Random Acts of Kindness Origins (+ RAOK Ideas for Kids!)

Random acts of kindness is a movement that has been around for a while, and is steadily catching on. Chances are you’ve been the recipient of a small token of kindness from a stranger, or you have provided some change to a stranger in need at the grocery store or cafe. Perhaps you found a book left on a bench. Often random acts of kindness are meant as a surprise, so you don’t even know who set them up. But it’s your job to pass it on.

Generally, a random act of kindness is performed by a stranger, and for no further gain than happiness. They’re done by a person while out in public. Its history can be traced back to 1982 but people have been kind to each other since there were people. Anne Herbert wrote a special phrase on a placemat in Sausalito, California. It said “Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” In 1993 she authored a book by that same name.

Since then the practice has caught on, leading to social media groups about it, and even a special day of the year in New Zealand.

A great way for kids to bring some positivity into their lives is to get involved in the big Random Acts of Kindness movement too. Here are 25 ways Kids can bring kindness and joy into another person’s life. Some require a little adult help/supervision, but they’re great ways for the kids to get involved too! 

Simple ideas are the easiest for the kids in your life that want to participate!

1. Leave happy notes around town.
2. Pick up litter.
3. Let someone go ahead of you in line.
4. Donate new pajamas for foster kids.
5. Wash someone’s car.
6. Return someone’s cart at the store.
7. Write a thank you note for your mail carrier.
8. Visit with an elderly neighbor and bring them a picture or card.
9. Visit a nursing home and read or sing to the residents.
10. Leave bubbles and a note/picture on someone’s doorstep.
11. Pass out stickers to kids waiting in line.
12. Deliver water bottles to the homeless shelter.
13. Donate socks and supplies to the homeless shelter.
14. Make a get well card for someone.
15. Bring flowers to their teacher.
16. Take treats to the fire station.
17. Hold the door open for someone.
18. Donate a toy to Toys for Tots.
19. Donate new or gently used toys for foster kids.
20. Donate coloring books and crayons to the children’s hospital
21. Make cookies or muffins for the police department.
22. Collect money or items for your favorite charity.
23. Help someone load their groceries into their car at the store.
24. Bring your neighbors’ garbage cans up for them..
25. Write a thank you note and mail a care package to a service man or women over seas!

Not all random acts of kindness need to be done for strangers, though you’ll certainly be better able to fend off a thank you if you don’t see them again. Giving random acts of kindness first thing in the morning can provide a promising beginning to the day. You’ll not only feel proud of yourself, but you’ll also be glad that you made someone’s day just a little bit better.

Need more RAOK ideas? Check out this post from last year 🙂