Monday 17th February is Random Acts of Kindness day, celebrating small acts of kindness and the pay it forward mentality – but you don’t have to wait for a dedicated day to make generous gestures. We love the idea of making warm-hearted deeds an everyday occurrence, whether that means treating your loved ones or putting a smile on a stranger’s face. These acts of kindness can be tiny or more meaningful, they can cost money or be completely free, they can go unnoticed but will be greatly appreciated. Here are a few ideas for small, thoughtful good deeds that are sure to make a difference to someone’s day.

Go through your book shelves and pull out the books that you are unlikely to read again. Locate your nearest neighbourhood little library and donate the books for someone to pick up their next read for free. If you’re feeling especially generous, you could pop a five pound note inside one of the pages, or perhaps a little note explaining why you loved that particular book or simply wishing the reader a wonderful day.
Write a handwritten letter to a friend you haven’t seen in a while and include something thoughtful in the envelope such as a pack of seeds if they’re a keen gardener, or a handmade bookmark if they like to read.
Pay a visit to your grandparents or an elderly friend who will greatly appreciate the company (especially on a cold winter’s day). Take a pack of their favourite biscuits or perhaps a game or activity you like to do together (playing cards, dominos, knitting, etc.)
Scroll through your Instagram feed and leave positive messages in people’s comments, complimenting them on their photography or a detail in the photograph, such as remarking that they really suit the top they’re wearing or you love how they’ve decorated their home.
Surprise your partner (or housemate) by cooking them dinner – perhaps one of their favourite dishes, served by candlelight and on your fanciest plates. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate three-course banquet, just a wholesome meal that you know they’ll appreciate.
If you’re able to, consider donating blood.
Write positive reviews online for your favourite businesses – whether they are local cafes and bars or small brands that you love purchasing from. Take the time to write authentic, insightful reviews which could generate extra trade for them.
Compliment a stranger on public transport, catching their eye and then letting them know you love their hair, coat, shoes or smile.
Give up your seat on a bus or train if there are others standing who may appreciate that seat more than you.
Buy a warm meal or hot drink for someone in need, or donate to your local food bank.
Pick flowers from your garden and create a small bouquet to give to a friend, to share the joy of what you’ve grown. Collect flowers over the summer months that will dry beautifully, like teasels, cow parsley and poppy heads, which you can create thoughtful posies from during the winter months.
Take cuttings of house plants, propagate them in water, then pot in spare jars or cleaned-out candle pots and gift them to your friends and family.
Get back in touch with friends you haven’t spoken to for some time, sending a thoughtful message letting them know you’ve been thinking of them and would love to get together to catch up.
If you’re travelling, don’t forget to send postcards to the people that you know will appreciate them, whether that’s your best friend or your mum. Buy a pack of stamps and mail them while you’re away, so they arrive in the post (likely several weeks later!) rather than simply handing them to them directly once you’re home.
Read a book that you think your friend will also adore? Order them a copy to be delivered to their door.
While it’s freezing outside, buy a pair of cosy woollen socks to gift to a friend who has to walk their dog three times a day or always complains about cold feet. Even better, if they are in real need of a treat, order a sock subscription to keep delivering a new pair of socks each month.


Help raise money for Make a Wish UK, via work for good by wearing your heart on your sleeve or feet. Throughout the month of February, we will be donating £5 for each heart monogrammed on your knitwear purchases.



Discover our monogram collection here.