If there’s one thing I’m proud of, it’s compassion. I try to make others feel noticed and valued through small gestures and acts of kindness. Thankfully, it’s a trait that many of my friends share. They continue to amaze me with the way they show up in my life to let me know I’m loved.
The topic came up the other day at dinner with my crew, and we all agreed that it’s often the small gestures that make a big impact. These are the kinds of things you can do on a whim throughout the day. You can buy the person in the back a cup of coffee or send a witty text to a friend. Even the seemingly insignificant things can make a big difference in someone’s day if you put in the effort.
25 Acts of Kindness: Thoughtful Gestures for Everyone
With that spirit in mind, I’ve put together 25 small but meaningful acts of kindness that will inspire your own moments of connection and compassion. Each idea is designed to remind us that kindness doesn’t have to be pretentious or expensive. It’s often the smallest acts that leave the biggest impact. Whether it’s surprising a friend with flowers, offering to help a neighbor, or simply sharing a heartfelt compliment, these acts create positive ripples far beyond the initial effort. Use these ideas as a guide to spreading compassion in your daily life, one thoughtful action at a time.
thoughtful surprise
1. Sending flowers for no reason. Don’t get me wrong. It’s wonderful to send and receive flowers to celebrate big events and life milestones. But sending a bouquet for just that reason is a pleasant surprise for any recipient. I send flowers to my friends every month to let them know 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 partner’s hotel room while you’re traveling. Small gifts are unexpected but appreciated. Are they on a business trip and have a big presentation coming up? Are they celebrating something special? It’s a nice way to let them know you’re thinking of them.
3. Celebrate with champagne. If your friends are attending a dinner to celebrate a big milestone, call the restaurant ahead of time and drop off a few glasses of champagne. A few years ago we celebrated my parents’ 40th anniversary at the restaurant. And when we took our seats, a bottle of champagne was waiting for us, courtesy of some dear friends who knew we had dinner reservations. It was very special to receive it.
4. Coffee Friend Venmo. This takes 30 seconds, but it’s a really kind way to let someone know you’re thinking of them.
5. Send a handwritten card. My home has limited artwork, aside from a few handwritten thank you cards from friends that line the shelves. I’m so happy because not only are they full of happy words, but they also put a lot of effort into writing and mailing the cards.
6. Create a playlist for your loved ones. Burning CDs in the 90s was a way to be sure a boy liked me, and vice versa. I still think it’s fun to do this for dinner parties, people you’re dating, or special occasions. My sister had a DJ make one for my 40th birthday party, and it was pure gold.
Providing time and support
7. Run an errand for a friend. If someone in your life is having a busy week, offer to take one thing off their plate.
8. Babysit for a friend. Offer to watch the kids for a parent’s friend and have a date night. I want to spend time with my friends, but many of my friends are so busy that it’s hard for me to go on a date night. Look at the kids and offer to spend the night with them. As a bonus, you get to spend some special time with your kids.
9. If you see someone in trouble, please lend a hand. A memory that is still etched in my mind was a recent trip to France. As we walked out of the station and up the big staircase, my friend Jen saw a woman struggling to carry her luggage. She immediately rushed over to help. Small acts of kindness like this not only made me love my friend even more, but also helped me find opportunities to reach out.
10. Ask how you can help. You may not realize it at the moment, but some of you may be asking, “How can I help you right now?” It can give you such a sense of security. This is a simple question, but it allows your loved one to share what they need, especially when they don’t instinctively ask for it.
11. Save someone’s trip. If you’re going to the store, contact nearby neighbors and friends to see if they need anything. I usually do this when I’m heading to someone’s house and need a quick pit stop. It’s one of those small acts of kindness that saves me a lot of time and energy.
12. Offer to take someone’s photo. A few years ago, a friend and I were at a winery and the couple next to us looked simply beautiful as they sat admiring each other against a gorgeous backdrop. We informed them and asked if we could take a photo. And they loved it. It was so fun to have someone capture such a wonderful moment. Obviously read the room and don’t be weird about it.
everyday acts of kindness
13. Please pay in advance. Parking tickets are the worst. Drop some change into someone’s expired parking meter. I put a few dollars into the machine and hope the gods of karma will see me when I find myself in a similar situation.
14. Pick up trash on trails and outdoors. Last week I was in Los Angeles and a guy running in front of me suddenly made a jerky move, changed direction, bent down and picked up some trash on the beach. After seeing that, I decided to do the same thing later that day.
15. Share something you know they’ll like. A simple “Thinking of you,” “This reminded me of you,” or “I’m inspired by what you said” text can be very effective. . I support the idea that everyone loves to hear that they are thinking of them and that they are making an impact on their lives. It’s so simple and small, but it means so much when you receive it.
16. Please listen. It costs nothing, and a kind and considerate ear can help anyone feel heard.
17. Bring a gift for the little hostess. If you’ve been invited to someone’s home for dinner or are visiting someone for the first time, a small gift is a sign of thoughtfulness. Check out our list of gifts that any hostess will love.
18. If you’re hosting, make special recipes for your guests. Have you been on a date and wanted to recreate a dish? Paying homage to an iconic or memorable dish that you talked about? Where are your guests from? What nostalgic dishes do they love? Is there one? Consider these questions and others that will inspire you to create something with the stories you both share.
Thoughtful gestures that strengthen connections
19. Text your friends, family, etc. your favorite things about them. Instead of sending my loved ones a generic “Happy Birthday” message or card, I started sending them texts and cards that shared five things I love about them. Who doesn’t love hearing how people like and celebrate us?
20. Give random compliments. Compliments don’t have to be elaborate to make a difference. It’s okay if it’s a sincere compliment. Whether it’s telling a stranger you like their clothes or praising a coworker’s hard work, a simple, sincere compliment can brighten someone’s day. Often these small moments remind others that their efforts and unique characteristics will not go unnoticed.
21. Volunteer your time for causes that are meaningful to people close to you. If your friend or family member is passionate about a particular cause, donating your time to support it will mean a lot to them. Whether you volunteer at your local animal shelter or participate in a community cleanup, you can show that you care about what’s important to animals.
22. Reuniting with someone from your past. Sometimes life pulls 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 are you?” You can rekindle your bond and show that you value each other’s history.
23. If you know someone is going through a difficult time, send them a message of encouragement. A thoughtful text or email can be a lifeline for someone who is feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Let them know you’re there, cheering them on, or just holding space for them. Whether it’s a short “I get it” message or a longer message filled with specific affirmations, your words can provide strength and hope when you need it most.
24. Plan a spontaneous outing or day trip with friends. Surprises don’t have to be grand to be meaningful. Call a friend and explore a nearby park, try a new cafe, or go to the farmers market together.
25. Offer to help someone with a task they’ve been putting off. We all have lingering challenges that are too daunting to tackle alone. Giving your time and energy to help someone else with their problems not only brings great relief to them, but it can also be amazingly fun for you. Whether you’re tidying up, raking leaves, or organizing your inbox, this gesture says “I’m here for you” in the most practical way.
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
