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National Do Something Nice Day

Spread joy and kindness on National Do Something Nice Day - make someone's day brighter with a little gesture of love!

Monday

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEOctober 5

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYValues

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Spread some kindness and joy on National Do Something Nice Day, October 5! This special day has been around since 1998 when it was first declared by its founder, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. Since then, people all over the world join together to show appreciation for each other through small acts of kindness. Whether you choose to do something nice for a stranger or someone close to you, this is one holiday that will surely bring smiles to everyone!

TIMELINE

National Do Something Nice Day Timeline

Establishment of National Do Something Nice Day

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation declares October 5 as National Do Something Nice Day, encouraging everyone to spread joy through small gestures.

Growing Participation

By 2000, the holiday's reputation begins to grow, and it starts to be recognized by a variety of different cultures and communities across the globe.

Media Feature

The holiday receives its first major media attention. This leads to a significant increase in participation.

Increased Corporate Involvement

Many organizations and businesses begin supporting the holiday as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Social Media Impact

The rise of social media platforms, especially Instagram and Twitter, makes the holiday more popular, with hashtags related to the holiday trending every October 5.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Do Something Nice Day

Send a thank you note

Take a moment to write and send a thank you note to someone who has done something nice for you. A simple gesture of gratitude is sure to bring a smile to someone's face.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer

Find a local volunteer opportunity in your area and spend the day giving back. It can be anything from helping at a soup kitchen to walking dogs at the animal shelter.

BUY

Buy someone coffee

Bring someone else's favorite coffee or tea to work and surprise them with it. It's a small act of kindness that can brighten their day.

COMPLIMENT

Compliment someone

Go out of your way to give compliments to friends, family, and strangers alike. A kind word can make all the difference in someone's day.

PAY

Pay it forward

When the cashier tells you your total, pay for the person behind you in line as well. This random act of kindness will spread throughout the day and beyond.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Do Something Nice Day

It strengthens relationships

Being kind towards our loved ones helps to strengthen our relationships with them. Showing kindness will let your friends and family know how much you care about them, proving just how valuable they are to you. There's no better feeling than knowing that someone cares enough about us to go out of their way and do something nice just to show it!

It makes us feel good

Doing something nice for someone else is one of the best ways to make yourself feel great. Whether you're smiling and saying hello to a stranger, or helping an elderly person with their groceries, your kind gesture will make someone's day and boost your self-esteem at the same time!

It sets a positive example

When you do something nice for someone else, it encourages others to follow suit. Kindness is contagious, and we all need more of it in this world. By doing something nice for another person, you can be part of a ripple effect that leads to more people showing compassion towards each other.