50 Acts of Kindness You Can Do Today

Published December 18, 2025

Kindness can feel like a superpower. A single thoughtful act has the power to turn a bad day around, give hope when someone feels lost, and remind us that we’re all connected. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture that costs a lot of money or takes hours of your time. Often, the smallest things make the biggest difference.

Think of kindness like a little spark. It can light up someone’s world, and you never know how far that light will travel. It’s a choice we get to make every single day. If you’re looking for ways to spread a little more goodness, you’ve come to the right place.

Here are some simple, random acts of kindness you can try today.

Everyday Acts of Kindness

These are small things you can weave into your daily routine.

1. Encourage someone who looks down. A simple, “You’ve got this,” can mean the world to someone who is struggling.
2. Say “please” and “thank you.” These simple words show respect and appreciation. When you say them, look the person in the eye and really mean it.
3. Hold the door open for someone. It’s a small, classic gesture that says, “I see you.”
4. Don’t interrupt when someone is talking. Giving someone your full attention makes them feel heard and valued.
5. Give an honest compliment. Notice someone’s great idea in a meeting or how they handled a tough situation? Tell them. Specific compliments are incredibly powerful.
6. Ask someone how they are—and truly listen. Don’t just accept “I’m fine.” Ask a follow-up question and give them space to share what’s really on their mind.
7. Make someone laugh. Share a funny story or a silly joke. Laughter is a wonderful way to connect and lift spirits.
8. Be kind to yourself. You deserve kindness too. Take a break, forgive yourself for a mistake, or celebrate a small win.
9. Put your shopping cart back. It’s a simple act of tidiness that makes things easier for employees and other shoppers.
10. Return something you borrowed. Bring it back in the same or better condition than when you received it.
11. Talk to someone new. Whether at school, work, or in your community, striking up a conversation can make someone feel included.
12. Stop to let a pedestrian cross the street. A little patience makes the road safer and less stressful for everyone.
13. Learn the names of people you see every day. Greet your security guard, barista, or mail carrier by name. It shows them they are more than just a part of the background.
14. Give someone the benefit of the doubt. We rarely know the full story of what someone is going through. Assume they have good intentions.
15. Take a day off from complaining. Try to focus only on the positive for 24 hours and see how it changes your perspective.

Kindness in Your Community

Look for opportunities to help those right in your neighborhood.

1. Volunteer for a cause you believe in. Giving your time is one of the most valuable things you can offer.
2. Pick up trash you see on the sidewalk. Taking pride in your community keeps it beautiful for everyone.
3. Donate things you no longer use. Your old clothes, books, or furniture could be exactly what someone else needs.
4. Help an elderly person with their groceries. Offer to carry their bags to their car or home.
5. Offer your seat on a crowded bus or train. Give your spot to someone who is pregnant, elderly, or looks like they’ve had a long day.
6. Plant a tree or start a small garden. It’s a gift to the environment and to future generations.
7. Cook an extra portion of your meal. Share it with a neighbor who is going through a tough time or living alone.
8. Help a sick or stray animal. Take it to a local shelter or vet to get the care it needs.
9. Pay for a veteran’s meal or coffee. It’s a small way to thank them for their immense service to our country.
10. Donate food to a local soup kitchen. A can of soup or a box of pasta can become part of a warm, comforting meal for someone in need.
11. Carry around pet food for stray dogs and cats. A small meal can make a huge difference for an animal living on the streets.
12. Keep an extra umbrella at work. Lend it to a coworker who gets caught in an unexpected rainstorm.
13. Take a minute to give someone directions. Even if you’re in a hurry, a moment of your time can save someone else a lot of stress.
14. Help someone for free. Offer your skills, whether it’s fixing a computer, proofreading a resume, or helping someone move a heavy box, without asking for anything in return.
15. Donate your hair after a haircut. Organizations can use it to create wigs for patients who have lost their hair during medical treatments.

Digital Acts of Kindness

In our connected world, you can be kind with just a few clicks.

1. Post something positive online. Share an inspiring quote, a beautiful photo, or a happy news story to brighten up your followers’ feeds.
2. Leave a positive comment on a post. Go beyond just a “like” and write something encouraging or appreciative.
3. Write a glowing review for a small business. Your kind words can help a local shop or restaurant attract new customers.
4. Reach out to a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. A simple text message asking, “How have you been?” can rekindle a connection and show you care.
5. Share a creator’s work and give them credit. Help someone’s art, music, or writing find a new audience.
6. Thank a service professional online. If you received great customer service, find the company on social media and give that employee a public shout-out.
7. Send an encouraging email. Brighten a coworker’s or friend’s inbox with a message of support.

Kindness to Friends & Family

Show the people closest to you how much they mean.

1. Be a friend who listens without judgment. Sometimes, people just need a safe space to talk.
2. Tell someone you love, “I love you.” Don’t assume they already know. Say it often.
3. Let people have their moment. When a friend achieves something, let them enjoy the spotlight instead of sharing your own accomplishments.
4. Allow someone to help you. Accepting kindness from others is an act of kindness itself. It makes them feel needed and valued.
5. Share a great book you’ve just read. Pass on a story that moved you.
6. Give someone a chance. An opportunity can be the one thing a person needs to change their life.
7. Tell the truth with compassion. Honesty is important, but delivering it with gentleness can make all the difference.
8. Reach out to someone going through a tough time. Your support can be a lifeline.