Hand holding a smartphone during a video call with family

Think of the last time someone did something for you that made you smile. How did it feel? Most likely, that feeling stayed with you for a long time. Our actions have a huge impact on those around us, often whether we know them personally or not. For Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17, we’re sharing a round-up of ideas for small acts of kindness that will leave a big impact. While you’re at it, treat yourself to some kindness too — you deserve it.

For Strangers

Keep packs of toiletries, snacks, and warm socks and gloves in heavy-duty zip-close bags in your car. Hand them out to those in need when you’re out driving.
Be conscious of your interactions throughout the day. Refrain from saying negative things and have patience with those you encounter.
Go to an online fundraising site like GoFundMe and browse until you find a story that touches your heart. Donate what you can.
Offer a mentorship call to students or those looking to enter your industry.
Sign up for a virtual volunteer opportunity.
Support a small business: write a glowing review, engage with them on social media, recommend them to your friends and family, and buy their products or services.
Make activity packs to donate to a local children’s hospital. You can include things like sticker books, card games, toys, and art supplies.
Look into donating your airline miles to families in need.
Buy an extra bag of pet food next time you get one and drop it off at the animal shelter with a blanket or two.
Don’t undermine the power of a passing compliment. If you like someone’s hair, shoes, or jacket, let them know!

For Significant Others

Surprise the person you love with a little something you know they enjoy (a favorite treat, a new plant, a book you loved, etc.) just because.
Do something without being asked: tidy up the house, fix something that needs repairing, take out the trash. Bonus points for making a habit of it!
Plan a date with your partner spending the day doing all of their favorite things or a special stay-at-home date night that’s different from your usual plans.
Leave them a sweet note to find.
Bake them a sweet treat — may we suggest these super good Dark Chocolate and Banana Vegan Energy Cookies or Protein-Rich Cacao Brownies?
Do something that fulfills your partner’s love language.
Plan a future getaway together, then start saving up for it together.
Clean their car for them as a surprise.
Show your appreciation by thanking them for something they’ve done for you recently.
Surprise them with their favorite meal.

For Friends and Family

Buy a digital gift certificate for a friend who could use some cheering up. Even a few bucks for a cup of coffee would totally make their day.
Mail a letter or care package to a friend that you don’t get to see often.
Help the new mom in your circle of friends. Ask her when would be a good time to drop off dinner or babysit so she can shower and nap.
Put up a compliment wall — designate a space in your house where every family member has a piece of paper hung up with their name on it. Every day for a month, write something you love about each person on their paper. At the end of the month, read them together and feel all the warm fuzzies.
Get in touch with a family member you haven’t talked to in a while and catch up.
Interview your parents about their lives. Record it via video or write down their answers and compile it into a meaningful memory book.
If you have kids, let them pick out a special activity to do that week together.
Offer to be a non-judgemental, encouraging accountability partner for a loved one who is taking on a new challenge.
Plan a fun activity for you and a friend to do to de-stress together. Take a hike, do some yoga, or try something that’s new for you both.
If someone you love is struggling lately, ask what you can pick up for them the next time you head out on an errand and drop it off with a sweet card.