- Categories:
- Cause
- Tags:
- AwarenessFriendshipMental Health
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every November 13
- Holiday emoji:
- 🫶
World Kindness Day arrives every November 13, inviting everyone to embrace and spread compassion. This international observance encourages both grand gestures and small acts of kindness to foster a more empathetic world. Join the global movement, perform a thoughtful deed, and inspire others to follow suit.
Want to sponsor World Kindness Day? Learn how
Expected World Kindness Day Deals
While World Kindness Day isn’t typically a sales-driven holiday, it inspires businesses and individuals to engage in charitable giving and community support. Many organizations, like the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, encourage donations or volunteer efforts. Brands such as Starbucks often promote ‘pay it forward’ initiatives, while companies like TOMS or Bombas highlight their one-for-one giving models. Local businesses may host donation drives for food banks or offer small gestures of appreciation to customers. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as November 13 approaches.
Platform Guide for World Kindness Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #WorldKindnessDay. Share visual stories of kindness in action, from community service to simple gestures.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #WorldKindnessDay. Tweet about acts of kindness you’ve witnessed or performed, sparking a chain reaction.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #WorldKindnessDay. Share inspiring stories, organize local events, or post prompts for kind acts.
World Kindness Day Hero
Fred Rogers
History of World Kindness Day
World Kindness Day was first introduced as a day of observation by the World Kindness Movement. In 2019, the organization was registered as an official NGO under Swiss law, but the history of the group stretches back to a Tokyo-based convention in 1997. An array of institutions and associations based in countries including Australia, Thailand, the United States, and the United Kingdom had been assembled at this conference because of their dedication to championing kindness in society. The initial configuration of the World Kindness Movement would form as a result of this event, with the written declaration of their inception stating their “pledge to join together to build a kinder and more compassionate world.” In 1998, in pursuit of this aim, they would facilitate the launch of the inaugural World Kindness Day.
The purpose of World Kindness Day as outlined by the World Kindness Movement is “to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us.” Since its creation more than two decades ago, the day has achieved truly global notice; events associated with the day have attracted participants from every inhabited continent. These have included activities such as concerts, dance mobs, and the distribution of “kindness cards.”
While, at present, the day is one of unofficial observance, it remains the hope of the World Kindness Movement to attain official recognition status by the United Nations. Should the group be successful in their efforts, World Kindness Day would join the ranks of recognized days of observance such as International Day of Peace, Human Rights Day, and World Health Day.
World Kindness Day timeline
The inauguration of World Kindness Day is designated on November 13th of 1998 after the formation of the World Kindness Movement.
The day is observed for the first time in Singapore, India, and Italy.
World Kindness Day inspires the foundation of Kindness Day UK in the United Kingdom.
The World Kindness Movement attains official status as an NGO under Swiss law.
How Businesses Can Celebrate World Kindness Day
Local businesses can celebrate World Kindness Day by creating a ripple effect of positive actions. Restaurants might offer a ‘pay it forward’ option for coffee or meals, encouraging patrons to buy for the next customer. Retailers could host a donation drive for a local charity, offering a small discount for contributions. Service providers might offer complimentary small services or leave uplifting notes for clients, fostering goodwill and community spirit.
World Kindness Day Traditions
The objective of World Kindness Day is to spread kindness with small gestures. The main tradition of the day is to be kind and to try and encourage kindness to prevail over hatred. Whether it’s helping out someone with chores, taking the time out to ask how someone is doing, or complimenting someone, the name of the game is kindness, and we all have it in us.
World Kindness Day FAQs
When is World Kindness Day?
World Kindness Day 2026 falls on a Friday, November 13. It’s a perfect opportunity to end the work week by performing a thoughtful gesture for someone.
How many people observe World Kindness Day?
Millions of people across over 28 countries officially observe World Kindness Day. The movement continues to grow, with countless individuals participating in informal acts of kindness globally.
What is the economic impact of kindness?
While difficult to quantify directly, acts of kindness can significantly boost morale, reduce stress, and improve workplace productivity. A positive, kind environment fosters better collaboration and customer loyalty.
What is the World Kindness Movement?
The World Kindness Movement is a global coalition of kindness organizations from around the world. It was formed in 1997 in Tokyo, Japan, and officially launched World Kindness Day in 1998.
World Kindness Day Activities
Perform at least three random acts of kindness today
Give compliments. Smile at strangers. Hold a door open. Give up your seat on a crowded train. Perform at least three random acts of kindness and see what magic follows!
Give extra (and extra-long) hugs today
Kindness and connection go hand-in-hand. Take a few extra minutes to hug your loved ones and friends today. They might wonder what got into you, but they’ll appreciate it nonetheless!
Write a love poem to yourself and read it out loud
You should be kind to yourself, today, too. Write a short (or long) poem highlighting the things you appreciate about yourself and your life.
5 Facts About Kindness
Start with children
One in four children in the U.S. experience bullying at school on a regular basis — teaching kids to be kind to everyone, even if they're different, and to stand up to bullying when they see it, turns them into brave and kind adults.
A day of unity
Though the movement isn't affiliated with any religion or political movement, over 28 nations participate in World Kindness Day.
It pays to be kind
People who are constantly kind produce 23% less cortisol, which is the stress hormone — because of the lower levels of stress, people who practice kindness age slower than the average population.
Kindness is contagious
Researchers from the Stanford Social Neuroscience Laboratory found that when people see someone else being kind, they are more likely to act kindly towards others themselves.
It lowers blood pressure
Emotional warmth releases the hormone oxytocin, which dilates the blood vessels and therefore lowers your blood pressure.
Why We Love World Kindness Day
Doing things for others is actually fun
Many people are focused on their own lives and can forget to take a moment to think about what other people need. Ironically, doing something nice for others isn’t only good for them — it can be good for you, too!
It offers an excuse to get creative in your kindness
Other days of celebration encourage people to take their appreciation of things to the max. World Kindness Day allows for the chance to think of extra-special or unique ways to perform acts of kindness.
Kindness is important
Celebrating kindness and the benefits we derive from this core aspect of the human condition is valuable. It reminds us that we are neither alone in our lives nor do we live in a world where goodness is not apparent.
World Kindness Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 13 | Friday |
| 2027 | November 13 | Saturday |
| 2028 | November 13 | Monday |
| 2029 | November 13 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | November 13 | Wednesday |
Social Media Tips for World Kindness Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands