50 Ways to Pay It Forward This Holiday Season
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Although we should be thinking about others all year round, the holidays are really when giving becomes a focus. Whether this year was good to you or not, it's still great to show thanks for the things we are grateful for. Paying it forward can be completed in small and simple gestures, too. So even if it's just doing one of the things ahead, the recipient will most likely be appreciative of your thoughtfulness. You never know what a friend, co-worker, family member, or even stranger is going through. See how you can pay it forward this holiday season.
01
Bring treats to the office.
02
Offer to house-sit, pet-sit, or babysit for free.
03
Donate a gift you receive.
04
If a customer doesn't know it's a cash-only place, offer to take care of it.
05
Leave holiday cards in your neighbors' mailboxes.
06
Send flowers to a friend anonymously.
07
Check up on a friend or family member having a hard time.
08
Smile at a stranger walking by.
09
Surprise a co-worker with coffee one morning.
10
Buy candy or chocolate from a student's fundraiser.
11
If someone's small purchase doesn't meet the minimum to use a credit card, buy it for them.
12
Help a stranger who looks like they're struggling to carry their items.
13
Offer to cover a co-worker's shift when they have unexpected plans.
14
Give your leftovers to a homeless person.
15
Leave a nice tip or note for a deserving waiter.
16
Give blood.
17
Shop gifts that give back.
18
Thank the next policeman or fireman you see.
19
Contribute to a food drive.
20
Help a friend move or clean.
21
Write thank-you cards to the people you're grateful for.
22
Volunteer.
23
Tip a street performer.
24
Write a nice note to a stranger looking sad.
25
Make someone smile.
26
Give up your seat for someone.
27
Wash your roommate's dishes.
28
Bring coffee to someone's graveyard shift.
29
Donate to a charity you're passionate about.
30
Walk shelter dogs.
31
Read to kids at a school or hospital.
32
Hold the door for a few people.
33
Stop by a home for the elderly to wish everyone happy holidays.
34
If you see an item out of place at the store, put it away.
35
Organize a small bake sale and give all proceeds to charity.
36
Buy coffee for the next person in line.
37
Try to cheer up a cranky toddler.
38
Send holiday cards to soldiers.
39
Add a quarter to someone's expired meter.
40
Leave an encouraging note in a random place.
41
Offer to do pro bono work.
42
Help an elderly person carry their groceries to the car.
43
Leave your favorite book at a coffee shop for someone to find.
44
Bring warm drinks or snacks to volunteers working outside.
45
Go caroling with friends at a hospital or home for the elderly.
46
Leave positive feedback for a deserving employee.
47
Bring an extra water bottle or hair tie to your workout class for someone who forgot theirs.
48
Spend the day with a lonely elderly person.
49
Give a toll-booth worker a flower.
50