60 Quick, Simple & Inexpensive Acts of Kindness You Can Take Today

Did you know that random acts of kindness can reduce stress, improve emotional wellbeing and even have a positive impact on your physical health? 

It’s true, the benefits of simply being kind can be incredibly powerful, not just for ourselves but for others too. We should never underestimate the power of being kind. Of reaching out and lifting one another up.

Especially in recent times, which have witnessed a great degree of division, it has become even more important to act with empathy, understanding and an open-mind.

At Bonpinda, we are always seeking new ways to support our family and friends, as well as our local community. And what we’ve learnt is that the smallest gestures can, in fact, hold the most meaning.

So here’s a list of 60 Acts of Kindness for you to try out today or to spark your own inspiration.

1. Give a stranger a smile
2. Spend an hour picking up litter in your local area
3. Buy a coffee for the person queuing behind you
4. Sort out your old clothes and donate to charity
5. Ask about your family’s day & listen closely
6. Offer to do a food shop for an elderly neighbour
7. Compliment a friend or stranger
8. Tip your waiter/waitress/delivery driver
9. Send a note to a loved one, reflecting on one of your favourite shared experiences
10. Cook a meal for someone
11. Message an old friend you’ve lost touch with
12. Lend your favourite book to a friend
13. Separate your recycling into the correct bins
14. Walk or ride your bike to work
15. Put your phone away to spend time with friends/family
16. Donate toys to a homeless shelter
17. Put together a playlist for a family member or friend
18. Bake for a neighbour
19. Invite your colleague to lunch
20. Give someone a hug
21. Leave a kind note on a car (a neighbour or stranger)
22. Support a friend’s charity
23. Help someone to give something new a try
24. Compliment a colleague to your boss
25. Offer to babysit for a friend or family
26. Handwrite a letter to family member or friend
27. Compliment someone on social media
28. Donate blankets to an animal shelter
29. Give way to another driver
30. Gift someone a reusable water bottle
    
    
31. Help out any wildlife in distress
32. Spend 30 minutes doing something you love
33. Ask how your checkout server’s day is going
34. Email an old teacher who inspired you
35. Start a fundraiser
36. Ask an elderly neighbour about their life
37. Shop at an independent store (and leave them a glowing review online)
38. Put on a clothes wash at a cooler temperature
39. Opt for e-tickets rather than print outs
40. Take your own reusable shopping bags to the mall
41. Switch to paperless mail
42. Go vegetarian for a day
43. Offer to tutor someone
44. Purchase a second-hand item, rather than brand new
45. Send someone a silly joke
46. Share your favourite recipe
47. Commit to a day of being non-judgmental
48. Sign up for a charity run
49. Tell someone you know that you’re proud of them
    
    
    
50. Join the bone marrow registry
51. Send a card to a child in hospital
52. Upcycle an item/piece of clothing and donate to a worthy cause
53. Ask about someone’s mental health
54. Send your friend some flowers
55. Join a senior buddy program
56. Pack an extra umbrella, to offer to a colleague or stranger on a rainy day
57. Write down three things you’re grateful for today
58. Make a helpful introduction
59. Retweet/repost/tell others about an independent artist or creator you know
60. Tell someone you love them

Remember, acts of kindness don’t always need to be directed towards strangers, or even family and friends. Showing yourself kindness is equally as important as being compassionate to others.

So what act of kindness will you take? How will you brighten someone’s day?

Let’s make a positive difference in the world, together.