10 Free and Easy Ideas for Kindness

Want to be charitable and kind, but not sure if you can afford to be? Here are some free and easy ideas!

1. Leave behind a coupon. Got a coupon for an item you don’t plan on buying? Take it to the store with you anyways, and leave it next to the product in question. The next person who needs that item will have a nice surprise waiting for them!


2. Say something nice. Compliment your barista for her hard work or bubbly attitude. If you like someone’s hair, sweater, or shoes, tell them so! You never know when someone needs to hear something uplifting.


3. Hold the door open for someone. This is one of the simplest acts you can do while you’re out, and it’s polite!


4. Think before you complain. Make an effort to be a little more positive in your conversations today. Spread a little happiness with your words! If the other person starts complaining, find a way to move the conversation onto a more positive topic.


5. Donate items you no longer need. Got some books you’re not  interested in reading? Your local library would appreciate them! Have clothes or toys no one has used for awhile? How about giving them to the Salvation Army? Someone out there might be extremely happy to be given something you no longer want or need.


6. Baby-sit or pet sit for a friend for free. Parents these days can rarely afford babysitters to enjoy a quiet meal out. Leaving your cat or dog unattended for a day may not seem like a big deal, but owners who love their pets worry nonetheless and will greatly appreciate someone to stop by and feed/play with their littlest family member, even for a few minutes.


7. Let someone in line go in front of you. Notice someone with fewer items than you directly behind you in line? Offer to let them go ahead of you. It’s a small gesture, but you (and the other person!) will feel good about it.


8. Leave cookies on a friends’ doorstep or desk. Got a friend you know is having a bad day? Write a quick note and leave some goodies on their desk at work or on their doorstep.


9. Be polite online. Many people lose all respect and kindness once they’re under the cover on online anonymity. Don’t be one of those people. Remain respectful and respond to others as you would if you were facing them in person.


10. Shovel snow for a neighbor. A few years ago, I had the flu just before Christmas. I felt terrible that day, but it had snowed very hard that morning and I knew I would need to eventually shovel the driveway before my husband returned from work, or else his car would get stuck. I looked outside and saw a stranger was in the middle of our driveway with a snowblower! This person had absolutely no way of knowing that I was sick, and it was a relief knowing I could get the rest I needed that day. I wanted to run out and hug him, but I was afraid I’d infect him with my flu!