26 Inexpensive Acts of Kindness

You want to do acts of kindness, but where to begin when you’re on a budget? Here are some simple ideas that cost $5 or less!

Ideas for Acts of Kindness

1. Many charitable organizations are outside asking for change this time of year. Why don’t you buy them a warm drink to enjoy while standing in the cold? Or how about some toe warmers? {A stranger bought me a hot chocolate when I was ringing bells last year, and I think about it all the time. It was SO kind!}

2. Leave a cup of pennies by Sandy the Pony at Meijer. It’s one of the few things that costs a penny, and yet it brings so much joy to the lives of kids. If you’re not near a Meijer location, leave quarters in candy/toy machines. {Or, if you shop Aldi, leave quarters in the carts!}

3. Burn a CD with inspirational music {or Christmas music} and drop it off anonymously to neighbors with a nice note.

4. Buy a $5 gift card for a store you’re shopping in. Empower a cashier to give it to someone who looks like they need some cheering up.

5. Visit a nursing home. Purchase inexpensive carnations and walk around, wishing the elderly a Merry Christmas.

6. Help someone load groceries into their car.

7. Offer to put the cart away for someone with their hands full at the store.

8. Babysit a friend’s children so they can run errands and finish up Christmas shopping.

9. Donate used books to a library. These can often go toward used book sales, which help keep our libraries open.

10. Leave a nice note to a waiter/waitress that did a great job or made you smile. Sure, big tips are great too, but encouraging words have the power to last a lifetime.

11. Leave a coupon next to a product at the store. It will make the next person who needs that item smile.

12. Let someone go ahead of you when in line somewhere — at the store, post office, or even in traffic.

13. Write a nice note or have your child draw a picture for your local police or firefighter station. Remind them of why they do the work they do…even on Christmas day.

14. If you’re going through the drive-thru, buy a meal/coffee for the person behind you.

15. Did you have an outstanding teacher or mentor that made a difference in your life? Write them a note telling them how much they meant to you.

16. We can’t forget to treat mother nature with kindness. Pick up trash when out and about.

17. Donate blood. I know it’s scary for many, but did you know you could save up to 3 lives with your one pint? And to more rare blood types {like myself, a B- gal}, it truly can make such a difference.

18. Join a group such a Freecycle, and give away items you aren’t using. This time of year, many families cannot afford things like Christmas lights or trees. Offer up ones you are not using {but are working, of course}.

19. Make a meal and give it to someone. Know of a neighbor or friend going through a rough time? Create a dish they can easily heat up and eat.

20. Write down inspiring quotes about kindness on sticky notes and leave them in public places, like the bathroom in a shopping mall. Here’s a good list of ideas to get you started.

21. If you use Pinterest and have discovered a great recipe, craft or idea from it, go comment on that person’s blog post. It makes a difference for bloggers to hear that their idea is loved 😉

22. Don’t forget about our furry friends. Go to a dollar store and purchase some inexpensive toys or treats and drop them off to a local animal shelter.

23. If you’re at the store, add a treat, like a candy bar, onto your order for the cashier.

24. Sign up to be an organ donor. Click here to determine how to sign-up in your state.

25. Since I know many of my readers are bloggers, and therefore decent photographers, offer to take photos of families in need {or just your neighbors/friends}. Photo sessions are expensive, so capturing a family for free is surely something that will be cherished for years to come.

26. Give a smile, a kiss, or a simple hug to all those you encounter. Let them know you love them and count each day as a blessing because of them.

What ideas can you add?