If there’s one thing I pride myself on, it’s imagination. I make it a point to make others feel seen and appreciated through small acts and acts of kindness. Fortunately, it’s a trait many of my friends share. They continue to surprise me with the ways they show up in my life to let them know I am loved.
This topic came up over dinner the other night with my group, and we all agreed that it’s often the little touches that make the biggest impact. These are the kinds of things you can do on a whim throughout the day—getting a coffee for the person behind you or sending a thoughtful text to a friend just because. It’s the seemingly insignificant things that, when you get down to it, make a difference in someone’s day.
25 Acts of Kindness: Thoughtful Actions for Everyone
With that spirit in mind, I’ve put together 25 small but meaningful acts of kindness to encourage your bonding and caring moments. Each idea is designed to remind us that kindness doesn’t have to be big or expensive—it’s often the smallest touches that leave the biggest impact. Whether it’s surprising a friend with flowers, volunteering to help a neighbor, or sharing a heartfelt compliment, these actions create ripples of positivity that extend beyond the initial effort. Let these ideas serve as a guide for spreading compassion in your daily life, one thoughtful action at a time.
Thoughtful wonders
1. Send flowers for no reason. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to give and receive flowers for big events and to celebrate life’s milestones. But sending a bouquet just because is a welcome surprise to any recipient. I send flowers to a friend every month to say I’m thinking of them and share my love. It’s all about the element of surprise.
2. Send a gift to your friend or colleague’s hotel room while they are traveling. A small gift is unexpected but appreciated. Are they traveling for business and have a big presentation ahead? Are they celebrating something special? It’s a nice way to say you’re thinking of them.
3. Celebrate with champagne. If your friend is having dinner to celebrate a milestone, call the restaurant ahead of time to drop off a few glasses of champagne. We celebrated my parents’ 40th birthday a few years ago at a restaurant and when we sat down, there was a bottle of champagne waiting for us courtesy of some dear friends who knew we were having that dinner. It was very special to receive.
4. Venmo is a coffee buddy. This takes 30 seconds and is a kind way to say you’re thinking of them.
5. Send a handwritten card. My home has limited artwork, save for a few handwritten thank you cards floating on my shelves from friends. They bring me great joy, not only because they are full of sweet words, but because a lot of work goes into writing and mailing the card.
6. Make a playlist for someone you love. Burned CDs in the 90s were the surest way I knew a guy liked me, and visa versa. I still think it’s fun to do this for dinner parties, a date, or a special event. My sister tapped a DJ to do my 40th birthday party, and it was pure gold.
Giving Time and Support
7. Run for your friends. If someone in your life is having a busy week, ask to take one thing off their plate.
8. Babysit your friends’ children. Give your parent a day off by offering to watch the kids. As much as I want time with my friends, many of them are so busy that it is difficult for them to find a date. Offer to watch their kids and let them spend the night together. As a bonus, you will get some special time with the kids.
9. Reach out if you see someone struggling. A memory that sticks in my mind is from a recent trip to France. We were leaving the train station, going up the big stairs and my friend Jen saw a woman struggling to carry her luggage. He immediately came in to help. Little acts of kindness like this not only made me fall deeper in love with my friend, but helped me see those opportunities where I could offer help.
10. Ask how you can help. Although we may not know it yet, hearing others ask “how can I support you right now?” it can give such a sense of relief. It’s a simple question but one that allows our loved ones to share what they need, especially if they wouldn’t naturally ask for it.
11. Save someone a trip. When you’re headed to the grocery store, check in with a nearby neighbor or friend to see if they need anything. I usually do this when I go to someone’s house and I need to stop the pit right away. It’s one of those little acts of kindness that saves me a lot of time and energy.
12. Ask to take someone’s picture. A few years ago, a friend of mine and I were at a winery and the couple next to us just looked adorable as they sat and looked at each other with the beautiful backdrop. We told them, we asked if we could take their picture, and they loved it. Make their day with someone who captured the sweet moment. Obviously read the room and don’t be weird about it.
Everyday Actions of Thought
13. Pay it forward. Parking tickets are the worst. Put some change in someone’s expired parking meter. I’ll throw a few dollars in the machine and hope the gods of karma look out for me when I’m in a similar situation.
14. Pick up trash from the street/outside. I was in LA last week and a man running in front of me made a quick and sudden move and swerved down and picked up trash on the beach. Seeing that inspired me to do the same later in the day.
15. Share something you know they will love. “Thinking of you,” “I saw this and thought of you,” “I was encouraged by what you said,” the text kind of goes so far. I am of the opinion that everyone likes to hear what is being thought about, and the impact it has had on your life. It is very simple and small but very meaningful to receive.
16. Listen. It costs nothing and makes everyone feel seen and heard when you offer a kind and compassionate listening ear.
17. Bring a small gift for the lady. When you’re invited to someone’s house for dinner or visiting someone’s home for the first time, a small gift is a thoughtful gesture. Check out our list of hostess gifts.
18. If you are the host, make a special recipe for your guests. Have you gone on a date and want to recreate the dish? Do you honor an iconic or memorable dish that you discussed? Where is your guest from, and do they have a favorite nostalgic dish? Consider these questions and any that will encourage you to call something about the story you two share.
Mindful Actions That Strengthen Communication
19. Send a message to your friend/family member, etc. things you like about them. Instead of sending a standard “Happy Birthday” text or card to my loved ones, I have started texting or sending a card by sharing five things I love about them. Who doesn’t like to hear how people view and celebrate them in a positive way?
20. Give random compliments. Compliments don’t have to be elaborate to make a difference—it’s from the heart. Whether it’s telling a stranger you love their outfit or complimenting a colleague on their hard work, a simple and sincere compliment can make someone’s day. Often, these small moments remind others that their efforts or unique qualities are not being noticed.
21. Volunteer your time for something that means something to someone close to you. If a friend or family member is interested in a cause, giving your time to support it can mean the world to them. Whether it’s volunteering at an animal shelter or participating in a community cleanup, you show that you care about what’s important to them.
22. Reconnect with someone from your past. Sometimes, life takes us away from the people we care about, but it’s never too late to reach out. A simple message that says, “I’ve been thinking about you—how have you been?” it can renew communication and show that you value your history together.
23. Send a message of encouragement when you know someone is going through a tough time. A thoughtful text or email can be a lifeline to someone who is feeling overwhelmed or unsure. Let them know you’re there, cheering them on, or just holding their space. Whether it’s a quick “You’ve got this” or a long message filled with specific affirmations, your words can provide strength and hope when they need it most.
24. Plan a spontaneous trip or day trip with a friend. Surprises don’t have to be big to be meaningful. Call a friend and suggest exploring a nearby park, visiting a new cafe, or hitting the farmers market together.
25. Ask to help with a task you’ve been putting off. We all have those long-term tasks that feel too difficult to do alone. Giving your time and energy to help someone with theirs can be a huge relief to them—and incredibly fun for both of you. Whether it’s shrinking, raking leaves, or dealing with the inbox, this action says, “I’m here for you,” in a literal way.