Inside every person is a desire to be kind.

Sometimes, however, it can be difficult to know how to express that Kindness.

According to this survey, only 46% of people believe they’re very kind to others. Let’s improve this number!

True kindness doesn’t need to be expensive or take a lot of effort. It’s quite easy to practice kindness in your everyday life.

We’ve listed 30 simple ways to be kind this year. Unexpected kindness and good deeds await!

Random Acts of Kindness Ideas

Random acts of kindness are those spontaneous, unsolicited acts that we do to show consideration for another person. They are usually done without any thought of recognition or reward. They spread kindness in the local community and build a sense of goodwill.

Here are some ideas for random acts of kindness:

1. Offer To Help Someone With Their Groceries

Something as simple as carrying someone’s groceries to their car can be a big help, especially to an older person or someone with a disability.

Here are a few tips on how to do it in a way that is thoughtful and respectful:

• Simply approach someone and ask if they need help. Most people will appreciate the offer, but if they decline, politely say “no problem” and move on.

• If they accept your offer, help them carry their groceries to their car or inside their house. If you can, have a conversation with them while you’re doing it – getting to know your neighbors is a great way to build community.

• Say “thank you” to show appreciation for the opportunity to help! This simple gesture will pleasantly surprise them and help renew their faith in humanity.

2. Donate To A Local Food Bank

One of the best ways to help those in need is to donate to a local Food bank. Food banks provide vital assistance to families struggling to make ends meet. If you have extra food at home that you won’t be able to eat, consider donating it to a local food bank. You can also donate money or time if you can’t donate food.

Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your donation:

• Call the food bank ahead of time to find out what they need most. This way, you can be sure that your donation will be put to good use.

• If you’re donating food, ensure it is non-perishable and in good condition. The last thing a food bank needs is more expired food!

• Donate what you can when you can. Every little bit helps!

3. Volunteer At A Local Shelter

Shelters are always in need of volunteers to help with their day-to-day operations. If you have some free time, consider volunteering at a local Shelter.

You can help with things like cleaning, cooking, or simply spending time with the residents. This is a great way to show compassion to those battling a hard battle.

Most shelters always need donations, so if you can’t volunteer your time, consider donating money or supplies instead.

Here are a few tips on how to be a great shelter volunteer:

• Call the shelter ahead of time and ask about their volunteer requirements.

• Be respectful of the residents and their personal space. Some people may not want to be bothered, and that’s okay!

• Smile and have fun! The residents will appreciate your positive attitude.

4. Pay For Someone’s Coffee

Start your day off with an act of kindness by paying for someone’s coffee. It’s a small gesture that can brighten someone’s day, and it doesn’t cost much to do.

Here are a few tips on how to pay for someone’s coffee:

• Tell the cashier so they can add it to your total.

• If you’re paying for someone’s coffee ahead of time, write a note and put it on their cup.

• If you’re paying for someone’s coffee, make sure you don’t put them in a position where they feel obligated to pay it forward. Let them know that you just want them to have a great day!

5. Pay For Someone’s Parking Meter

If you’re out and about and see a parking meter that’s about to expire, consider adding money to it. 

It’s an incredibly considerate act of kindness that can prevent someone from having a bad day.

Here are a few tips on how to do it:

• If the parking meter is about to expire, put some money in it so the person doesn’t get a ticket.

• If you’re paying for someone’s parking at a lot, make sure to tell the cashier so they can add it to your total.

• Put a friendly note on the windshield letting the person know that you paid for their parking. It’s sure to make them smile!

6. Send A Care Package To A Deployed Service Member

Consider sending a care package to a service member. It’s a great way to let them know you appreciate their service.

Here are a few suggestions on what to include:

• Non-perishable food items like granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit

• Toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, soap, and deodorant

• Entertainment items like books, magazines, playing cards, and puzzles

• A small gift like a keychain or mug

• Be creative and include anything you think would brighten their day!

7. Donate Blood

Donating blood is a great way to help others in need. Blood donations are used to help patients with various medical conditions, and they can even be used in emergencies.

If you’re healthy and eligible, consider donating blood!

Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your donation:

• Call ahead to schedule an appointment. This way, you can be sure that your donation will be put to good use.

• If you’re feeling nervous, ask a friend or family member to accompany you. They can offer moral support and help make the experience more enjoyable.

• Don’t forget to eat and drink before you donate! It’s essential to stay hydrated, and you’ll need the energy to make it through the donation process.

• Speak up if you’re not feeling well.

8. Volunteer At A Local Animal Shelter

Animal shelters are always in need of volunteers, and there are a variety of ways you can help out. From walking dogs to cleaning cages to socializing animals, there’s sure to be a task that suits your interests. And who knows – you might even take home a new furry friend!

Here are a few tips on how to volunteer at an animal shelter:

• Call ahead to find out what tasks are available and to schedule an appointment.

• Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes.

• Be prepared to get dirty! Animal shelters can be messy places.

• Bring a water bottle – you’ll need it to stay hydrated while you’re working.

9. Visit A Nursing Home Or Assisted Living Facility

The residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities are often lonely, and they would love to have visitors! Visiting a nursing home is a small act of kindness that can make a big difference in the residents’ well-being.

Spending time with them is a great way to brighten their day, and you might even learn something new from their stories and words of wisdom.

Here are a few tips on how to ensure a productive visit:

• Call ahead to find out what time visitors are allowed.

• Bring a small gift, like flowers or a card.

• Spend time talking to the residents and getting to know them.

• Have patience – some may be hard of hearing or have difficulty speaking.

• Make sure that the staff is aware when you’re leaving so they can keep an eye on the resident.

• Remember that the best way to spread kindness is to be sincere and authentic. Whatever you do, make sure it comes from the heart!

10. Be Generous To Service Workers

Service workers, such as waiters, baristas, and cashiers, are often overlooked and taken for granted. Make sure you show appreciation to these individuals by being generous with them!

Here are some ways to be generous and show your appreciation:

• Leave a generous tip.

• Clean up after yourself when you eat out at a restaurant.

• Set out water and snacks for your mail delivery person.

• Bring flowers to the front desk staff.

• Give a small gift to your favorite barista over the holidays.

11. Start A Community Garden

Community gardens are a great way to get to know your neighbors and grow fresh, healthy food. They also beautify your community and provide a green space for people to enjoy.

If you’re interested in starting a community garden, here are a few tips:

• Find a location that gets plenty of sunlight and has good soil.

• Get permission from the owner of the property, if necessary.

• Recruit volunteers to help with planning and planting.

• Develop a plan for what you want to grow in your garden.

• Plant your garden and enjoy the fruits (or vegetables!) of your labor!

12. Give A Genuine Compliment

Compliments can make someone’s day, and they don’t cost you a thing. The next time you see someone, take a moment to compliment them.

When giving compliments, follow these tips:

• Remember to be sincere – that’s what makes a compliment genuine.

• Choose words that call attention to specific qualities or traits that you admire.

• Avoid compliments that could be construed as superficial, like “You’re so thin!” or “You’re so pretty!”

• Don’t go overboard – one or two compliments are plenty.

• Speak with a kind voice and friendly tone while making eye contact. And, of course, smile!

13. Write A Positive Review

If you’ve had a good experience with a product or service, consider writing a positive review. You’ll support a local business and raise awareness about it!

When writing a positive review, keep these tips in mind, so your review is helpful and informative:

• Be specific about what you liked, e.g., provide an example of how the product or service was helpful to you.

• Choose words with positive intention; for example, “I was impressed!” or “I would recommend this to anyone.”

• If you can, mention the name of the person who helped you.

• If you’re writing about a service, mention how it made you feel.

• Keep your review short and to the point.

• Avoid negative thoughts but still be honest – if you don’t like something, don’t write a positive review just to be nice.

14. Clean Up The Neglected Areas Of Your Neighborhood

Take some time to help clean up your neighborhood. This can be a great way to show your community pride and make your neighborhood a more pleasant place to live. You might even make some new friends in the process!

Here are a few tips for cleaning up your neighborhood:

• Start small and focus on one area at a time.

• Enlist the help of your neighbors. The more people you have working, the faster the job will get done!

• Bring some trash bags and gloves so you can pick up litter.

• If there’s graffiti, try to cover it with paint or a poster.

• Encourage others to do the same. The more people take pride in their neighborhood, the better it will be for everyone.

• Celebrate your accomplishments with cookies and hot cocoa or lemonade afterward.

• Have some fun in the process!

15. Volunteer At The Local Children’s Hospital

Hospitals always need volunteers, and children’s hospitals are no exception. Volunteer at your local children’s hospital and brighten the days of sick children.

Here are a few tips for volunteering at a hospital:

• Be sure to wash your hands often and sanitize them before coming into contact with patients.

• Wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

• Have patience with the children you interact with. Their social skills may be a little rusty from being in the hospital, but they mean well.

• Be prepared to answer a lot of questions. Children are curious and always want to know more about everything.

• Try to brighten their day with your conversation and your smile.

• Follow the hospital’s rules and regulations. Bring them a small gift to help them feel special if it’s allowed.

• Act as a role model for the children.

16. Give An Elderly, Disabled, Or Pregnant Person Your Place

Sometimes things that come easily to us are a real challenge for others. Whether it’s a seat on the bus or your place in line, give it to someone who can use it more than you. Being considerate only takes a second, and you may make a positive difference in someone’s day.

Here are some situations where you can be kind and helpful:

• If you see an older adult, a pregnant woman, a mother with young children, or someone disabled, offer them your seat. Assist them in getting seated comfortably.

• If you’re in front of someone who looks like they need assistance, let them go ahead of you and help them however you can.

• At the supermarket, lend a hand if you see someone needing help reaching something on a high shelf.

• If you see a mother struggling to carry her shopping and her children, offer to help carry her bags.

• In winter, clear snow and ice from your elderly neighbor’s path to their front door.

Relationship Maintenance Acts of Kindness

Performing acts of kindness is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain strong relationships with those you know and love. When it comes to relationships, it’s often the little things that mean the most.

Here are some acts of kindness you can do for your friends and loved ones:

17. Invite Friends Over For Dinner

Invite your friends over for dinner and enjoy a night of good company. Not only will you get to catch up with your friends, but you’ll also help them feel loved and cared about.

Here are a few tips for hosting a dinner party:

• Plan your menu and make sure you have all the ingredients you need.

• Prepare as much as possible so you’re not rushed when your guests arrive.

• Set the table with a nice tablecloth, plates, and utensils.

• Light some candles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

• Ask happy questions and spend most of the evening listening instead of talking. Make it clear that you want to hear about what’s going on in your friends’ lives.

18. Send A Thoughtful Gift

A small gift can go a long way in cultivating relationships. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because, sending a thinking of you gift is a wonderful way to show someone you genuinely care.

Some ideas for what to do:

• Choose a good friend or family member to send a surprise gift every month. It can be anything from a book you think they’ll enjoy to their favorite type of candy to a self-care gift that will help them relax.

• Write a heartfelt letter to someone you haven’t seen in a while and include old pictures of you with them if you have any.

• If someone you know is going through a tough time, send them a care package with their favorite snacks and a pad of sticky notes with encouraging, handwritten messages.

• Gift a new mom her own gift. Get a lovely basket and fill it with essentials like lotion, body wash, and lip balm, and a few non-essentials like a scented candle and her favorite type of tea.

19. Do Something Nice For Your Neighbor

Your neighbors are the people who live closest to you, so why not do something nice for them? It doesn’t have to be anything big – even something as simple as saying hello and listening to what’s going on in their lives is a thoughtful way to show that you care.

Here are a few ways to be a good neighbor:

• Introduce yourself to your neighbors! Get to know them and build rapport.

• Wave hello whenever you see them.

• Offer to help them with household chores like yard work, snow removal, or watering their plants.

• Invite them over for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

• Bring them a homemade treat like cookies or banana bread.

• Keep an eye on their house when they’re away and pick up their mail for them.

20. Get To Know Your Co-Workers

Chances are, you spend more time with your co-workers than with almost anyone else. So why not make an effort to get to know them better? Start a conversation to build a stronger relationship and help make work happier for both of you.

Here are a few tips for starting a conversation with a co-worker:

• Find something you have in common, like sports, books, or movies.

• Ask about their weekend or plans for the upcoming week.

• Share a funny story or joke.

• Provide some positive feedback on their work.

• Be a good listener.

• Avoid negative talk about your company or other co-workers.

21. Don’t Let The Younger Generation Be Strangers

If you have younger relatives, try to get to know them! They may be looking for good role models, so be the best one you can be! A stronger relationship with family will benefit both you and them.

Here are a few ideas on how to get to know your younger relatives:

• Ask them about their life, including school, friends, and hobbies.

• Let them speak freely without interruption. Make sure you listen intently and take their feelings into account.

• Spend time with them doing activities that they enjoy.

• Suggest fun things you can do together, like walking, playing a sport, or even doing random acts of kindness.

• Offer your help and advice, but don’t be pushy. They’re not necessarily looking for a life coach, but if they are, respond kindly and be there for them!

22. Keep In Touch With Elderly Family Members

If you have elderly family members, make an effort to keep in regular contact with them. They may live alone and have few people to talk to. Your visits or calls will brighten their day and help them feel cared about.

Here are some ways to keep in touch:

• Visit them in person if possible.

• Ask about their lives and listen to their stories.

• Share your own stories with them. Send photos or videos of you and your life so they can see what you’re up to.

• Be considerate of their feelings. Their social skills might not be the best, and they might be stuck in their ways, but try not to get impatient or offended.

• Make sure they’re comfortable and have everything they need. This includes food, water, shelter, and clothing.

• Offer to help with anything they need, like grocery shopping or yard work.

Everyday Kind Acts

Making a conscious decision to be kind is one of the best things you can do. Fortunately, there are many simple ways to be kind in your everyday life. Here are some of those ways:

23. Smile

Be the reason someone smiles today!

Smiling is contagious – whoever you smile at is likely to smile back. So why not make someone’s day by smiling at them? It doesn’t cost anything and takes almost no effort, but it can brighten someone’s day.

 

24. Show Interest

When you show interest in others, they feel valued and important. Whether you’re talking to a co-worker, friend, or family member, give them your undivided attention.

Showing interest doesn’t just mean listening – it also means engaging in the conversation and asking follow-up questions. Look directly at the person you’re speaking to, and acknowledge what they’re saying.

Moreover, be happy for others and their achievements, no matter how big or small. If you need help with this, read this article on how to be happy for others.

25. Be Supportive And Encouraging

We all struggle to keep things together from time to time.

If you see someone struggling, send some words of encouragement and positive energy their way! This is a great way to boost the happy emotions of those around you.

It doesn’t have to be anything big – even a simple “You got this!” or “I know you can do it!” can make a world of difference for someone who’s struggling.

Let them know that you believe in them and that they’re not alone.

Check on your happy friends too. You never know what someone is going through, and your simple “How’s it going?” can remind them that there’s someone who cares about their well-being.

 

26. Respect Others’ Wishes

If you’re wondering how to make everyone happy – you can’t! Sometimes, it’s not about making people feel a certain way.

You don’t need to be the force of change in people’s lives. Sometimes, you just need to listen to what they want.

Respect is an essential part of kindness. If someone tells you they don’t want to do something, respect their wishes and don’t push them into it.

Let people decide how they want to live their lives and don’t try to control them. Respect other people’s boundaries and stand up for them if someone tries to cross the line.

When you respect someone’s wishes, it shows that you value them and their opinion. It’s a kindness that can strengthen your relationship and foster trust.

27. Always Practice Good Manners

Practicing good manners is an act of kindness that speaks volumes about you and how you treat others. Saying “please” and “thank you” shows that you respect others and appreciate them for their help.

Moreover, holding the door open for others or letting them go first shows that you’re considerate of their time and space. It’s a small act, but it can make a big difference in how others perceive you and feel about themselves.

 

28. Apologize

Did you make a mistake that you should say sorry for?

There are 100 reasons to be happy in life. The ability to mend broken bridges is amazing! Take a deep breath, and say you’re sorry.

Apologizing is a great way to show others that you can hold yourself accountable and care about them more than your ego.

It’s not easy to admit when you’re wrong, but it’s essential to being kind and respectful. A sincere apology can make all the difference in resolving a situation. It shows that you are humble and open to learning from your mistakes. Your relationships will be better because of it.

29. Develop An Attitude Of Gratitude

Cultivating gratitude is one of the best ways to add more joy to your daily life and become a kinder person. When you’re grateful for what you have, you appreciate the little things and find it easier to be kind to others.

When you express gratitude, you take the time to thank people for their help and recognize all they do. This simple act of kindness can go a long way in making people feel seen and valued.

 

30. Practice Self-Kindness

When you are kind to yourself, you become the best version of yourself. You become more forgiving, understanding, and accepting of yourself and more patient, compassionate, and tolerant with others.

So, be kind to yourself every day.

Forgive yourself for your mistakes, and don’t be so hard on yourself.

Take a break when you need it, and make sure to celebrate your small wins.

Do something that makes you happy and practice self-care.

These small acts of kindness directed inward will help you become a better person and make it easier to be kind to others.

Final Thoughts

There you are. 30 ways to be kind in 2023! We hope this article has inspired you to make kindness a part of your everyday life.

Kindness matters. Even a simple act of kindness can impact someone’s day and, ultimately, the world around us.

Remember that kindness starts from within – it begins with being kind to yourself. Once you’ve mastered that, spreading kindness to others will come naturally.

So be mindful of your actions and words, make kindness a habit, and together we can create a kinder world!

Need some help? Download the Do Happy App! The app encourages acts of kindness throughout the week and inspires users to be kind to themselves. Give it a try today!