Acts of kindness ideas
195 small things you can do for someone today. Pick the one that fits the day you are actually having, do it, and let the app keep the streak.
Community
11 acts
- EasyHold the door for someone
- EasyThank a cashier, server, or other worker for their help
- EasyReturn a stray shopping cart
- EasyLeave a positive, honest online review for a local business
- EasyIntroduce yourself to a neighbor you haven't met
- Takes a minuteDonate a book to a Little Free Library
- Takes a minuteDonate unopened food requested by a food pantry
- A bigger gestureDonate blood
- Takes a minuteBake cookies for a neighbor
- Takes a minuteCheck in with a neighbor and see if they want you to pick up anything at the store
- EasyGive a stranger a compliment
Family
86 acts
- Takes a minuteHelp with household chores
- EasySpend quality time with a sibling
- EasyCall a grandparent or grandchild
- Takes a minuteHelp kids with homework
- Takes a minutePlan a family game night featuring everyone's favorite games
- EasyLeave a sweet note for someone in your family
- EasyCall an extended family member
- EasyTell a family member something you admire about them
- EasyAsk someone in your household what you can do to make their day a little brighter
- EasyLet a family member choose what music is on
- Takes a minuteAsk your sibling if they want to play a game and let them choose which one
- EasyLet a family member choose what movie to watch together
- EasyClean up a shared space without being asked
- EasySend an encouraging voice message to a relative
- EasyShare a fun family memory or photo with a relative
- EasyAsk an older relative about one of their happiest childhood memories
- EasyTake time to notice and thank people for what they do around the house
- EasyReach out to whoever raised you and thank them for specific things that they did to bless your life
- EasyReach out to a family member and tell them about a time they made your day
- EasyAsk a family member about the best part of their week
- EasyText a relative you haven't spoken to for awhile just to check in
- EasyMake a family member laugh with a joke, meme, or GIF
- EasyGive a family member your full attention when they are talking
- Takes a minuteSurprise clean the kitchen
- EasyAsk a family member what made them smile today
- EasyListen when a family member is sharing a struggle without judgement or jumping to solutions
- EasyFaceTime a relative that lives far away
- EasyIf someone is doing a chore, unexpectedly jump in to help
- EasyAsk a family member if they need help with laundry
- EasyAsk a family member if they want to go for a walk
- EasyThink of a hero in your family. Reach out and tell them that they are one of your heroes and why
- EasyReach out and ask a family member what was a highlight and what was hard that week
- EasyCompliment your mom or dad
- EasyText a sibling one of your favorite memories together
- EasyReach out to a family member and share two of your favorite qualities of theirs
- EasyListen to a family member play an instrument and tell them what you loved about it
- A bigger gestureAsk a family member if they have any book recommendations and try one
- Takes a minuteText each of your siblings one thing you love about them
- EasyLeave a kind sticky note somewhere a family member will see it
- EasyGive a family member a big hug
- Takes a minuteUnexpectedly offer to help make dinner
- Takes a minuteChoose to forgive and think about 2 things you love about that person
- Takes a minutePlan a family game night
- Takes a minuteDo the dishes or unload without being asked
- A bigger gestureDo yardwork for a family member
- Takes a minuteMake someone's favorite snack
- A bigger gestureStart a jar where your family can put in happy family memories
- Takes a minuteWrite a thoughtful letter to a relative
- A bigger gestureMake a surprise package to brighten a relative's day and mail it
- Takes a minuteLet a family member teach you one of their favorite games
- Takes a minuteGo watch a family member's performance or game to support them
- A bigger gestureCreate a playlist of nostalgic family songs and share it with your family
- A bigger gestureCreate a playlist of songs that brighten your day and share it with a family member
- A bigger gestureReach out to people who know a relative and compile a collection of videos telling that relative the difference they make
- Takes a minuteArrange a video call with family members who would enjoy catching up
- A bigger gestureCreate a slideshow of fun family memories and share it with them
- A bigger gestureCreate a homemade coupon book of simple favors you can do and give it to a relative
- Takes a minuteSet up a family movie night
- Takes a minuteWrite a letter telling a relative how they've postively influenced your life
- Takes a minuteHave a special evening where you remember a loved one whose passed on by sharing memories or doing something they loved
- A bigger gestureCreate artwork for a family member
- A bigger gestureSew something for a relative
- A bigger gestureWrite a poem for a family member
- A bigger gestureAsk a relative if you can interview them and write down some of their stories
- A bigger gestureCreate a memory or photo book for a relative
- A bigger gestureOrganize a family reunion!
- A bigger gestureHave a family night where you learn about your great or great-great grandparents through photos and memories
- Takes a minutePut flowers on the grave of a loved one
- A bigger gestureDo family history work! Help index names, figure out your family tree, or attach historical sources
- A bigger gestureOrganize a talent show or performance for your parents or grandparents
- Takes a minuteInvite a relative to lunch
- EasyChoose to be completely present with your family, setting aside any distractions to focus on them
- Takes a minuteOffer to help a relative with something that they are stressed about
- Takes a minuteAsk a parent or grandparent if they'd like to do one of their favorite activities with you
- EasyCall a parent unexpectedly just to catch up and tell them you love them
- Takes a minuteJoin a family member in an activity they love
- Takes a minuteAsk a family member to teach you a skill they like sharing
- Takes a minutePlan an hour (distraction free) where you do whatever a family member wants to do
- EasyGive your kid your undivided attention when they tell you something they're excited about
- Takes a minuteLet kids pick what is for dinner
- Takes a minuteSpend one-on-one time with one of your kids doing an activity they choose
- Takes a minuteVisit a family member you haven't talked to in a bit
- Takes a minuteSurprise a family member with flowers
- Takes a minuteMake a handmade birthday card for a family member
- Takes a minuteInvite a kid to teach you something they're proud of knowing
- A bigger gestureCreate a collection of family recipes and share it with your family members
Friends
42 acts
- EasySend a thoughtful text
- Takes a minutePlan a surprise get-together
- EasyListen without being distracted, interrupting or judging
- EasyGive a genuine compliment
- A bigger gestureHelp a friend move
- Takes a minuteBake cookies for a friend
- EasyCall or write a friend to congratulate them on something they've worked hard for
- EasySend a voice message recalling a fun shared memory
- EasyThank a friend who has made a difference in your life
- EasyText the first person who comes to mind when you think of the word 'kind'
- EasyText a friend and ask how they are doing. Bonus: challenge them to answer with emojis!
- Takes a minuteInvite a friend to lunch
- EasyAsk a friend what made them smile today
- EasyAsk a friend if there is anything you can pray for
- Takes a minuteMail a postcard to a friend
- Takes a minuteMake a funny 'open when you need a laugh' note for a friend
- Takes a minuteInvite someone new to do an activity
- Takes a minuteWrite down 3 reasons you are glad to know someone and share it
- Takes a minuteSend a card to a friend with the goal to make them smile through jokes, kindness, or drawings
- Takes a minuteHelp a friend practice for an interview or presentation
- Takes a minuteAsk a friend if they need anything when you are going to the store
- EasyTell a friend about a strength you see in them that they may not recognize
- A bigger gestureGift a friend a memory or photobook of the two of you
- Takes a minuteOrganize a group birthday card with messages from several people
- A bigger gestureOrganize a reunion with friends who haven't seen each other for awhile
- A bigger gestureWork with your friends to create a stack of cards for a friend that is going through a hard time or preparing for surgery
- A bigger gestureCreate a care package for a friend who is not well
- Takes a minuteCelebrate a friend's hard work or progress towards a goal (before they even reach it!)
- Takes a minuteInvite a friend to play a game
- A bigger gesturePut together a party for a friend
- A bigger gestureUse a pocket photo album to put memories, encouraging quotes, jokes, or photos for your friend
- A bigger gestureTape cut out paper hearts (bonus: write a few messages on them!) on a posterboard and leave it on a friend's porch
- A bigger gestureWith your friends, make a piece of art for someone
- A bigger gestureFill a mini pinata with your friend's favorite treat and give it to them!
- A bigger gestureOn a friend's birthday, send them a video singing happy birthday (bonus: wear party hats)
- Takes a minuteDraw a picture for a friend
- A bigger gestureOffer to drop off dinner to a friend
- Takes a minuteOffer your friend a ride
- Takes a minuteBake a friend a treat
- Takes a minuteGet a thoughtful gift for a friend
- Takes a minuteVisit a friend! Especially if you have any friends who can't go out much
- Takes a minuteCall a friend to catch up
School
33 acts
- EasyInvite someone to join your group or activity
- EasySpeak positively about someone when they're not around
- EasyThank a cafeteria worker, custodian, or other behind-the-scenes school staff member
- EasyGive a classmate a compliment
- EasyIntroduce yourself to a new student
- Takes a minutePick up litter around campus carefully and dispose of it (be smart, gloves advised)
- Takes a minuteOrganize a group thank-you card for a teacher or staff member
- EasyInvite someone to sit with you at lunch or during class
- EasySay hello to someone you don't usually talk to
- Takes a minuteOffer to help someone catch up after an absence
- EasyPut some extra pencils in your backpack to give to others if they need one
- EasySend an encouraging message to someone having a difficult week
- Takes a minuteAttend a classmate's concert, game, exhibition, or performance to support them
- Takes a minuteWith friends, make a poster recognizing the school staff who work behind the scenes
- Takes a minuteHelp someone practice for a presentation
- EasyReach out to thank a teacher you once had and to tell them something you appreciated learning
- Takes a minuteOffer to help someone study
- A bigger gestureVolunteer as a peer tutor or mentor
- Takes a minuteMake a birthday card with your classmates for a staff member
- Takes a minuteInvite someone to attend an activity with you
- EasyAsk your teacher how they are doing and give them your undivided attention
- EasySend an encouraging message to someone before their test or deadline
- EasyShare a helpful study resource with classmates
- Takes a minuteIf others are speaking unkind about someone, say something you like about that person and then leave the situation
- EasyLeave a kind acrostic with your teacher's name
- A bigger gestureAt the end of the school year, invite classmates to write thank you notes to your teacher on index cards. Put the cards in a photo album and give it to your teacher!
- EasyReach out to make sure someone is okay that you haven't seen for awhile and let them know they are missed
- EasyStrike up a conversation with someone you don't know well
- EasyLeave kind notes in unexpected places
- EasyTell someone why you are glad they are in your class
- EasySee if you can make three people smile in class
- Takes a minuteSurprise your teacher with a packaged snack or treat (if allowed)
- Takes a minuteLeave someone a thank you card
Work
23 acts
- EasySend a thank you email to someone you work with
- EasyClean up a shared space
- EasyGive a coworker a compliment
- EasyGive someone credit for an idea or contribution they made
- EasyAsk a coworker how their day is going and listen
- EasyRefill or restock shared supplies
- EasyRecognize a coworker's hard work in front of others
- Takes a minuteOffer to help with a project
- Takes a minuteMake helpful instructions or a resource that saves coworkers time
- Takes a minuteOrganize a group thank-you card for someone who helps your team.
- Takes a minuteBring in flowers or a cheerful decoration to brighten a shared workspace (with approval)
- EasyThank a coworker for something specific they did
- EasyWrite an encouraging anonymous words on a sticky note and leave it in the break room
- EasyWelcome new employees and help them feel included
- EasyOffer to take a small task off a coworker's plate
- Takes a minuteInvite coworker(s) to join you for lunch
- EasyRemember something important to a coworker and ask about it later
- Takes a minuteBring a treat or snack to share with coworkers
- Takes a minuteOffer to help someone prepare or practice for an important presentation
- EasyThank someone whose behind-the-scenes contributions often go unnoticed
- EasyMake an effort to include a coworker you don't know as well in group conversation
- A bigger gestureHelp organize a celebration for a coworker's important milestone
- Takes a minuteMake a gratitude board where coworkers can post things they appreciate about one another (with management's permission)
One a day is the whole habit
These ideas are the same ones the app sends you. Download it and the reminder picks the right one for the moment you are in.