The Meaning of Pay It Forward
Looking for a fun way to “Pay It Forward”? I believe that small acts of kindness can change the world. It’s wonderful to find small ways to make someone’s day. A smile, a card, or a little gift in the mail! These may be kind acts that you do with or without your children. Either way, they show great LOVE!
Related Post: Love Languages for Kids: Gifts
My Pay It Forward Idea
In January, I invited/challenged the Facebook readers of Busy Kids = Happy Mom to Pay it Forward. I told them that I would send out a small gift to the first 5 people who commented, as long as they agreed to do the same for 5 more people.
My Facebook Post:
“Pay it Forward Challenge – start off the year in a loving way! I’m participating in a Pay It Forward initiative: the first 5 people to comment on this status will get a little surprise from me at some point in this calendar year. Anything from a book, something homemade or home-grown, a postcard, at toy, absolutely any surprise!
The only catch is that these 5 people must make the same offer in their FB status. Just copy this text onto your profile.
Let’s do more nice and loving things for each other this year. Here’s to a love filled year. Thank you for paying it forward. ”
Note: Since I did not know the majority of the participants, I did need them to message me their address. Glad they trusted me!
What did I send?
I sent key chains and this year another handmade treat (it’s a surprise, I just mailed them today!)
More Pay It Forward Ideas…
Pay It Forward Ideas For Kids:
- Books
- Stickers
- Craft supplies like pipe cleaners, pom poms.
- Hair bows
- LEGO minifigure pack
Related Post: Gifts for Tweens
Pay It Forward Ideas For Women:
- Earrings
- Bracelet
- Book
- Key chain
- Gift cards
- Tea
- Postcard
Pay It Forward Tags
Download and attach a Pay It Forward tag to your gift, as a reminder to pass on a small act of kindness to someone else.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD: Printable Tags
The Power of Pay It Forward
I am in awe of the ripple effect that happens when a group of people agree to spread love and kindness to their neighbors and friends. When 5 anonymous women took my challenge, it meant they would each send the challenge to 5 more people = 25 more people loved. Then, maybe those 25 would send it on = 125 or more people spreading love and acts of kindness.
Still thinking about if you want to do it or not? Just remember how fun it is to go to the mailbox and find an unexpected gift! Even a letter is wonderful. It brightens your day. Keep spreading joy, love, and kindness. Share the love!
Thanks to Charlene who inspired my first Pay-It-Forward and to new friends for participating!
Great way to start off the new year!
You always have such inspiring ideas! Everyone can always use a gift of love. As my family strives to remember the meaning of Christmas all year long we are eager to incorporate you ideas. Thank you!
Thanks Angie! I love that you all try to remember the gift of Christmas all year. How wonderful!
What a positive idea! I’ve done it at Starbuck’s but never thought of this! Thanks!
Thank you! I’m so glad this is something you like too! Thanks for paying it forward.
It makes me feel absolutely wonderful to ‘pay-it-forward’ and to really try to put others ahead of myself. I love that you’re doing it as well. This is what we, as humans, should be all about.
I was so thrilled to be a part of this!! I received a pair of earring and a headband that I just love!! Thank you so much! I look forward to sending my items out and will be blogging this as well as linking back to you!!
Thanks again, such a great idea 🙂
Great story !
We are really grateful that you took the time to spread the word about the PIF movement. Thanks to your assistance we will succeed to involve more and more people !
We will publish a book in a near future called “Your Unique Pay It Forward Story” featuring stories from various authors who “paid it forward. Let’s keep in touch!
Take care
This is such a wonderful idea to spend some needed cheer! I think i will try this…thank u
Amy