Way back in 2011, we launched a little Twitter campaign that we called #SpiritofGiving. Every day we tweeted an idea for a random act of kindness, encouraging people from all corners of the country to do something that would brighten someone else’s day. Little did we know this would quickly become an annual tradition!

#SpiritofGiving is now back for its fifth year and, as in years past, we’ll be tweeting every day from our @CharityVillage account a suggestion for a random act of kindness. We’d love for you to join in as well – tweet your ideas with the #SpiritofGiving hashtag and also tell us about the random acts of kindness that you’ve done this holiday season.

To get started, here is a great list of 101 easy ideas from BuzzFeed. You can also check out Kindness Canada for ideas or browse the resources available from Random Act of Kindness Day. We’ve also compiled a list of ideas below.

Ideas for Random Acts of Kindness:

• Leave coupons you can’t use on top of items at the supermarket.
• Buy a hot drink for someone working or volunteering outside on a cold day.
• Come to work early and make coffee for your coworkers.
• Return a shopping cart that’s been left in the middle of a parking lot.
• Thank a busy retail employee – or better yet, tell their manager what a great job they’re doing.
• Fill the shelves of your local “little library” with gently used books.
• Pay the toll for the person behind you.
• Shovel the snow from your driveway and sidewalk – and do your neighbour’s too!
• Offer to take your child’s team mate to and from a game or practice.
• Refer a job opening to someone you know is looking for work.
• Leave an extra large tip for a restaurant server.
• Give blood. Find a blood donation centre near you through Canadian Blood Services.
• Bring gently used towels and blankets and some extra pet food to your local animal shelter.
• Let someone into your lane when driving or let the other person have your parking spot.
• Spend a few minutes cleaning up litter on your street.
• Give up your seat on public transit or pay someone else’s fare.
• Make a big pot of soup or a casserole and take it over to a busy friend or neighbour.
• If you notice someone parked at an expired parking meter, put a quarter in it.
• Tidy up the staff kitchen – even if the dirty dishes aren’t yours!
• Help a neighbour with some yardwork or to put up their Christmas lights.
• When grocery shopping, buy some extra food and donate it to the food bank.
• Tell your friends and family how much they mean to you.
• Pack an extra lunch when going to work and give it to someone in need.
• If the person in line behind you has fewer items to purchase, let them go ahead of you.
• Smile and say hello when passing someone on the street.
• If you see someone with a broken brake or tail light, let them know.
• Bring in your neighbour’s garbage cans and recycling boxes if you get home before they do.
• Leave gloves, a toque or a warm jacket outside, with a note saying it is for someone who needs it.
• Hosting a party or open house? Ask everyone to bring items for the food or toy bank.
• Offer to drive an elderly friend or neighbour to an appointment or to do some shopping.
• Be a designated driver and help everyone get home safely.

We can’t wait to hear your ideas and stories – remember to share them on Twitter with the #SpiritofGiving hashtag and tag @CharityVillage!