GivingTuesday 2025 is Tuesday, December 2
The global day to unleash generosity right after U.S. Thanksgiving. You don’t need a big budget or a grand gesture. One small act of kindness a paid-forward coffee, a kind note, a quick check-in—can change the feel of someone’s entire day.
Why small acts matter
Research and lived experience tell us that consistent, bite-size kindness builds trust, belonging, and resilience in teams and communities. It’s the everyday stuff showing up, noticing, thanking that compounds over time into communities of care.
33 small acts of kindness you can do today
Pick one. Then, if it felt good, repeat it this week.
Coffee & food
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Pay for the car behind you at the drive-thru.
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Drop off a surprise latte for a new parent or caregiver.
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Bring decaf and oat milk to an evening gathering so everyone’s included.
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Leave a café gift card taped near the register for “whoever needs it.”
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Stock the office kitchen with filters + a hand-written brew card.
At work
6) Write a specific, genuine thank-you to a teammate.
7) Offer to cover a break so a coworker can step outside.
8) Share a simple template you use (save someone 30 minutes).
9) Give public credit in your next team stand-up.
10) Ask, “What would make today easier for you?”
At home
11) Make the first cup and leave a note of appreciation.
12) Tackle a chore no one wants without being asked.
13) Call a relative who lives alone; listen more than you talk.
14) Pack an extra snack for someone who always forgets.
15) Swap “What’s wrong?” for “What would help?”
In your neighbourhood
16) Shovel a walkway or brush snow off a neighbour’s windshield.
17) Donate warm socks, mitts, or hand warmers to a local shelter.
18) Check on the community bulletin board; say yes to one small request.
19) Drop a “you’ve got this” note in a library book.
20) Offer your seat. Hold the door. Make eye contact and smile.
Micro-giving & cause-based
21) Send a $5 coffee to a teacher, nurse, or volunteer.
22) Add a small tip or “round up” on your next order.
23) Give to a local food bank or youth org (any amount counts).
24) Share a charity you trust and why.
25) Sign up for one volunteer shift in December.
26) Lend a spare winter coat via a community closet.
27) Buy a few transit tickets to hand out.
28) Sponsor a school snack program for a day.
29) Drop a thank-you at your fire hall, EMS, or clinic.
30) Support an Indigenous-led community initiative.
31) Offer a skill hour (resume help, budgeting, translation).
32) Leave a 5-star review for a small business you love.
33) If you can’t give money, give time, attention, or kind words—they’re free and powerful.
Ethical gifts that keep kindness going
If you’re gifting this season, consider cause-based gifts or ethical coffee that supports people behind the beans. The point isn’t spending more, it’s choosing with intention.
Your turn: choose one small act of kindness today. Share what you did (or plan to do) in the comments, your idea might spark someone else’s.