No one can deny the power of a kind word or gesture to brighten someone’s day. In today’s connected world, it’s easier than ever for us to reach out and make meaningful connections with those around us.
Whether it’s sending an encouraging message, expressing your appreciation for someone, or simply offering a helping hand, small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.
In this article, we will explore just how powerful small acts of kindness can be and offer some ideas for how you can brighten someone’s day. By understanding the power of kind words we can make a positive difference in the lives of those around us.
Brighten Someone’s Day with an Adventure
Adventures From Scratch: Friends Edition is a truly unique opportunity to brighten someone’s day. Our books are packed with mystery challenges, activities you can tear right out of the book, at-home fun, and joyful surprises designed to help you bond. Whether it’s sending an encouraging message, expressing your appreciation for someone, or simply letting them know you’re thinking of them, this adventure book will help you spread joy and make a lasting impact in the lives of those around you.
Easy Things to Say To Brighten Someone’s Day
A simple compliment or kind words can go a long way in making someone’s day. Whether it’s just to tell them you appreciate them, remind them that everything will be alright, or just let them know you’re thinking of them—here are some easy things to say that can put a smile on someone’s face:
1. Say, “Thank you for all you do.“
When we see someone every day, we often take for granted how much we appreciate them. Pick up the phone, or stop them in the hallway, and simply let them know that you appreciate all they do. Whether it’s a family member, a friend, or a co-worker, they will definitely be surprised by your kind words!
2. Tell them, “I’m here for you.”
Sit down, open your ears, and really listen. Let them know you’re there for them and willing to give them your undivided attention. Simply providing a listening ear can make all the difference in the world.
3. Share an encouraging quote.
Sometimes bringing a bit of positivity in the form of a quote can really help to brighten someone’s day. Whether it’s something you’ve seen recently or an old favorite that has been carrying you through tough times, sharing words of wisdom can often give people just what they need on any given day.
Some all-around suggestions include:
- “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”—Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- “Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.”—Brene Brown
- “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson
4. Remind them that “You can do it!”
Sometimes all we need is a simple reminder that we are capable of greatness. Encourage someone in their endeavors and give them the confidence to keep going by voicing your undying belief in their capabilities.
5. Give them an unexpected compliment.
With all the negativity constantly swirling around us, we must take time to recognize and appreciate one another.
Go out of your way and compliment someone about something unique or meaningful that they did. Letting them know how much you appreciate them will definitely make their day!
6. Let them know they are making a difference.
Remind someone that their efforts matter and that they are making a difference. Let them know how much you value what they do; it will make all the difference in their day.
7. Offer to help.
Simply asking someone if you can do anything to help lighten their load can put a smile on their face. Whether it be running errands or helping out with a project, offering your assistance is sure to make them feel valued and noticed!
8. Ask, “How are you?”
The phrase “How are you?” has become a rhetorical question when seeing our friends and co-workers. However, if you slow down and ask it with genuine care and interest, it’s one of the simple ways you can make someone’s day.
9. Let someone know you are grateful they are in your life.
More than a thank you, this is a reminder that someone matters and that you appreciate having them in your life. Make sure to say how much they mean to you and how thankful you are for their presence.
10. Tell them a funny story.
Lighten up someone’s mood with a funny story! It could be something that happened to you recently, or it can simply be a joke that never fails. Laughing together is one of the best things we can do to lift each other’s spirits and distract us from the things not going right in our day-to-day lives.
Need some inspiration? Try out one of these hilariously bad dad jokes.
11. Say, “I love you.”
If it’s someone you have a deep and meaningful relationship with, remind them how much you love and care for them. This simple phrase can have a big impact when said with sincerity.
12. Ask about their upcoming plans.
Most people love to talk about themselves. Showing genuine interest in their plans can make them feel important and valued. Plus, it’s a great way to get to know someone better.
13. Share how they inspire you.
Verbalize just how much you admire their qualities and how they inspire you on a daily basis. A few simple sentences can zap some positive energy into a bad day.
14. Compliment their work on a project.
Whether it’s an at-home task your partner completed or a serious professional project a colleague has been working on, show them how impressed you are. Giving people recognition and appreciation for the work they do is an easy way to make someone’s day brighter.
15. Tell them what made you think of them.
Let the special people in your life know what made you think of them. This can be anything from a song that reminded you of them or a fantastic movie involving their name.
16. Acknowledge their successes.
It’s all too easy to get caught up in the little things that go wrong in our lives. Instead, make sure to point out the successes and wins, no matter how big or small. This will remind them of all their accomplishments and give them a much-needed boost.
17. Share something uplifting and positive.
Whether it’s an inspirational story, quote, or even just a simple reminder of how amazing they are—sharing something positive with someone can turn a day around.
Say You Care with Acts of Kindness to Brighten Someone’s Day
Saying that you care doesn’t always have to involve words. In fact, sometimes, the kindest thing we can do is take action and perform acts of kindness to brighten someone’s day. Below are some creative ways we can offer our support without uttering a word out loud:
18. Ask to catch up at a local coffee shop.
In today’s fast-paced environment, spending time with someone is one of our most valuable currencies. Invite someone for coffee, tea, or lunch and catch up about their life. Show your interest in them and take the time to listen.
19. Give a shout-out on social media.
It’s a small way to say, “Hey, I appreciate you,” but a little shout-on on Instagram or Twitter can really brighten someone’s day. Call out their positive qualities and let them know you admire them. Not only are they sure to feel good, but it will also help make their day more visible to the people around them!
20. Write thank you notes.
Handwritten notes are seriously underrated. Take it back old school and write someone a handwritten thank you note. Whether it’s for something small like running an errand for you or something more significant like helping you out in a tough time, taking the time to write them a message will go far.
21. Create a playlist.
Do you have some songs that you jam to on your way to work? Or perhaps an inside musical joke from a road trip back in college?
If someone special in your life deserves to feel appreciated, create a personal playlist with some of your favorite songs. Not only will they appreciate the gesture, but it’s sure to bring back great memories.
22. Get creative and build a care package.
Sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most. Put together a box of goodies, fill it with some special items and something sweet, then hand deliver it to someone you care about. Whether they’re having a difficult time or just need a pick me up, your kind gesture will put a smile on their face.
23. Cook them a meal.
Nothing says “I appreciate you” more than a home-cooked meal! Show your appreciation by cooking someone a tasty and nutritious dinner and enjoying it with them.
Not only will they be grateful for the gesture, but the shared bonding time will deepen your friendship.
24. Send an encouraging text or email.
Sometimes all we need is to hear something positive. Reach out to someone with a few kind words or a funny joke, and it can really brighten their day. Your message could be the spark of motivation they need to continue powering through the day.
25. Help them with shopping for groceries.
If a loved one is recovering from an illness or simply having a rough mental health week, offer to help them with shopping for groceries. This simple act of kindness can make all the difference in someone’s life, and you’ll have provided them with one less thing to worry about.
26. Pick up their coffee.
Whether it’s your significant other or roommate, having that cup of Joe ready for them in the morning can be a great pick-me-up. Take it one step further and make them their favorite coffee drink to really brighten their day!
P.S. If they’re a coffee lover, why not send them this article on where to find the best coffee in the world?
27. Give a hug.
When words don’t seem adequate enough, a hug speaks volumes. Give them an extra tight squeeze and let them know that you’re always there for them. This small act of kindness could really help brighten their day!
28. Make them laugh.
Whether it’s swapping funny stories or watching a comedy show together, laughter is the best medicine. Unwind with someone special in your life and find ways to make each other laugh. Not only is it a good way to de-stress, but it will also be sure to lighten the mood and bring some joy into someone’s day.
29. Share an inspiring podcast or book.
Introducing someone to something that has inspired, you can have a lasting effect on them. It could be anything from a book, to a podcast, to a TED Talk—whatever it is, sharing something that has been meaningful for you is sure to inspire the person you’re sharing it with.
30. Send a postcard.
A postcard is a great way to show someone you’re thinking of them from afar. Whether it’s an old friend or family member, sending them something in the mail will be sure to brighten their day. Pick a card with a meaningful quote or scenic photo and give them something to look forward to in the mail.
31. Pick up the tab.
If a loved one has been through a tough time, treat them to a nice meal or outing. Take the stress out of their day and offer to pick up the tab. Not only will they be grateful for your generosity, but it’s also a great way to show them how much you care and make a positive impact.
32. Give a gift card.
Surprising friends or family with a gift card to their favorite lunch spot or store is an uplifting way to show them that you’ve taken time out of your day to think of them.
It’s a thoughtful gesture that may inspire them to take some time out of their own day to finally treat themselves.
33. Leave an encouraging sticky note on their desk.
Surprise someone special with a sweet message that they can see every day. Whether it’s your partner, friend, or colleague—leaving an encouraging sticky note on their desk is a great way to brighten someone’s day and remind them of how much you care. Or, write a bunch and hide them in random places like their lunch box.
It could be something as simple as “You’ve got this!” or “Have a great day!”—anything to remind them that they’re doing a fantastic job and that you are rooting for them.
34. Send flowers or a plant.
A bouquet of freshly-picked flowers is the perfect way to show someone you’re thinking of them and to brighten their day. Or, if they have a green thumb, give them a potted plant that they can look after and watch grow over time.
35. Gift a handmade item.
A creative, handmade gift is always more thoughtful and meaningful than something store-bought. Whether it’s a painting, knitted scarf, or necklace—whatever your craft of choice may be—gifting someone with something you made yourself will bring them so much joy to their day.
36. Bring breakfast or lunch to a friend at work.
Surprise your friend with a delicious meal when they’re feeling overwhelmed at work. It’s a great way to show them that you care and that you are thinking of them, even when you can’t be there in person.
Closing Thoughts
In the end, it doesn’t take much effort to brighten someone’s day. Whether it’s saying “I love you” or “How are you,” a hug, an inspiring podcast or book, sending flowers, or simply making them laugh—these small acts of kindness can make all the difference in someone’s life.
Next time you spot an opportunity to show someone you care, take it. You never know how much of an impact you can have on someone’s day!
Need some help breaking the ice? Check out a list of getting-to-know-you questions for couples (but many can work for your new pals as well!)
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many ways to brighten someone’s day, like sending a postcard, giving them a gift card, sending flowers, or maybe lifting their mood with a game like Adventures From Scratch: Friends Edition.
Some things to say to brighten someone’s day are “I appreciate you” or “You’re doing amazing.” Or, sharing a meaningful quote or funny joke can also make them smile.
Brightening someone’s day doesn’t have to be complicated. You can simply reach out and check in with them, send a thoughtful card, pick up the tab for a meal or outing, or write an encouraging note.
Some creative ways to show someone you care include gifting them a handmade item, doing something kind for them, or sitting down together with a game like Adventures From Scratch: Friends Edition.
Making someone feel special can be as simple as complimenting them, listening intently when they talk, showing up for them in times of need, or making time to spend with them.