50 acts to make someone’s day on Random Act of Kindness Day 2023

Following ‘Random Act of Kindness Day’, we can all think about one small way to show kindness to those around us, our environment, and ourselves. It doesn’t necessarily mean going out of our way, but the smallest act could make somebody’s day – or even change their life. Here are 50 ideas; pick a few you think you could swing and make a difference today.

1. Compliment a stranger
2. Litter pick
3. Pay for someone else’s thing
4. Text someone that you haven’t heard from in a while
5. Give flowers or chocolates to someone
6. Get a vegan dessert – trust me, they’re hard to find
7. Make a meal for your flatmates/housemates
8. Bake something for your neighbours
9. Tell your friend something you admire about them
10. Offer to body double for someone struggling with exams
11. Leave a nice note
12. Give your favourite person a hug
13. Tip the server that’s working hard
14. Give to a charity shop
15. Play the UN’s vocabulary game at freerice.com to help feed those in need
16. Send a care package to someone who needs it
17. Remember something that bothered you about the system at university or work and draft a proposal to change it
18. Lend your ear to a colleague having a tough day
19. Download the Finch app and send your contacts some anonymous support from an adorable bird!
20. Offer to give someone a lift
21. Tell someone that you’re thinking of them
22. Send a handwritten letter or postcard
23. Arrange a potluck dinner with friends
24. Bring water, tea or coffee to people working or studying with you
25. Send a jigsaw or book you’ve finished to a family member or friend
26. Download the ‘Thought Catalog’ app and use CBT techniques to tackle your negative thoughts
27. Send a thank you card to a medical professional or surgery that helped you out
28. Email an old teacher that inspired you or made a difference
29. Tell your lecturer that you found their lecture interesting
30. Pick up a piece of litter as you pass on the street
31. Sign up to donate blood
32. Re-rack weights lying around at the gym
33. Give snacks to mail carriers and delivery drivers
34. Write a kind comment
35. Order an extra side next time you get takeaway and give it to someone struggling financially
36. Help people feel less alone by interacting with the community on the HeadHelp app
37. Check on elderly neighbours
38. Let someone know you support them when they’re experiencing a conflict
39. Be a courteous driver
40. Put a kind sticky note on a mirror in a public bathroom
41. Leave a message in a library book
42. Leave a pack of sanitary products in a public bathroom
43. Smile at an anxious-looking stranger
44. Download a Kindness Calendar for daily ideas 
45. Make an extra portion of dinner for someone you know who is feeling overwhelmed
46. Start a candid conversation with your mates about mental health
47. Learn what goes in your recycling bin
48. Get yourself some of your favourite food and share it with friends or family
49. Take 30 minutes for yourself today
50. Ask someone how they’re doing – really

A small act of kindness can go a long way. So, why not give one (or more!) of these suggestions a go today, in honour of Random Act of Kindness Day 2023.