50 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Brighten Someone's Day

Updated on 6/16/2018 at 2:30 PM

Let's face it: life is stressful. Between working long hours, maintaining a home, and juggling many different personal relationships, it is so easy to become overwhelmed with the daily grind. If you happen to notice a co-worker experiencing a particularly rough day or a friend feeling down or defeated, you probably will want to do something to boost their spirits. While grand gestures and fancy gifts can certainly be impressive, it doesn't always have to be this complicated! Sometimes the best ways to brighten someone's day are those that are simple, genuine, and straight from the heart. Read on for 50 inspiring ideas to bring some joy to those around you starting right now.

Let someone know that they inspire you.

Recognizing a skill or talent you admire in an acquaintance might be just the confidence boost that they need.

Give someone a small and unexpected gift.

What could be sweeter than a random little gift wrapped up in a bow?!

Give someone your undivided attention.

Giving someone your full attention costs you nothing, but will mean everything to them.

Send out some snail mail.

Discovering a handwritten note in between the standard stack of bills can truly make someone's week.

Wash and fold your partner’s laundry.

Your significant other will be ecstatic that they have clean and folded clothing without having to lift a finger.

Let someone go ahead of you in a busy line.

You never know what someone might be going through, and this simple act of kindness could have the potential to change their entire day around.

Pick up your co-worker's favorite Starbucks order during your morning run.

Take advantage of your own daily routine by purchasing a surprise pick-me-up for your co-worker.

Say "I wish you were here" with Snapchats.

Let your friends know they are on your mind while you are away by sending them fun, personalized snaps.

Go on a meme-tagging spree when you know your best friend has had a rough day.

When your friend opens her phone, she will be flooded with tons of memes sure to make her laugh out loud.

Invite the new person at the office to lunch.

Not knowing anyone at a new job can be scary. Extend a warm welcome to the new person on your team by taking them to your fave burger spot.

Smile at someone you don’t know.

A genuine smile flashed to an unsuspecting stranger can make their soul shine.

A simple hug or kiss goes a long way.

Going in for a hug or planting a big kiss on your honey will surely lift their spirits during times of stress.

Hide a thoughtful Post-It note for your loved one to find later.

Expressing a loving sentiment via Post-It note is wonderfully casual and equally as exciting.

Pay a genuine compliment to a friend, or even a stranger.

Do you like how your friend styled her hair today? Or what about that girl's awesome sleeve tattoo you spot at the brewery? Be vocal and let them know with a compliment.

Show your love by cooking a delicious meal.

Oftentimes the way to someone's heart is through their stomach, so use your free night to whip up a delicious meal to show you care.

Let them win the board game.

You may love to dominate in Yahtzee, but let them win just this once.

Write up a quick Facebook message to a friend you haven't seen in a while.

Scrolling through Facebook, you might spot the name of friend you haven't connected to in a while. Take this chance to reach out and ask what's been new with them.

Leave a generous tip for your waiter or waitress.

If you have an extra great experience with a waiter or waitress, leave a hefty tip for them. They will be grateful when they register the extra dollars at the end of their shift.

Make the bed for your partner.

Making the bed is a chore that few enjoy, so take it upon yourself to tidy up before your partner gets back home from work.

Surprise someone with fresh flowers.

Both fragrant and beautiful, fresh flowers are a guaranteed way to bring out a smile.

Bring in treats to the office "just because."

Bringing in leftover Halloween candy, a Thanksgiving casserole, or sugary doughnuts will automatically make your co-workers' day way better than before.

Listen to your friend's story . . . even if you’ve heard it a million times before.

You may have the punchline memorized, but your friend clearly loves telling this one particular story, so just laugh along for the heck of it!

Say "I love you."

Is there a phrase that we as human beings enjoy hearing more?

Send a thoughtful text animated with plenty of emoji.

Taking the time to send a special text filled with carefully selected emoji can turn your friend's day from bad to fab.

Clean!!

This one is easy, straightforward, and something your roommate or significant other will without a doubt appreciate.

Don't forget to send out thank you cards.

Taking the time to say "thank you" is often underrated, but always more than welcome.

Offer to pay for a stranger's order at the coffee shop or local restaurant.

Paying it forward can kick off a whole series of good deeds that will touch many.

Text a screenshot of that old but hilarious photo to your best friend.

That 2006 photo may not see the light of day on Facebook, but sending it to your closest friend will bring out major nostalgia and giggles.

Surprise your significant other with a little breakfast in bed.

Start your love's weekend off right with a scrumptious early-morning treat.

Offer to mow your neighbor's lawn.

You're outside anyway mowing your own lawn, so why not go ahead and help a neighbor out? The same idea can be mimicked with shoveling driveways in the colder months, too.

Use an idle 15 minutes to call a friend and ask how they're doing.

Have a bit of a commute to work? Instead of jamming out to music, call a friend you haven't chatted with in a while.

Make a sandwich for your partner when they are in the middle of a tough work project.

Have you ever known anyone to turn down a sandwich? That would be a no.

Offer to watch a friend's dog for several hours.

Taking a busy pup off your friend's hands for an afternoon can be the ultimate gesture for them and not to mention fun for you!

Make coffee or tea for your spouse or partner in the morning.

Your partner will love waking up to find a fresh cup ready and waiting for them.

Tell a cheesy joke to a friend.

Laughing is the best medicine, and in some cases, the cornier the better.

Have a dance party in a random place.

Breaking out into a full-on dance is guaranteed to turn your friend's frown upside down.

Create something unique for your special person.

No gift is more meaningful than a one-of-a-kind piece created specifically for your loved one, even if it is just a small doodle.

Share homegrown food with friends and family.

Pickling and canning vegetables is another great alternative to spreading some cheer.

Lend out your favorite book.

Letting a bud borrow one of your all-time-favorite books is a sentimental way to share something you love with them.

Offer to stay late at work to help a co-worker meet their deadline.

Showing support and partnership to your co-worker is an act that won't quickly be forgotten.

Send and share interesting, thought-provoking articles.

If you happen to come across a feel-good article that really resonates with you, pass it on to a friend so they can enjoy it too.

Hold the door for the person behind you.

And say "thank you!" when someone holds the door for you.

Make eye contact.

Showing someone you are focused and engaged in what they are saying is one of the easiest ways to show you care.

Tell someone "thank you" for their help.

Looking into someone's eyes and thanking them for helping you out is the most personal way to acknowledge them.

Run an errand for a friend when they are super stressed.

When you see someone close to you struggling to manage everything on their plate, offer to make a quick stop to the grocery or dry cleaner's for them.

Share a sweet treat.

Engaging in small talk over a yummy treat can be just the dose of positive energy your friend needs.

Post a social media shout-out.

Wishing your pal a happy birthday with a photo collage or posting a solid #tbt can instantly conjure up the warm fuzzies.

Get outside and go on a walk.

Enjoying the outdoors while walking and talking with a pal is an instant mood booster.

Wish someone a good morning.

Morning times can be a drag. Being friendly with a verbal gesture can start someone's day off on a high note.

Let a car merge in front of you in a traffic jam.

Wave for a stranger to pull ahead of you on a busy street. No road rage here!

Read on to see more of the best things in life!