National Be Nice Day – Oct. 5, 2026

National Be Nice Day
Submit your updates or photos
Categories:
Tags:
FamilyLifestyle
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every October 5
Holiday emoji:
😊

National Be Nice Day arrives every October 5, prompting us to focus on kindness and positive interactions. Take this opportunity to perform a random act of kindness, offer a compliment, or simply share a smile with those around you. Let’s make the world a little brighter today.

Want to sponsor National Be Nice Day? Learn how

Expected National Be Nice Day Deals

While National Be Nice Day isn’t typically associated with commercial deals, many brands and organizations embrace the spirit of giving back. Look for local businesses offering small gestures of goodwill, like free coffee or discounts for kind acts. Nonprofits may launch campaigns encouraging donations or volunteer sign-ups in the name of kindness. Organizations like The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation and Kind Campaign often share resources and ideas for participation. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as October 5 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Be Nice Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalBeNiceDay. Share photos or Reels of kind acts you witness or perform, inspiring others.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalBeNiceDay. Create short videos demonstrating simple ways to be nice, from compliments to small favors.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalBeNiceDay. Tweet about positive interactions, share uplifting stories, and challenge friends to spread kindness.

Social Media Tips for National Be Nice Day

Individuals

Commit to performing three random acts of kindness throughout the day, whether it's paying for someone's coffee or leaving a kind note for a coworker.

Creators

Launch a 'kindness challenge' on your platform, encouraging followers to share their own acts of niceness and tag your account for a chance to be featured.

Brands

Initiate a 'Pay It Forward' campaign in your store or online, where customers can contribute to a fund that helps others, or offer a special discount for those who perform a kind deed.

Top Brands for National Be Nice Day

  1. TOMS

    Founded in 2006 by Blake Mycoskie, TOMS pioneered the 'One for One' model, donating a pair of shoes for every pair sold. The company has since expanded its giving to include clean water, safe birth services, and bullying prevention programs.

  2. Ben & Jerry's

    Established in 1978 by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, this ice cream company is renowned for its social activism and commitment to fair trade. They frequently engage in campaigns supporting social justice, environmental protection, and community well-being.

  3. Kind Snacks

    Founded in 2004 by Daniel Lubetzky, Kind Snacks produces healthy snack bars and promotes a 'Kind Movement' dedicated to fostering unexpected acts of kindness. The brand's name itself is a testament to its mission of promoting goodness.

  4. The Body Shop

    Founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick, The Body Shop is a global beauty brand known for its ethical sourcing, cruelty-free products, and activism. They have long championed causes such as human rights, environmental protection, and community trade.

  5. Starbucks

    Established in 1971 in Seattle, Starbucks is the world's largest coffeehouse chain. Beyond coffee, the company is often involved in community initiatives, encouraging baristas to foster positive connections and offering programs like 'FoodShare' to reduce waste and help those in need.

  6. Warby Parker

    Launched in 2010 by four friends, Warby Parker disrupted the eyewear industry with its direct-to-consumer model. For every pair of glasses sold, the company distributes a pair to someone in need, making vision care accessible globally.

  7. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

    This nonprofit organization is dedicated to inspiring people to practice kindness and make the world a better place. Founded in 1995, it provides resources, ideas, and educational programs to encourage acts of kindness in schools, workplaces, and communities.

National Be Nice Day Hero

Fred Rogers

Fred Rogers, beloved host of 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood' from 1968 to 2001, dedicated his life to teaching children the importance of kindness, empathy, and self-worth. Through his gentle demeanor and thoughtful lessons, he encouraged generations to be good neighbors and to embrace their unique qualities. His legacy continues to inspire acts of compassion and understanding in communities worldwide.

National Be Nice Day timeline

​1258 BCE
First peace treaty​

The Treaty of Kadesh became the first peace treaty to have ever been negotiated. ​

​1963
The first smiley face​

It is believed that Harvey Ross Ball came up with the first smiley face design as a way to boost employee morale. ​

​1981
International Day of Peace​

The UN proposed the first-ever International Day of Peace, serving as a time where everybody on the planet can commit to working towards peace. ​

​October 20, 2000
"Pay it Forward" is released​

"Pay It Forward" debuted, encouraging random acts of kindness everywhere. ​

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Be Nice Day

Local businesses can celebrate National Be Nice Day by creating a welcoming and positive atmosphere for customers and employees. Consider offering a small complimentary item, like a cookie or a sticker, with purchases to spread cheer. Retailers could launch a ‘kindness board’ where customers can write positive messages for others, fostering community spirit. Restaurants might offer a ‘pay it forward’ option, allowing diners to anonymously cover a portion of another customer’s meal, encouraging a chain reaction of generosity.

National Be Nice Day FAQs

When is National Be Nice Day?

National Be Nice Day 2026 falls on Monday, October 5, providing a perfect start to the week to spread positivity and good deeds.

What is the impact of kindness?

Studies show that acts of kindness can significantly boost happiness and reduce stress for both the giver and receiver. Approximately 75% of people report feeling happier after performing a kind act, creating a positive ripple effect in communities.

How can I celebrate National Be Nice Day?

Celebrating National Be Nice Day in 2026 is simple: perform a random act of kindness, offer a genuine compliment, or volunteer your time for a cause you care about. Even small gestures can make a big difference.

Is National Be Nice Day related to World Kindness Day?

While both days promote similar values, National Be Nice Day (October 5) is a U.S.-specific observance, whereas World Kindness Day (November 13) is an international celebration. Both encourage goodwill and positive actions.

National Be Nice Day Activities

  1. Hug a friend

    We don't think you need an excuse to give a friend a hug, but National Be Nice Day is certainly the appropriate time to show someone close to you just how much you care. So, get out there and find a friend that needs a warm embrace!

  2. Spread the word

    There's probably a good chance that you'll use some form of social media throughout the day on October 5. Why not give National Be Nice Day a shoutout? Bringing awareness to this special day will help raise consciousness about staying positive and the day opens up the "kindness taps" so that good feeling flows out into the world.

  3. Invite friends over for a dinner party

    If you're looking for a way to be nice to your friends, offer to make them a meal. It's great to get together with close friends, and they will certainly appreciate your time and effort just to make them happy!

​Top 5 Reasons To Smile At A Stranger

  1. ​Being nice feels good

    ​Research has found that being nice to others releases the feel-good hormone, serotonin.

  2. ​It's heart-healthy

    Spreading cheer releases the hormone, oxytocin, which is known to help lower blood pressure. ​

  3. Say goodbye to stress

    ​Showing kindness to others helps to build relationships, which in turn helps lower your stress.

  4. ​Hey, good lookin'

    Research has found that nicer people are often perceived as more attractive​.

  5. ​Less sick days

    Being nice to others helps to lower inflammation, which in turn helps to decrease your chances of contracting some diseases. ​

Why We Love National Be Nice Day

  1. It encourages random acts of kindness

    Have you ever waited in line at a coffee shop just to find out that the stranger in front of you prepaid for your drink? Or maybe you've seen someone buy another person's groceries. On National Be Nice Day, make it a point to do a random act of kindness — there's a good chance that your good deed will be paid forward.

  2. It's a great reminder that there is good in the world

    It often feels like we're constantly bombarded with bad/sad news on the television and internet. National Be Nice Day is a great reminder that there are tons of good things going on all over the world — even if we don't always get to see them.

  3. It makes us feel good

    Being nice to people feels good, plain and simple. By making somebody's day just a little bit brighter, we guarantee that at the end of the day, you'll feel great about yourself!

National Be Nice Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 October 5 Monday
2027 October 5 Tuesday
2028 October 5 Thursday
2029 October 5 Friday
2030 October 5 Saturday