Neighborhood Acts of Kindness + Free Printables

During these trying times, bringing those around you together is more important than ever.  Many people could use some help right now, and lending a hand and spreading positivity, you can help neighbors and the community around you feel more connected. 

Doing kind things, even if they’re small, can help lift the spirits of those who may be struggling. Turn your community into a more welcoming place by just saying a friendly hello, helping the elderly out with their groceries or welcoming the newest resident with a gift,

To go the extra mile, here’s how  to welcome new tenants or promote a sense of community with these simple acts of kindness.

1. Bake Fresh Cookies

Everyone loves cookies! If you have a favorite recipe, consider making a big batch to share, whether you want to say thank you or just because. Not only will your house smell great, but it will surely bring a smile to your neighbor’s face. Here is an easy recipe for lemon cookies — a perfect refreshing treat for summer! 

You will need:

• 1 box of lemon cake mix
• 2 eggs
• Juice and zest of half a lemon
• ⅓  cup vegetable oil
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Mix all the ingredients together and form mixture into small balls. Then, sprinkle the balls with powdered sugar and bake at 350℉ for six to nine minutes. Once they’re done baking, place the cookies into a bag and tie it off with one of these printable food tags.

2. Write a Positive Message

Leave a kind positivity note for a neighbor. This can be a simple and sweet letter or a note of encouragement! Surprise them by putting it on their door or on their car windshield.

3. Make a Candle

Get crafty and create a unique DIY candle that you can gift your neighbor. Here’s a quick and easy how-to: 

• Melt soy candle wax in a double boiler for 10–15 minutes.
• Add your favorite essential oil scent to the wax once melted.
• Glue a wick to the bottom of your candle container and let it dry.
• Remove wax from the stove and let it cool slightly before pouring it into your heat-safe container.
• Pour in your wax and let sit for about four hours until the surface is firm.
• Cut down your wick so it’s half an inch from the surface of the candle.

Once your candle is finished, place it in a bag and tie it off with a gift tag! This will be sure to brighten your neighbor’s day. 

4. Give a Gift to Their Pet

If your neighbor loves animals, surprise their pet with some delicious treats! You can either get some at the store or try a homemade recipe to make it extra special.

For homemade dog treats, you will need:

• ⅔ cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• Blend these ingredients into a dough, roll out and cut out shapes using cookie cutters, and bake at 350℉ for 20–25 minutes! Tie off your treat bag with a tag and surprise their pet.

5. Pass Out Flowers

Make your neighbors’ day brighter with a new plant, like a cute succulent or fresh-picked flowers. Decorate your gift with a fun plant tag — you can also give out packets of flower seeds for them to plant themselves.