphere, chooses to be kind, to share, and to cooperate. This prompt encourages exploration of the impact of kindness in an environment where it’s unexpected.
Random Acts of Kindness Day: Your character wakes up to find that today is ‘Random Acts of Kindness Day’ in their town. Everyone is participating, and the character decides to join in. The story should revolve around what they do, who they interact with, and how this day changes their perspective on kindness.
Kindness Through Creativity: Write about a character who uses their creative talent (writing, painting, music , etc.) to spread kindness. This can involve creating a piece of art that brings joy, writing a song that uplifts someone, or using their work to convey messages of kindness and compassion. Explore the transformative and healing power of creative kindness.

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34 Writing Prompts about Kindness

A child playing in the park notices a bully, and they run away. He loses his opportunity to spend time in the park. A part of him is left to feel lonely and helpless.

However, if just one person shows that child some kindness, stepping in to defend him from the bully, then their world is completely different.

They know that they’re not alone and that other people care about them. They realize just how much more powerful kindness is than hate or sorrow.

It’s vital for children to understand why kindness matters so much to them and their classmates. This way they can harness its power, and respect it moving forward, bringing kindness into their everyday life.

How to Use These Prompts on Kindness:

The best way to use these writing prompts is as an introduction to a larger discussion on the subject of kindness.

They allow students to think deeply and independently on the subject, as they work on their answers. This means that they will have a strong idea of kindness as they enter the larger class discussion, confident in what they are going to say. The discussion aspect allows students to get other perspectives on the prompts and thoughts on kindness as a whole. By bringing different ideas forward, everyone gains something new from the lesson.

These questions can be looked at individually. Taking on one question, every day for a week is a great way to get students to think about the subject and let it sink in over time. In other cases, it may be better to make this a one-day unit, which allows for a focused approach to the subject.

Other times, it may be a smart idea to do a prompt once a week. This will make sure that students are thinking about kindness and its virtues over an extended part of the school year.

The Prompts about Kindness:

What is kindness?
Is being kind easy or hard? Why?
Can you think of a situation where you could have been kind, but weren’t? Describe it.
Have you ever been in a situation where you were kind, but didn’t have to be? What happened because of that?
Why is it important to be kind to others?
Describe a time someone was kind to you, but didn’t need to be? How did it make you feel?
Can kindness be used as a tool? If so, how?
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Kill them with kindness?” What do you think it means?
Can a single act of kindness change the world? Why or why not?
When was the last time that you chose to be kind to someone?
Have you ever regretted being kind? Why or why not?
How can you encourage kindness in others?
What are some ways to be kind to your family every day? How would this affect them?
What is the opposite of kindness? Does that sound better or easier than being kind? Why?
How can you be kind to people you don’t know?
Is it hard to be kind? Why or why not?
How small of a gesture can something be to still be considered a kind gesture? Can you come up with a few examples?
Who taught you the most about kindness? What do you remember the most about them?
Should our role models always be kind people? Why or why not?
What’s the difference between an act of kindness for a friend and one for a stranger? Does that difference matter?
Is volunteering a way of being kind to the community? How so?
What are some ways you can volunteer in your community?
Is smiling at others an act of kindness? Why or why not? How does it make you feel when someone smiles at you?
If you were rich, what ways could you be kind that you can’t know?
Is one act of kindness more important than another? Why or why not?
During World War I, there was a truce on the Western Front on Christmas Day. It was a small act of kindness, highlighting the soldiers’ humanity. Can you think of any other acts of kindness that have had an impact on history?
If you want to lead by example, what role does kindness play?
Is everyone capable of kindness?
What would the world look like if no one was kind to each other? How would this be different from it is now?
Do you ever feel incapable of kindness? How does this make you feel?
Is there any situation where being kind isn’t the answer? If so, what is that situation?
What is the impact that receiving and giving a compliment can have?
What does it mean to be kind in the face of a bully?
Is there anyone who you should be kinder to? Why and how?

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89 Best Quotes About Kindness for a Better World

Kindness Quote Graphic: "It takes courage to be kind." — Maya Angelou

Kindness matters.

Every act of kindness you show can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Living out kindness on a daily basis takes practice, but leads to a lifestyle and mindset shift that implores us to meet the world — and each other — with greater empathy and justice.

Kindness asks us to extend our approach beyond niceties and good manners, and into transformative action, compassionate and intentional inclusion, and empowering solutions .

Kindness is a choice, a muscle we all flex, and could frankly use a little more of our attention.

To help us do so, we’ve collected the best quotes about kindness. We encourage you to share and use this list to help fill the world with more kindness.

The Best Kindness Quotes

Famous kindness quotes.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” ― Ian MacLaren

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” ― Aesop

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” — Dalai Lama

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” ― Archbishop Desmond Tutu

“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” ― Franklin D. Roosevelt

“It takes courage to be kind.” — Maya Angelou

“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” — Seneca

“If we are asking for the world to be kind, we must first ask what are we doing to add more kindness to the world. If we are asking for the world to be more loving, we must first ask what are we doing to add more love to the world. We are the vessels for the things we seek.” — Joél Leon

“How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.” — Morgan Freeman

You might also like: Quotes about doing good | Quotes about making a difference | Quotes about activism | Quotes about giving back | Quotes about caring

Inspirational Quotes

“I have seen human beings do and become terrible things as they destroy the world. I have also learned that only those things made of kindness, justice, and hope can save the world.” — Danté Stewart

“Quick reminder: Kindness and justice are not synonymous. Be kind. And advocate and work for justice. Lives depend on it.” — Bernice King

“Kindness is giving hope to those who think they are all alone in this world.” — RAKtivist

“Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.” ― R.J. Palacio, Wonder

“Kindness can only be repaid with kindness. It can’t be repaid with expressions like ‘thank you’ and then forgotten.” — Malala Yousafzai , I Am Malala

“When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.” — Abraham Joshua Heschel

“Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.” — Albert Schweitzer

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.” — Dr. Seuss

“When you are kind to others, it not only changes you, it changes the world.” — Harold Kushner

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” — Jane Goodall

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead

“The best life strategy? Be loving, be kind, be intentional, and be authentically you — not the shadow version of self masquerading and parading as you. The version with all the flaws, the baggage, and the love; that you that exists in spite of whatever the world may throw at you.” — Joél Leon

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi

“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.” ― Roy T. Bennett

Related: Quotes About Hope

On Compassion

“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.” ― Kahlil Gibran

“With all of the bad things that are happening in the world right now, I think we need a message of togetherness and true unity. I believe that starts with personal reflection and then we can find kindness toward each other.” ― Marielle Heller

“I would rather make mistakes in kindness and compassion than work miracles in unkindness and hardness.” ― Mother Teresa , A Gift for God: Prayers and Meditations

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” ― Dalai Lama

“When words are both true and kind, they can change the world.” ― Buddha

“If a person seems wicked, do not cast him away. Awaken him with your words, elevate him with your deeds, repay his injury with your kindness. Do not cast him away; cast away his wickedness.” ― Lao-Tzu

Related: Quotes About Humanity

On the Religion of Kindness

“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” ― Dalai Lama

“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

“I honor the sanctity of all religions — I'm not here to put them down. But the only religion that I personally embrace is the religion of kindness.” ― Leslie Jordan

Related: Quotes About Making a Difference

“We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.”

― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison

“Everyone on Earth, they’d tell us, was carrying around an unseen history, and that alone deserved some tolerance.” — Michelle Obama , Becoming

“Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness.” — George Sand

“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference.” — Helen James

“I think we all have empathy. We may not have enough courage to display it.” — Maya Angelou

Related: Quotes About Caring

Short Quotes For Kids

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” ― Anne Frank

“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” ― Henry James

“Be a little kinder than you have to.” ― E. Lockhart, We Were Liars

“Forget injuries; never forget kindness.” ― Confucius

“Always try to be a little kinder than is necessary.” ― J M Barrie

“If the world seems cold to you, kindle fires to warm it.” ― Lucy Larcom

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” ― William Arthur Ward

“Kindness is always in stock” ― Katy Perry, in a tweet

“How beautiful a day can be, when kindness touches it!” ― George Elliston

“Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud” ― Maya Angelou

“In the end only kindness matters” ― Jewel

“We rise by lifting others.” ― Robert Ingersoll

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

“To kindness and love, the things we need most!” ― The Grinch

Related: Short Quotes

Showing Kindness To Others

“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” ― Mark Twain

“The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a Woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows.” ― Audrey Hepburn

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” ― Lao-Tzu

“Being kind means responding to the needs of others — and people can be kind, no matter how old or young we are.” ― Fred Rogers

“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events. It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.” ― Robert F. Kennedy

“One who knows how to show and to accept kindness will be a friend better than any possession.” ― Sophocles

“True beauty is born through our actions and aspirations and in the kindness we offer to others.” ― Alek Wek

“It takes so much energy to be mean. It takes much less to be nice.” — Leah Thomas

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou

“Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again.” ― Og Mandino

“The best index to a person's character is how he treats people who can't do him any good and how he treats people who can't fight back.” ― Abigail Van Buren

“Kindness can transform someone's dark moment with a blaze of light. you'll never know how much your caring matters. make a difference for another today.” ― Amy Leigh Mercree

Related: Quotes About Activism

Showing Kindness To Animals

“You can judge a man's true character by the way he treats his fellow animals.” ― Paul McCartney

“Compassion for animals is intimately associated with goodness of character, and it may be confidently asserted that he who is cruel to animals cannot be a good man.” ― Arthur Schopenhauer, The Basis Of Morality

“So often when you start talking about kindness to animals someone comments that starving and mistreated children should come first. The issue can’t be divided like that. It isn’t a choice between children and animals. It’s our duty to care for both. Kindness is the important thing. Kids and animals are our responsibility.” — Minnie Pearl

“It takes nothing away from a human to be kind to an animal” — Joaquin Phoenix

Showing Kindness To Yourself

“You is kind. You is smart. You is important,” ― Kathryn Stockett, The Help

“Be kind to yourself, to others and everything around you.” — Alexandrto a Stoddard

“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” — Jack Kornfield

“Be kind to yourself this evening. Buy something for yourself. Treat yourself to a meal. Look at the mirror and give a smile to yourself.” — Yoko Ono, in a tweet

“You’ve been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” — Louise L. Hay

“Being kind to others is a way of being good to yourself.” — Harold S. Kushner

“Ask yourself: have you been kind today? Make kindness your modus operandi and change your world.” — Annie Lennox

“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves” — James Matthew Barrie

Related: Quotes About Self Care

More Kindness Quotes

“Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.” — Jackie Chan

“To extend yourself in kindness to anybody is an extension in kindness in the world.” — Oprah Winfrey

“Kindness isn’t a tactic. It’s a command… Civility and decency aren’t incompatible with ‘taking sides.’ It doesn’t require anyone to fold in the face of angry opposition. Kindness doesn’t conflict with conviction, and our commitments to kindness are biblically inseparable from our commitments to justice. We aren’t to choose between them, we’re to embrace them both.” — David French, on faith

“The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been kindness, beauty, and truth” — Albert Einstein

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” — Princess Diana

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members, a heart of grace, and a soul generated by love.” — Coretta Scott King

“Never lose a chance of saying a kind word.” — William Makepeace Thackeray

“What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?” — Jean-Jacques Rousseau

“Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the figure of a free people. a nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt

“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” — Edith Wharton

“Kind hearts are the gardens. Kind thoughts are the roots. Kind words are the blossoms. Kind deeds are the fruits.” — Kirpal Singh

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give” — Winston Churchill

“It doesn't cost me anything to be kind.” — Paddington

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Why Kindness Matters

Boosts to life satisfaction and physical and mental well-being..

Posted March 8, 2023 | Reviewed by Vanessa Lancaster

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Showing up kindly for others benefits both parties.
Kindness has the power to boost satisfaction, happiness, and physical and mental well-being.
Each of us has the capacity to show up kindly and make a difference in the world of another.

Kindness is about showing up in the world with compassion and acting for the greater good of all. While being nice is about being polite, pleasant, and agreeable and doing what we think we should, kindness goes a step beyond.

Kind humans know that life is hard, messy, and complex. Yet they understand that people are doing their best with the tools, resources, and experience they carry. Charles Glassman captured this by saying, “Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.”

Many people view kindness as a weakness, but it's quite the opposite. It is a sign of strength. It is moving from "me" to "we," seeing the bigger picture, and loaning someone your strength and support. Supporting someone by doing whatever you can, wherever you are, with whatever you have is a sign of who you are—a kind human.

Kindness is doing the things that may go without acknowledgment and thanks. Authentic and intentional kindness doesn’t expect anything in return. We can practice kindness for kindness’ sake, not for the personal gain or the approval of others.

Kindness is a universal language that can bring people together regardless of age, race, ethnicity , religion, status, and identity . The good news is that it’s completely free too! I don’t think the saying “kindness makes the world go ‘round” came about without reason.

Benefits of Kindness

Most of us will have heard that "doing good is good for you" or "it’s better to give than to receive." It may be a surprise to learn that the research genuinely supports this. When we show up for others kindly, the benefits go both ways. Practicing kindness for the sake of kindness is one of the greatest gifts we can give to others and ourselves.

Research shows that being kind boosts the production of the feel-good hormones (serotonin and dopamine ), which give feelings of satisfaction and well-being, and activate the pleasure and reward areas in the brain of the givers and receivers. Endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller, can also be released and contribute to a "helper’s high." Kindness also fosters our sense of belonging and helps us build and strengthen our relationships (Hamilton, 2017).

Research shows that performing acts of kindness and helping others improves the happiness of the helper (Curry et al., 2018; Hamilton, 2017). A study by Rowland and Curry (2019) found that people who performed kindness activities for seven days experienced greater happiness. The increase in happiness was true whether the social tie was a friend, family member, stranger, or themselves. As you might expect, the more kind activities one does, the greater the boost in happiness. Even just observing acts of kindness had positive effects on one’s happiness.

In his book, The Five Side Effects of Kindness , David Hamilton discusses how we experience the effects of kindness throughout our entire nervous system . He suggests that kindness is good for the heart because the warm feelings we get help to generate oxytocin , which can reduce our blood pressure and stress hormone, cortisol. He also supports the idea that kindness is contagious and how acting kindly can create a ripple effect and inspire others to do the same.

Ways to Practice Kindness

Here are some ways you can practice kindness:

Be kind to yourself. In my last post , I talked about how we could all use a gentle reminder about being a little kinder to ourselves. For many of us, showing up kindly starts with repairing the relationship we have with ourselves. I provided some restorative and practical ideas for how we can start to show up kindly for ourselves. When we are kinder with ourselves, we are kinder to others.
Practice the kindergarten basics. Manners, turn-taking, including others, and comforting that friend who fell and scraped their knee. A kind environment is the compound of many small, kind acts.
Show gratitude . When we feel grateful, we need to share this with others. Recognize and bring attention to what uplifts you. Tell someone they are doing a great job. End your work week by emailing someone who helped you out that week. Text or call a loved one to tell them they make a difference in your life.
Listen to understand, not respond or problem-solve . So often, when others are talking, we think about how we will reply or what solutions we will provide. The truth is that being present, and listening, is a form of showing the kindness that can make another feel heard, understood, and truly felt. Next time you ask someone how they are, hold space and really listen to what they have to say.

Being kind is about showing up as your true self and inviting others to come as they are, too. It is meeting yourself and others with compassion and understanding in the present moment. Each of us can be why someone believes there are good people in this world.

So, kindness might not make the world go 'round (we have momentum and gravity to thank for that), but kindness does certainly make the world a better place.

Think about the power that a kind gesture, a kind hand, a kind word, or a listening ear can have on someone in a moment when they feel like their world is crumbling. Think about the way that it can make an already-good day that much better. Now think about the positive impact on the giver’s physical and mental health. The power of kindness is remarkable.

We may never know just how big of an impact our small acts of kindness have on someone else. But we know that kind humans doing kind things are exactly what this unwell world needs more of.

Although it may not be your first time hearing this one, I will leave you with this final ask:

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” —Unknown

Facebook image: Aloha Hawaii/Shutterstock

LinkedIn image: Dmytro Zinkevych/Shutterstock

Curry, O. S., Rowland, L. A., Van Lissa, C. J., Zlotowitz, S., McAlaney, J., & Whitehouse, H. (2018). Happy to help? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of performing acts of kindness on the well-being of the actor. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 76 , 320-329. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2018.02.014

Hamilton, D. (2017). The five side effects of kindness: This book will make you feel better, be happier & live longer . Hay House UK.

Rowland, L., & Curry, O. S. (2019). A range of kindness activities boost happiness. The Journal of Social Psychology, 159 (3), 340-343. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224545.2018.1469461

Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, Ed.D. , is a resiliency and wellness scholar and speaker, author of Calm Within the Storm and Stress Wisely , and award-winning instructor and adjunct professor at Trent University.

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What is a Kind Note?

Kind Notes are a quick and easy way to practice kindness. Write a note to a friend, family member, or anyone in the community that you want to celebrate, thank, or encourage. One of the most simple ways to develop and share your kindness skills is to do something small on a daily basis. Whether recognizing a specific act of kindness or just reminding someone how special they are, these little green notes can create a huge impact and will benefit the writer as well as the recipient.

Science of a Kind Note

Kind Notes provide a concrete way to actively practice intentional kindness through written communication and reflection, as well as learning to accurately understand and manage feelings and show gratitude. They can also be used to emphasize the importance of self-kindness through writing (or drawing) Kind Notes to oneself, recognizing something that you like about yourself or a quality that makes you a kind person.

Ideas for Using Kind Notes

Engage in intentional kindness by writing a Kind Note to someone in your life. Thank a friend, encourage someone who is struggling, or praise a loved one for a job well done!
Brainstorm ideas for a community organization or a group of individuals who will receive your Kind Notes (public servants, non-profit groups, senior citizens, etc.). Designate someone to deliver or mail the Kind Notes to the group.
Write general Kind Notes (examples: “You are wonderful,” “Thank you for making the world kind,” “I appreciate you”) and pass them out at random at an event or gathering.
Write a Kind Note to yourself, recognizing something you like or a quality that makes you a kind person. Save this, and six months later write yourself another Kind Note reflecting on the growth of your kindness practice. Return to the original Kind Note so you can recognize and celebrate your development.
If in a school setting, send blank Kind Note templates home with students (or send via email to parents), and encourage families to practice kindness together by writing Kind Notes to each other.

Are you ready to get started?

Download a Ben’s Bells Kind Note template below.

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Kindness Ideas

Imagine a world where you can succeed by being nice. Where we all pay it forward. Where people look out for each other. It all starts with an act.

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125 Kindness Quotes to Inspire You to Make a Difference and Empower You

Kindness begins with you, and kindness quotes can help you get started. Being nice has a direct influence on others, but it also has a beneficial impact on yourself. Of course, being nice is self-explanatory, but there are several ways to convey it. Kindness may have a larger impact than you believe, whether it is opening a door for someone or giving a bunch of flowers . In addition, with kindness quotes, you can help share that beauty.

Science shows the benefits of kindness are greater for the giver than the receiver. According to a research by Otake, Shimai, Tanaka-Matsumi et al., there is a link between kindness and happiness in which someone feels joyful while doing good and happy individuals do good more often. Being nice causes your body to release a variety of natural feel-good chemicals. As a result, exercising kindness and compassion can make you happy, strengthen your immune system, reverse the effects of aging, alleviate discomfort, and even help you live longer.

Another significant advantage of kindness is that it has a ripple effect, and the compassion travels both ways. In other words, the effects are frequently infectious. People who are the recipients of acts of generosity frequently find up impulsively paying it forward, doing good things for other people.

If you feel you are not a good person, you can read some “be kind quotes”. If you feel you are a kind person, and want to maintain that kindness, consider the following tips:

Don’t retain grudges, let alone respond to them – If you’re furious and want to hate, don’t let emotions of retaliation overpower you. Just say it, speak the truth, but never, ever harm somebody, no matter how much you want to.
Unafraid to confess faults – Being bold enough to confess your own errors is one of the excellent habits that will help you to be a decent person. Perhaps only you realize what you’re doing is incorrect then you should also apologize first. You must be a brave human being to accept faults, including apologizing and rectifying them.
Accustom yourself to everything nice in life – Develop excellent habits for yourself; work on how you behave and treat others. Small habits that you develop will entice you to develop larger habits. Short kindness quotes might assist you in identifying a positive habit that you can do. Of course, your generosity will not go unnoticed.

Quotes About Kindness for World Kindness Day

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” —Mark Twain

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” —Lao Tzu

“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.” —Dalai Lama

“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” —Scott Adams

“What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?” —Jean-Jacques Rousseau

“I’ve been searching for ways to heal myself, and I’ve found that kindness is the best way.” —Lady Gaga

“Kindness and politeness are not overrated at all. They’re underused.” —Tommy Lee Jones

“I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” —Stephen Grellet

“Kindness in women, not their beauteous looks, shall win my love.” —Washington Irving

“When you carry out acts of kindness you get a wonderful feeling inside. It is as though something inside your body responds and says, yes, this is how I ought to feel.” —Harold Kushner

“The everyday kindness of the back roads more than makes up for the acts of greed in the headlines.” —Charles Kuralt

“Kindness makes a fellow feel good whether it’s being done to him or by him.” —Frank A. Clark

“We’re here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark.” —Whoopi Goldberg

“The true greatness of a person, in my view, is evident in the way he or she treats those with whom courtesy and kindness are not required.” —Joseph B. Wirthlin

“A kindness received should be returned with a freer hand.” —Saint Ambrose

“Many men fail because they do not see the importance of being kind and courteous to the men under them. Kindness to everybody always pays for itself. And, besides, it is a pleasure to be kind.” —Charles M. Schwab

“If you have an impulse to kindness, act on it.” —Douglas Coupland

“Kindness is ever the begetter of kindness.” —Sophocles

“You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force.” —Publilius Syrus

“Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness.” —George Sand

“No one is born hating another person…People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” —Nelson Mandela

“The best portion of a good man’s life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love.” —William Wordsworth

“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” —Princess Diana

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” —William Arthur Ward

Good Kindness Quotes

“You can never know the ripple effect you create with one tiny gesture of kindness.” – Elle Sommer

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

“You don’t have to move mountains. Simply fall in love with life. Be a tornado of happiness, gratitude, and acceptance. You will change the world just by being a warm, kind-hearted human being.” – Anita Krizzan

“Sometimes miracles are just good people with kind hearts.” – Unknown

“Every act of kindness is a piece of love we leave behind.” – Paul Williams

“To make a difference in someone’s life you don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful, or perfect. You just have to care.” – Mandy Hale

“Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” – Bob Kerrey

If you want to lift yourself up, lift someone else up. Booker T. Washington

The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy, we can all sense a mysterious connection to each other. Meryl Streep

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. Leo Buscaglia

The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them. A.A. Milne

One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes. Antoine De Saint-Exupery

The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little. Franklin D. Roosevelt

Always stop to think whether your fun may be the cause of another’s unhappiness. Aesop

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” – Jennifer Dukes Lee

“Kindness is the language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” – Mark Twain

Quotes About Kindness and Compassion

“If you want peace, be calm. If you want love, be loving. If you want kindness, be kind.” – Mary Davis

“Nobody can help everybody. But everybody can help somebody.” – Denver Moore

“Our days are happier when we give people a piece of our heart than a piece of our mind.” – Unknown

“You cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon will be too late.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Having compassion starts and ends with having compassion for all those unwanted parts of ourselves.” – Pema Chodron

“When you say ‘yes’ to others make sure you aren’t saying ‘no’ to yourself.” – Paulo Coelho

“A moment of self compassion can change your entire day. A string of such moments can change the course of your life.” – Christopher Germer

The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others. – Albert Schweitzer

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive. – Dalai Lama

Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men. – Confucius

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. – Dalai Lama

We can’t heal the world today but we can begin with a voice of compassion, a heart of love, an act of kindness. – Mary Davis

Having compassion starts and ends with having compassion for all those unwanted parts of ourselves. – Pema Chodron

A truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change even if they behave negatively or hurt you. – Dalai Lama

Having compassion for yourself means that you honor and accept your humanness. – Kristen Neff

To befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion. The other is mere business. – Mahatma Gandhi

There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up. – John Holmes

True compassion means not only feeling another’s pain but also being moved to help relieve it. – Daniel Goleman

With compassion one becomes courageous. Compassion brings triumph when attacked; it brings security when maintained. – Tao Te Ching

Use your voice for kindness, your ears for compassion, your hands for charity, your mind for truth, and your heart for love.

No matter who we are, no matter how successful, no matter what our situation, compassion is something we all need to receive and give. – Catherine Pulsifer

“To touch someone with kindness is to change someone forever.” – Mike Dooley

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” – Dalai Lama

Short Kindness Quotes

“Kindness changes everything.” – Unknown

“Kind people are my kinda people.” – Unknown

“More kindness, less judgement.” – Unknown

“Wake up. Be kind. Repeat.” – Unknown

“Every word matters. Speak kindly.” – Unknown

“Remember you’re the one who can fill the world with sunshine.” – Walt Disney

“My religion is kindness.” – Dalai Lama

“You’re every nice word I can think of.” – Unknown

“Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping him up.” – Jesse Jackson

“A negative mind will never give you a positive life.” – Ziad K. Abdelnour

Kindness Quotes for Random Acts of Kindness Week

“Sincerity and sensitivity are keys to kindness.”

“Practicing kindness makes us happy, and allowing unkindness to go uncorrected makes us unhappy.”

“Kindness can be practiced privately and silently.”

“Kindness will make you happier when you indulge in it.”

“Kindness is a commitment to generosity, not to personal gain.”

“Expressing gratitude regularly is an easy and effective way to bring kindness into play on a daily basis.”

“Ordinary kindness can be gritty, real and authentic.”

“Kindness is contagious.”

“The kindest things to do may not be the easiest things to do.”

Random Acts of Kindness Quotes

“When words are both true and kind, they can change the world.” – Buddha

“Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart.” – Zig Ziglar

“How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it.” – George Elliston

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” – Oscar Wilde

“Kindness is spreading sunshine into people’s lives regardless of the weather.” – Raktivist

“Act with kindness but do not expect gratitude.” – Confucius

“My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who you are to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness.” – Maya Angelou

“Kindness costs nothing, yet it is a most precious gift.” – Katrina Mayer

“Imagine what our real neighbourhoods would be like if each of us offered as a matter of course just one kind word to another person.” – Fred Rogers

Kindness Quotes for Kids

“Kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give.” – Unknown

“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions and the roots spring up and make new trees.” – Amelia Earhart

“Kind words don’t cost much. Yet they accomplish much.” – Blaise Pascal

“Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” – Jon Wesley

“You will never change what you tolerate.” – Joel Osteen

“Be kinder to yourself. And then let your kindness flood the world.” – Pema Chodron

“If you see someone without a smile give them one of yours.” – Dolly Parton

“Be the reason someone believes in the goodness of people.” – Karen Salmansohn

“Kindness costs nothing but it means everything.” – Unknown

Inspirational Kindness Quotes

“Extend yourself in kindness to other human being wherever you can.” – Oprah Winfrey

“For it is in giving that we receive.” – Francis of Assisi

“Kindness is showing someone they matter.” – Unknown

“Be gentle to all and stern with yourself.” – Teresa of Avila

“Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” —Anne Herbert

“What we all have in common is an appreciation of kindness and compassion; all the religions have this. Love. We all lean towards love.” —Richard Gere

“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” —Mother Teresa

“Compassion isn’t about solutions. It’s about giving all the love that you’ve got.” —Cheryl Strayed

Kindness Quotes to Inspire You to Make a Difference

“Transparency, honesty, kindness, good stewardship, even humor, work in businesses at all times.” – John Gerzema

Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not. ― Samuel Johnson

“What I want is so simple I almost can’t say it: elementary kindness.” ― Barbara Kingsolver

Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough. – Franklin D. Roosevelt

My religious philosophy is kindness. Try to be kind. That’s something worth achieving. – Perce Brosnan

“Never lose a chance of saying a kind word.” ― William Makepeace Thackeray

“Always try to be a little kinder than is necessary.” ― J.M. Barrie

“One man practicing kindness in the wilderness is worth all the temples this world pulls.” ― Jack Kerouac

A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles. ― Washington Irving

Kindness Quotes to Inspire You to be a Better Person

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. – Aesop

“Kind people are the best kind of people” – unknown

“Forget injuries; never forget kindness” – Confucius

Life is short but there is always time for courtesy. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Let us practice random kindness and acts of senseless beauty to all we meet.” – Paul Keller

“Give yourself some kindness today until you’re filled and pass it on.” – Lori Hil

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.” ― Roy T. Bennett

“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” ― Dalai Lama

Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution. – Kahlil Gibran

You can choose kindness quotes that really match you and just make it as your motto, so you can keep being kind. Kindness does not need a lot of effort or a lot of time. Furthermore, understanding that the power of kindness and its advantages are enormous for not only the receiver, but also for yourself. Why shouldn’t we all want to be kind? Consider the impact on the world if everyone performed just one purposeful random act of kindness every day

Kindness Quotes About Caring for Others

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” – Lao Tzu

“Be nice to strangers. Be nice even when it doesn’t matter.” – Sam Altman

“Act with kindness, but do not expect gratitude.” – Confucius

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.” ― Plato

“Kindness is choosing to acknowledge and celebrate the beauty in others, regardless of whether or not they can find it in themselves.” – RAKTIVIST

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible” – Dalai Lama

“If you can be anything, be kind” – unknown

“Treat everyone with respect and kindness. Period. No exceptions.” – Kiana Tom

“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Kindness gives birth to kindness. – Sophocles

“No one has ever become poor by giving.”― Anne Frank

“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”― Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Today you can embrace kindness, practice compassion, stand up for justice, talk to strangers, ask for help, offer hope and listen with your whole heart.” – Unknown

What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?~ Jean Jacques Rousseau

Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind. – Henry James

“When you show people kindness and respect, despite petty differences, you are bringing positive vibes into your life and into the lives of others.” – Jason Scotts

“Kindness is not a business. True kindness expects nothing in return and should never act with conditions.” ― Roy T. Bennett

A little madness a little kindness makes for happiness. – Nicole Johnson

Although doing good is a choice, the capacity and proclivity to do good is intrinsic in all humans. You may further improve your good nature by developing excellent habits. Furthermore, some famous quotes about kindness can assist you in being a better person.

103 Random Acts of Kindness – Ideas to Inspire Kindness

How great is it that our random acts of kindness and good deeds can make someone else’s entire day?

HumanKind: Changing the World One Small Act At a Time is a heartwarming, national bestseller that shares true stories about how a seemingly small act of kindness can transform thousands of lives. Like the six-year-old who started a global kindness movement and the $45 donation that rippled across continents to change more than 800 families’ lives. (“The most uplifting book in years”— Forbes .) For inspiration, check out the book .

For now, here are 103 random acts of kindness and good deeds, that you can do today to carry out kindness and be an everyday hero:

Random Acts of Kindness

Create a holiday to celebrate someone you love. I have “Mia Appreciation Day” for my wife. Your appreciation day can be as simple as declaring the date of the holiday and writing a note of thanks each year to read out loud on that day.You can also invent your own fun or crazy family holiday.
Put 50–100 paper hearts or smiley faces in a box. On each cutout write something that is special about your lover or a good friend. Give her the box and tell her to pull out a heart or smiley face anytime she gets lonely or wants a pick me up.
Find opportunities to give compliments. It costs nothing, takes no time, and could make someone’s entire day. Don’t just think it. Say it.

Upon entering the Magic Kingdom, one of the security guards said to Alli ‘Excuse me Princess, can I have your autograph.’ I could see that the book was filled with children’s scribbles as the guard asked the same question of many little Princesses. Alli could not get over the fact that the guard thought she was a real princess.” From Pinterest .

Share overheard compliments.
One easy way to ensure you write a nice note or give at least on compliment a day . . . When you open your inbox for the first time of the day write a short email – 1 paragraph max – praising someone. This note can be as simple as, “Just wanted to say, ‘thanks for being such a great friend.’” Or, “Thinking of you.” Or point out something nice you noticed. 15 seconds can make someone’s entire day. And looking for something to compliment a person on each day will make you more aware of and appreciative of the kindness around you.

Give each member of your family, team, class or group a piece of paper with the name of every group member on the piece of paper. Tell each group member to “write what you appreciated about each fellow group member next to the person’s name” (or you can give out notecards and instruct everyone to “write what you appreciate about each group member on a separate notecard”). The leader collects all of the sheets/cards.

All of the comments are organized so each person gets a page (or the cards) with all of the positive comments about them.

Helen discovered that her students cherished these sheets so much that the students kept them and still talked about them a decade later. The parents of one student told Helen that their son took the paper with him when he was deployed and kept it with him the entire time.

Take five minutes to send cards to sick children who are fighting serious illnesses and want to receive mail.Send mail to Cards for Hospitalized Kids , which delivers the cards to children in US hospitals. A great activity for individuals, families and classrooms.
Through Cardz for Kidz! you can send cards for uplifting the spirits of hospitalized and/or traumatized kids around the globe.
Sign up to get 30 free “You Matter” cards . Give them out to people who make a difference in your life. From the cheery barista who gets your day started right to the family member who asks how you’re doing and then listens to what you have to say. I cover the You Matter Marathon in more detail here . You can read about the woman who got the movement started, which has led to close to half a million cards given out globally.
On Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, remember any friends who have lost a parent the previous year, and check in with them. Those will be tough days.
Make little gift baskets for the kids in your neighborhood. One of our neighbors made our son an Easter basket (also a Halloween and Christmas basket). It made our son, my wife and me feel great. The cost of each basket was probably $5.
“Want me to pick something up for you?” If you know someone is overwhelmed – perhaps by a new baby, family health issues, or something else – give them a call when you’re going out to the store. Ask if they’d like you to pick something up. We’ve been the beneficiaries of this random act of kindness, and it’s great.
When a friend’s family member dies, an incredible gift is to gather stories about the deceased. Get friends and family members to provide stories, anecdotes and photos. Your friend will forever cherish the book you’ll put together. If you can’t make an entire book, just sharing your fond memories is appreciated.
If you’re an Amazon.com customer you can donate Amazon.com’s money to your favorite U.S. nonprofit through Amazon Smile . It takes a total of 20 seconds to read how to do this and set it up. Then Amazon will donate to your favorite nonprofit each time you make a purchase.
When you buy goods from over 1,700 other online retailers you can use iGive to have that retailer donate money to your favorite charity. This includes major retailers like Best Buy, Expedia, Bed Bath and Beyond, and others.
Help a teacher get the supplies needed for class. DonorsChoose.org let’s you support schools and teachers in your community so students can get the tools, supplies and experiences they need for a great education. Here’s an opportunity where a small donation will make a big difference. DonorsChoose.org let’s you support schools and teachers in your community so students can get the tools, supplies and experiences they need for a great education. Here’s an opportunity where a small donation will make a big difference.
Collect soda can tabs to donate to Ronald McDonald House for sick children and their families. The charity gets paid for these.
My mom called me after a winter storm that resulted in a few days of icy roads. Mom suggested I call some of the seniors in my neighborhood to make sure they were ok and didn’t need anything. What a great idea.The thoughtful owner of Fox’s Pizza Den in Ligonier PA went even further. When freezing temperatures made it dangerous for elderly people to go outside, Tom Wynkoop offered that his delivery people would bring medicine, food or other necessities to those who couldn’t get out due to health reasons – no food ordering required.
If you’re a musician living in NYC, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Nashville, Los Angeles, Atlanta, San Francisco, Baltimore, Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, Boston or Miami, you can volunteer through the nonprofit Musicians on Call to deliver a live, in-room performances to patients undergoing treatment or unable to leave their beds. Add a dose of joy to life in a healthcare facility by bringing the healing power of music to people who need it.
Put a surprise note or sketch in with your spouse’s or kid’s lunch.
When it’s summer and hot, give out cold Gatorades to your mail carrier and garbage men. When it’s freezing outside offer hot chocolate to crossing guards, police officers and others.
Cook an extra portion of dinner (or dessert) for someone who needs it. Aid for Friends is a Philadelphia area nonprofit that delivers about 500,000 meals yearly to people in need. It started with one woman’s small acts of kindness. She made an extra meal each night to give to someone who needed it. Read her amazing story .
After a wedding or party donate all of the flowers to a nursing home. If you want to see the impact of these random acts of kindness, personally deliver a flower to each resident. You could also bring the flowers to a hospital and ask the receptionist to distribute them to patients who could use them.
Speaking of flowers — Why not take flowers to the nursing station at a hospital — for the nurses.
Tell someone the truth. Sometimes it’s really hard, but it’s what friends do.

A student at Mango Elementary gave the police officer patrolling her school this note after the Sandy Hook tragedy.

Write a letter to a deployed or wounded member of the military through Operation Gratitude or Soldiers’ Angels . Soldiers say that’s the most meaningful part of care packages they receive.

It’s never too late to say “thanks.” I sent a note 7 years after someone had helped me, and she told me it made her feel terrific. I’m glad I got over my embarrassment at how much time had passed and finally sent it.

Seer Interactive has a display of thank you cards in their office lobby . Any employee or visitor can take a card and a postage stamp. As founder Wil Reynolds said when he was giving my class a tour of his office, “We want everyone to be able to send a thank you note anytime. If your grandma did something for you, your parent or a client or co-worker – pick up a note and send that card.”Putting up a rack of cards, doesn’t create a workplace culture of kindness on its own, `but it’s a great start and a great idea – for your office and home.
Write letters to strangers who need them. More Love Letters has a list of people who could benefit from letters of encouragement. Each person has been added to the web site by a friend or family member. Read the stories and take five minutes to make someone’s day.
Send cards to lonely seniors. 13-year-old Jacob Cramer started Love for the Elderly , which distributes letters to American seniors via senior centers and nonprofit organizations. This page explains how you can send a postal letter. Letters have come in from all over including Cleveland, Asia and Scotland.
Love for the Elderly also has a Senior Buddy program that connects seniors, who often experience loneliness and isolation, with young students. They become pen pals and develop a relationship through letter writing. Please note that only classrooms and senior facilities can sign up for the program at this time.
Send a letter just to “let you know how much I care about you.” How wonderful would it be to get that?
Cut out an article and send it to someone. “I thought about you when I saw this…” or “this reminds me of…” My grandmother always did this, and it made me feel great. For other ideas from my grandma see: Grandma’s Great Advice on Sex, How to Be a Better Person, The Perils of Tight Underwear and more .
Take a cute photo of someone you love and mail or email it to them.
Think of the amazing people in your life. Take an hour to write those people a letter telling them why they’re awesome.
Even easier and quicker than sending letters is texting. You could text someone just to tell them something you appreciate about him. I received a random text like this from a relative. It made me feel awesome. Or, simply text/email a joke — here’s a hilarious one minute read that had me laughing out loud multiple times
Do you know someone who could use a lift? Add them to the More Love Letters list, so they can get letters of encouragement.
Join the bone marrow registry. Certain types of patients with blood cancers can survive only if doctors find a bone marrow match for a transplant. A friend of ours survived, because he found a match – his kids have their dad because of a bone marrow match. There are moms, dads and kids who can live if they find a match. How it works — you send in a swab from your mouth. Then you’re added to the bone marrow registry. If you’re lucky enough to be a match, you have the option to save a life by donating bone marrow from your blood. You’re usually sore for a day or two afterwards. Get info here .
Keep an extra umbrella at work, so you can lend it out when it rains.

Random Acts of kindness ideas businesses

Plaza Cleaners in Portland, OR posted the above sign.

Sometimes we shy away from people when we know they’re having a rough time. We assume we should wait for them to approach us, so we’re not intruding. Instead, ask them how they’re doing. If they don’t want to talk, they’ll say they’re “fine.” Many people will be relieved to have someone to talk to. If you don’t ask, they might never mention anything to you. They might not want to burden you with their problems.
Listen. Don’t interrupt. Something I learned from my wife is that people don’t always want us to suggest a solution. They just want us to listen. We underestimate how important and comforting it is to be listened to.
Do something special that you know your significant other will appreciate – like when my wife surprised me with chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. These small acts of kindness matter. For more related to the little things, see How a Frosty Strengthened My Marriage .
When you see something good, share it. Tim, a friend who teaches, said that when his students are doing really well he calls their parents. Tim teaches at an alternative school where parents usually receive calls from the school when their children are in trouble. Tim said he likes to make sure he also calls with good news. How great for the kids and their parents. Keep an eye out for the positive and share it with parents, spouses, friends and so on. These are simple and great random acts of kindness.

Write a positive online review of a business you like. It makes a difference. Our mason and electrician said that over 50% of their business comes from online reviews.

Be kind to yourself. Every day write down 3 to 5 things for which you’re grateful. I do this every night with a simple email to myself. By the way, research has shown that this increases happiness 25%.
When people are gossiping about someone, be the person to chime in with something nice.
Encourage someone to pursue her dreams. And, help her achieve her goals . If failure has her down, use these 23 famous failures that resulted in success as inspiration or this poem – Don’t be Afraid to Fail .
Say, “Yes” to someone. 15-year-old Jack Thomas Andraka received 199 rejections before a lab finally agreed to allow him to do research there. Jack Andraka wound up developing a cancer test 100 times more sensitive and 26,000 times less expensive than existing tests.
Donate your stuff. Instead of saving things in case you need them in 10 years, consider giving stuff to someone who needs it now. Here is a list of where to donate clothes, furniture, old phones, inkjet cartridges, children’s clothes and books, appliances, electronics, cars, eyeglasses and more. Some of these nonprofits will even pick up items at your house.
Through Give Back Box you can pack up clothes, household items, games or other items you no longer need, and Give Back Box provides a prepaid shipping label so you can ship the items to Goodwill at no charge. This can be done from any state in the US. (Goodwill is a nonprofit that provides job training and jobs.)
When you’re volunteering keep the little things in mind. Some students from Spark the Wave were volunteering at a coat drive. In addition to giving out the coats, they put kind and encouraging notes inside the pockets. There were also kids who decorated the lids on cans of food they donated to a food pantry. The human touches in these random acts of kindness make a difference.

A small act of kindness (like a little gift) at the time you need it can make a huge difference. And, our neighbor’s gesture did make a huge difference.

Give someone the benefit of the doubt.
Everyone is important. Learn the names of your office security guard, the person at the front desk and other people you see every day. Greet them by name. Also say “hello” to strangers and smile. These acts of kindness are so easy, and they almost always make people smile.
In the middle of December, buy gifts for a kid who otherwise wouldn’t be able to receive a gift. This article is an inspiring read about the difference these gifts make . The end of the article has a list of links to places through which you can give gifts to kids who might not otherwise receive presents – Angel Tree Program, Toys for Tots, Operation Letters to Santa and One Simple Wish.
Contribute a small sum of money to grant a wish of a foster youth. One Simple Wish has an online directory of requests that case workers submit for their foster youth. The wishes are often the simple things – money to go to prom, dance lessons, money to pay for being on the school cheerleading squad, to name a few.

I recently heard the same thing from a friend who is going through a divorce. He said it felt like everyone forgot about him a few months later, even though it was still tough.

Get an email address for your kids and send them memories, achievements, awards, etc. Give them the address at 18.
Check in with someone. Recently an acquaintance emailed to see how I was doing. She said she hadn’t seen a blog post in a while and wanted to say “hi.” Although it was simply business that kept me from posting, her outreach was touching.

Photo of note given to England family (Photo source: Ashley England)

I read about a family out to dinner with a special needs child. The kid was acting up and the waitress brought over a note that said “God only gives special children to special people” from a mystery guest who paid for the family’s meal.

The child is non-verbal and has had 3 major brain surgeries for epilepsy.

Loan money to a third world entrepreneur through Kiva . These tiny investments change the lives of the families who receive them, and 99% of the loans are paid back.
There isn’t enough work for the military personnel who have returned home, so many of them survive on odd jobs. What do you need done around your house? Post your odd jobs on Hire Patriots and give back to those who have given so much. Plus, you’ll get someone who knows how to get a job done. You might also want to check out Support our Troops – Over a Dozen Ways to Thank Our Troops and 10 Incredible Entrepreneurs Serving Veterans, How they Got Started, and How You can Help.
Offer a ride. Many veterans don’t have transportation to and from their medical appointments at VA Hospitals. You can volunteer as a van driver for Disabled American Veterans .
On Memorial Day or Veteran’s Day, go to your local memorial or event and pass out mini flags or flowers to Veterans. Thank you veterans – For more ideas to thank our veterans and random acts of kindness for veterans, here’s a list of 22 ways to support our troops .
When a friend makes a meal that you love, ask for the recipe.
Teach someone. We can all teach something, and sometimes the small things make the biggest difference. Olympic gold medalist, professional baseball player and bestselling author Jim Abbott recalls his third grade teacher showing him how to tie his shoes as one of the biggest inspirations of Jim’s life.

Invite someone to dinner – especially at the holidays, when it is difficult for some people to be alone.
If you’re upset, take a deep breath and count to 10 (or perhaps 15) before you say anything. Ask yourself if what you’re going to say will be helpful. Pausing will reduce the likelihood you’ll say something you’d regret. Remind yourself that a positive mindset is a choice you can make. This idea came from Dani DiPirro’s book The Positively Present Guide to Life .
Make a helpful introduction.
Call your parents. Hi Mom and Dad! 🙂

Buy a small gift for someone. Just because.
Share a great book you’ve read.(I recently finished and loved, Conor Grennan’s book,Little Princes, One Man’s Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal .)
Let another car merge in front of you, or stop to let a pedestrian cross the street.
Hold the elevator. Sometimes, when I hope the elevator will shut before someone else comes and slows me down, I think, “Am I really in that much of a rush that an extra minute will hurt me?”
If you print an Internet coupon before going to a store, print a few extras to give to other customers.
In five minutes you can sign up to become an organ donor. Then, when you die (we all do eventually), your organs can be used to save lives. One person’s organs can save up to 8 lives. If you want to know more, the Mayo Clinic wrote an excellent article answering frequently asked questions about organ donation.
If you see someone who looks lost and might need help with directions, don’t wait for him to ask you for help.
Bring in food or snacks for your office mates.
Photograph tourists. See a person or a couple trying to take a photo of themselves? Offer to take it for them.
Stop at a kid’s lemonade stand and buy a drink.
Leave a big tip.
Call someone you love. Tell him you love him.
Allow someone to help you. Let her enjoy performing an act of kindness.
Donate a small sum of money to a charity you love. Don’t think a small donation can make a huge difference? Read how Hilde Back’s donation of $15 a month changed the lives of over 500 families.
Spend a few minutes on Free Rice , a United Nations Food Program that will donate rice to hungry people for every question you get right on their learning web site. You can learn vocabulary, French, Chemistry and even answer SAT prep questions. This is made possible through corporate sponsors you’ll see on the bottom of the pages. Free Rice has fed millions of people since its 2007 launch.
Plant a tree while you search the web. If you search the web using Ecosia , the search ads generate money for Ecosia. Ecosia uses this income to plant trees in Africa, bringing water, plants and animals back to drought-ridden areas. The revived land means more jobs, healthier livestock and more independent people. A stronger local economy allows both women and men to earn their own income, meaning more children can go to school. Ecosia currently funds planting a tree every 13 seconds. So far they’ve planted over 3 million trees. The search engine is powered by Bing.
Write a love note and hide it in a magazine your partner is reading or somewhere else he/she will find it.
Use the idle time on your computer to cure diseases, study global warming and many other research projects. Your computing power will be donated through BOINC , a project of the University of California supported by the National Science Foundation.
When you want to help someone, ask: “How can I help?” and also suggest specific ways you can help. People are less likely to come up with a way for you to help if you’re too general. For example, if someone just had a baby, you could say, “I’d really like to do something for you. Can I drop off groceries, babysit your older child or cook dinner this week?” If they say “no thanks,” you can ask if there’s something else they’d appreciate.
Use Goodsearch , to search the internet, play games or answer survey questions. The for profit company donates a portion of all advertising revenue to charity (50% of revenue or 1 cent for each search).
Carry around a $5 gift card so you can give it to someone who does something awesome. Or, create and carry “thanks for making my day” cards that you can give to people.
Help make audio books available to anyone who wants them. LibriVox helps you find books in the public domain that you can read out loud, record and make accessible to people who want them.

Random acts of kindness for kids:

Involve your kids in community service. Donna mentioned in the comments below that she takes her son to pass out food to people who need it.
I read about a teacher who got her first graders involved in random acts of kindness by having her class collectively perform 100 acts of kindness over a 2-week period. The class recorded each act on a small heart and organized the hearts into a collage. Perhaps this is a way to get your kids excited about acts of kindness as well and introduce your kids to the great feeling from doing good.
During the holidays my cousin takes her children to a store to pick out and buy a gift for a child who might not get many gifts. This year, instead of getting 8 gifts for Hanukkah, her kids got 7 and the 8th gift was one they picked out for someone else. Toys for Tots is a great recipient of these acts of kindness.
You could also participate together in many of the other ideas listed earlier in this post. If you’re interested, here’s a link to Random Acts of Kindness for Kids –24 ideas for raising grateful and kind kids.

Seek out an opportunity to help every day. Hold open a door, offer assistance, help someone trying to get a stroller down the steps or take any random acts of kindness. Every small interaction with someone is an opportunity to have a positive impact on both of your lives.

When you look, you’ll find opportunities to perform random acts of kindness. When you take those opportunities to perform acts of kindness, you’ll feel great.

Please add your thoughts or additional random acts of kindness ideas below.

If you enjoyed this content, please check out HumanKind . It’s a heartwarming book of true stories about when a small act of kindness transforms a life or has a ripple effect changing thousands of lives. (And all proceeds go to nonprofit Big Brothers Big Sisters.)

Also, if you enjoyed this post about random acts of kindness, you’ll enjoy one of the most popular articles on my blog, which is about scientifically proven ways to increase your happiness .

'Your bill has been paid': 15 amazing acts of kindness that will give you hope

Nothing is kinder than picking someone up when they’re down and out.

These stories of incredible acts of kindness just when problems seemed impossible to surmount will inspire you this holiday season.

The best part is: They came from YOU. When TODAY put out the call for the kindest thing anyone’s ever done for you, this is how you responded.

It’s all part of #ShareKindness, TODAY and NBC Universal’s celebration of acts big and small. Share your own tales on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using #ShareKindness. Together, let’s fill the feeds with just this sort of positivity to close out 2016 on a super kind note.

“Someone paid our bill”

Two years ago on Christmas Eve, my mom, sister, and I were at a local diner after my dad was admitted to the hospital and someone paid our bill. We have no idea who or why (maybe they heard us talking about the many times dad had been in the hospital that year or maybe it was just "the season"). I often participate in acts of kindness but never fully understood how it can change someone's day like ours was that day. -Krystal Johnson

RELATED: 26 years later, mom helps free man who shot her during robbery

“I will never forget her kindness”

I was grocery shopping with my older son who was 2 or 3 at the time, and on the autism spectrum, though we didn't know it at the time. He had a speech delay, so couldn't put into words what he wanted. He started to cry because I wouldn't let him get something as we stood in line to check out. And older lady in front of us yelled, "Be quiet!" to my son. I probably should have taken him out, but my items were on the conveyor belt to check out and I needed the items. I checked out finally, put my son in his carseat, shut the door, and stood outside and cried. A lady came over to me and said, "I can't offer any advice, but I can give you a hug," and she hugged me, then went on her way. I will never forget her kindness that day. -Margena Holmes

“Someone had my back”

My sister Mary showed up at my radiation treatments for cancer, without being asked. I'd show up daily, and there she'd be. Made me feel that I wasn't alone, and that someone had my back. -Meg Brandley-Falcone

“I am still paying forward”

When I was a young mom, nearly broke, an early freeze ruptured all my water lines. I couldn't afford a garage door to block the cold air and certainly couldn't re-plumb my half finished home. My neighbor brought a reclaimed carpet to close the opening and another friend patched dozens of leaks in the water lines until I could afford to buy new pipe. One man donated a used cut off valve. I am still paying forward their incredible kindness. -Darlene Young

RELATED: Spread holiday cheer with these inspiring stories

“I was so touched”

I have a brain injury and I walk pretty awkwardly. I go to a gym and someone there that I barely knew told me I inspired him. I was so touched that I nearly cried. -Holly Michelle McCarthy

Red heart in child hands, hand made gift, valentine day and family love concept, close up, horizontal

“I think we were both moved”

Once I was shopping for a new car seat for my son. As I was reading the specs on them, another lady was trying to wrangle 2 of them into her tiny cart. I offered to help her get up front to pay and then followed her to her car, feeling good that she didn't struggle all that way by herself. When we got there she thanked me more than once, we chatted as she put the seats and her child in the car, and she turned and said "I want you to have one of my seats. It's just an extra for my husbands car. I wanted two that match but the one he has now is fine and I feel impressed to give it to you.” I tried so hard to turn her down, but she insisted and I felt she was just trying to thank me for helping her, so I finally accepted. I'll never forget that. I think we were both moved. I just wish I hadn't been so flabbergasted that I let her leave without getting her name and number. I think we could have been good friends! -Kristy Kita Whitlatch

“It has inspired me to pass it on”

Yesterday we were at a "box store" trying to load a big bulky item to our flat cart. A man came through the front door, left his cart and came to help us. When we left the store much later, the same man met us and said he waited to help us get the box into our truck; and he did! People just don't do this anymore!!! It has inspired me to "PASS IT ON" in the very near future. -Nettie Olson

“I was a new mom so I had no extra money”

I believe several people have done very kind things for me but what stands out is an incident when I was a new mom. My son was maybe a month old. He had been up crying and crying. I took him to the minor emergency by where I live. We waited there for a good two and a half hours. They prescribed him some ear drops to relieve pain and help with an infection in his ear. After we left the minor emergency (it was already closed when I left), I went next door to Walgreens to fill the prescription. My son is still crying from the pain. I get to the pharmacy window and they tell me that my insurance would not cover the ear drops...that it would be $129 for them. I was a new mom so I had no extra money. They told me I could call the doctor and ask for something else but I told them they were already closed. I just stepped aside and started to call my mom to see if I could borrow the money from her. While I was on the phone, a lady came up to me with a bag and said, “here, I don't want him suffering.” She had paid for the ear drops. I asked for her address to pay her back. She just said, "don't worry about it, just trust in God and pay it forward.” -Vicky L Garza

“It doesn’t get much more thoughtful”

Almost ten years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer in December, and when I was in the hospital for days, my dear friends from work got into my house, dug out my Christmas decorations, put up a tree, and decorated my house inside and out for when I got home. They didn't find them all....but their thoughtfulness will NEVER be forgotten. They also arranged for dinners for my family when I arrived home. It doesn't get much more thoughtful than that! -Barb Williamson

RELATED: Cat abandoned in old age finds loving home — and amazing bucket-list adventure

“I just started to cry”

The day after my father passed away, I had just left the funeral home and was in the Starbucks drive thru and someone in the car in front of me paid for my coffee. As I got to the window to pay, they told me it was already paid for. I just started to cry. It was a very nice gesture and I'm sure that person had no idea what I had been thru in those last 24 hours. -Kara Davis Rillos

“It made me who I am today”

I graduated from vocational school in 1984 with a degree in electronics. I was hired at a local factory. I was the first woman to hold that position and there were a bunch of people who were NOT happy about it to say the least. Even though 1984 does not seem that long ago, it was eons ago for women's rights. My bosses at the time sent a memo around that told everyone that they were all getting together to get rid of me. Everyone was to write down negative things about me. One engineer that got the memo stood up for me and he told them that he would not join in and that I deserved a chance just like every one else in that job. It stopped the gang of opposition to women in skilled trades in its tracks. I went on to work in a "man's job" for 25 years until back problems sidelined my career. But I was able to raise a family and pave the way for more ladies in "skilled" jobs. But for the integrity of one man, I would not have been able to do this. I will never forget his act of kindness and it made me who I am today. -Johnnie King Billings

“Everyone stopped picking on me"

When I was in 3rd grade, I had to start wearing glasses. Kids started picking on me as soon as I walked in the door. I started crying and took them off. One little boy asked me why I wore them. I said cause I couldn't see the board or read books. He said it's pretty stupid not to wear them then and pretty stupid to pick on someone who needs something so they can see. Everyone stopped picking on me immediately. Classes started for the day and no one picked on me (except me; I knew I looked dorky. But I could see.) about them again. Stopped as soon as it started. -Robin Cochrane McCulloch

“Greatest thing anyone has ever done for me”

As a kid I had always wanted to see the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City. My parents told me every year they would take me but unfortunately were unable to do so. Just a few years ago a friend of mine heard my unfulfilled childhood Christmas wish and decided to surprise me one year. She arranged for us to visit NYC to visit the MoMa. So we get to the city and start walking toward the museum. But she suggested that we stop by Radio City to see it decorated. When we get there she gets in this long line and tells me it's to get a tour inside. So we get in and I start getting curious as to what's going on. That's when she explains that she went and bought us tickets to see the show. Low and behold she got us first row seats! I think it's safe to say I teared up though out the whole show with the biggest child like smile on my face. Greatest thing anyone has done for me! -John Delaney

RELATED: Repo man raises money to save elderly couple's car

“We had nothing for Christmas"

I had recently started at a collection agency (those mean people who call when you haven't paid your medical bills). My husband wasn't employed. My kids were little, 1, 2 and 6. We had nothing for Christmas, barely enough for gas for the piece of junk minivan. When asked to participate in the gift exchange, I just couldn't. A few days before Christmas, I walked out to go home and found my back seat filled with garbage bags full of toys for all 3 kids!!! I cried!!! Those mean old bill collectors!!! Bless their hearts!!! -Kathy Collier

“Someone paid your bill”

My husband/I was down on our luck last winter & wasn't able to pay our full electric bill. We went in & talked to the electric company. We was making payments on it but it didn't seem to matter. At the end of paying it. Still owing 300$ plus dollars. We went in and ask if there was still anything they could do. The lady said you have 10 days to pay before we shut off. We went to the car very upset. Nothing they can do. The next thing I know the electric lady is running outside hollering at me. I stopped and she said I just wanted to let you know that your electric bill has been paid. I said what. She said someone heard you was having problems & when you left paid your bill. So you are at a 0 balance all this person ask is you pay it forward. I have paid it forward for the past year every chance I get. -Peggy Lynn McElwain

RELATED: 9-year-old shaves head so mom with ovarian cancer doesn't feel so alone

This story is part of our #ShareKindness series. Help us grow the good this holiday season by sharing this story and other stories of kindness on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Movies to Nurture Kindness in Kids

Foster generosity in kids with awe-inspiring art.

How to do it
Why to Try It

Time Required

The time needed varies depending on the experience of awe you and your child share, but it’s important not to rush so they can fully savor it.

How to Do It

Art can inspire a range of emotions, like joy or sadness. It can also inspire awe —a feeling we get in the presence of something vast that challenges our understanding of the world. In this practice, we’ll be seeking out an awe experience with our child to help uplift them and nudge them toward kindness and compassion.

Pick an awe-inspiring movie to watch. Look for elements like nature, uplifting music, or amazing feats—like a character’s fantastical transformation or a wondrous, gravity-defying journey.
Try to notice and highlight particular parts in the film that are awe-inspiring. Either during the movie or after, draw your child’s attention to those scenes and talk about what you each felt. Did the movie make you both say, “Wow!” or “Whoa!”? Did it take your breath away or leave you both speechless?
Get inspired. While your child is feeling this emotion that has changed their perspective, you can invite them to consider how they can make an impact in the world to help others. For example, when they feel a sense of connection to something bigger than themselves, they might want to engage in small acts of care for nature—like conscientiously turning off the lights in an empty room—or for people—like organizing a school supply drive to make back-to-school kits for refugee children.

Why You Should Try It

Like many children these days, your kids may lead busy lives full of homework, chores, and other activities. If their lives feel mundane and routine at times, how can you help uplift and inspire them, and remind them what matters?

We might think of awe as something that we experience at museums, faraway national parks, or awards ceremonies. But we can find awe in everyday experiences, as long as we’re mindful and open to noticing when something is impressive or wonderful in our usual routines with our children, even during movie nights.

Research suggests that awe promotes well-being in many ways. It can help foster better mental health by decreasing stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. What’s more, it can nurture better physical health by decreasing aches and pains and sleep problems, and improving cardiovascular health and longevity. Researchers have also found that the benefits of awe on well-being extend to children in middle school and high school.

Why It Works

Awe is considered a self-transcendent emotion: It focuses our attention away from ourselves and toward others and our environment. Experiences that elicit awe can be natural or human-made, but generally they are vast in relation to the self and exceed our current knowledge. These qualities make us feel small, humble, and less entitled as we recognize the mysteries behind our experiences—some of which we may never fully understand—and readjust our way of thinking to accommodate what we are taking in.

As we open ourselves up to things and people around us, we also feel more connected to others and the world, which can explain why awe-eliciting experiences increase our desire to help others.

Evidence That It Works

Stamkou, E., Brummelman, E., Dunham, R., Nikolic, M., & Keltner, D. (2023). Awe sparks prosociality in children . Psychological Science, 34 (4), 455–467.

In two studies, eight- to 13-year-old children (mostly Dutch) were randomly assigned to view short movie clips that elicited either awe (from Song of the Sea ), joy, or a neutral response. After viewing the clip, the children were given the opportunity to help refugees by processing donations or donating the reward they earned for participating in the study—both entirely voluntary. Children who viewed the awe video were more likely to help refugees and showed greater parasympathetic nervous system activity, which indicates calm social engagement.

Eftychia Stamkou, Ph.D. , University of Amsterdam

Dacher Keltner, Ph.D. , University of California, Berkeley

Could your life be more awe-some? Take our Awe quiz to find out.

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Living in Wholeness: Mind, Body and Spirit

26 Acts of Kindness Examples To Uplift & Inspire

It’s often said, “When people know better, they do better.” When we learn what a random act of kindness is and actually make a practice of them for others – we literally change one life at a time. These 26 acts of kindness examples will inspire, encourage and celebrate you for choosing to make a difference in another’s life!

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Edmund Burke

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So… What Is A Random Act of Kindness, exactly?

…. they’re my favorite thing in the whole world! ( no, really !) But I’ll get serious and explain this a little bit better.

A random act of kindness is any spontaneous act of helpfulness, thoughtfulness, charity, love or care given without expecting anything in return. If you can think of a way to be kind and/or thoughtful, it is eligible to be a random act of kindness!

Random acts of kindness can be done for strangers and friends or family alike. Anyone and everyone can experience change in their lives from the impact of giving and receiving these beautiful, selfless acts of care & compassion .

So, where did the ‘official’ idea behind random acts of kindness come from then? It is believed somewhere around 1982, Anne Herbert , a writer from Ohio & California, wrote on a restaurant place mat, “ practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty .”

I’d venture to bet that random acts of kindness have been happening on planet Earth since the beginning of time. Though it didn’t have a phrase coined for it, there were still soft-hearted people seeking to change their world one act of love at a time.

What’s even better is that you and I can carry on this beautiful tradition for many more generations. We can choose to do good for someone else each and every day!

Never Underestimate the Power of Kindness

Y’all, people are hurting…everywhere!

Some are just getting or living with medical diagnoses that change their life and their loved ones lives forever.

Parents are suffering with their children that are making terrible decisions.

Others have just learned that they are being ‘let go’ from their jobs and have no clue how they will support themselves or their families. God forbid they are already working 2 and 3 jobs trying to make ends meet and still can’t! Imagine the pure exhaustion they experience every single day.

Maybe someone’s marriage or relationship is falling apart and they feel totally helpless to change the situation.

We have homeless and hungry people all over the globe. Most of us can’t stand to be hungry more than an hour! Or when we lose our heating or air conditioning … look out! It’s easy to forget that so many people have neither of those luxuries. Tweet

The elderly and disabled individuals who have no one to count on. Just getting across the street is a BIG deal for them. One that is fraught with danger. How many places don’t even have handicap accessibility?

How many races and ethnicities are treated with contempt, hate and malice simply because of the color of their skin? (sigh) God help us all, people!

When you extend your heart to another hurting human being through a random act of kindness, you offer hope. Perhaps hope they had once lost.

Your ‘simple’, selfless act of kindness could be what makes someone choose life over death. You could turn their seemingly hopeless situation into one of possibility. Your act of kindness could single-handedly restore their faith in humanity. Tweet

I’ll be completely honest with you. Random acts of kindness are the most joyous and fulfilling acts you will ever do. My entire day or week has been made by making someone else’s day. Yours can be the same.

Considering these above scenarios alone, how many people could you extend an act of kindness to?

Kindness is contagious. So is rudeness. Which will you pick?

Need Inspiration? These 26 Heartwarming Acts of Kindness Might Help!

In no particular order , here are 26 easy to do acts of kindness ideas that might inspire you to find ways to bless those around you too.

# 1 – Take the time to listen to someone who needs a compassionate ear. Instead of rushing about your day, notice when someone is upset. Ask them sincerely, “Are you ok?” and wait for the answer. You might be just who they need! Simply be present. Just listen.

#2 – Go out of your way to be polite and grateful for anyone who is in service to you. Say thank you for what you do! I appreciate you! Whether that’s the person picking up the trash, making your coffee, driving the taxi or working for you doing various tasks. Expressing your gratitude for them goes a really long way when it’s heartfelt.

#3 – Offer to pray for someone who is feeling down and discouraged. Prayer is power!

#4 – Help an elderly or disabled person with their daily tasks: walking, crossing the street, getting groceries, etc.

#5 – Love someone? Leave a heartfelt note letting them know you care, appreciate them and respect them. You are guaranteed to make more than their day!

Relationships are like bank accounts. You get out of them only what you put in! When you withdraw too much without depositing, you’re in trouble! #wisdom #relationships Tweet

#6 – Take food, clothing, hygiene necessities or blankets to a homeless person. You never know what they’ve been through!

# 7 – Fix a problem for someone else. Bill need to be paid? Parents need a date away from the kids? Charity needing donations to complete a project? Nothing is too small or big to consider.

#8 – Send thank you cards to our military men and women. Or sweet & funny cards to hospitalized kids .

#9 – Have a really great experience with someone in customer service? Contact their supervisor and acknowledge their exceptional work!

#10 – Everyone around you gossiping? Crash their party by sticking up for the one they’re gossiping about. It could have been you they were talking about, ya know! Empathy goes a long, long ways….

#11 – Treat a friend or loved one out to a quick lunch or a nice dinner just to catch up and say “I’m thinking of you and I value our relationship.” Maybe even consider making lunch or dinner yourself for them; especially if they have specific dietary needs.

#12 – Bake cookies or other yummies for your local fire department, teachers and police officers. Let them know you appreciate all their dedication to you and your family!

#13 – Visit your local nursing home and spend some time with the residents. Many of these precious people have absolutely no one coming to visit them. The joy you will bring to their lives can’t be expressed with words!

#14 – Donate gently used and like new items to the local shelters in your area. Reach out to these shelters especially around the holidays to see what needs they have. You could give these kids a Christmas they’ve never had! Christmas for Kids is a good example.

#15 – Offer patience. You never know what kind of battle someone is facing. They may be suffering from severe depression, chronic invisible pain, problems at home, anything at all. Often, the most angry people among us are the ones who are hurting the most.

#16 – Know a friend trying to get a business up & running? Help spread the word! Purchase something from them and help them realize their dream is worth achieving!

#17 – Get off the phone! So many people now spend their whole lives looking down at their smartphones. Put it away. Be physically AND emotionally present with those you care about. You might be surprised how much better you feel.

#18 – Be the friend to the ‘underdog.’ Take time to see the value in someone when everyone else thinks they’re ‘not worth it.’ Get to know them. You just might find your new best friend!

#19 – See an animal in need? Take them in if possible. If not, provide them with food, water or shelter. Tell others about it and try to find its forever home.

#20 – Know of a family in dire need? Offer to pay their grocery bill, light bill or other expense. It could mean they have the chance to stay in their home! See if you can find ways to help get them back on their feet.

#21 – SMILE! Mother Teresa said it best: ” We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.” A genuine smile straight from the heart can turn someone’s day from dark to light. I’ve witnessed this myself over and over again.

#22 – Consider sending flowers just because you can. Any time I have received flowers as a surprise, it has really touched my heart! Sending flowers is a powerful way to communicate friendship and affection.

#23 – We all like to save money, right?? I do! If you know of a great coupon or current deal, share it with people!

#24 – Give someone you love a hug! They are extremely healing and increase the bond between two people.

#25 – Hold the door for someone. And please , be sure to help in any way needed if this person has a disability.

#26 – Going to a hotel? Leave a note in the nightstand that reminds someone how valuable and special they are. Not planning to visit a hotel any time soon? Leave encouraging, positive and uplifting notes around town at random! It is guaranteed to make someone’s day!

These 26 Acts of Kindness Take Little Time But Make A Big Difference

My personal favorite is paying for the person’s meal or coffee behind me in line. What if that person you pay for is wondering how they were going to keep feeding their family? No matter what we’re going through, someone always has it worse than us.

The radio station I listen to most often, Spirit FM , has a program called, “ Drive Thru Difference .” It encourages people to do just that – pay for the meal of the vehicle behind them. It creates a train of gratitude , reaching far beyond that day. Such an act of kindness is not easily forgotten!

Who knows, this might turn into a blog series. There are endless ways for which we can take a moment of our lives and forever change someone else’s.

I have often said – we may not remember what we did for someone several years ago. Yet for the one who received your kindness, they might remember it for a lifetime.

My best advice? Give to someone else what you wish you had. You just might be surprised how what you sow comes back to you multiplied. When you sow love, compassion, joy, and kindness – you will reap that and more! (2 Corinthians 9:6)

Do you have a personal favorite out of these 26 acts of kindness listed? What is your favorite way to show empathy for your fellow humans? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Thank you also for sharing this article on social media. All of us together doing the right thing can change the world – one heart at a time. Join me, will you?

If you’d love to do more, please visit the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation . Their mission is one to stand behind. 💕

Kindest Regards,

48 Comments

“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Hey there friend! (Sorry to have been out of touch. It’s been a rough go here lately. I hope you are well?)

I adore that Scripture. It is one of my very favorites. So much truth packed in a few words. ❤

I’ve been good! Hope things get better for you!

Aww this is such a lovely, heart-warming post! I’d agree, I think these ‘random acts of kindness’ have been going on since the dawn of time but didn’t have the label attached. Goodness and compassion are to be shared, and the world would be such a brighter place with a little more kindness going around. “When you extend your heart to another hurting human being through a random act of kindness, you offer hope” – that is such a beautiful way to put it. I love the range of things you’ve suggested as examples, there’s something for everyone, big and small, lots of doable things that can make a big difference. Even things like no.15 offering patience, and no.14 donating to shelters (or charity shops). Such an incredible post, Holly. It just shows what a warm heart you have, you’re a beautiful soul ♥ Caz xxxx

I love what you said, “Goodness and compassion are to be shared, and the world would would be such a brighter place with a little more kindness going around.” Amen Caz, I totally agree with you! ❤

We really do assume too much. I know, I’m guilty too. I think at different points, we all are. Thinking we know why someone’s behavior is a certain way when in reality, we haven’t a clue!

I am grateful you felt the list was expansive. What you wrote about there being something for everyone is exactly what I was shooting for. 😉

Your comments always mean so much to me Caz. Thank you for the encouragement and extremely kind words. You are a beautiful soul yourself! ♥

An amazing post dear. We are filled with so much blessings that it won’t hurt to share with others. Knowing about all the misfortunes in this world you might just be the one to save someone. Thanks for this beautiful reminder.

Aw Bridget! That was so kind of you to say! Indeed, but for the grace of God go I…. it’s a true saying. It could easily be us and we would need someone. Why not be the one for someone else if we have the ability? Many blessings to you! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! ♥

These are all such wonderful ideas! I love the cards for kids. I think I’m going to do that with my daughter. It would be a great way to do something for someone else at Christmas. We could make it a tradition! Whenever I’m in the grocery store I always try to compliment someone or at least smile and say hello. It means so much to me to see their faces light up and a smile on their lips. They could have been having the worst day, but just that small gesture could really change their outlook.

Aww! I love that idea of you and your daughter making a tradition out of making cards for other kids. That is very sweet. With your creative talents, those kids would definitely be getting a big treat 🙂

I love your idea too about being in the grocery store and complimenting or smiling at someone. Isn’t it amazing how big of a change you can see in someone’s countenance? How could we possibly not walk away with more joy in our hearts by seeing the effect our kindness has had? You said it perfectly – that small gesture could be everything to that one person, forever changing how they feel about themselves. That’s a really big deal! 😉 God bless you for being such a light in this world my friend. You’re awesome! ❤

This is such a sweet post Holly. I have several favorites too, like number #10, don’t know how many times this has happened in my life with one family member and number #12 is a good one. I have been giving out cookies to neighbors for years but this year along with the neighbors I thought it would be nice to give some to the firefighters in our area as well. Thank you for the coupon (#23) and especially for spreading kindness out there. We do need more of that.

You are just so precious! Your heart is filled with goodness. It really is! 💕

I think #10 is a big one. If more people stood up for the ‘underdogs’ in this world, I believe we would see our cultural ‘norms’ shift for the better. There is so much bullying going on. (sigh) And I love that you have been giving out cookies. What a sweetheart you are. Those gestures mean more than we will ever know. 🤗

You’ve warmed my heart. Thank you for being you and for spreading kindness everywhere you go.

I added you in one of my grateful tags (Sundays post coming up) and also this post will be coming up in my favorites for the month of November, which I still need to write up. Been a bit busy lately. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

I have missed you! It has been chaos here as well. I am hopelessly behind on absolutely everything. I’m so sorry!

I truly cherish your friendship and am grateful to have met you. Thank you so much with my whole heart for all you’ve done to mention me on your blog. You are so precious! 🤗

Happy Thanksgiving dear friend to you and your family as well. I’m thankful to have met you and look forward to getting to know you better!

Sincerely, Holly 💕

My response to this post is in line. Not as in ‘in line reply’ to an email. In line as in : this is in line with everything I believe in, strive daily to achieve, and have the desire to do so much more of! Holly! I LOVE this post. So well written and very beautifully put. The world needs more people doing things like this – but for now, even if there are but a handful of individuals, it will still make a difference. 🙂 Where I am from, the opportunities are endless. There are more people hurting around here than anything else. It’s heartbreaking. 🙁 So I’ll keep doing my part, and I may not change the world but I can change a life…and that’s a victory in itself 😉 Thank you for this great blog post!

You just absolutely made my day! Thank you for such a thoughtful reply to my post! 🤗

I love what you said – even if we don’t have too many people on the ‘kindness train,’ those of us who are – can still make a difference! I am grateful you too believe that life is only worth living if we care for others as well. It breaks my heart just to hear of what you describe – so many people being in need where you are. It’s so easy to get lost emotionally in the overwhelming need around us and knowing we can’t save/help everyone.

I adore your heart and what you stand for. THANK YOU for seeing what actually matters in this world. We need you and I promise you – your life matters more than you will ever know on this side of Heaven. You are most certainly victorious and I believe greater things are yet to come for you 💕

And this reply made me cry. They’re more than just kind words – you have touched the depths of my soul with what you have said. I really needed to see this message this morning – THANK YOU! 🙂 My passion is people – and I’ve been shown many a time that that is my purpose too. I’m still ‘feeling my way around’ with this knowledge – but He has a plan 😉 I’m not being dishonest when I say that I really DO believe that my day has been wasted if I can’t touch at least one life in a positive way. Small steps 😉 Much love to you, and an abundance of the best kind of blessings on you today too x

Such a very beautiful post! #3 and #15 stood out to me in particular as things I’m definitely trying to practice more. Prayer and patience. So many folks are broken and hurting in this world. Prayer truly is powerful and sometimes folks just need a patient and listening ear… and someone who will stand next to them and love them even if it seems they are acting mean or “ugly”. Their anger may stem from a deep wound that needs healing. Anyway, stepping down from my soapbox now 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

Aww! Thank you so much for this thoughtful reply! 🤗

I don’t think you were on your soapbox at all 🙂 I completely agree with you! People really are hurting indeed and we never know what kind of battle they’re facing in life. We never know their story or what they’ve been through until we really take the time to find out – through being patient! I know, it is easier said than done sometimes. But if we try and ask Holy Spirit to help us, that’s what counts. Over time, it becomes much easier to automatically see the reason behind the behavior.

I enjoyed your comment so much. Thank you for sharing your heart & thoughts with me ♥

This are key ways. Love this most “give that which you wish you had”. This works for me a lot. Like when I am feeling sad and led to pray or reach out to people. I in turn get healed of the pain or ache I feel and relive flows in.

I am so sorry that I’m just now seeing this beautiful reply! Thank you! I agree wholeheartedly with you. God really does work that way – we really do reap what we sow. What we make happen for others, He makes sure to make happen for us. It’s a beautiful blessing!

All my love to you. Thanks again! 🤗

Smiles. There is no problem. 😊

So sorry from my end too for the late reply. 🙈

Yes. I can’t agree more. 💯 Totally and it comes in ripple effect.

Aww aww. 😊 Love you too ma’am. ❤ You are welcome. 🤗

[…] Do a random act of kindness […]

You are so kind Michelle. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! 🤗

This is beautiful Holly!

Thank you so much! Your kind words have touched my heart! 🤗

This reminds me of a commercial that I saw on tv where they had people show random act of kindness to someone. Seeing others giving kindness just makes your heart warm and comfort.

So nice to hear from you! I agree – kindness does warm our hearts like nothing else can. We literally have the ability to radically change a life, all by what we speak and do. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! ♥

[…] and ‘status’ in life don’t impress me one bit. Have a beautiful heart and treat people with kindness? You are someone I can […]

Holly, I loved this post! Such inspiration. I have always been #18, and have raised my children this way as well. I am very blessed to have three loving and caring human beings that care and respect the underdog!

Christina, I am so proud of you for being a great Mama! Raising your kids to love and care for others is a blessing not seen often enough in this world. You are awesome!

Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for your thoughtful reply, for sharing this post and for being you! Keep on being beautiful you! 💕

Thank you Holly! Your words are so encouraging. I love your posts! ❤️

[…] We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. […]

Beautifully written! You are so right, kindness can go so far and we never know how much of an impact we can make on others 💖

Amen to that my friend, amen! 💕 Thank you so much for your beautiful reply!

[…] We have to be honest with ourselves and examine our own behavioral patterns. What toxic thinking are we passing on? Are we showing unconditional love, acceptance and kindness for ALL peoples? […]

“Kindness is contagious. So is rudeness. Which will you pick?” What a great way to put this idea out there! Thanks for another great post. Joan In Pursuit of Happiness https://kindness-compassion-and-coaching.com Twitter: @kindcompascoach

Amen! Isn’t that an incredible thought? Thank you for being here, my friend! I value you more than you know! ♥️

Those “I-love-and-appreciate-you” notes are a real treasure. I have several of them on my kitchen windowsill. They’ve been there for years.

I wholeheartedly agree with you. They are pure gold to be treasured. It really is the ‘simple’ moments in life that mean so much, isn’t it? It warms my heart to hear you have these special notes to recall how loved you are! ♥️ It sure is wonderful to hear from you!

Your “like” button doesn’t seem to be working for me, so I’ll just say ” 😉 “

So sorry about that. There’s some kind of technical issue that has been going on for months now. Not sure what’s wrong but I sure do hope it gets fixed in the near future.

Here’s a song that has been a recent favorite of mine, on the same subject. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/dOBaLrItEyc

I always enjoyed the lyrics from that song too! Great minds think alike. We can never underestimate the hearts of compassion and encouragement the Lord has given us. One word, one smile, one kind gesture can change the trajectory of someone’s life. We have far more power through the love of Christ than we realize! ♥ Thank you for sharing, my friend!

Dear Holly, What a lovely post. It’s exactly what the world needs right now. Random acts of kindness – nothing else can replace it. I love the way you write and express yourself. I hope that lots of people get inspired by your post. Thank you so much for all your love and caring. Stay safe!

Aw! You are so sweet my friend, thank you! You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers! ♥️ I wholeheartedly agree with you – acts of kindness spread love in a world that is desperately in need of that very thing!

Your kind remarks about my writing have made my day, genuinely. I’m such a tough critic of myself and hearing what you said makes me smile! Thank you with my whole heart! 🤗 Sending my love to you and yours, today and always!

[…] we focus on grows. The next chance you get, offer a random act of kindness and see how different you […]

[…] always have to be money, either. It could also be your time. I encourage you; do what you can to be a blessing to others. Not only will you feel happier and healthier, but you’ll also find that your own […]

[…] 26 Acts of Kindness Examples To Uplift & Inspire […]

I Love Hearing From You! Cancel reply

Hi, I'm Holly! Lover of my husband, the Lord, nature and animals (especially cats!) I'm an INFJ (MBTI) which means I love deeply and care about the well-being of those around me and in this world.

I hope to hear from you at one of my sites. God bless! ♥

24 Awesome Ways To Encourage Being Kind at School

If there was ever a time to be kind, it’s right now. As parent group leaders, we just love that we have the chance to influence our school culture for the better, making kindness, empathy, inclusion, and acceptance an everyday thing. Below, we’ve rounded up loads of feel-good ideas to inspire your whole school!

1. Throw kindness around like confetti—as in, all over the school campus.

You might want to bring that umbrella to Doughnuts With Dad because we’re about to make it rain kindness! Encourage students and staff to leave anonymous “kindness cards” (sticky notes scribbled with messages of hope, peace, and all-around awesomeness) on cars in the parking lot, vending machines, lockers, desks, and elsewhere.

2. Invite students to write notes to school staff at an appreciation station.

It doesn’t take much to lift someone up—a few kind words can change everything. Set up an appreciation station in the school cafeteria or lobby where students can drop by to write notes. Then, collect and distribute notes to staff members during Teacher Appreciation Week, National Custodian Day, Principal Appreciation Day, School Secretary Appreciation Day, and School Bus Driver Appreciation Day—and let’s not forget the lunch monitors, either.

3. Teach kids to be kind to others—and themselves—both online and offline at a Family Tech Talk: Virtual Edition event.

Kids face a lot of pressure, from perfecting that filtered pic on Instagram to fighting hours-long Fortnite battles with buddies. It’s easy to feel excluded, addicted to the screen, not good enough, not thin enough—the list goes on. Our free Family Tech Talk offers a chance for families at your school to connect about these issues and talk openly about the importance of being kind to others and yourself (both IRL and virtually) while finding a healthy balance between time spent online and offline. You plan the event; the Trend Micro expert teaches and answers parent questions over Zoom.

4. Create a Kindness Rocks garden (literally).

Invite students to decorate rocks with messages of kindness, empathy, and hope during recess. Collect and place them in a designated garden, or line the walkway of an outdoor learning space with the decorated rocks. A few tips from one of our rock star PTO leaders: Prep rocks in advance with Rust-Oleum American Accents 2x Ultra Cover spray paint, then decorate with oil-based paint pens (just make sure you open and activate them in advance). Finally, seal rocks with Mod Podge clear acrylic sealer.

5. This tree of kindness display is kind of hard to miss—but that’s the point.

Given students hearts to write down acts of kindness they performed. Hold a kindness challenge and tally up how many kind acts your school community performs.

6. Start an after-school Kindness Club where kids learn how to spread kindness and encourage others to do the same.

Students at Whipple Elementary in Canton, Ohio, get together regularly to make kindness a priority at their school, from signing kindness pledges to passing out kindness notes and lollipops at football games. Nonprofit organizations like the Kind Campaign offer free resources to help schools start a Kind Club in addition to providing in-school kindness assemblies.

7. Something good is in the air! Get things rolling with a Kindness Counts Night.

Getting kids involved in bettering the world around them helps develop both perspective and empathy—and the knowledge that we can all help change the world for the better. During a Kindness Counts Night, families can make cards for local nursing homes and hospitals, assemble blessing bags for homeless shelters, and donate items like winter coats for families in need. Show kids the power of kindness by inviting them to add a heart to stick to a wall of kindness.

8. Trade your (sort of creepy) Elf of the Shelf for Kindness Elves.

Come December, that pesky Elf on the Shelf can be found wreaking harmless holiday havoc in classrooms everywhere (he’s even been blamed for that paper jam in the office). But some schools are trading it for Kindness Elves who bring notes asking children to do one kind thing each day. For instance: “Write cards to kids at St. Jude”; “bring in canned goods for the local food pantry”; “compliment the person sitting next to you”; “pick up trash around the school property.”

9. Kick that school spirit wear up a notch with some school kind wear.

Great to don during antibullying month (October) and Random Acts of Kindness Week (February), “kindwear” is the fun way to show that your students are proud to be kind. Some of our favorite shirt sayings: Kind Is Cool, Choose Kind, Throw Kindness Around Like Confetti, and Kindness Is Contagious.

10. Rally around kindness with a schoolwide lip dub.

Come together to celebrate the fabric of your school community with an all-school lip dub video. Show kids that individually we may be different, but we each play an important part and together we can accomplish anything. Hold a kindness rally at the end of the video to celebrate all the differences that make your school great!

11. Deck the halls (and stalls) with powerful messages of kindness and positivity.

Gather parent volunteers and teachers to paint inspirational quotations on walls in the school restrooms or lobby. (For all you non-painters out there, you can use vinyl, too.)

12. Source volunteer talent (mad woodworking skills a plus) to make a buddy bench.

Great for the early elementary years, a buddy bench offers an easy way for kids looking for playmates to connect during recess.

13. Dedicate some of that precious PTO bulletin board space to making a kindness bulletin board.

Or fill envelopes with different acts of kindness that students can draw from anytime.

14. Make a poster with a message for students.

The simple message on this poster made by the Conneaut Lake (Penn.) Elementary PTO reminds students of their role in spreading kindness. Hang your poster at student eye level in a highly trafficked area of the school, like a hallway near the cafeteria or the wall near the exit to the playground.

15. Hold a schoolwide Kindness Challenge Week.

Challenge students to perform different acts of kindness all week (these fun “kindness challenge” pencils make it hard to pick just one!). Give each day of the week a theme to encourage kids to think about how their actions and behavior affect those around them. We love this “What-if Week” idea shared in our Facebook group for leaders :

Monday: What if we practice positivity? (wear pink or purple) Tuesday: What if we serve others? (wear camouflage or superhero cape) Wednesday: What if we don’t judge others by how they look? (wear funky glasses) Thursday: What if we stand up for one another? (school spirit shirt & jeans) Friday: What if we have no excuses? (wear college gear)

16. Hold a disabilities awareness fair to show students what it’s like to live with different disabilities.

With nearly 13 percent of children receiving special education services (as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics), there’s good reason to help foster a kinder, more understanding, and more inclusive school community. Disabilities Awareness Month (March) is a great opportunity to give students the chance to learn, hands-on, what it’s like to live with different challenges—from spectrum disorders like autism to vision, speech, and physical impairments. Set up tables, each manned by a parent volunteer or child (or both) who can talk about what it’s like living with that specific disability. From learning to read Braille to trying out a wheelchair to meeting a service dog, kids get to be curious in a respectful way while learning and asking questions. Connect with your school’s special ed department for resources.

17. Provide a moderated activity during recess for kids who tend to fly solo.

Give students who might otherwise play alone the opportunity to engage with their classmates during a structured, feel-good activity. Offer a sensory path to encourage physical movement, games like giant Jenga, or an epic Lego wall to encourage kids to build together. Roll out an arts and crafts cart to allow quieter kids to create, draw, and color, or invite students to help the PTO with a “VIP task” like gluing googly eyes to cups for the upcoming monster-theme movie night. Motivate older students to help out with this effort by recruiting “kindness ninja” ambassadors.

18. Instead of pledging laps walked or minutes read, kids pledge acts of kindness during a good deeds-athon.

From cutting their hair for Locks of Love to sending a card to a sick neighbor, kids learn that being kind is actually pretty easy. (Psst: Your group can coordinate schoolwide kindness efforts, like a Kindness Challenge Week, to help facilitate!)

19. Chalk the walk (and you might just be the reason someone smiles today).

Greet students and staff with sidewalk notes that remind them that anything is possible, kindness is cool, and more.

20. Loop a kindness chain around the hallways as a reminder that no-good deed goes unnoticed.

Start a schoolwide kindness paper chain and see how far it can reach throughout the school. To start, give paper strips to teachers. When a student or teacher is the recipient of a random act of kindness, have them write it on a strip of paper and add a link to their classroom chain. On the last day, staple classroom chains together and string throughout the hallways.

21. Start each day with good vibes by having kids read a kindness quote.

Have students from each grade take turns sharing the quote of the day during morning announcements.

22. Take an aerial photo of students in the shape of a heart.

Source a drone (just ask those techie 5th graders!) and have students assemble on the blacktop in heart formation. Print the photo on thank-you cards that you can hand out when you catch kids (and adults) being kind or share on your group’s social media channels as your school’s emblem of kindness.

23. Got kind kids? Let them show off all the good deeds they’ve done during a kindness share fair.

A kindness share fair is an opportunity for students to celebrate all the good deeds they’ve done throughout the year, from making board games and cards for senior center residents to baking cupcakes for the local police station.

24. Invite them to a kindness cafe.

As part of an extensive school kindness program implemented through the 365Z Foundation , organizers at Chaffee Elementary in Oxford, Mass., recognize students who’ve shown kind behavior in a variety of ways. At the kindness cafe, kids who’ve demonstrated kindness have their lunch with Captain Kindness (alter ego of school principal Robert Pelczarski); after lunch, they enjoy a surprise treat. “We set some expectations on what we hope to see in regards to kindness and behavior,” Pelczarski says. “We celebrate the heck out of kids when we see kind acts and deeds…then when we find some kids that deserve even more rewards (or need them) and we celebrate even further!”

Original Source: https://www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/article/8862-awesome-ways-to-encourage-being-kind-at-school

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75 Random Acts of Kindness Ideas: Examples of Nice Things to Do

It is one of those days when nothing seems to be going right. You are in a horrible mood for no reason at all. As you scamper across the street to reach your home, you drop your important paperwork on the road. Utterly agitated, you try to gather the loose sheets of papers that have come undone from a file and then a complete stranger lends you a helping hand. You both get up, the file tucked safely in your arm, and you thank them. They give you a warm smile and disappear into the crowd. Suddenly, the world doesn’t seem such a bad place.

Random acts of kindness can lift up anyone’s spirits, and you hold the power to make someone’s day with some small but selfless acts. How about you try some of these ideas and put on a bright smile on a few faces.

75 Random Acts of Kindness Ideas:Examples of Kind Things to Do

1. ✧ bring toys to the homeless shelter.

While birthdays and holidays is a joyful time for many, it can be extremely hard for children who don’t have a proper roof over their heads. If there is a homeless shelter for families near your place, consider giving away toys that your child has outgrown. If you can afford, you can even buy new toys for them. Watch the little faces light up as they unwrap the toys and merrily play with them.

2. ✦ Hold the Elevator Door

This is an example of a very simple random act of kindness! When your inside the elevator and see someone running for it, simply hold the door open for them.

3. ✦ Give a Stranger a Compliment

A nice compliment from a total stranger can do wonders. Remember that time when you weren’t sure about your glossy red boots? Then this young lad in a store commented how awesome they looked and that was all you needed to hear to make you happy for that day. Don’t hold back on compliments. Give them away. They are free after all.

4. ✧ Help Someone Put Groceries in Their Car

5. ✧ send flowers to someone for no reason.

Unexpectedly send a colorful assortment of freshly cut blooms to your dear grandma or a teacher you greatly admired. They will be happy to know that someone was thinking of them.

You can find pretty and reasonably priced bouquets at 1-800-Flowers or ProFlowers . Not a great example of sending flowers for no reason , but I did just send this cute flower birthday cake to a friend of mine!

6. ✦ Run an Errand for Someone

If you are already heading to the post office or grocery store, an easy random act of kindness would be to offer to pick up postage or grab some groceries for a friend.

7. ✦ Make a Music Playlist for Someone

Older parents can sometimes be slightly tech-challenged. It could take ages for them to create a playlist of all their favorite oldies, so why not make it easy for them and make a list with all the best songs. They would be over the moon! Even if it’s not your parents, I’m sure you know someone who could use a customized playlist.

8. ✧ Mow Your Neighbors Lawn

9. ✦ bake cookies for the office.

This idea is perfect for almost everyone, I mean who can resist a warm platter of scrumptious cookies straight from the oven? Bring happiness to a boring day at work by baking some delicious cookies. Your colleagues will love you for that. Gobble them down happily along with your coworkers.

For some delicious cookie ideas see the Epicurious’ 113 Favorite Cookie Recipes (and send me a dozen of the spiced molasses cookies!). Don’t forget the cookie sheets! The Rachael Ray Yum-o! Nonstick Pans are amazing, or at least get yourself some silicone baking mats that make the process so much easier!

10. ✦ Read a Book to an Elderly Person

As people age it can get harder and harder to see the fine print of a book. They would probably love for you to read them a classic that they remember from childhood and this article can help: 25 Must-Read Classic Books .

11. ✧ Give Your Favorite Book to a Friend

12. ✧ leave a nice note on someone’s car.

No, a passive-aggressive note for someone who parks wrongly doesn’t count. Jot down a thoughtful and kind note and stick it on the windshield. It can be for a neighbor, a friend, your spouse or any random stranger. Add positive vibes to their day!

Struggling for ideas? Odyssey helps you of with 17 Of The Best Notes From Positive Post-It Day .

13. ✦ Let Someone Cut in Front of You in Line

14. ✧ buy the person behind you coffee.

Next time you are at the coffee shop give the teller a few dollars to buy the person behind you their morning cup of joe.

15. ✦ Hide a Love Note

Slip in a love letter in her lunch, hide it in his wallet or write it on the shower wall. Can you imagine their sweet smiles when they stumble upon it and read the cheeky love note? Huffington Post has some of the best love note ideas (I may even steal a few of them!): 15 Love Notes From Couples Who Have The Relationship Thing Down Pat .

16. ✦ Pick Up Litter at the Park

17. ✦ donate to a friends charity.

It’s becoming more popular for people to opt out of birthday gifts and instead request donations to their favorite charities (especially on Facebook !). So, give a little to help a friends cause.

18. ✦ Send a Care Package to a Soldier

Far away from their homeland and loved ones, and out in the open, soldiers sacrifice so much for their country. Thank the soldiers for their service by sending them a military care package and give a much-needed boost to their morale. It was one of my most memorable bucket list checks (I did it on my birthday!) and you can get some ideas of what to send and tips from my article .

19. ✧ Take a Neighbor’s Dog for a Walk

20. ✦ tell a boss about a good employee.

Being a boss myself (of 30 employees!), many days we only hear about employees who are not doing such a good job, but turn it around and give kudos to someone who is doing great.

21. ✦ Feed Someone’s Parking Meter

Do you happen to come across a person who could use a little help? Feed their parking meter and save them some trouble! This was on my bucket list and I fed the meter of someone near my hometown. I hope they were happy!

22. ✧ Wash Someone’s Dishes

23. ✧ Make Dinner for a Family in Need

24. ✧ pay for someone’s meal at a restaurant.

This random act of kindness idea is slightly challenging as you can’t deduce who will appreciate the gesture or who will feel creeped out. However, if you see a harried parent with teeny-weeny monsters or a couple who are celebrating a special occasion, go ahead and pay for one of the meals!

25. ✦ Babysit for Free

26. ✦ do someone a favor, 27. ✧ thank a teacher with a gift.

We all have a favorite teacher that we often think of. Send your teacher a heartfelt gift to express your gratitude. Oh, the patience they must have had to deal with you! By the way— Etsy has some of the best teacher’s gifts! Or, these Bring Me Some Wine socks would be perfect for the right recipient.

28. ✦ Give Your Seat Up on the Bus

29. ✦ share your umbrella with someone, 30. ✦ offer to take a photo of a couple.

Selfies don’t always work, especially when you are trying to capture you, your partner and the background. If you see a couple struggling to take a photo of a lovely moment, help them out and offer to click a gorgeous picture for them.

31. ✦ Reconnect with an Old Friend

75 Random Acts of Kindness Ideas: Examples of Kind Things to Do

32. ✦ Buy Local Products from a Small Vendor

33. ✧ handwrite a letter to a friend.

You can surely send an email or a text, but nothing can beat a good old-fashioned handwritten letter. It oozes out warmth and love. Share some secrets and love by writing a letter to your best friend.

34. ✦ Text Someone Good Morning or Goodnight

35. ✧ write down a friends best qualities (and give it to them), 36. ✦ send some nice comments on social media.

Don’t you hate it when you upload a picture on Facebook and nobody likes it or posts a comment. Ugh! Don’t be one of those! Be generous with likes and comments. They don’t cost anything! When a person shares a picture on their wall, leave a nice comment to cheer them up.

37. ✦ Buy Lemonade from a Stand

38. ✧ Leave Quarters at the Laundromat

39. ✧ buy school supplies for a teacher.

The salary of teachers can be consider low when the responsibility level is so high, and they have such big hearts! Most teachers have to buy school supplies from their own pockets. Show kindness to a teacher and buy some school supplies for them!

40. ✧ Be Welcoming to a Neighbor or New Student

41. ✧ compliment a parent on their childs good behavior, 42. ✧ donate towels or blankets to the animal shelter.

On a frosty winter night when the biting cold wind blows and the clouds roar with all their might, there would be a small puppy snuggled up in a warm blanket that you donated. All cozied up thanks to you! Don’t throw away old blankets and worn-out towels into the garbage bin. Give them away to your local animal shelter.

43. ✧ Leave a Positive Note in a Library Book

44. ✧ answer a question in an online forum, 45. ✦ make and send a handmade card.

Rather than grabbing a random card off the shelf, be creative and send some handmade cards with personalized messages to your loved ones. Add inside jokes, cheerful notes and don’t forget to mention how much you love them. They will cherish the cards forever!

If you are creatively challenged then, then just buy a kit that has everything you need in it.

46. ✧ Donate a Book to the Library

47. ✦ bring someone a souvenir.

Are you on a vacation? You must be having a time of your life exploring the dense tropical jungles and diving with marine creatures! When you go back home, do take a handful of souvenirs back for your friends and family! They will be happy to know that you were thinking of them.

This cute little bugger from Thailand was my favorite souvenir:

48. ✦ Let Someone into Your Lane

49. ✦ give someone a reusable water bottle.

Do you know a person who causally buys packaged water bottles and throws them away after gulping down the water? Oh, our poor planet! Hand them a reusable bottle and tell them to bring their own water in it from now on. Join the movement and say no to plastic waste!

My favorite bottles are from Hydroflask because they will keep your drinks cold (or hot) for hours!

50. ✦ Give Someone a Hug

51. ✦ Bake Someone a Cake

A delish cake from a bakery looks quite tempting but does it have that exact dose of love you wish to shower? On your loved one’s birthday, skip the trip to the bakery and surprise them with a lovely homemade cake full of affection! Even if it turns out horrid, (don’t worry, it won’t!), they will truly appreciate the gesture.

Of course you can simply use a box cake mix (it’s the thought that counts!), or pick a recipe from Southern Living’s 25 Most Baked Cakes of All Time .

52. ✧ Take a New Acquaintance to Lunch

53. ✧ knit something for the needy.

My grandma really enjoyed knitting, it’s one of the things I remember most about her. Whenever I used to visit her, she would be surrounded by colorful balls of yarn. The thing was she never made anything for herself. The rainbow scarf was for a friend, the yellow jumper was for a baby and the red sweater was for an aging veteran. If you love to knit, weave the yarn into something beautiful for needy people.

You can find several different How-To videos on YouTube, but this step-by-step video on How to Knit a Scarf for Beginners is one of the best.

54. ✧ Buy a Round of Drinks for the Bar

55. ✧ bring your partner breakfast in bed.

After a tiring week, we could all use a little pampering. If you find your partner particularly down after a stressful week at work, whip up a hearty and fulfilling breakfast and bring it to bed. Nothing is better than waking up to the whiffs of freshly brewed coffee and warm, gooey waffles.

Need some ideas of what yumminess to cook? Check out these delicious breakfast in bed recipes . If you don’t have one of those cute trays for the bed, this one would be perfect!

56. ✦ Participate in a Fundraiser

57. ✦ take 15 minutes to really listen to someone.

You may think she is simply nagging, but have you ever truly paid attention to what she is actually saying? When someone talks their heart out to you, don’t make a face and zone out. Instead, invest a few minutes and really listen to them. Go an extra mile and offer them a couple of helpful tips as well.

58. ✧ Leave Money on a Vending Machine

59. ✧ send a random thank you email to someone you admire.

That acquaintance you hardly ever talk to once did you a small favor that you forgot about. How about sending a thank you note over an email? They will appreciate the fact that you remembered. Moreover, if there are people around you that you admire, express your feelings over a quick email.

60. ✦ Put Your Phone Away When You’re with Family or Friends

61. ✦ donate your clothes.

I love clothes! Every few weeks or so, I go out and buy a couple of pieces that inevitably end up being worn only once or twice before it get shoved to the back of the closet to make room for new stuff. There are always plenty of clothing items that I don’t need in perfect condition ready to be passed on. If you have a huge collection of clothes that you don’t plan of wearing, don’t hoard. Donate it to a charity and send them off to a new home.

62. ✧ Tutor Someone

63. ✧ plant a tree.

This random act of kindness is simple enough, but it can save the world. Make sure to plant a few greens and watch them blossom into a scenic foliage. Care for them and don’t forget to water them regularly. The earth deserves it!

64. ✦ Spend Time with Your Grandparents

65. ✦ help someone try something new.

When I was a gawky and awkward teenager, I was terrified of so many things, especially anything that was out of my comfort zone (which was just about everything!). Sometimes all it took was a friend giving me a little push to do something new.

If you find someone battling with trying something new, give them a little nudge. Even better, offer to both try something new together.

66. ✦ Call Your Mom

67. ✧ share your favorite recipe with a friend.

Don’t you simply loathe it when people sit over the ‘family recipes’ and giggle when you ask the secret ingredient? Don’t be a miser when it comes to food. Share the recipes without any fear. Nobody can steal the love that you make your dish with! So, how about telling your friend the best way to make your grandmas Shepherd’s Pie or great aunts famous chocolate chunk cookies?

68. ✦ Compliment Your Boss

69. ✦ make someone laugh.

Is your colleague being too grumpy lately? Find out what is bothering them, and if they still don’t give in, crack a few jokes to turn that angry scowl into a huge smile. Laughter can instantly lighten up the mood and you know how to have your pal in stitches.

70. ✦ Donate the $1 at the Checkout Stand

71. ✦ talk to the shy one at a party.

We all have been there… Standing quietly in the corner pretending to be busy on phone as you watch people around you are mingling and dancing. You just want to escape, but you are the designated driver and you just cannot leave your friends stranded. Then this person appears out of nowhere and make an effort to talk to you. You are suddenly having a great time! When you a spot a wallflower at a party, go ahead and have a little chit-chat.

72. ✧ Adopt an Animal

73. ✧ Offer to Help a Friend Pack/Unpack

74. ✦ return a stray grocery cart.

Aren’t we all guilty of leaving the shopping cart in between two cars or on the sidewalk? Instead take you cart and a random stray one back to the cart return location.

75. ✦ Do a Task for Your Partner That He/She Hates Doing

There are dozens of ways you can cheer someone up, and most of the times, it won’t take you more than a minute to do so. Hold the door for a parent with a stroller, reconnect to a long-lost friend you forgot to call back, take your dad to his favorite restaurant, and tell the lady next door that her garden looks absolutely fabulous.

The world would be a completely different place if we all practiced daily random acts of kindness. Next time you come across someone having a tough day, use some of these ideas to show some kindness and bring a smile to their face.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links, I earn a commission that helps to keep this blog running—at no extra cost to you. For more information read my full disclosure .

17 thoughts on “75 Random Acts of Kindness Ideas: Examples of Nice Things to Do”

This article is beautiful and so inspiring! I was writing about few ideas, more concerned about the environment issues but I see here much more! Thank you for this!

These are all great ways to make someone’s day! There’s nothing better than putting a smile on someone else’s face!

These things can really make one feel good from inside if done from one’s desire..Its really nice and genuine thought!!

Thank you very much. This truly reminded me of many things that I should thank myself for as well as those missed occasions of showing kindness

I am so happy to hear that :)

Great Article Thanks for sharing, keep sharing :)

Thank you for sharing these great acts of kindness. I love sharing coupons too! Great idea!

Great job! I really loved the ‘smile its contagious’ it was my personal favorite.

Thank you for sharing these wonderful ideas! I will make an effort to do these things at home, work, gym and every where else I go.

One of my favorite things I have read this year. We went around last night dropping off gift cards to some families in need. They didn’t ask for help, but they never would and sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is to help others out. At my first job as a TV reporter one of the local flower shops brought a bouquet of flowers and we randomly handed it out to strangers each week on TV. Sometimes we would go to grocery stores and call a license plate over the intercom and sometimes we’d go to a fast food drive through and just hand it to someone driving through. We all fought over who got to do it each week. Love this article!

I love all the Kind Acts you have done. Such a great idea to pass out flowers, that would brighten anybodies day!

Love this list! And that it’s a family plan. We often forget how easy it is to be kind

Thank you for the help :))

This was awesome It really helped

Love the list, I just want to appreciate how amazing is this

Such an amazing article. Thank you for your sharing!

Thank you for sharing these lovable ideas. Such a great idea to pass out flowers, that would brighten anybodies day!

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Student Opinion

What Can You Make or Fix With Your Hands?

Did you know that manual activities like cooking, making art, playing a musical instrument and building things can be good for your brain?

By Natalie Proulx

How often do you work with your hands — that is, use them for activities that don’t involve typing, pushing buttons or tapping screens?

Do you draw, write or knit? Garden, cook or play a musical instrument? Build or fix things? Play sports?

What if you knew that those kinds of hands-on activities could help improve your mood, attention span and memory? Would you try to spend more time on them?

In “ Working With Your Hands Is Good for Your Brain ,” Markham Heid writes about why some experts believe we should be using our hands more:

The human hand is a marvel of nature. No other creature on Earth, not even our closest primate relatives , has hands structured quite like ours, capable of such precise grasping and manipulation. But we’re doing less intricate hands-on work than we used to. A lot of modern life involves simple movements, such as tapping screens and pushing buttons, and some experts believe our shift away from more complex hand activities could have consequences for how we think and feel. “When you look at the brain’s real estate — how it’s divided up, and where its resources are invested — a huge portion of it is devoted to movement, and especially to voluntary movement of the hands,” said Kelly Lambert, a professor of behavioral neuroscience at the University of Richmond in Virginia. Dr. Lambert, who studies effort-based rewards, said that she is interested in “the connection between the effort we put into something and the reward we get from it” and that she believes working with our hands might be uniquely gratifying. In some of her research on animals , Dr. Lambert and her colleagues found that rats that used their paws to dig up food had healthier stress hormone profiles and were better at problem solving compared with rats that were given food without having to dig. She sees some similarities in studies on people, which have found that a whole range of hands-on activities — such as knitting , gardening and coloring — are associated with cognitive and emotional benefits, including improvements in memory and attention, as well as reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms.

Students, read the entire article and then tell us:

What is your reaction to the article? What is something new you learned about working with your hands? What questions do you have?

Tell us about a hands-on activity that you enjoy. What benefits have you noticed from it?

Does the article convince you to try more activities that involve using your hands, like cooking, making art, playing an instrument, building things or writing by hand? Why or why not?

“When you put in effort and can see the product of that, like a scarf you knitted, I think that builds up a sense of accomplishment and control over your world” Dr. Kelly Lambert, who studies effort-based rewards, said. What do you think about that idea? Have you observed a connection between the effort you put into something and the reward you get from it in your own life?

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.

Find more Student Opinion questions here. Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate these prompts into your classroom.

Natalie Proulx joined The Learning Network as a staff editor in 2017 after working as an English language arts teacher and curriculum writer. More about Natalie Proulx

7 Unique Kindness Activities for Kids to Make the World Better

From helping out when someone really needs it to saying something that makes another person's day, kindness is kind of a big deal. There are lots of great kindness activities for kids to help them make positivity and compassion a lifelong habit. These are a few of our faves.

1. How We're the Same

Being kind is natural when you see how human and relatable someone else is, but that's not always easy. One great way to build a bond with others is by pointing out things you have in common; it's a good way to increase that feeling of unity.

This is an easy kindness activity for any age, even preschoolers. You can group everyone together or do this in pairs. You can make a list of things to talk about or let them just freestyle the conversation. Have kids ask each other about pets, siblings, places they've been, and what they like to do. Count up how many things they have in common.

Quick Tip For older kids, it can be fun to set a five-minute timer and have them race the clock to find similarities. This adds a level of challenge.

2. Emotion Charades

One big component of kindness is empathy. Understanding and relating to someone else's emotions can make it easier to be compassionate in any situation we encounter. Build this skill with a game of emotion charades.

Ahead of time, brainstorm with kids to come up with as many emotions as you can. Write these down on slips of paper and put them in a bag or jar. When it's time to play, kids can draw an emotion out of the jar and act it out for others to guess. You can work in teams or just do it as a class or large group.

Related: Fun Charades Ideas for the Whole Family

3. The Last Time I Felt...

Building on the concept of recognizing emotions and using empathy, this is a conversation-based activity that can help kids label their feelings and communicate them to others. Encourage kids to write a story or draw a picture of a happy or sad memory from the past and then talk about what they felt in more detail. Were they just happy? Or was it more like they were excited?

It can take some practice to get those nuances figured out (even for adults), so we like using printable emotion charts to help. This can be especially important for kids who are young or may not have a ton of experience thinking about their feelings.

4. Chain of Kindness

One act of kindness often leads to another, and a fun way to illustrate this is to make a paper chain. Talk to kids about what they've done lately that was nice or what someone else has done for them. This is a great kindness activity for kindergarteners and preschoolers who love to get hands-on with their lessons.

Cut construction paper into strips and help kids write down the kind thing that happened. Connect the links of kindness together to create a chain, and talk about how those good feelings and helpful acts link together.

5. Thank You Note (or Picture)

Showing gratitude (and recognizing when you should) is another important element of kindness. When we appreciate what we have, we feel more positive in general. Build gratitude with kids and help them learn to express it by making thank you notes or thank you pictures together.

Kids can choose someone who has done something nice for them lately and draw a picture of that person doing the nice thing or write a note about why what the other person did mattered to them. This is a great kindness activity for students since they can recognize someone who has done something to help them at school.

Related: How to Write a Thank You Note

6. Caring for a Pet or Plant

Taking care of something is another great kindness activity for kids of any age. If you're doing this with your own kids, you can have them be in charge of feeding one of the family pets or cleaning up after them.

In a group of kids, one awesome option is growing a plant or flower from a seed. Each day, kids can water the plant and make sure it's getting enough sunlight. Being responsible for another living thing will help them learn how to nurture other people too.

Related: Powerful Kindness Quotes for Kids

7. Compliment Notes

Giving a compliment is about more than just saying, "I like your shirt" (although everyone likes that too). Teach kids to give really good, personal compliments by having them write compliment notes to people in their lives.

To write the note, they should start by choosing the person. Then they should think of something really specific that person does well or a quality they admire. For example, to write one for their mom, they might say, "I love all the voices you use when you read me a story."

Quick Tip For younger kids, don't worry about having them be the ones to write the actual note. The point is the discussion and recognizing what makes something a good compliment. They can dictate the note, and you can write it down for them.

More Ways for Kids to Show Kindness Every Day

Kindness activities don't need to be a major thing. In fact, there are tons of ways for kids of all ages to show kindness every day. These are just a few more to add in to their daily routine:

Share a toy you might not always want to share.
Say something nice to yourself.
Donate a book you don't need anymore.
Give someone a treat from your lunch.
Let someone else go first.
Clean up a mess you didn't make.
Pick up trash outside.

Pay It Forward With Kindness for Kids

No matter what kindness activity for kids you choose, you'll be making a difference. Just talking about kindness and thinking about it as something we can do actively is a great way to pay it forward. Those kids are going to go out in the world and do great things.

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A Proclamation on Transgender Day of Visibility, 2024

On Transgender Day of Visibility, we honor the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans and reaffirm our Nation’s commitment to forming a more perfect Union — where all people are created equal and treated equally throughout their lives.

I am proud that my Administration has stood for justice from the start, working to ensure that the LGBTQI+ community can live openly, in safety, with dignity and respect. I am proud to have appointed transgender leaders to my Administration and to have ended the ban on transgender Americans serving openly in our military. I am proud to have signed historic Executive Orders that strengthen civil rights protections in housing, employment, health care, education, the justice system, and more. I am proud to have signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law, ensuring that every American can marry the person they love.

Transgender Americans are part of the fabric of our Nation. Whether serving their communities or in the military, raising families or running businesses, they help America thrive. They deserve, and are entitled to, the same rights and freedoms as every other American, including the most fundamental freedom to be their true selves. But extremists are proposing hundreds of hateful laws that target and terrify transgender kids and their families — silencing teachers; banning books; and even threatening parents, doctors, and nurses with prison for helping parents get care for their children. These bills attack our most basic American values: the freedom to be yourself, the freedom to make your own health care decisions, and even the right to raise your own child. It is no surprise that the bullying and discrimination that transgender Americans face is worsening our Nation’s mental health crisis, leading half of transgender youth to consider suicide in the past year. At the same time, an epidemic of violence against transgender women and girls, especially women and girls of color, continues to take too many lives. Let me be clear: All of these attacks are un-American and must end. No one should have to be brave just to be themselves.

At the same time, my Administration is working to stop the bullying and harassment of transgender children and their families. The Department of Justice has taken action to push back against extreme and un-American State laws targeting transgender youth and their families and the Department of Justice is partnering with law enforcement and community groups to combat hate and violence. My Administration is also providing dedicated emergency mental health support through our nationwide suicide and crisis lifeline — any LGBTQI+ young person in need can call “988” and press “3” to speak with a counselor trained to support them. We are making public services more accessible for transgender Americans, including with more inclusive passports and easier access to Social Security benefits. There is much more to do. I continue to call on the Congress to pass the Equality Act, to codify civil rights protections for all LGBTQI+ Americans.

Today, we send a message to all transgender Americans: You are loved. You are heard. You are understood. You belong. You are America, and my entire Administration and I have your back.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 31, 2024, as Transgender Day of Visibility. I call upon all Americans to join us in lifting up the lives and voices of transgender people throughout our Nation and to work toward eliminating violence and discrimination based on gender identity.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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Cash-strapped Trump is now selling $60 Bibles, U.S. Constitution included

Rachel Treisman

Then-President Donald Trump holds up a Bible outside St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., during a controversial 2020 photo-op. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Then-President Donald Trump holds up a Bible outside St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., during a controversial 2020 photo-op.

Former President Donald Trump is bringing together church and state in a gilded package for his latest venture, a $60 "God Bless The USA" Bible complete with copies of the nation's founding documents.

Trump announced the launch of the leather-bound, large-print, King James Bible in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday — a day after the social media company surged in its trading debut and two days after a New York appeals court extended his bond deadline to comply with a ruling in a civil fraud case and slashed the bond amount by 61%.

"Happy Holy Week! Let's Make America Pray Again," Trump wrote. "As we lead into Good Friday and Easter, I encourage you to get a copy of the God Bless The USA Bible."

Consider This from NPR

Why trump's persecution narrative resonates with christian supporters.

The Bible is inspired by "God Bless the USA," the patriotic Lee Greenwood anthem that has been a fixture at many a Trump rally (and has a long political history dating back to Ronald Reagan). It is the only Bible endorsed by Trump as well as Greenwood, according to its promotional website .

The Bible is only available online and sells for $59.99 (considerably more expensive than the traditional Bibles sold at major retailers, or those available for free at many churches and hotels). It includes Greenwood's handwritten chorus of its titular song as well as copies of historical documents including the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Pledge of Allegiance.

"Many of you have never read them and don't know the liberties and rights you have as Americans, and how you are being threatened to lose those rights," Trump said in a three-minute video advertisement.

"Religion and Christianity are the biggest things missing from this country, and I truly believe that we need to bring them back and we have to bring them back fast."

'You gotta be tough': White evangelicals remain enthusiastic about Donald Trump

Trump critics on both sides of the aisle quickly criticized the product, characterizing it as self-serving and hypocritical.

Conservative political commentator Charlie Sykes slammed him for "commodifying the Bible during Holy Week," while Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota critiqued him for "literally taking a holy book and selling it, and putting it out there in order to make money for his campaign."

Trump says the money isn't going to his campaign, but more on that below.

Klobuchar added that Trump's public attacks on others are "not consistent with the teachings of the Bible," calling this "one more moment of hypocrisy." Tara Setmayer, a senior adviser for anti-Trump Republican PAC the Lincoln Project, called it "blasphemous ."

And former Rep. Liz Cheney, a Republican from Wyoming, trolled Trump with a social media post alluding to his alleged extramarital affairs.

"Happy Holy Week, Donald," she wrote. "Instead of selling Bibles, you should probably buy one. And read it, including Exodus 20:14 ."

Christianity is an increasingly prominent part of his campaign

Trump has made a point of cultivating Christian supporters since his 2016 presidential campaign and remains popular with white evangelicals despite his multiple divorces, insults toward marginalized groups and allegations of extramarital affairs and sexual assault.

And his narrative of being persecuted — including in the courts — appears to resonate with his many Christian supporters.

Trump has increasingly embraced Christian nationalist ideas in public. He promised a convention of religious broadcasters last month that he would use a second term to defend Christian values from the "radical left," swearing that "no one will be touching the cross of Christ under the Trump administration."

He made similar comments in the Bible promotional video, in which he warned that "Christians are under siege" and the country is "going haywire" because it lost religion.

What to know about the debut of Trump's $399 golden, high-top sneakers

"We must defend God in the public square and not allow the media or the left-wing groups to silence, censor or discriminate against us," he said. "We have to bring Christianity back into our lives and back into what will be again a great nation."

Trump himself is not known to be particularly religious or a regular churchgoer. He long identified as Presbyterian but announced in 2020 that he identified as nondenominational .

A Pew Research Center survey released earlier this month found that most people with positive views of Trump don't see him as especially religious, but think he stands up for people with religious beliefs like their own.

Trump said in the promotional video that he has many Bibles at home.

"It's my favorite book," he said, echoing a comment he's made in previous years. "It's a lot of people's favorite book."

The Impact Of Christian Nationalism On American Democracy

Trump's relationship to the Bible has been a point of discussion and sometimes controversy over the years.

In 2020, amid protests over George Floyd's murder, he posed with a Bible outside a Washington, D.C., church, for which he was widely criticized. U.S. Park Police and National Guard troops had tear-gassed peaceful protesters in the area beforehand, seemingly to make way for the photo-op, though a watchdog report the following year determined otherwise .

That same year, a clip of a 2015 Bloomberg interview, in which Trump declines to name his favorite — or any — Bible verse resurfaced on social media and went viral.

Bible sales are unlikely to solve Trump's financial problems

An FAQ section on the Bible website says no profits will go to Trump's reelection campaign.

"GodBlessTheUSABible.com is not political and has nothing to do with any political campaign," it says.

However, the site adds that it uses Trump's name, likeness and image "under paid license from CIC Ventures LLC."

Trump is listed as the manager, president, secretary and treasurer of CIC Ventures LLC in a financial disclosure from last year.

Here's what happens if Trump can't pay his $454 million bond

Trump's sales pitch focuses on bringing religion back to America.

"I want to have a lot of people have it," he said at one point in the video. "You have to have it for your heart and for your soul."

But many are wondering whether Trump has something else to gain from Bible sales while facing under mounting financial pressure.

There's his presidential reelection campaign, which has raised only about half of what Biden's has so far this cycle. Trump acknowledged Monday that he "might" spend his own money on his campaign, something he hasn't done since 2016.

There's also his mounting legal expenses, as he faces four criminal indictments and numerous civil cases. Trump posted bond to support a $83.3 million jury award granted to writer E. Jean Carroll in a defamation case earlier this month, and was due to put up another $454 million in a civil fraud case this past Monday.

Trump is on the verge of a windfall of billions of dollars. Here are 3 things to know

His lawyers had said last week that they had approached 30 companies for help making bond, but doing so was a "practical impossibility" — prompting New York's attorney general to confirm that if Trump did not pay, she would move to seize his assets . On Monday, the appeals court reduced the bond amount to $175 million and gave Trump another 10 days to post it.

Trump has evidently been trying to raise money in other ways.

The day after the civil fraud judgment was announced, he debuted a line of $399 golden, high-top sneakers , which sold out in hours . The company behind his social media app, Truth Social, started trading on the Nasdaq exchange on Tuesday, which could deliver him a windfall of more than $3 billion — though he can't sell his shares for another six months.

Donald J. Trump
sales pitch
Christianity

50+ Simple Random Acts of Kindness Ideas for Stangers

Updated 05/31/2022

Published 04/27/2020

Belinda McLeod, BA in Secondary Education

Contributing writer

Discover simple random acts of kindness to strangers, including for kids, work, and other situations.

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

Completing acts of charity is one excellent way to give back. Your mental health may even improve by completing random acts of kindness! Here are some ways to help people in your life — including strangers.

Jump ahead to these sections:

Random acts of kindness ideas for kids, random acts of kindness ideas for work, random acts of kindness to try at home, random acts of kindness for your neighbors, community, or everywhere, random acts of kindness ideas for school, random acts of kindness ideas for the environment.

There are plenty of resources that teach kids how to complete random acts of kindness for others, but kids deserve to be the recipient of kindness as well. Here are some ideas of things you can do to show kindness to children in your family and community.

1. Leave change near video and arcade games

Do you want to make a kid’s day? Leave change near and around child-friendly video games or arcade games. You will also make their parent’s day as well because all parents love seeing their kids excited and happy.

2. Pay for a child’s book order

Visit a local grade school or contact a teacher to ask if you can purchase books for a child. Book orders are still prevalent in grade schools across America, but some children don’t have extra money to order books.

Offer to buy books for those kids. Of course, this kindness should be completed anonymously.

3. Pay for a child’s yearbook

Some children go through their entire school careers without the opportunity to purchase a yearbook.

Depending on your budget, the size of the school, and the cost of the yearbook, you could consider buying books for all the children who were not able to buy one themselves. You may consider limiting your purchase to the oldest grade level at the school.

4. Buy Girl Scout cookies and Boy Scout popcorn

It’s challenging for some kids to speak to adults. If a child asks you to buy items for a fundraiser, make every effort to do so. You may consider merely donating to the cause if you don’t want the article that the child is selling.

5. Give your bubble wrap found in your Amazon delivery to a kid

There’s no need to explain how a kid would use bubble wrap!.

6. Donate playground balls or board games to a grade school

Playground balls and board games are hot commodities at some grade schools. Consider purchasing a few and dropping them off at the main office at your local school. You may even have some gently-used items in your home that you could donate.

7. Give surprise treats to children you know

Giving treats to children you know (with their parent’s knowledge and permission, of course) would be a great way to perform a random act of kindness for a child.

Do something to improve your work environment — complete random acts of kindness at work.

8. Improve your office’s coffee corner

You could improve the life of your coworkers by taking control of the coffee situation at work. You could campaign for the office to purchase good coffee or you could take care of cleaning the machine, making perfect coffee, and making sure the coffee-related items are fully stocked.

Do this act of kindness even if this is not one of your official work responsibilities.

9. Write a thank-you note

Make it your mission to write a thank you note to members of your team periodically. If you send the thank you note as an email, make sure to copy your coworker’s boss on the communication.

10. Leave treats for the cleaning crew

You may have never even seen the crew that visits your office to clean it every night. Whether you have met the individuals or not, leave a well-labeled treat for the members of the custodial staff.

After all, it’s important to show gratitude for everyone who works in your building, not just your peers and boss.

11. Bring in donuts

Leave donuts, bagels, coffee cake, or fresh fruit in the break room. Your coworkers will have a hard time complaining about being overworked and underpaid when their mouths are full of donut holes.

12. Decorate everyone’s work station with fresh flowers

Purchase inexpensive flowers in bulk and leave a few buds on each person’s desk. Flowers do a lot to brighten up a room.

13. Make someone’s job easier

No matter your industry or type of job you perform, there are things that you can do to make your coworkers’ lives easier. Do those tasks without fanfare.

14. Fill up the copier paper, water cooler, or printer ink

Don’t be “that person” who leaves the copier out of paper and the printer out of ink. Even if no one notices this act of kindness, they will complain when it’s not done.

Here are some random acts of kindness to try with your family.

15. Buy flowers

Bring home flowers for your wife, husband, or your daughters for no particular reason.

16. Make a special meal

For no reason at all, make a special meal for someone in your family. Put candles on the table when you serve it.

17. Complete an undesirable chore

Does everyone in your family hate cleaning the shower? Or mowing the grass? Complete this dreaded task without comment or bragging.

18. Make a pitcher of fresh-squeezed lemonade

Everyone loves lemonade, and it’s not difficult to make. Perk your spouse and kids up on a summer day by making this special treat.

19. Buy a new game

Purchase a game, puzzle, or other activity that all the members of your family would enjoy. Have a family game night.

20. Organize a picnic

Why is it that eating sandwiches at your kitchen table is boring, but eating them outside is a special treat? Take your meal outside and enjoy the sunshine as you eat.

21. Leave kind notes on the bathroom mirror

Write words of encouragement or inspirational quotes on your bathroom mirrors.

You can make a difference in your world. Begin with just a few random acts of kindness. Here are some ideas to make life better for those around you.

Remember, random acts of kindness are done in anonymity. It loses some of its magic when you tell others or post accounts of your acts of charity on Facebook.

22. Stop at lemonade stands

No matter how busy you are, take the time to stop at a child’s lemonade stand. Pay double the price for the drink and compliment the child on how refreshing the drink is.

23. Leave beach balls at hotel pools

Buy inflatable beach balls in bulk, and every time you travel, leave one at the hotel’s pool. You may want to write “hotel property” on the side of the ball to encourage other visitors and staff to leave the item behind for the next person.

24. Leave a happy note in a library book

Write words of encouragement on pieces of paper and leave the unsigned notes in books at your local library. Use acid-free ink, so you don’t spoil the book if the letter is not found for months or years.

25. Compliment someone every day

Add one item to your daily “to-do” list. Compliment someone every day. Tell your coworker that he makes excellent coffee. Compliment someone on their shoes.

Commend someone in your office for filling out TPS reports perfectly. Make sure your compliments are sincere.

26. Smile more and say, “Hello!”

How would your environment change if everyone walked around with a smile on their face? This may be a surprise to you, but people tend to smile when you smile at them. Friendliness is contagious.

Smile at people while going on walks and while meeting in the aisle at the grocery store. Smile at clerks, your delivery driver, and your family members.

27. Park at the farthest parking space

Allow another driver the rock-star parking space by the entrance of the mall. You will receive the benefit of accumulating extra steps when you park farther away and you’ll make someone’s day.

28. Live a life of gratitude

Happiness is contagious. If you are a content, happy person, those who are around you are likely to be content and happy. As you go through your daily life, think about all of your blessings. Consider how you can show gratitude for all the good things in life.

Teach your children to complete random acts of kindness at school, and you will change the world. Here are some ideas to share with your children.

29. Play with someone who struggles to make friends

It doesn’t take long for kids to understand that some kids struggle with making friends. So please encourage your child to dedicate some of their playtime to a child who would appreciate positive interaction with peers.

30. Have a conversation with a struggling student

Some children may pass the entire day without having a casual conversation with peers. Encourage your kids to talk with everyone in their class–but of course, only when it’s appropriate to speak.

31. Give sincere compliments

Teach your children how to give sincere compliments to other people.

32. Thank the custodian

School custodians often have thankless jobs. Teach your children to smile and thank these individuals when they see them in the halls.

33. Pick up other people’s trash

It’s hard keeping a building clean that hundreds of children inhabit every single day. Talk to your children about the importance of keeping their space tidy and of picking up other people’s trash without expecting a reward.

34. Share a simple gift with a teacher or staff member

Most of the time, teachers choose the profession because they want to make a difference in someone’s life. They want to be appreciated for the long hours they put into their career. Encourage your children to compliment a teacher after a memorable lesson. And placing an apple on the teacher’s desk is always a nice touch.

35. Purchase extra school supplies

Some families struggle with purchasing school supplies at the beginning of each school year. Consider buying extras of some coveted items to share with those who don’t have the supplies they need.

36. Send extra money for book orders

If your child’s classroom regularly sends home book orders or has book fairs, ask the teacher if you can purchase a book for a child who never gets to buy one.

37. Donate items to the classroom

Teachers spend a lot of their own money on items for their classrooms. Ask your child’s teacher to provide you with an Amazon wishlist so that you can share in the expense.

38. Invite everyone in the class to your child’s birthday party

Some kids go their entire grade school careers without being invited to a birthday party. Think about this the next time you create an invitation list for your child’s event.

Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

In other words, the actions of a few can make a huge difference in our world. So here are some kind things we can do for Planet Earth.

39. Ask for donations to a charity that’s important to you for your birthday

Facebook allows individuals to collect money for charity on their birthdays. Consider picking an environmental group that you would like to support.

40. Hang a bird feeder during the winter

Support your feathered friends by providing them with the food they need during the cold winter months.

41. Use reusable water bottles instead of buying disposable ones

Of course, if you have to use disposable ones, make sure you recycle them when they’re empty.

42. Walk or ride a bike for close errands

If you’re lucky enough to be able to walk or bike to complete your errands, do so! Set a good example for your kids by walking them to school instead of sitting in the car loop.

43. Turn off your lights when not in use

Teach your children to do this, as well. (Maybe yours will listen!)

44. Use a programmable thermostat

There’s no need to heat and cool your house to a comfortable level when no one’s at home. Instead, use a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature accordingly.

45. Water your plants with water left in glasses

Dump the water leftover from your glass at dinner into your watering can.

46. Take your lunch in reusable containers

Limit your daily waste by using washable containers for your lunch instead of disposable plastic bags.

47. Recycle plastic grocery bags

Of course, you should also consider bringing your own cloth bags to the store.

48. Plant a tree to celebrate a loved one’s life

What better way is there to honor a loved one than to plant an item of beauty that will be there for decades?

49. Close the curtains in the summer and open them in the winter

Use the sun’s rays to heat your home in the winter.

50. Reduce the amount of waste your family produces

If you find that your trash receptacle is piled high each week, think about how you can reduce the amount of waste your family produces. For example, you might want to start composting your food scraps or donating items to charities instead of throwing them away.

What Goes Around, Comes Around

Life can get stressful and mundane. Sometimes you don’t feel like doing kind things because it seems as if you are never the recipient of those positive acts. But what goes around, comes around! Random acts of kindness just might come your way eventually.

If completing random acts of kindness doesn’t come naturally to you, consider adding it to your list of tasks each day. After you do it often, it’ll become a habit over time.

What and When is National Random Acts of Kindness Day?

50+ High School Bucket List Ideas for Before You Graduate

List of 40 Essential Things to Learn Before You Die

28 Special Ways to Make a Difference in the World

Here's When And When Not To Follow Up After A Job Interview

Senior Reporter, Work/Life

A follow-up message can remind a hiring manager about why you're the perfect person for the job. Just don't overdo it.

After your job interview ends, your hard work is not over.

Ideally, you want to keep the conversation going with a hiring team so that you can stay at the forefront of their minds. Oftentimes, that means sending a brief follow-up email about your enthusiasm for the job.

You want to be memorable ― but not in a bad way. It’s an art and skill to be polite without pestering about why you’re perfect for the job or why you’re still interested when you have not heard back.

Here’s what recruiters shared for when it helps to follow up and when doing so can backfire:

An immediate follow-up email should not be required, but enthusiasm is appreciated.

After your job interview is over, there is a short window of time where you can follow up about what you talked about in the interview. Take advantage of it.

This follow-up message goes beyond a generic email thanking a hiring manager for their time. A sincere, specific message of enthusiasm that reminds an employer of why you are the best person for the role can help you stand out.

Bonnie Dilber , a recruiting manager with app-automation company Zapier, said she does not think negatively of candidates who do not send a follow-up note after the interview, but it can help them.

“When someone does send a follow-up, it tells me they are really interested, and it can also be a way to highlight their strengths, add on information,” Dilber said. “I had one candidate send me a blog post they’d written on a topic that came up in our conversation as an example, and that can help establish their expertise.”

Gabrielle Woody , a university recruiter for the financial software company Intuit, said a follow-up message has not swayed her hiring decisions, but it has helped candidates stay on her mind for future roles.

“These follow-up messages demonstrate their commitment and passion for working at the company, making them memorable candidates for future opportunities,” she said.

You should follow up if you hear nothing back, but don’t do it multiple times in a row.

Hearing silence after a job interview you thought went well can be frustrating, but often it has nothing to do with you.

Unfortunately, it’s normal for a hiring process to drag on for weeks or months. A LinkedIn analysis of 400,000 confirmed hires who applied to jobs between 2020 and 2021 found that engineering, research and project management roles took the longest to hire (49, 48 and 47 days, respectively), while customer service and administrative jobs were the quickest to hire (34 and 33 days).

Sometimes, the wait can be because a company is still interviewing other candidates. But many times, it’s due to bureaucracy. Frozen budgets or chaotic staff turnover are common reasons why a hiring process gets stalled.

Ideally, your interviewer shared a hiring timeline with you and is keeping you posted if that changes. But if they did not, you can ask about it.

“If they don’t contact you by the date stated, follow up the next day,” said career coach Kristine Knutter . “Keep it positive and don’t mention they didn’t contact you. Simply reiterate your enthusiasm for the job and ask for any updates regarding the hiring process for the job.”

Woody said emailing a week after an explicit deadline about an application status is acceptable, but she advised against sending multiple follow-up nudges because it can make you seem “impatient and overly persistent.”

“The recruiting process evaluates how a candidate may react in future workplace situations,” Woody said. “If you excessively follow up, some employers may worry that if you were hired onto the team, you might not demonstrate patience when waiting for decisions from your leaders.“

Dilber agreed that following up with multiple people within 24 hours of an interview or being abrasive in your communication “could then raise concerns about what it might be like working with you.”

The hard truth is that a follow-up email about your application status is not likely going to change a company’s answer on whether or not they want to hire you.

“I tend to find that companies stay on top of their top candidates, so if communication is falling short, it often means they are more focused on others,” Dilber said. “That said, there may have been some turnover or other changes impacting your communication, and if done professionally and politely, it doesn’t hurt.”

If your hiring manager promised an answer in two weeks and it’s been a month of radio silence, you can always say something like, “Some other processes are progressing quicker than expected, but ‘Company’ is still my top choice, so I wanted to check on your timeline,” Dilber said.

Dilber added that two of these follow-ups are fine, but after that, “I’d assume they are making a choice not to respond.”

However, if you truly want this job, you don’t have to give up just yet. Sometimes, the hold-up can be addressed by contacting someone else on the hiring team.

“If you try the recruiter twice and don’t hear back, you can always email the hiring manager and check with them,” Dilber said. “This also alerts them to any potential issues if a recruiter isn’t keeping up with communication, or sometimes a recruiter has left and their candidates get lost in the mix.”

Ultimately, no answer after a job interview can be an answer in itself to what you should do next.

Instead of sending follow-up messages, a better use of your time is to take control of what you can in the job search and to keep applying to other jobs. A company may have their own idea of who they want to work with, and so can you.

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100 Thank You for Your Kindness Messages and Quotes

Here is a list of 100 ‘thank you for your kindness’ messages and quotes to let them know how truly meaningful it was to you.

#1 You didn’t have to, but you did. Thank you for being an angel to me when I needed one most.

thank-you-for-your-kindness-quote-angelis

#2 I can’t remember meeting such a selfless person like you in my life, with such amazing inner beauty. I will forever hold you in my heart, with think of you fondly. You deserve the world. Thank you for making mine so much better.

#3 You are one of the sweetest and most remarkable friends I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Thank you sincerely for being so generous, extraordinary and good-natured. I am so glad you are there for me. Thank you!

#4 Your kind and caring heart have meant so much to me in my time of need. Thank you so very much.

#5 Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and compassion when I wasn’t at my best. It means so much to have you in my life and to know that you will stick with me even when I am not that pleasant to be around.

#6 When times are dark, your kindness and love are a light that guides me through. Thank you so much for your soft and devoted heart.

#7 I’ll be forever thankful to you for being by my side in the toughest days of my life. You are the most loyal person I have ever met. It was you that got me through that time and I will be forever humbled by your kindness.

thank-you-for-your-kindness-quote-sophocles

#8 Kindness like yours can move mountains. Thank you for your supportive and loving heart. I treasure you!

#9 It means so much knowing that you are always there, whether they are times of happiness or times of sadness. Thank you so much for your kindness.

#10 Thank you for seeing my pain and walking with me in love. It comforts me to know that you are there for me, and I cherish our friendship.

thank-you-for-your-kindness-quote-ruskin

#11 Thank you for being so kind. You give and give, and you ask nothing in return. Please know that we are here for you if we can ever help you. It means so much that you thought of us.

#12 I would like you to know that I am so sincerely grateful that I have you in my life, one of the most virtuous and caring people I have ever met. You are a shining example to all who cross your path. You’re simply the best, and I thank you for your kindness towards me!

#13 A warm, loving and extremely kind person like you will forever hold a place in my heart. Thank you for being so genuinely wonderful. You are one-of-a-kind.

thank-you-for-your-kindness-quote-gibran

#14 Your kindness gave me strength when I really needed it. Thank you so much for being your kind and caring self.

#15 An authentic and considerate person like you should be recognized and praised because you truly make this world a better place. I hope you know this. I am so thankful I have your passionate support in my life. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

#16 You have always shown me what a kind-hearted and selfless person you are. For this, I want you to know how extremely thankful I am for you, from the bottom of my heart! You are truly sensational.

thank-you-for-your-kindness-quote-elliston

#17 Once in a while, we’re given a very rare and special friend. Thank you for being that friend. Your kindness has meant so much to me.

#18 Your kindness has given me the strength to weather this very challenging storm. Thank you so much for being you.

#19 I will forever be amazed by your amazing acts of kindness towards me. You have shown that you are warm-hearted, altruistic and so caring. I really cannot thank you enough!

thank-you-for-your-kindness-quote-earhart

#20 Thank you for your kindness! All you’ve done for our family is so deeply appreciated, and we’re so lucky to have you in our lives.

#21 Please accept my appreciation for showing me such immeasurable kindness. I really appreciate and will remember it. The world needs more people like you in it. Thank you for everything.

#22 I will forever remember how good of a friend you have been to me during this time. I hope more people follow in your footsteps and learn from your exemplary kindness. Thank you so much!

#23 Your kindness, amazing spirit, and loving words have been such a source of comfort. Thank you so much for being your wonderful self.

#24 What a gift to have someone like you in my life! Thank you for showing me kindness. It was just what I needed.

#25 Thank you for being so kind, so patient, and so generous. You are a true friend and such a rare and beautiful soul.

#26 To my amazing friend: Thank you for showing me such kindness. You are a true example of what it means to be a really good person and care for your fellow human in this world. I sincerely thank you.

#27 Kindness is a rare and special gift in today’s world. Thank you for taking the time to think of me, and show me such kindness.

#28 Your friendship is a song that fills my soul. Thank you for showing me such kindness when times were at an all-time low.

#29 Thank you ever so much for being such a kind, giving and helpful person. You truly make my life that little bit easier, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.

#30 Thank you for showing me such kindness, grace, and love when I was in my hour of need. You mean so much to me.

#31 I would like to reach out and thank you for showing me such kindness. It has meant more than words can express.

#32 Thank you for your act of kindness, and for being your wonderful self. It means so much to be able to call you a friend.

#33 You have a beautiful and rare sort of heart. Thank you for being a source of kindness when I needed it the most.

#34 This is just a note to say that the kindness you’ve shown me has made such a big impact on my life in a trying time. Thank you.

#35 Thank you for being a source of kindness. Your compassion, generosity, and strength have been such a comfort to our family.

#36 Thank you for being so kind, and for helping me through a difficult time. I am so thankful that our paths crossed in this life!

#37 Thank you for being a wellspring of kindness when I needed it the most. Your presence in my life has meant so, so much to me.

#38 Thank you for the beautiful gift of your kindness. My heart is filled with such gratitude to have such a rare friend like you.

#39 I would like to express my deepest gratitude for all of the kindness that you’ve shown me. Your presence in my life has made such a positive impact.

#40 Thank you, thank you, thank you for being your kind and lovely self! It means so much to have someone like you in my corner when times are tough.

#41 People like you are a reminder that kindness does exist in the world. Thank you for everything you do for me.

#42 Thank you for showing me kindness when I needed it the most. You have been like a warm blanket on a winter day. Just the comfort I craved at exactly the right time.

#43 You are constantly teaching others what kindness is about. Thank you for being so unique.

#44 We want to let you know how encouraging it was to receive [your note of support]. Thank you for your kindness.

#45 It is so kind of you [to write positive feedback about my article]. Your words inspire me to be better and work harder!

#46 I wish you could see the big smile your kind letter put on my face. Thank you for always thinking about me.

#47 You are an amazing friend, and I appreciate your kindness and unwavering support. Thank you for always being there for me.

#48 Words cannot express how grateful I am for the support you showed my [son]. Thank you for being such a kind and caring mentor.

#49 I am so fortunate to have someone like you in my life. I am not sure I can ever repay you for all your kindness.

#50 Please consider this small gift as a token of appreciation for your kindness and generosity. Our family is forever grateful!

#51 I am lucky to have such a thoughtful and supportive friend like you. Your encouraging words helped me survive the hardest times of my life.

#52 You deserve more than a simple “thank you.” You have a special place in my heart and I am happy to be able to call you a friend.

#53 Thank you for showing kindness when I needed it the most. You’re a true friend, and I thank my lucky stars you are in my life!

#54 People like you add fragrance to life. They bring colors to the world and make it a better place. Thanks for being a wonderful human being.

#55 You have an extraordinary ability to make those around you feel special. Thanks for your kindness!

#56 Thank you for being my biggest supporter! People say I am talented, but I would be nowhere without your encouragement and support.

#57 Thank you for your kind heart, your wise words, and your unconditional friendship. You mean so much to me.

#58 I’d be so lost in life without you. You are my shoulder to lean on. Thank you!

#59 During the most challenging times of my life, you were there for me with valuable advice. Always ready to listen to me. I’d be nowhere without you.

#60 It means so very much to have someone like you in my life. Thank you for showing me so much kindness when times were tough.

#61 You are the kind of [employer] who knows how to motivate a person to do better every day. Thank you for believing in me.

#62 You helped me become a better version of myself with your daily presence in my life. A million “thanks” won’t be enough to express my gratitude to you.

#63 Kind, thoughtful and understanding are the words that come to my mind when I think of you. I wish you the best that life has to offer, now and forever!

#64 It’s difficult to believe a person can be as nice and kind as you are. You are a blessing to our family.

#65 I hope someday I can give you back what you have given me all this time. Though I know I will never be able to repay your unlimited kindness.

#66 What a gift to have someone like you in my life. Thank you for always showing me such kindness. I treasure you!

#67 I am so privileged to call you my friend. When I wasn’t sure I would make it, you came and helped me go through the toughest times.

#68 I am eternally grateful to your family for the kindness you showed us during these rough times. We all appreciate your immeasurable support.

#69 You have proved that friends can be family. You have no idea how timely your encouraging and kind words were.

#70 Thank you very much for your kindness and help that saved the situation for all of us.

#71 You have a heart of pure gold, and I hope like treats you as well you treat people around you. You really make a difference in their lives.

#72 Even if I had all the money in the world, I could never repay you your generosity and kindness. You have my eternal thanks, and please know that I am always here for you.

#73 You always say you are an ordinary person. But in my eyes, you are extraordinary. You are the kindest ever. People like you make our planet a beautiful place to live in.

#74 I think God arranged our meeting when He saw how I struggled. Your presence changed everything. You brought me confidence and made me believe in myself.

#75 You’ve been by my side through ups and downs and made my life easier. Thank you for being a true angel.

#76 Thank you for not judging me when I was full of doubts. Thank you for always having kind words when I needed them. And thank you for the efforts you put in to make our relationship stronger.

#77 I feel very lucky to have such an understanding person in my life. I think the only way I can thank you for this is by being a loyal and true friend for you.

#78 They say beauty will save the world. But I think it’s kind people like you who will do it.

#79 Please accept a heartfelt “thank you” from our family for surrounding us with love and care when we most needed it. You made these hard days more bearable. Your kindness brings tears to my eyes. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

#80 It was so kind of you to [organize a surprise birthday] for me. You made my day so special and unforgettable. Thank you.

The Most Famous Quotes to Include with Your Thank You Message for Kindness

“My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness. Continue to allow humor to lighten the burden of your tender heart.” Maya Angelou

“Kindness is ever the begetter of kindness.” Sophocles

“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind, and the third is to be kind.” Henry James

“A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a lot of money.” John Ruskin

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” Lao Tzu

“Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known.” Joseph B. Wirthlin

“Gentleness and kindness will make our homes a paradise upon earth.” C. A. Bartol

“A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity into smiles.” Washington Irving

“To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.” Confucius

“Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.” Jackie Chan

“Whatever possession we gain by our sword cannot be sure or lasting, but the love gained by kindness and moderation is certain and durable.” Alexander the Great

“The level of our success is limited only by our imagination and no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” Aesop

“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” Scott Adams

“Kindness is like snow – It beautifies everything it covers.” Kahlil Gibran

“Genuine kindness is no ordinary act, but a gift of rare beauty.” Sylvia Rossetti

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Mark Twain

“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” Amelia Earhart

“Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes.” Joseph B. Wirthlin

“The words of kindness are more healing to a drooping heart than balm or honey.” Sarah Fielding

“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” Barbara de Angelis

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Thank-you messages: what to write in a thank-you card.

You know that wonderful, warm-fuzzy feeling that comes over you when someone goes out of his or her way to spoil you, feed you, treat you, welcome you, bless you, support you or help you out? Of course you do. The feeling is gratitude, and it feels even better when you express it!

A handwritten card or note of thanks is one of the most heartfelt and meaningful ways to express gratitude. Maybe you can’t repay your recipient for the nice thing he or she has done, but you can reflect the thoughtfulness with the time and care you put into writing and sending a warm, gracious thank-you card or note.

If you need a little help getting beyond, “Thanks so much…,” you’re in the right place. Our “What to Write in a Thank-You Card” guide is full of thank-you-writing inspiration and message ideas from Hallmark writers. Whether you read the whole guide or skip to your specific thank-you situation, we hope it adds to the feel-good factor of putting your thanks in writing.

Inspired? Create and share by tagging @Hallmark .

Thank You Messages: What to Write in a Thank-You Card

Simple Thank-You Messages
Thank-You Messages for a Gift
Thank-You Messages for Help
Thank-You Messages for Hospitality
Professional Relationship Thank-You Messages
Warm Closing for Thank-You Cards
What to Write in a Thank-You Card VIDEO

Simple Thank-You Messages

If you’ve chosen a card with a printed sentiment (more than just “Thank You”), then you don’t have to add very much. Briefly mention the specific gift or kindness you’re thanking the recipient for. Then add a warm thought like one of these…

“You’re the best.”
“I’m humbled and grateful.”
“You knocked me off my feet!”
“My heart is still smiling.”
“Your thoughtfulness is a gift I will always treasure.”
“Sometimes the simplest things mean the most.”
“The banana bread was fabulous. You made my day.”
“I’m touched beyond words.”
“All I can say is wow! (Except, of course, I’m grateful.)”
“My heart just keeps thanking you and thanking you.”
“You’re a blessing to me.”
“Thank you for being my angel.”

Writing tip: Sign and send your thank-you card while the gift or event is still fresh in your mind. Within three days is ideal, but in most situations a “thanks” will be appreciated no matter how late it arrives.

Thank-You Messages for a Gift

Birthday, holiday and just because.

Here are some questions you could try to answer when writing a thank-you for a birthday , holiday or just-because gift: What was the gift? What do you like about it? Why was it a good choice for you? What do you plan to do with it? How did you feel when you opened it? How did it make you feel about the giver? Below are some message examples that answer one or several of those questions.

“Thank you for the bling hanger for my marathon medals. You know me so well!”
“I love the milk-glass vase. I’ll think of you every time I see it on my table.”
“Thank you for the fun and funky purse. I don’t know where you find such unique things!”
“The table runner you sent for my birthday is perfect! I can tell you spent a lot of time picking it out, and it makes me smile to think about how thoughtful you are.”
“I was so thrilled when I opened the new hiking boots. You knew exactly what I wanted.”
“Thank you so much for the new alarm clock. I’d been needing one, and the one you chose is perfect to use with my phone!”
“Bless your big and generous heart!”

Writing tip: Here are a few words to describe gifts: fabulous, perfect, touching, beautiful, unique, appreciated, awesome and much-needed. Some words to describe gift givers: generous, thoughtful, creative, sweet, considerate and caring.

Graduation, wedding, baby and other life events

The challenging thing about these life-event thank-you notes is that you likely have several of them to write. It’s fine to develop a general formula for what you’ll write, but anytime the task starts to become burdensome, put down your pen and come back to it later. You want to sound appreciative and enthusiastic, and you’re more likely to come across that way if you write five thank-you cards a day over 10 days, rather than 50 all at once.

“Wow! We are so touched by your generous wedding gift. The place settings will be used and enjoyed often—and we’ll think of you every time.”
“Thank you for adding to the joy of our wedding with your warm wishes and thoughtful gift. We love the candlesticks and how they look on our hall table.”
“Thank you for the adorable fire engine sleeper and bib for Ben. You put a smile in our hearts. Can’t wait to send you a picture of him wearing it!”
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for organizing the group gift of the car seat and stroller for my baby shower. You shouldn’t have. (But it’s so nice you did!)”
“Thank you for the e-reader! I’m already using it and loving it. I really appreciate you thinking of me on my graduation.”
“I so appreciate your thoughtful graduation gift to me. The watch is beautiful, and it almost makes me look like a real grown-up when I wear it 😉 Thank you so much. You’re the best!”

Some things never go out of style. Sending a thank-you card in a timely fashion is one of them. Say “thanks” in minutes with a Hallmark Personalized Card !

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Writing tip: You get a little more time to write thank-you cards for graduation , wedding , shower and baby gifts. It’s still best to write and send a card as soon as possible, but for a wedding gift, you have up to three months to send it. And if you have a new baby, people will understand if it takes that long or longer.

Money and gift cards

You’re not hard to buy for—you’re easy to love because you write such a nice thank-you when someone gives you money or a gift card! Here are some ways to make a giver feel great about choosing that option for you.

“Thank you for the generous gift card to REI! It will be such a big help in getting ready for my big camping trip. It’s much appreciated.”
“Thank you for the birthday $5! You’d be surprised at how happy this little tradition of ours always makes me. Burger and fries, here I come!”
“I just used the birthday money you sent toward a new power sander. I’m really excited to start using it. Thanks so much for making it happen!”
“Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for the coffee shop gift card. Do you know me or what?”
“Thank you for your thoughtful and generous gift. I haven’t decided how I’ll use it yet, but I wanted you to know how happy and grateful I am.”

Writing tip: There’s no hard-and-fast rule on whether to mention the specific amount of money you were given in your thank-you message. If it feels tacky or wrong to you, then skip it. But if you feel like it highlights or helps identify the gift, it’s perfectly fine to include.

Thank-You Messages for Help

House or pet sitting, yard work or housework, help during a busy or difficult time, above-and-beyond assistance with a project at work… anytime someone steps in and makes your life a little easier, call it out with a thank-you note.

More general examples

“This has been a challenging time, and I appreciate you so much.”
“You have no idea how much your help has meant.”
“For all the little and big ways you’ve pitched in…thanks!”
“There was nothing random about your acts of kindness. Thank you for all you have done.”
“I can never thank you enough. But this is a start.”
“You always know how to make life brighter for everyone you know.”
“I can’t possibly repay you.”
“You are always so helpful.”
“You make the world a nicer place.”
“You went above and beyond, and I am touched and grateful.”
“You took common courtesy to an uncommon level. We’re so grateful for your help.”

More specific examples

“Thank you for taking care of the lawn while Kevin was in the hospital. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”
“For my burden-bearing, laughter-sharing, forever-caring friend…a very happy, hug-filled, heartfelt thanks.”
“The best way to thank you for your work on my project is to keep you informed of the outcome—and I promise to do that. Meanwhile, you have played such an important part and your help won’t be forgotten.”
“It’s harder and harder these days to get the number of volunteers we need—but you made time in your busy schedule to step up. That means even more as every year gets busier.”
“I’m using you as an example to my kids of someone unselfish, giving and ready with a can-do spirit. I hope they turn out just like you.”
“Thank you for the wonderful meals you brought and arranged during Emily’s bed rest. Our hearts have been deeply touched by your kindness.”

Writing tip: If writing a thank-you takes you back to high school and turns your writing awkwardly stiff or formal, then relax and try to write like you speak. If you’re a person who would say, “Thanks so much for watching our dog!” then say, “Thanks so much for watching our dog!” Just exactly like that.

Thank-You Messages for Hospitality

When someone opens his or her home to you for a meal, a party or an overnight stay, that definitely calls for a written thank-you.

“A big thank-you to you both for letting me crash at your place (again) during the conference. You always make me feel just like family.”
“Thanks for the great time…and the great memories.”
“Thank you so much for hosting my shower. I felt like a total VIP.”
“My heartfelt thanks to you for opening your home to me during my visit. I loved every minute of my stay.”
“What a great party! You really know how to make good times happen. Thank you for letting me be part of it.”
“Thank you for a lovely evening filled with laughter and good conversation. I’m still smiling.”
“Thank you for the unforgettable meal. You’re incredible.”
“Your home is so warm, welcoming and delightful. I felt so pampered.”
“I didn’t want to leave. Don’t let that scare you—I promise not to show up all packed and ready to move in. It’s tempting, though.”
“You spoiled me rotten! The delicious food. The comfy bed. The company. The fun. Thanks for everything!”
“I felt like Goldilocks. Everything was JUST RIGHT.”

Writing tip: Thank-you advice from a longtime Hallmark writer: “I think about what has touched me in the notes I’ve received from people. I try to just let my heart speak and not worry that I’m being ‘gushy’ or ‘over the top.’ When you’re sincere, I don’t think you can be.”

Professional Relationship Thank-You Messages

It’s good business to send a handwritten thank-you note for the courtesy of an interview, for referrals or opportunities, for above-and-beyond work done for you, for mentoring and many other professional situations. After an interview, a gracious thank-you card can distinguish one candidate from another. More generally, it makes the sender memorable, leaving a positive impression and paving the way for a lasting business relationship.

“Thank you so much for inviting me to interview for your open account specialist position. I truly appreciate the time you took to talk with me about this opportunity and the company. I enjoyed learning more about your work group and how I might fit into that team. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any follow-up questions you might have. I hope to talk with you again soon.”
“Thank you for your invaluable mentoring these past three months. I’ve had fun getting to know you better, and I’ve learned so much from talking with you and seeing how you work. You are amazing at what you do! I’m grateful to have had the chance to work with you so closely.”
“I can’t thank you enough for advising me to send my résumé to your colleague Dana Evans. I now have an interview scheduled with her next week to discuss some freelance work, and I’m really excited about the assignment she’s describing. It was very kind of you to refer me to her. I hope I can find a way to return the favor soon!”

Writing tip: In business communication, it’s all about relationships—establishing them, keeping them strong and making them work for you. Sending a written thank-you is a standout way to do all those things!

Warm Closings for Thank-You Cards

A warm closing is like the bow on top of your thank-you message. Choose one of ours or create your own.

Lots of love,
Love always,
Much love to you,
Love and thanks,
Warmest thanks,
Beyond grateful,
Feeling spoiled,
Gratefully,
With gratitude,
God bless you,
God bless you now and always,
ThankyouThankyouThankyou,

Want to go the extra mile? Add a little token of your appreciation to the note with a thank you gift .

What to Write in a Thank-You Card VIDEO

Find out the simple formula for crafting your own thank you messages and get some real life examples from Hallmark Senior Writer Cat Hollyer in this short video.

greeting card messages
Additional contributions from Ellen Brenneman, Bev Carlson, Suzanne Heins, Cat Hollyer, Dan Taylor and Molly Wigand.

Keely Chace is a Hallmark Master Writer who loves reading, running and spending time with her husband and daughters. She shares writing tips in her "What to Write" series on Hallmark & Community.

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IMAGES

Free 100 Acts of Kindness for Kids Printable
24+ Quick Acts of Kindness
Use these kindness writing activities to explore the importance of
Empathy Activities For Kids: 19 Fun Ways To Teach Kids About Kindness
30 Inspiring Kindness Quotes That Will Enlighten You
40+ Mesmerizing Kindness Quotes for Kids • Mindfulmazing.com

VIDEO

A Short essay on Kindness
How to Write Kindness ♾️ #lettering #beginners #shorts #calligraphy #kindness #music
How to write kindness in stylish calligraphy
The kindness of the homeless goes unrecognized #shorts #youtubeshorts #family
Kindness quotes that will inspire you

COMMENTS

56+ Kindness Writing Prompts
To celebrate world kindness day, we have made a list of over 56 kindness writing prompts. From reflecting on the importance of kindness to inspirational stories of kindness. If you have a story to share about kindness, you can publish your story online for free on Imagine Forest. One of the greatest tales of kindness is Aesop's Fable called ...
50 Kindness Writing Prompts to Unleash your Inner Writer
8. Write about how we can all make a difference in the world by being kind. 9. Write about how your life has been changed by acts of kindness from others. 10. Write about how you try to be kind every day, even in small ways. 11. Write about why you think it's important to be kind, even when it's hard. 12.
51 Kindness Essay Topics & Examples
The concepts of kindness, generosity, and compassion are crucial nowadays. Being a debated subject in philosophy, psychology, and religion, kindness is definitely worth writing about. The topic of kindness is one of the key in the Bible. It has become especially important nowadays, in the era of intolerance and instability.
30 Creative Writing Prompts about Kindness
Writing Prompts about Kindness. Reimagining a World Revolving Around Kindness: Imagine a parallel universe where kindness is the most prized and valuable resource. Society is structured around the acts of kindness people perform, and this value is reflected in every social, economic, and political aspect. This gives you a chance to explore what ...
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Short Quotes For Kids. "No one has ever become poor by giving.". ― Anne Frank. "Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.". ― Henry James. "Be a little kinder than you have to.". ― E. Lockhart, We Were Liars.
Random Acts of Kindness: List of 99+ Ideas & Examples
Ideas for random acts of kindness for kids. Sharing crayons or other supplies with other kids. Giving someone a gift like a sticker, flower, or colorful eraser. Saying thanks to a fellow student for help with schoolwork. Bringing your teacher an apple as a gift. Getting a bandaid for another kid when they get a cut.
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Random Acts of Kindness Quotes. "When words are both true and kind, they can change the world.". - Buddha. "Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart.". - Zig Ziglar. "How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it.". - George Elliston.
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When you open your inbox for the first time of the day write a short email - 1 paragraph max - praising someone. This note can be as simple as, "Just wanted to say, 'thanks for being such a great friend.'". Or, "Thinking of you.". Or point out something nice you noticed. 15 seconds can make someone's entire day.
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Christmas for Kids is a good example. #15 - Offer patience. You never know what kind of battle someone is facing. They may be suffering from severe depression, chronic invisible pain, problems at home, anything at all. Often, the most angry people among us are the ones who are hurting the most.
24 Awesome Ways To Encourage Being Kind at School
For instance: "Write cards to kids at St. Jude"; "bring in canned goods for the local food pantry"; "compliment the person sitting next to you"; "pick up trash around the school property.". 9. Kick that school spirit wear up a notch with some school kind wear.
75 Random Acts of Kindness Ideas: Examples of Nice Things to Do
63. Plant a Tree. This random act of kindness is simple enough, but it can save the world. Make sure to plant a few greens and watch them blossom into a scenic foliage. Care for them and don't forget to water them regularly. The earth deserves it!
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As you go through your daily life, think about all of your blessings. Consider how you can show gratitude for all the good things in life. Random Acts of Kindness Ideas for School. Teach your children to complete random acts of kindness at school, and you will change the world. Here are some ideas to share with your children. 29.
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An immediate follow-up email should not be required, but enthusiasm is appreciated. After your job interview is over, there is a short window of time where you can follow up about what you talked about in the interview. Take advantage of it. This follow-up message goes beyond a generic email thanking a hiring manager for their time.
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"Kindness is ever the begetter of kindness." Sophocles "Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind, and the third is to be kind." Henry James "A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a lot of money." John Ruskin "Kindness in words creates confidence.
Thank-you messages: What to write in a thank-you card
You always make me feel just like family.". "Thanks for the great time…and the great memories.". "Thank you so much for hosting my shower. I felt like a total VIP.". "My heartfelt thanks to you for opening your home to me during my visit. I loved every minute of my stay.".