On February 17th we’ll celebrate ‘Random Acts of Kindness Day’.
What’s it all about?
On this day we’re encouraged to be especially kind to others; we don’t have to do anything particularly elaborate or complicated, perhaps just making someone smile or feel good about themselves.
Spreading kindness has a ripple effect and in a world that often feels cruel and negative, it’s hoped this will create a more compassionate and caring society.
And did you know kindness is good for you – it’s proven?!
Being kind is good for our health:
- It has been shown to reduce the stress hormone cortisol (and we all know too much cortisol is bad for us) by releasing the hormone oxytocin and boosting the production of serotonin, giving us a feeling of well-being.
- Kindness helps to decrease anxiety and social avoidance and increases our self-worth.
Where does this day come from?
A ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ movement began in San Francisco in the 80’s and gradually spread to local communities. In 1995 ‘The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation’ was set up and the annual ‘kindness day’ was born, now celebrated around the world.
So wondering how to celebrate this special day?
We have 5 seriously thoughtful ideas for you:
Time: The Most Precious Gift You Can Give
In our increasingly hectic lives gifting one’s time for another person is a very kind and generous gesture.
- Offer your help to a friend or neighbour who cares for someone at home. A break is often appreciated.
- Offer an hour of gardening/tidying up (particularly useful at this time of year).
- Offer to dog walk.
- Offer to babysit. Parents are usually desperate to have some time to themselves.
- Offer to run errands for someone you know is struggling or less able than yourself.
Giving Back: The Power of Charitable Acts
- Donate food to a food bank – it’s always very well received.
- Donate blankets, hats and gloves to the homeless or to those in temporary accommodation - a particularly thoughtful act at this time of year.
- Sign up on this day to run for a charity.
- Register to be a blood donor – giving back to those who need it.
Brighten Someone's Day: Simple Acts of Kindness for Strangers
It has much more impact than you realise!
- Give up your seat to someone, pay for someone’s coffee or just smile and say hello. You never know what a difference to their day this could make.
The Joy of Giving: Surprising Someone with a Thoughtful Gift
The joy of receiving a surprise gift cannot be underestimated!
It shows you have thought and care about them and that’s being kind.
Let us suggest a hamper! Think of it as a Kindness Hamper.
We have a huge range of luxury food and drink hampers just right for the Random Acts of Kindness Day. Special diet hampers are available.
Packed with delicious food and drink from skilled artisans across the UK, and delivered with your own message, our hampers will delight your loved ones and make their day. UK and internationally delivered.
Check out our range and spread that kindness around the world!
Sweet Gestures: Bake a Cake to Spread Kindness
Make someone smile and brighten their day with a home baked cake!
Freshly baked cakes delight people and, if it’s a surprise, even more so!
It’s a kind gesture – you’ve thought about them and spent time baking.
And – did you know- the act of baking is thought to reduce stress and anxiety!
Who’d have thought baking cakes was good for your health?!
The list is endless. Simple acts of kindness can make positive differences to peoples’ lives and, with the increasing evidence that kindness benefits our health, it just makes sense to keep spreading it! Browse our collection of Luxury Gift Hampers and show someone you care!
Happy Kindness Day!