70 Random Acts of Kindness To Consider This Holiday

Looking to pay it forward this holiday season? Here are 70 Random Acts of Kindness to consider.

I’m not sure when it started, because as far back as I can remember, when the holidays rolled around, my family began brainstorming ways to pay it forward in both big and small ways. A random act of kindness is an action designed to offer kindness towards the outside world, usually a small act (though sometimes it can be more grand), and always without expectation of payback. We would participate in small gestures between the Thanksgiving and Christmas time period (paying for coffees, leaving kind notes on windshields, etc), and save something big for Christmas Eve. The year I remember most vividly was going into a department store and paying off someone’s layaway. I don’t even think layaway exists anymore, but it felt so special to anonymously gift someone something they could never repay, except paying the kindness forward.

If you’re looking for random acts of kindness to share this season, here are 70 RACKs to consider!

70 Random Acts of Kindness To Consider This Holiday

Ready to pay it forward? Here are the best random acts of kindness to consider this holiday, or truly any time of the year!

Share The Warmth

Donate warm clothing to a local shelter.

Offer a hot beverage to a homeless person.

Knit scarves for those in need.

Leave encouraging notes on windshields.

Provide blankets to an animal shelter.

Send a care package to a soldier overseas.

Volunteer at a soup kitchen.

Give out hand warmers on a cold day.

Collect and donate winter coats.

Create a winter essentials kit for the homeless.

Spread Smiles

Pay for the person behind you in line.

Write uplifting messages on sidewalks with chalk.

Compliment a stranger.

Leave a cheerful note in a library book.

Send a surprise bouquet to a friend.

Pay for someone’s coffee anonymously.

Gift a small plant to a coworker.

Offer to take a family holiday photo for a stranger.

Host a virtual game night for friends.

Share a joke to brighten someone’s day.

Acts Of Generosity

Sponsor a child’s education.

Contribute to a local food bank.

Support a small business in your community.

Tip generously at restaurants.

Purchase gift cards for a struggling family.

Donate to a charity in a friend’s name.

Offer to babysit for a busy parent.

Pay for a neighbor’s utility bill.

Send a surprise package to a distant relative.

Adopt a family for the holidays.

Time Well Spent

Volunteer at a local hospital.

Visit a nursing home and spend time with residents.

Help a neighbor with holiday decorations.

Cook a meal for a friend going through a tough time.

Assist with grocery shopping for an elderly person.

Offer to walk a neighbor’s dog.

Organize a virtual game night for a retirement home.

Read holiday stories to children at a library.

Volunteer at a community center.

Mentor someone in your field.

Acts Of Environmental Kindness

Plant a tree in your neighborhood.

Participate in a local park cleanup.

Start a community garden.

Recycle and encourage others to do the same.

Use eco-friendly wrapping paper.

Switch to reusable shopping bags.

Adopt a highway for cleanup.

Plant flowers in public spaces.

Organize a tree-planting event.

Educate others about sustainable practices.

Acts Of Kindness For Co-Workers

Bring in treats for your office.

Write thank-you notes for your colleagues.

Offer to help a coworker with a project.

Organize a virtual holiday party.

Gift personalized office supplies.

Start a compliments board in the workplace.

Share inspirational quotes in the office.

Create a positive affirmation jar.

Mentor a new team member.

Bring in breakfast for your team.

Acts Of Self-Care For Others

Create self-care packages for friends.

Offer to run errands for a busy friend.

Provide a spa day at home for a loved one.

Write a heartfelt letter to someone you appreciate.

Schedule a virtual coffee date with a friend.

Plan a surprise movie night for a loved one.

Organize a book exchange with friends.

Share your favorite recipes with neighbors.

Send a playlist of uplifting songs.

Offer to be a listening ear for someone in need.

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