How many of you have started your Christmas Shopping yet? I’m currently in the “making a list, checking it twice” phase but haven’t actually made any purchases yet. I’ll be the first to admit that it is easy to get wrapped up in buying the newest toys and gadgets for your kids, and forget about the families that can’t afford Christmas gifts or people that are going through a rough time in life.
Random acts of kindness are the perfect reminder of how good it feels to think of others and do something special for them. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate grand gesture, just something as simple as a compliment can go a long way.
I created cards that are easy to print, cut out, and give away (free download below). I’ll share with you how I used my cards.
My first stop was the Subway drive-thru. I ordered myself a sub for lunch and then asked for a $5 gift card. I handed the kindness card to the cashier and asked if she would give it along with the $5 gift card to the next person that came through the drive-thru. Just thinking about how the next person in line was going to feel gave me a rush of excitement. The cashier’s response of “that is beautiful” only added to the rush.
Next I headed to a Shopko store and bought a $5 gift card and taped my kindness card to the top.
I then taped the gift card to the plastic seat in a shopping cart. I was able to slip the cart back in with the others without anyone noticing. It was fun leaving the store wondering who might find my special cart.
Another idea I had for an act of kindness was getting to work a few minutes early and secretly delivering coffee to a co-worker. I picked a co-worker that is always upbeat and very helpful.
As we get closer to Christmas I know that mail carriers and delivery drivers are going to be so busy. I do most of my shopping online, as do a lot of people, so I can’t imagine how many deliveries are made in December (last year I even remember getting mail on a Sunday). So I thought a perfect act of kindness was sneaking a treat into our mailbox. It was fun flipping up the red flag knowing my mail carrier would stop by and find the gift.
These are just a few of the ideas I decided to try. I compiled a list of a few others to help get you going.
Random Act of Kindness Ideas:
- Give someone a compliment
- Leave a gift card for the next car in a drive-thru
- Bring treats to work
- Buy someone coffee
- Leave a treat for the mailman
- Smile at a stranger
- Leave a gift card on a shopping cart
- Donate old toys
- Leave a generous tip
- Offer to babysit for a friend who needs a break
- Write a handwritten letter and mail it
- Mail a thank you card
- Donate unused household items
- Pay for someone’s groceries
- Donate Blood
- Pay for a family’s meal at a restaurant
- Plant a tree
- Make a meal for a friend or neighbor
- Say “thank you” and make it an everyday habit
- Bring a treat for a teacher or daycare provider
- Walk/Run a 5K for a worthy cause
- Donate food to your local food shelF
- Volunteer your time
- Open a door for someone
- Mow or rake someone’s yard
- Send a letter or care package to a soldier
I hope you try a few from this list or come up with some ideas of your own. Giving back and being kind is the best way to get into the Holiday spirit.
RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS DOWNLOAD
Meredith says
I love this SO much! Just the other day I was wondering how I could bring some RAOKs to life, and this is perfect!!!
Bree says
I’m happy the post sparked some ideas! Thanks for reading!
Kristin says
cute! I love this! I’m currently filling the kids advent calendar with acts of kindness to do this holiday season – along with family activities and toys/treats.
Bree says
I love the idea of an advent calendar filled with acts of kindness! That is a great way to get the kids involved too!
Holly Hulke says
This is a great idea! Doing things like this really make someone’s day! I am going to share with my Mom, too!
Bree says
I’ve been on the receiving end of acts of kindness and you are right, it really made my day. And it was even more fun to be the one spreading the kindness!
Dan Voltz says
The most interesting thing to me about these types of projects is the ways in which they can spread. I love seeing the way that one act of kindness begets the next. Of course, then I’m always left wondering, well, who needs kindness the most?
Bree says
I agree, my favorite part of random acts of kindness is that it encourages people to pay it forward!
Becki Iverson says
I really love this idea – sometimes the best gifts we can give each other are free, only requiring a little love or empathy. Thanks for sharing! This fits in well with my recent experiences gift roundup: http://compendiummpls.blogspot.com/2016/11/good-karma-christmas-with-conscience.html
Bree says
Love and empathy goes a long ways, especially during this time of year when so many people get caught up on gifts and material things.
Micaela Preston says
What a sweet idea! Love those printables and all your suggestions!
Bree says
Thanks for checking it out! The printables are nice to leave behind to remind people to spread the kindness!