50+ Simple Ways to Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week
Even Small Acts of Kindness or Service Make a Significant Impact!
Last Updated December 16, 2025
February 14 - 20, 2026 is Random Acts of Kindness Week. Sharing positive surprises not only makes the recipient feel great, it elevates your mood-boosting hormones for a perfect mental pick-me-up. Get the whole family, neighborhood or office involved with these ideas for paying it forward, spreading kindness, and brightening someone's day!
Random Acts of Kindness: Ideas for All Ages
Give a compliment to five people each day – text someone if you can’t do this in person.
Pay it forward (or backward) – buy a coffee or a meal for the person in front of you or behind you in line.
Surprise a friend, neighbor or co-workers with freshly baked cookies or treats.
Start a donation fund and select a nonprofit you want to help; ask everyone in the family or at your office to contribute their spare change over the next 6 months, then donate to your favorite charity.
Post inspirational sticky notes around your neighborhood, office, school, etc.
Let someone who only has a few items go in front of you in line.
Leave a gas gift card at a gas pump.
Donate time or needed supplies to an animal shelter or homeless shelter (think gently used towels and blankets or dog food and treats).
Have a LinkedIn account? Write a recommendation for a coworker or connection.
Leave quarters for the next person at the laundromat, car wash or tire air station.
Encounter someone in customer service who is especially kind? Take an extra five minutes to tell their manager.
Leave a note on someone’s car telling them how awesome they parked.
Write a kind message on your mirror with a dry erase marker for your roommate, significant other, or a family member.
Place a note that says “You are beautiful!” in a shirt or jeans pocket at a department store.
Send a gratitude email to a coworker (and cc their manager) who deserves more recognition.
Give away something for free on Craigslist.
Know some parents who could use a night out? Offer to babysit for free.
Hold up positive signs for passers-by in your front yard or in a park for people exercising outside.
Put a plant in a terra-cotta pot, write kind words that describe a friend on the pot, decorate it, and give it to them.
Write a positive review online for your favorite local restaurant.
Organize a neighborhood clean-up at a nearby park or beach (use SignUp to organize!).
Compliment a parent on how well-behaved their child is.
Leave a server the biggest tip you can afford.
Put 50 paper hearts in a box. On each cutout, write something special about your significant other or a friend. Give them the box and tell them to pull out a heart anytime they need a pick-me-up.
Write your partner or kids a list of things you love about them.
Take flowers or treats to the nurses’ station at your nearest hospital.
Send a thank you card or note to the officers at your local fire station.
Take muffins or cookies to your local librarians.
Run an errand for a neighbor, friend or family member who is busy.
Leave a kind note or a box of goodies in your mailbox for your mail carrier.
Email or write a thank you letter to a former teacher who made a difference in your life.
Volunteer for a local food bank or other nonprofit, or sign up to volunteer virtually.
Be kind to yourself – spend at least 30 minutes a day doing something you love.
Paint rocks with messages of positivity and leave them around your neighborhood or workplace.
Plan for long-term kindness by signing up to participate in your neighborhood’s mutual aid network (or organize one!).
Host a “Free Hugs” event – stand in a public area with a sign offering free hugs for those who need a boost.
Offer a ride – provide transportation for someone without a car or struggling to get to appointments.
Record a video message – send a video sharing why someone is special to you instead of a text or email.
Pack extra lunches each day – make an extra packed meal to give to a coworker or someone in need.
Surprise a teacher – bring school supplies, coffee, or a handwritten note to a hardworking teacher. Get more teacher appreciation ideas here!
Set up a “Take What You Need” board – post a bulletin with tear-away tabs for compliments, motivational quotes, or funny jokes.
Share your skills – offer to teach a friend, coworker, or neighbor something you’re good at, like cooking or fixing small tech problems.
Leave a book with a kind note inside – drop off a favorite read in a Little Free Library or public space with a note encouraging the next reader.
Send a “Just Thinking of You” text – reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while with no agenda.
Stock a community pantry or blessing box – add shelf-stable food, hygiene items, or handwritten encouragement notes.
Create a kindness jar – fill a jar with slips of paper listing small daily kindness challenges.
Help someone carry something heavy – groceries, strollers, or boxes.
Donate blood (or sign up to do so) – a powerful act of kindness that can save lives.
Leave a positive comment online – intentionally leave kind, encouraging comments on social media.
Pay for school lunch debt (anonymously) if your district allows.
Make a “Kindness Kit” for your car – keep bottled water, snacks, socks, or hygiene items on hand.
Publicly celebrate someone’s win – share a friend’s accomplishment, a coworker’s success, or a local organization’s good work.
“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
Random Acts of Kindness Week FAQs
Q: When is Random Acts of Kindness Week?
A: Random Acts of Kindness Week takes place every year in mid-February. In 2026, it runs from February 14–20.
Q: What counts as a random act of kindness?
A: Any thoughtful action—big or small—that helps, encourages, or uplifts someone else. A smile, a note, or lending a hand all count!
Q: Do random acts of kindness have to cost money?
A: Not at all! Many of the most meaningful acts—like compliments, volunteering time, or writing thank-you notes—are completely free.
Q: Who can participate in Random Acts of Kindness Week?
A: Everyone! Families, kids, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and community groups can all take part.
Q: How can I involve a group or workplace in Random Acts of Kindness Week?
A: Create a simple kindness challenge, share daily ideas, or organize volunteer opportunities using an online SignUp to make participation easy.
Q: Why are random acts of kindness important?
A: Kindness boosts mental health, strengthens communities, and creates a ripple effect—one good deed often inspires another.
Q: Can kids participate in Random Acts of Kindness Week?
A: Absolutely! Kid-friendly ideas include writing thank-you notes, sharing toys, helping with chores, or giving compliments.
About the Author
Tara McAdams
Digital Marketing Manager, Content Strategist & Creator
Tara leads content strategy at SignUp and creates a variety of resources on a wide range of topics – including lifestyle trends, parent tips, prep for holidays, volunteer management, and event planning. More about Tara →
