Spread kindness around like it’s confetti with these cute gestures.
Today – 17th February – marks Random Acts of Kindness Day – a entire day dedicated to the simplicity and selflessness of being nice to someone just because. A sentiment that should really be celebrated and incorporated into every day life, but sometimes we all became far too caught up with our own lives and problems that we lose sight of this. With the pandemic sadly far from over, we think kindness is the tonic we could all do with a dose of right now, so to mark this positive day, here are five ways to spread the love.
1. Send a loved one a letter or card in the post
There really is something quite magical about receiving a handwritten note in the post – even more so when we cannot be with ones we love right now due to social distancing and tier restrictions. Let some special know you’re thinking of them by putting pen to paper and writing a note, card or letter. Although simple, we can guarantee this will put a smile on the recipient’s face. And if you really want to go all out, why not send them a plant whilst you’re at it, too. You can browse our range of plant gifts here.
2. Treat a stranger to a coffee
We’re thanking our lucky stars that coffee shops can remain open for takeaways currently – often acting as a treat at the end of our daily walk during lockdown. And why not consider doubling the happiness you experience with that first sweet sip of caffeine by paying it forward. This means to buy two coffees, one for you and one to be held as a 'suspended coffee' – often claimed by the lucky person behind you in the queue. Not only a lovely act of kindness that a stranger can enjoy – arguably much needed right now as we’re having to avoid other people as much as possible to prevent worsening the pandemic – but you will also feel that warm, fuzzy feeling of having brightened someone’s day.
3. Call someone
Save half hour of your day and dedicate it to picking up the phone and calling a friend or family member. Hearing someone’s voice can be a real comfort and mood-booster, especially if it’s an elderly person who may be feeling isolated at the moment. Take time to really listen to them and ask how they are. The beauty of this is that again, it’s a double-edged act of kindness that will have the both of you feeling great as a result.
4. Smile
An oldie, but a goodie – never underestimate how the simple act of looking someone in the eye and flashing them a grin can do the world of good. It’s free, it’s easy and we can all do it, even if from afar. Plus, smiling is contagious – when someone smiles at you, you want to continue to kindness and smile at another person – it’s like a chain of happiness.
5. Donate some of your old books
With lockdown #3 and winter raging on, now is the perfect time to snuggle on the sofa and get lost in a good book. If you have a collection of paperbacks you’ve read and loved, why not pass on the joy and give to a friend? You could post through their letterbox as a surprise, or you could even donate to charity with the joy of knowing this will help some worthwhile causes. Finally, you could also deliver your old novels to red telephone boxes which have turned into micro libraries as of late. Some of these telephones boxes up and down the country as now acting as casual book exchanges where there is no registration, and no fines. Simply donate a book and then you’re welcome to take one off the shelf that tickles your fancy.