With Thanksgiving around the corner, we at the RAK Experience have been thinking a lot about what we are grateful for and brainstorming fun and creative ways to express our gratitude. Random Acts of Kindness (RAKs) are kind of our thing and there are so many RAKs you can do to tell somebody “Thank You”.
Showing gratitude is a proven way to make you feel happier, increase your self-esteem, improve your relationships, and all kinds of other really great things! It also makes the person you are thanking feel special and appreciated as well. We could all use more of that.
Whether it’s a teacher, a sibling, or a server at your favorite restaurant, here are 15 ways to give thanks this holiday season:
Saying thank you and expressing your gratitude is an important practice for you and everyone around you. If you find yourself traveling around the world, we are going to send you off with how to say thank you in 10 different languages so you always know how to say “thanks!”.
Spanish – Gracias
French - Merci
Italian - Grazie
Japanese - Domo Arigato
Mandarin - Xièxiè nǐ
German - Danke schön
Thai - Khob khun ka (female) Khob khun krap (male)
Hawaiian - Mahalo
Hebrew - Toda
Hindi - Dhanyavaad
Have you ever tried to carry out a random act of kindness and been met with suspicion, skepticism, or just been downright rejected? This is actually very normal. Psychologists have done studies that showed that this is often the case. When people were met with a random act of kindness many of them believed there was a catch or even that there was mal-intent behind the act. As humans we are not always prepared for a stranger to do something kind for us and a lot of the time it puts us on guard.
This skepticism is a reflection of our society but it shouldn’t discourage you. The more kindness that is spread, the more accepting people will be of it. It will create a Domino Effect of random acts of kindness. Sometimes the best way to start out is with baby steps. Here are three easy and simple RAK’s that will very likely not be met with suspicion because we have to start somewhere!
We’ve all been there. Traffic is backed up as everyone tries to merge into one lane. People are frustrated. People are stressed. So often, a car is trying their best to merge but no one will let them in and so they are waiting for car after car for someone to let them over. Be that someone. Slow down and let them merge. It’s a free, small, and simple random act of kindness that can really alleviate stress for a stranger.
Shelters and food pantries are always in need of warm clothes and staple food items to help those in need. Go through your clothes and donate what you no longer need or use. You can do the same with your pantry and canned items or take a trip to the grocery store and pick up items from a local food pantry’s most needed list. This act of kindness will go a long way in making sure people who are struggling receive the basic care that they need.
Gather your friends and family for a day of picking up litter whether it be around your neighborhood, at the beach, a park, or anywhere else you can think of. This is a great way to spend time outside while also doing an awesome random act of kindness that affects the whole community and the planet.
We are all about Random Acts of Kindness so have made it even easier to spread RAKs! On our website, you can build a RAK box full of goodies to send to a stranger. Just select Anonymous RAK at checkout. We will pair your donation with someone from our RAK nominee list. You will receive an email once you have been paired to let you know your RAK is being sent out into the world!
Now that you’re feeling inspired go out there and fight the skepticism by RAKing The Planet
Here at the RAK Experience, we truly believe Random Acts of Kindness (RAKs) make the world go ‘round. Being kind has SO many positive effects on both the receiver and the giver. Positive effects include, but are not limited to, a sense of belonging and increased feelings of wellbeing. Did you know that there is even a designated Random Acts of Kindness Day every year on February 17th? We believe Random Acts of Kindness are best taken daily (or more!).
You can download the 30 Day Challenge Random Acts of Kindness Planner 👉👉 here >>
We want to help you make the world a kinder place and you can start today with our Random Acts of Kindness 30 Day Challenge. All you have to do is check off one of the following RAKs every day for the next 30 days. They don’t have to be in order!
1. Pay It Forward In The Drive-Thru
This is an easy way to make someone’s day! Whenever you’re picking up your morning coffee or lunch, tell the employee working the drive-thru that you’ll also pay for the person in the vehicle behind you.
2. Send a Card to a Friend/Relative
Send a card to a friend or relative you haven’t spoken to in a while to let them know you are thinking about them.
3. Tape Change To Parking Meter
Or, if you see someone’s meter is running out, give it a top up. Parking tickets can be so stressful, so a little kindness from a stranger can go a long way.
4. Donate Your Books
Go through your books and weed out the ones you’ve already read or no longer want and donate them to your local library.
5. Bake For Your Neighbors
Bake a treat like cookies or brownies, etc. and bring them to someone in your neighborhood.
6. Compliment Three Strangers
Make others feel good today and give a compliment to three different strangers.
7. Visit an Animal Shelter
Dogs and cats love Random Acts of Kindness too! Visit an animal shelter and help out if you can! Who doesn’t love puppy and kitten cuddles?
8. Leave an Extra Big Tip
Visit your favorite restaurant or cafe and leave an extra big tip for your server. It’s been a tough year for the service industry and they deserve some love!
9. Then Leave Them a Good Review
After you’re done with your meal leave a positive review for the restaurant on Google, Yelp, or Trip Advisor.
10. Donate to a Food Pantry
When you are doing your regular grocery shop add on a few extra non-perishable items or clear out your pantry at home. Drop off the food at a local food pantry to help those in need.
11. Leave An Encouraging Note In Public
This is a simple and easy RAK that you can do anytime. All you need is a marker and a sticky note. Leave a “You’re Beautiful!” note up on a public restroom mirror or “You Are Doing Great!” on a telephone pole.
12. Call A Relative Just To Say Hello
Take five minutes out of your day to give a grandparent or relative you haven’t seen in a while a call just so say hello and see how they are doing.
13. Plant A Tree or Flowers
RAK the planet by planting a tree or flowers. Not only is it good for the environment but they can be enjoyed by the community as a whole.
14. Thank an Essential Worker
Essential workers have been absolute heroes this past year and a half. Thank one in person or leave them a note!
15. Give Your Friend a List of Things You Love About Them
Remind your friend of all the reasons you love having them in your life. It will surely make their day!
16. Donate to a Cause
Whether it’s your time or a financial contribution, find a cause you care about and get involved!
17. Bring Treats To Work
Nothing brightens up a workday like some midday treats.
18. Leave A Gift for Your Mail Carrier
Imagine the smile on their faces when they open the mailbox and there’s something addressed to them! It can even be something super simple like snacks and a bottle of water or Gatorade!
19. Hold The Door Open For Someone
This is RAK as old as time, but people seem to be in a rush more and more these days. Take the time to stop and hold a door for somebody today.
20. Donate Toys to Charity
A child and family in need will be so happy to receive a new toy. Donate ones you have around the house or pick up something new at a local toy store.
21. Help a Neighbor Mow Their Lawn/Do Yard Work
Especially if you have an elderly neighbour. Mowing the lawn, raking leaves, or shovelling snow from their driveway will make all the difference.
22. Leave Flowers On a Strangers Car
Leave a single flower on parked cars so that when the owner returns they’ll receive an instant smile on their face.
23. Offer to Babysit for a Friend or Relative with a Child
We all know a parent who could use some extra time for themselves or a date night. Offer to babysit so that they can enjoy a day/night out!
24. Cook a Meal For Someone
We personally believe the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach and the best way to feed it is with a home-cooked meal.
25. Leave A Dollar On A Vending Machine
Leave a dollar or two on a vending machine and make a stranger's day with a free snack.
26. Donate Old Clothes to Charity
Clear up some room in your closet and donate the clothes to Goodwill or a homeless shelter for anyone who could really use them.
27. Give Blood
Giving blood can save a life. With blood shortages all over the country, donating your blood is a huge random act of kindness.
28. Write a Thank You Note
Write a thank-you note to anyone in your life that you think deserves it. It could be someone you know or a stranger, but make sure to give them plenty of thanks!
29. Set Up a Bird House
Here’s an easy way to RAK a bird! Set up a birdhouse on your lawn or hang a homemade feeder from a tree. Birds love RAKs too.
30. Send A RAK Pak
Send a RAK Pak to a friend or even anonymously to someone who deserves it! You can RAK a little or you can RAK a lot!
You can download the 30 Day Challenge Random Acts of Kindness Planner 👉👉 here >>
We’re so excited that you’re taking part in our 30 Day Random Acts of Kindness Challenge. Challenge your friends and family to do it with you and make sure to document it all on social media. Don’t forget to tag us!
Here at the RAK Experience we think every day is the perfect day for random acts of kindness. That being said, Valentine’s Day is coming up and it’s a PERFECT opportunity to spread the love to your friends and family with simple gestures that go a long way. Valentine’s Day is a day of love and these random acts of kindness ideas are sure to make your loved ones smile and feel as loved as they are!
Remember how fun it was to give and receive Valentines from all of your classmates back in elementary school (especially when they had candy attached!). Break out the doilies and glitter and get creative this year. Write personalized messages in each of the cards then drop them off in the mailboxes of friends and family or on the desks of your coworkers to let them know you’re thinking of them.
You know that aunt or grandparent (or whoever) who you love but just haven’t been able to talk to in a while? Carve out some time and give them a ring on Valentine’s Day. Seeing your name on the caller ID is sure to make them smile.
We think the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach and there’s nothing like a tasty treat on Valentine’s Day. Here are some ideas for inspiration. This random act of kindness words will make anyone’s day.
Once you’ve shown love to your friends and family, why not send an anonymous RAK to a stranger to keep spreading the love. When you sign up to be an anonymous RAK donor, we’ll match you to someone worthy of a random act of kindness and send them a RAK gift box. It’s super easy!
Take this Valentine’s Day to show your loved one’s how much you care with random acts of kindness. In a year where we haven’t been able to see as much of each other as we would like to, a little kindness goes a long way!
