9 Creative Ways to Pay It Forward

9 Creative Ways to Pay It Forward This Year

If recent events have taught us anything, it's that we can always find positives in even the most difficult of circumstances. We were inspired to think of creative ways to combat depression and isolation with many acts of kindness, so here's a list of nine ways you can pay it forward and keep the good vibes going.

Keyword(s): pay it forward

Are you trying to spread some joy with your new-found freedom to get outside of the house and go wherever you want? 

2020 was difficult for everyone, and while the world seems to be on the upswing, there are still plenty of people who could use a boost. Why not make their day brighter with a random act of kindness?

It's time to pay it forward. Whatever kindnesses, gifts, or joys that you've received over the past year can be spread to others if you adopt a pay it forward mindset.

Remember that you should always be kind without a promise of reciprocation. You should be doing these things because you genuinely want to make people happy!

Keep reading to learn a few of our favorite ways to pay kindness forward this year.

1. Pay for the Person Behind You

This is one of the oldest tricks in the book when it comes to paying it forward. It's an inexpensive way to help someone out and brighten their day.

Next time you're in the drive-thru lane for your coffee or fast food meal, tell the cashier that you'd like to pay for the person behind you as well. As long as the person behind you has already placed their order, the cashier will be able to ring both orders up on your card.

If you're worried that their order may be too expensive, don't fret. You can also just put a few dollars towards their order so they only have to pay the difference. It's still a good deed!

2. Pay for Groceries

Paying for groceries is a beautiful way to pay it forward, especially when you find a situation in which someone is truly in need.

If you notice that the person ahead of you is struggling to find enough money, or if they discover that they have to put items back, consider offering to pay for them. Many people will be grateful for this.

If you'd rather a cashier use their own discretion when it comes to paying for a stranger's groceries, ask if you're able to buy a gift card that they can offer to the next person who's struggling. 

3. Make and Give Out Blessing Bags

This is a great way to help out people who are experiencing homelessness. 

There is a homelessness crisis in the United States. More and more people are finding themselves without appropriate shelter and they could use some help. 

Blessing bags are a great way for you to pitch in.

These bags can be whatever you want them to be. They're small bags full of items that you think someone would want or need while homeless. Sanitary products, blankets, gift cards, snacks, and anything else you can think of will all be appreciated.  

4. Put Money In the Meter

This is one of the best inexpensive pay it forward ideas for anyone who lives somewhere with paid parking.

Do you have a few spare coins jangling in your pockets? Look at the local parking meters to see if anyone is about to run out of time. By adding a few coins, you might save them from a ticket at almost no cost to you!

5. Volunteer Your Time

Volunteering is a great way to pay it forward, and there are so many opportunities.

You could volunteer to be a big brother or sister for a child who needs mentorship, you could volunteer at a soup kitchen, or you could even volunteer your skills and services to local charities or organizations.

While donating money is always a fantastic idea, donating time is often better. Nearly every charity needs help in some capacity. Ask around to see where you'll be most useful and start making a difference today.

6. Adopt a Family

If you want to make a big difference to a local family, consider "adopting" a family for a holiday or birthday.

There are also organizations that let you "adopt" a foster child for their birthday, meaning that you provide them with gifts while they're in foster care.

When you adopt a family, you take the financial burden off of the parents while still letting children have a wonderful holiday. If it's Christmas time, that means that you'll get a list of family members, their ages, and their interests, and you'll get to play Santa.

7. Clean Outdoor Garbage

Have you heard of the #trashtag? 

Trashtag is the trend of people going out into their communities and picking up litter. They go on trails, in their neighborhoods, and even into bodies of water. They then upload a picture of the trash that they've found with the #trashtag hashtag to inspire other people. 

With so much garbage littering the great outdoors, you'll be doing a wonderful thing for your community by taking time to clean up! 

8. Make a Little Free Library

If you're able to, why not set up a little free library in your community?

Check for any restrictions regarding these libraries, but you may even be able to put one on your own property.

These libraries are tiny boxes that passers-by can open and check out books. As time goes on, people will start leaving books for others! Start it with your own books or buy used books from thrift stores to get the library started.

You can also use the library for a handout box. You can place canned goods and other nonperishable items in the box for people in need.

9. Write Good Reviews

Have you ever noticed that many people only leave reviews when something goes wrong? If someone asks for a manager, it's almost always for a problem.

What if, instead, we used reviews to help uplift people? 

When you have a good experience, leave a review online. If you have a great experience with a specific employee, talk to their manager about how wonderful they are.

Managers are so used to complaints that this will make both their day and the day of the employee in question. 

Pay It Forward and Spread Joy

When you commit to paying it forward, you're helping everyone around you. Bringing joy into people's lives doesn't have to be expensive or difficult. You can pay it forward with no money at all.

Why not brighten someone's day by paying it forward today? 

Are you the kind of person who loves to spread positivity wherever you go? We have lifestyle apparel for you. Check out our shop and find your new favorite gear.