Since we were children, we’ve heard of spreading kindness, but did you know there’s a Random Act of Kindness Day? A whole day dedicated to helping each other out and making people smile. Don’t you wish every day could be like you stepped inside a Disney movie village?
Well, after reading about Random Act of Kindness Day and being filled with kindness inspiration from our unique list of ideas, you may just be inclined to stretch Random Act of Kindness Day from a holiday to a lifestyle. Ready to see the kindness overload? Let’s get to it!
If you think Random Act of Kindness Day is the most wholesome thing you’ve seen, wait until you see National Hugging Day!
Were you wanting something a little more quirky? Why didn’t you say so? Check out National Puzzle Day!
In this article
When is Random Act of Kindness Day?
Random Act of Kindness Day is celebrated annually on February 17th in the United States and on September 1st in New Zealand. Why bring up New Zealand? Because the 1st Random Act of Kindness Day was celebrated in New Zealand!
Of course, now, this brilliant day full of cheer and kindness is celebrated globally, so the acts of kindness can go on and on.
What is the Purpose of the Random Acts of Kindness Day?
What is the purpose of the Random Acts of Kindness Day? It’s simple and pure: to show kindness to each other without asking for anything in return, to make the world around you a better place.
Here’s a direct quote from The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, located in Colorado. “We are rooted in the belief that all people can connect through kindness and that kindness can be taught.“
With that being said, let’s take a deeper look into some Random Act of Kindness Day activities that you, your kiddos, and your loved ones can partake in!
“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention.”
– Kahlil Gibran
Random Acts of Kindness Day Activities
And now, for the heart and soul of Random Act of Kindness Day, the acts of kindness themselves! Sometimes, it can be challenging to think of Random Acts of Kindness ideas, and that’s why we’re here to help. We also believe that sometimes Random Acts of Kindness come to you, and you’ll know it when you see the opportunity in front of you.
- Smile: The simplest yet very effective act of kindness is giving someone a smile. Whether it’s the barista who just took your order, or a fellow coworker, giving someone a simple smile can lift them from their own inner troubles and or turn their day around.
- Give Out a Compliment: Another free and very kind gesture is to give out a nice compliment. In no way do we mean an objectifying “compliment”. This is a compliment of a person’s character, an accomplishment, or even gratitude for that person. We have an entire list of genuine compliments and a guide to compliments in our National Compliment Day article!
- Hold the Door: Do you see someone coming up after you’ve opened the door, or perhaps someone a ways away, but they’re coming? Holding the door for them may seem like a small act of kindness on Random Act of Kindness Day, but it sure is a generous gesture. Plus, it gives you a moment to say something nice like, “Have a good day!”
- Grocery Assistance: Helping with groceries, whether it be during Random Act of Kindness Day or any day, can be done by helping someone carry their groceries/putting them in their car. Or, it can be paying for someone’s groceries as well.
- Pay it Forward: Similar to the groceries Random Act of Kindness Day idea above, paying it forward is exactly what it sounds like. You can pay for someone’s coffee who’s ordering after you or the table next to you at a restaurant. Whatever the case, this is a sure way to make someone’s day or even week brighter!
- Volunteer: Time is precious to us all, so giving your time to a worthy cause, such as volunteering, is an ultimate act of kindness, especially on Random Act of Kindness Day. You can make it a family, couple, or a tradition with yourself to volunteer at a particular non-profit every Random Act of Kindness Day. Or, make it extra fun by taking turns each year picking a new place to volunteer!
- Animal Shelter Volunteer: On the same page as volunteering, our furry friends need help, compassion, and love as well. Reach out to your local animal shelters to lend a helping paw!
- Write a Positive Review: Is there an establishment that you like to frequent? A bookstore, coffee shop, indie author, or local restaurant? Help that small business out by taking the time to write them a positive review! If you think about it, before we buy or do something, we look at the reviews, so writing a positive one for a company or product you love is a terrific act of kindness.
- Surprise a Loved One: Make a loved one’s day by surprising them with something lovely! This could be flowers, cleaning, writing them a letter, or taking them out to eat!
- Litter Pick-Up: Lace up your shoes and take a walk with a bag to pick up any litter you see. Not only do we as people need kindness, but our environment needs heaps of it as well.
- Charity Donation: Money isn’t everything, but it does help with resources, supplies, and food for charities. There are no small donations when you’re donating to charity! Every bit helps!
- Simply Be Kind: All in all, Random Act of Kindness Day centers around the kindness of your heart. Tell the people you love how you feel about them and add an act of kindness along with it.
Random Acts of Kindness Day Quotes
Sometimes, it’s words that truly inspire the magical things within us. It unlocks a wonderful part of ourselves that’s waiting to be released. We hope that these Random Act of Kindness Day quotes will do just that! These quotes are encompassed with compassion, love, generosity, and kindness, of course!
- “No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank
- “If you can’t think of anything nice to say, you’re not thinking hard enough.” – Kid President
- “Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness in people.” – Roy T. Bennett
- “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” – Mark Twain
- “A spark of kindness can start a fire of love.” – Nishan Panwar
- “Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.” – Charles Glassman
- “Compassion is the basis of morality.” – Arthur Schopenhauer
- “Be kind, it’s gangster.” – Unknown
- “You can be the brightest star in someone’s darkest nights.” – Emma Xu
- “See the light in each other. Be the light for each other.” – Unknown
- “Be an encourager. The world has plenty of critics already.” – Dave Willis
- “No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop
- “The greatest thing we can do is to let people know that they are loved.” – Unknown
- “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” – Mother Teresa
- “Be the one who makes others feel included.” – Anonymous
- “Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.” – R.J. Palacio
- “If speaking kindly to plants makes them grow, imagine what speaking kindly to humans can do.” – Unknown
- “Our days are happier when we give people a bit of our heart rather than a piece of our mind.” – Unknown
- “Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.” – Roy T. Bennett
- “Make kindness your mission and love your legacy.” – Unknown
- “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.” – Plato
- “In a world where so many are throwing bricks on others, be the one who builds bridges with them.” – Emma Xu
- “Leave footprints of love and kindness everywhere you go.” – Anonymous
- “People being happy for people who are happy is such a magic thing.” – Emily Coxhead
We sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed learning about Random Act of Kindness Day and that you’ve got some grand ideas of how you can make another person’s day brighter and happier. And remember, you don’t have to wait until Random Act of Kindness Day; every day is a great day to be kind!
Fill your calendar with even more Obscure Holidays and make your year one to remember!