Sometimes it’s nice to do something for someone just because. Whether it’s changing a burnt-out light bulb or waiting to watch the next episode together, the little things in life go a long way and we could all use a reminder of that at times. With to-do lists a mile long and life’s other responsibilities looming, it’s important to acknowledge just how impactful the little things can be for our relationships. Not to mention, seeing someone else smile can bring you joy of your own.
As a reminder of the many things you can do for someone else, we created a list of 100 acts of service ideas. Being sure of the things you can do to make someone’s day can be as simple as knowing them and discovering their love language.
Browse through our collection to find endless ways to nurture your relationships and take Gary Chapman’s love language quiz to discover more things you can do to connect with others. Take a break from your own to-do list and check something off someone else’s.
Bring the groceries in from the car
Fill the car
with gas
Do the
dishes
Iron their
shirts
Make their
bed
Put a new roll of toilet paper
on instead of leaving it empty
Change the oil in their car
Do their
laundry
Fix the
computer
Fold their
socks
Take the
trash out
Untangle a
mess of cords
Pick up their prescriptions
Change a burnt-out light bulb
Give them the
“night off”
Pull the
weeds
Pay the
bills
Dust the
house
Scrub the
shower
Shovel the
snow for them
Make a list for the grocery store
Pick up the
dry cleaning
Clean the
computer monitor
Move the
laundry over
Mail a letter
for them
Mow the lawn
Organize the tupperware cabinet
Have dinner ready when they get home
Bake them
a cake
Make them
a cup of tea
Make them
lunch
Make them a cup of coffee
Leave the last bit
of milk for their cereal
Bake them
cupcakes
Did they forget something? Bring it to them
Give them a
manicure
Rub their
feet
Give them
a pedicure
Give them the
"night off"
Put a towel in the dryer
and have it ready when they
get out of the shower
Clear a frozen windshield for them
Check for
food in
their teeth
Remember
to put the
seat down
Bring them
a glass
of water
Walk them
to the door
Don’t watch the next
episode without them
Plug in their
phone if
they forget
Find a
babysitter
Drop them off at the door
and then park the car
Mark their Dad’s birthday on the calendar
Open the
door for them
Let them
sleep in
Make a
phone call
they’re avoiding
Return the
grocery cart
Do something
they forgot to do
Fluff their
pillow
Make them a
coupon book
Start the car and run the
heater before they leave
Clean their
sunglasses
Make them
a playlist
Find
something
they lost
Offer them
a back rub
Ask if they need you to pick
up anything on the way home
Untangle a
necklace
Help them prepare for a
presentation at work
Schedule that
appointment
for them
Lift something
heavy
Let them
park in
the garage
Record their favorite TV show
Let them pick
the movie
Bring them
the remote
Invite their
friends over
Give them an hour of
uninterrupted TV time
Pick out their
favorite movie
to watch
Give them an hour of uninterrupted video game time
Do all the research for an upcoming vacation
Take the pet
to the vet
Take the kids
to school
Feed the
pets
Go to the parent teacher conference
Walk the
dog
Get up when the baby’s
crying in the middle of the night
Drive the kids somewhere
Pack the
kids lunches
Put the
kids to bed
Change the
baby’s diaper
Clean up after the dog made a mess
Clean out the litter box
Those fluent in the Acts of Service love language give and receive love primarily by doing things for others and having things done for them. Lucky for you, this language is budget friendly only costing you a little time and effort!
Use the ideas above and the tips below to embrace the acts of service love language successfully. And remember, actions speak louder than words.
When communicating, use action phrases like, “I’ll help,” “I’ve got you covered,” and “I got your back.”
You should go out of your way to alleviate their workload and check items off of their running to-do list. Do things without asking and follow through on those you say you’ll do.
Avoid emphasizing the request of others or making requests of others a high priority.
Download the sharable acts of service ideas below. You can print them out, pin them and share with your loved ones!
Now that you’ve mastered ways to show someone your love with acts of service, you can elevate your expression by incorporating another love language like receiving gifts or spending quality time with one another. Pick out a fresh bouquet of flowers or a potted plant to set out next to your empty sink of dishes. If you’re looking for more ways you can show your love, take a peek at these romantic quotes or use a few I’m sorry quotes to personalize any apology.
