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When the world is upside down a simple act of kindness can be enough to make someone’s day. We’ve got 17 wonderful ideas to inspire you and free printables to get too!
This article was originally published over at TurboTenant.
Simple Random Acts of Kindness to Make Someone Smile
During these difficult times, bringing your community together is more important than ever.
Plenty of people could use some extra help right now, and by spreading positivity and lending a hand, you can help those around you feel more connected.
Doing positive things, even if they’re small, can lift the spirits of those who may be struggling.
Make your neighborhood a more inclusive place by welcoming the newest resident with a gift, helping the elderly out with their groceries, or just by saying a friendly hello.
Here’s how to go the extra mile promote a sense of community with these 17 acts of kindness.
1. Bake Cookies
Everyone loves cookies!
If you have a favorite recipe, consider making a big batch to share, whether you want to say thank you or just because.
Not only will your house smell great, but it will surely bring a smile to your neighbor’s face.
Here is an easy recipe for lemon cookies — a perfect refreshing treat for summer!
You will need:
- 1 box of lemon cake mix
- 2 eggs
- Juice and zest of half a lemon
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Mix ingredients together, form into balls, sprinkle with powdered sugar and bake at 350℉ for six to nine minutes.
For the final touch, tie off your cookie bag with one of these printable food tags.
2. Write a Positivity Note
Leave a nice note for one of your neighbors.
This can be a letter of encouragement or just a sweet and simple message!
Surprise them by putting it in their mailbox or on their car’s windshield.
3. Make Homemade Candles
Get crafty and create some DIY candles that you can give to those in your community. Here’s a quick and easy how-to:
- Melt soy candle wax in a double boiler for 10–15 minutes.
- Add your favorite essential oil scent to the wax once melted.
- Glue a wick to the bottom of your candle container and let it dry.
- Remove wax from the stove and let it cool slightly before pouring it into your heat-safe container.
- Pour in your wax and let sit for about four hours until the surface is firm.
- Cut down your wick so it’s half an inch from the surface of the candle.
Once your DIY candle is complete, place it in a bag and tie it off with a gift tag! This will surely brighten your neighbor’s day.
4. Surprise the Pets
If your neighbor is an animal lover, surprise their pet with some yummy treats! Buy some at the store and include a gift tag or try a homemade recipe.
For homemade dog treats, you will need:
- ⅔ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 2 eggs
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
Blend these ingredients into a dough, roll out and cut out shapes using cookie cutters, and bake at 350℉ for 20–25 minutes! Tie off your treat bag with a tag and surprise their furry friend.
5. Hand Out Flowers
Brighten up a neighbor’s day with a new plant, like fresh-picked flowers or a cute succulent.
Decorate your gift with a fun plant tag — you can also give out packets of flower seeds for them to plant themselves!
6. Give Someone a Compliment
Get to know your neighbors better by throwing a nice compliment their way!
A compliment is a quick and easy way to make someone’s day, plus it can also be a great ice breaker if you’re not well acquainted.
This friendly gesture is also a great way to make someone feel welcome if they’re new to the neighborhood.
7. Pick Up Trash
Do a good deed for your community by going around and picking up trash.
This shows that you care for others and the property you live on.
8. Introduce Yourself
Say a friendly hello and introduce yourself to that neighbor you’ve never met before or who is new to the area.
Many people are alone or lonely right now, so a quick wave or an introduction can provide some relief for someone who is in need of some social connection.
9. Offer to Get Groceries
Getting to the grocery store on a regular basis can be a challenge for some people during this time, especially seniors.
If you have an elderly neighbor or a friend who just needs a helping hand, brighten their day and offer to do their grocery shopping.
10. Help Out With Chores
Offer to do some chores for your neighbors.
This can be anything from mowing their lawn, washing their car, giving their dog a walk, and any basic handiwork.
11. Share Your Garden
Food is the way to people’s hearts! If you have a garden, surprise your neighbors with some fresh fruits, vegetables, or herbs.
You can even give them a recipe to try using the ingredients you gave them.
12. Buy Gift Cards
If you have some extra money to spare, buy gift cards to grocery stores or restaurants to share with your neighbors.
You can even get these from local businesses so you can show them your support.
13. Share a Skill
Do you have a special skill or trade?
Consider giving free lessons to your neighbors.
For example, if you’re a yoga instructor, set up virtual lessons in your community.
If you’re a math whiz, you can set up free tutoring lessons for kids in your neighborhood.
14. Become a Pen Pal
Becoming someone’s pen pal could be a great way to combat loneliness during this time.
Make someone’s day with a handwritten note through a pen pal program.
There are many pen pal programs available that pair you with homebound seniors in your community.
Check out programs at places like Village Concepts, or reach out to your local residential facility to see if they have their own program. Get those stamps out and start writing!
15. Pass Out Books
If you have a bunch of books that are collecting dust in your place, think about leaving these out on someone’s doorstep or starting a neighborhood book exchange.
Have a book exchange gathering at your house, or set up a free library box where people can leave a book and take a book, like the Little Free Library.
16. Make a Dinner
Maybe your neighbor is elderly or is a mom who is busy juggling work and the kids.
If you love to cook, think about surprising them with a homemade meal to make their day a little easier.
Make your favorite recipe and share it with them!
17. Donate
Bring your community together and donate to a charity.
Many are looking for relief right now, and if you and your neighbors want to help, consider donating to charities such as Feeding America or Doctors Without Borders.
You could even put together a wonderful gift basket and hold a virtual charity auction to raise money.
From baking cookies to helping out with the groceries, these neighborhood acts of kindness can go a long way and bring your community together.
If you’re a landlord, consider using one of these acts of kindness to welcome a new tenant.
To find the perfect tenant for your property, check out TurboTenant’s rental application and tenant screening services.
