It's easy to spread doom and gloom, especially when a souring economy is on everyone's mind. But what about spreading sunshine instead? It takes just as much effort, and has the added benefit of making you feel better too.
These simple ways to make someone happy don't cost much money; in fact, some are free and only take a minute of your time. There are a number of examples of guerrilla acts of kindness to strangers, as well as some cute and inexpensive gifts you can buy that are sure to bring a smile to the recipient's face.
If you think you're a sunshine-spreading expert, the Happypreneur conference is right up your alley. If you're the type that needs a daily reminder to exude positivity, we have some motivational posters and photos that will help inspire you to do just that.
14 Easy Ways to Brighten Someone's Day
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Guerrilla Sunshine-Spreading
The 'I Love You' Project
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Quirky Motivational Posters
‘Today I Will Be Happier Than a Bird With a French Fry'
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Negativity Refuse Bag
Positive Thinking Gadget
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Guerrilla Bookmarks
NamelessleTTER Features Personalized Book Markers
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Happypreneurs
San Francisco Positivity Conference
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Socially Uplifting Photosets
Smiles In Poverty
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Plushie Monitor Cleaners
Cute Computer Care Screen Wipes Help Remove Dust
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Happy Face Suction Toothbrush Holder
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Encouraging Optimism
“Wouldn't It Be Nice” Art Exhibition
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Dishware That Inspires Happiness
The Smile Cup
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Political Power of Positivity
Peruvian Shamans Send Good Karma to Obama
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Guerrilla Magazine Placement
'I Left This Here For You to Read'
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Observing The Adorable
‘Cute Things Falling Asleep' Shows Clips of Dozing Animals
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Personal Cheering Sections
'Cheers to You' is Guaranteed to Pump Up Your Ego
Related Ideas
Sun-Framing Billboards
Minute Maid's New Billboards Help Passersby Get a Daily Dose of Vitamin D
Emergency Shelter Robot Companions
The 'POWER HUG' Robot Concept Offers Warmth and Comfort
At-Home Beach Kits
easyJet Holidays Curated a Beach in a Box to Uplift Sun-Starved People
Uplifting Gen Z Fashion
Boohoo & Pantone Created a Collection for Mental Health Awareness Month
Sunshine-Inspired Sparkling Waters
LaCroix Sunshine Captures the Essence of the Sun's Rays
Disruptive Sun Care Pop-Ups
Sun Bum's Good Days Daily Bodega Inspires Refreshed Routines
Conversation Starter Crisps
Beavertown's Spicy Cheese Chips Support Talking About Mental Health
Augmented Reality Travel Murals
Tripadvisor's City Murals Entice People to Sunny San Diego
Stress Reduction Table Lamps
The Conceptual 'Sunnest' Table Lamp by King Him Ho is Relaxing
Hug-Activated Marketing Machines
UNIQLO France and The Pull Launch the Hug to Unlock Ad
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Affordable Cosmetics Holiday Bundles
e.l.f. Cosmetics Presents a Makeup Set Range for the Holidays
Daylight-Mimicking Floor Lamps
The Brighter Floor Lamp Delivers 50,000 Lumens
Precision-Targeted Mushroom Supplements
Golden Hour is a Social Aid & Alcohol Alternative
Heat-Sensitive Vending Machines
Sprite's Vending Machine Drops a Drink When Temperatures Rise
Mood-Boosting Cafe Pop-Ups
Skittles' House of Joy Brightens the Dark Days of February
Emotional Support Water Bottles
The MoodMug Water Bottle Has a Spot to Display Mood Emojis
Experiential Mental Well-Being Events
Batiste's Refresh & Reflect Events Connect & Uplift Students
Mood-Boosting Haircare
Happy Hair People Combines Expert Haircare with Uplifting Fragrances
Chocolate Reconnection Campaigns
Purdys Chocolatier's Reconnect Roulette Helps People Reach Out
Mood-Boosting Body Mists
Sol de Janeiro’s Summer Mood Mist Trio Reminds of Sun-Soaked Days
Alternative Energy Illuminators
The IKEA x Little Sun 'SAMMANLÄNKAD' Collection is Elegant
AR Shopping Malls
American Express' Door to Shop Small Highlights 10 Small Businesses
Groundhog-Themed Beer Campaigns
Samuel Adams is Sending Drinkers $50k Worth of Cold Snap
Social Ghosting Donut Campaigns
The Krispy Kreme Ghosted Box Encourages Relationship Rekindling
Modern Gifting Services
Fresh Sends Reinvents Flower Delivery & Gift-Giving for a New Generation
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
Emotional Utility Beverages
These Canned Drinks Deliver Refreshment and a Euphoric Boost
Energizing Wellness Mists
cMoss Beauty's Face and Mood Mist Revitalizes the Complexion & Spirit
Smile-Reflecting Toothpaste Campaigns
Colgate & Oglivy Create the #FreeYourSmile campaign
Kids' Money Management Books
'The Adventures of Ca$hman & Supersaver' Promotes Financial Awareness
Daily Motivation Apps
'Motivation' is an Empowering App Helping People Make the Most of Their Days
Sunshine-Inspired Candles
Spoken Flames Adds Smells Like Sunshine to Its Sensory Candles Range
Serotonin-Boosting Billboards
Soglar's Billboard Uplifts on the Most Depressing Day of the Year
Self-Esteem Promoting Plushies
Bigfoot Kin Teaches Children How to Love Themselves
Empowering Gratitude Journals
The Keys Soulcare Gratitude Journal Encourages Self-Expression
Tea-Filled Smartphone Lenses
Gold Peak Tea Created a Golden Hour Clip-On Smartphone Lens
Slick Rechargeable Lighters
Brightly's Rechargeable Lighter is an Effective "Eco-Swap"
Emotive Smartphone Camera Covers
Yifan Hu Designs the Emoji-Inspired Smartphone Accessories
Motivating Journaling Apps
MindUp Encourages Users to Maintain a Daily Mindfulness Habit
Social Professional Productivity Apps
The 'LikeMind' App Connects Users to Other Hustlers
Friendship-Focused Party Games
Catch the Vibe is a Battle to Prove Who Knows Their Friends Best
Playful Creativity-Focused Campaigns
Sharpie® Launches the World is Your Canvas Tour
Kindness-Encouraging Soda Campaigns
The Coca-Cola 'The World Needs More Santas' Ad is Festive
Umbrella-Resembling Playful Lamps
Heeyeol Yang Designs the Rain Man Lamp Structure
AI-Powered Productivity Apps
The 'BeforeSunset' App Helps with Planning and Time Management
Complimentary Soup Trucks
The Good Humor Soup Truck is Sharing Free Soup in NYC
Open-Air Summer Workstations
The Flipz On Summer Chair Supplies Shade and Supports Snacking
Retro Family Photoshoots
Blue Bunny is Inviting Families to Pop-Up 90s-Themed Photoshoots
Astrological Cafe Drinks
Starbucks Star Signs Recommends Drinks
Daylight Savings Coffee Giveaways
Grubhub & Dunkin’ Give Away Free Caffeinated Drinks for a Week
Loneliness-Combatting Grocery Shopping Experiences
Oma's Soep Debuted a Shopping Basket Initiative
Solstice-Inspired Cosmetic Collections
Elate Beauty Launched the Solstice Collection on June 21st
Bright Whimsical Home Accessories
Blue Balcony Design Studio Delivers a Range of Vibrant Decor
Motivational Breakfast Ccampaigns
Quaker Canada Introduces '100 Reasons to Rise'
Origami-Inspired Solar Panels
Sego Innovations Develops a New Foldable and Portable Solar Panel
Rainy Day-Inspired Candles
Byredo Launches Summer Rain—a Candle for Rainy Days
Gen Z Anti-Loneliness Funds
Hinge Combats Loneliness for Gen Z - $1M Fund
Inspiring Daily Bodycare
method's Unleash Your Inner Shower Celebrates Personal Transformations
Glow-Boosting Body Creams
The Rio Radiance Body Glow Cream Instantly Adds Luminosity
Sound Frequency Therapy Apps
Soaak Tackles Seasonal Depression Symptoms Through Sound
Stress Reduction Finance Apps
The 'MoneyCoach' App Takes the Anxiety Out of Money Management
Artist-Designed Umbrella Series
A Team of Artists Create the SHED Rain Artist Series
Thoughtful Conversation Cards
Lumitory's Conversation Cards Offer Thought-Provoking Prompts
Influencer Christmas Campaigns
An Influencer Couple from Wigan Launched the Giftmas Tree Project
Sunlight-Mimicking Panelled Lamps
The New Sunne Lamp by Sunne is Powered by Solar Energy
Comforting Financial Pop-Ups
Experian's Credit Paws Café is a Place to Chat About Money Worries
Creator-Celebrating Campaigns
The Frito-Lay My Joy Campaign Celebrates Creators of All Backgrounds
Play-Inspiring Workshops
LEGO is Sharing a Free Workshop Series Featuring Renowned Creatives
Updated Sustainable API Features
Google Adds New Features to its Ingenious Project Sunroof
Loneliness-Combating Social Campaigns
Hinge Launches the New One More Hour Campaign and Fund
Magnetic Hand-Holding Socks
These Children's Socks Add a Touch of Whimsy to the Everyday Item
AI Customer Review Helpers
Spokk Will Use AI to Write Reviews on a Customer's Behalf
Charitable Shopping Assistants
Give Freely Harnesses the Power of Online Shopping for Good
Human Candle Campaigns
These Human Statues of Candle Wax Bring Attention to Youth Burnout
Exclusive Gamer Gift Cards
Candy Crush Saga Gift Cards Share a 48-Hour Unlimited Lives Bonus
Radiant Sun Protection Serums
Introducing Suntouchable! Whoa Glow SPF 30
Branded Daylight Savings Giveaways
Eggo Gives Tired Parents the Morning Off with a Babysitter
Gen Z-Focused Eye Creams
Bubble Inroduces Morning Rays Brightening Eye Cream
Empathy-Building Anxiety Simulators
This Tool Let's You Practice Talking to Someone with Anxiety
Mental Health-Aiding Light Systems
The LUXOR Light is Engineered to Seamlessly Combat SAD
Daily Motivational Quotes
QuoteBuzz Uplifts with Positive Reinforcement Aligned to Their Goals
Kindness-Promoting Marketing Campaigns
Once Upon a Coconut Launches 1 Million Acts of Kindness
Kindness-Promoting Local Business Markets
KIND Snacks hosts the KINDness Market in Toronto
Mindful Illumination Holiday Campaigns
Santa & Cole Presents a Warm Embracing Light Campaign
Employee-Focused Finance Programs
Claro Money Launches a Financial Wellbeing Package for Employees
Visual Payment Apps
Vizme Turns the Experience of Sending or Spending Money Into Stories
AI Breath Work Apps
Breath Confetti Uses AI To Help Calm the Mind
Affordable Lifestyle Directories
'I Have This Friend' Makes Aspirational Living More Accessible
Anonymous Gratitude-Exchanging Platforms
'A Little Optimism' Let's People Share Weekly Gratitudes
Giftable CBD Products
Thanks! Naturals is on a Mission to Spread Gratitude and Wellness
Authentic Ambassador Campaigns
BeReal is Looking for "The Realest Person on Earth"
Daily Affirmation Phone Apps
Avra Core Sends Notifications to Help Users Live More Positively
Quirky eCard Platforms
Happiepages Has an Online Celebratory Card for Any Occassion
Joy-Inspired Beauty Campaigns
Ulta Beauty Launches the Joy Project, a Ground-Breaking Study
Burnout-Preventing Toolkits
The Upward Spiral Playbook Offers Strategies to Navigate Challenges
Hyper-Local Gifting Communities
On the Buy Nothing Project App, Everything is Given Freely
Lucrative Sunglasses Promotions
Neven Offers a Buy-One-Get-Two-Free Promotion
Rapper-Backed Happiness Journals
Intelligent Change and Prince EA Release 'The 3x Happier Journal'
Self Care Planners
The 2024 Self Care Planner Helps People Prioritize Self Care
Inspirational Learning Management Tools
'Get Inspired' Offers Digestible Snippets of Content
Simple Meditative Websites
One Minute Focus Encourages Relaxation and Wellbeing
Hobby-Funding Sweepstakes
Starburst's Pink Passion Protection Program Fuels Creativity with Cash
Daily Affirmation-Focused Cards
Joyful Hearts Co. Delivers Self-Confidence with Affirmation Cards
Sentimental AI Speech Writers
Toast Tracker Sends Well Wishes to Loved Ones
Outdoor Activity Challenges
L.L.Bean is Inviting People Outside for Mental Health Awareness Month
Cheese-Themed Entertaining Guides
'That Cheese Plate Wants to Party' Inspires Tasty Creations
Billboard-Transformed Tent Shelters
Wunderman Thompson Morocco Creates the Life-Saving Outdoors
Social Good Holiday Initiatives
This Holiday Season Milo's Tea is Donating to Feeding America
Public Holiday Work Apps
The Public Holidays Slack App Keeps Employees Connected
Happiness-Prioritizing QSR Campaigns
Dave & Buster's Launches the 'Adult Unlearn' Summer Campaign
Collaboration YouTuber Cosmetics
The Sigma x Angela Bright Eyeshadow Palette Has 14 Shades
Uplifting Mental Health Campaigns
Samaritans is Challenging "Blue Monday" with "Brew Monday"
Personalized Holiday Newsletters
Pics & Wishes is a Line of Multi-Media Greetings
Kid-Friendly Financial Support Apps
Goaly Offers Financial Lessons for Kids and Their Parents
Festive Display Contests
The Truly Keep It Light Holiday Edition Helps to Cover Utility Bills
Slogan-Detailed Graphic Tee Capsules
Soho Yacht Club Suggests to Do Something Nice Today
Connection-Building Dating Platforms
Happie Aims to Build Meaningful Connections Between Users
Simple Calendar Summary Tools
The Free Calendar Dashboard Can Summarize Your Week in Minutes
Anonymous Letter Sending
Letters is a Charming Tool Allowing People to Send Letters in Secret
Provocative Eco Screensavers
Planet-Saving Screen Savers Encourage Switching Off Devices
Cash-Gifting Greeting Cards
Hallmark + Venmo Cards Simultaneously Share Heartfelt Messages & Money
Lighthearted Meme Apps
Goodday is a Meme App Designed to Inspire Happiness
Thought-Organizing AI Assistants
Sort My Thoughts Helps Users Stay Organized
Reflective Peer Support Platforms
HOPE Connects Struggling People to Their Future Selves
Solar-Powered Heated Seats
The GoSun Solar Seat Offers Warmth on Cold Days
Money-Saving Shopping Extensions
The Karma Extension Tracks Price Drops for Online Shoppers
Urban Communal Dining Events
Toronto's Weekly Communal Table Program is Hosted Under a Highway
Community Borrowing Apps
Borrow Encourages Neighbours to Interact and Share
Connective Daily Email Groups
Glory Morning Connects Like-Minded People Via Email
Daily Stoic Wisdom
Stoiczone Sends Daily Philosophy Quotes to Your Inbox
Daily-Prompting Social Journals
Journal. Invites Users to Share Their Thoughts and Feelings
Efficient Fact Generators
Facts Generator Can Produce Interesting Facts About Any Subject
Animal-Themed Affirmation Websites
Easy Affirm Uses Animals to Add an Emotional Aspect
Entrepreneurial Community Building
VenturePals Steps in to Help Solo Entrepreneurs Find Community
Connective Time Zone Apps
Clockwise Helps You Stay In Sync Across The Globe
Kindness-Promoting Children's Books
These Heartbeats Children's Books Celebrate Holiday Joy
Community Social Apps
Beezle Social Keeps Users Informed Connected with Their Neighbors
Improv Scene Generators
Instant Improv Suggestions Bolsters Creativity for Performers
Connective Altruistic Apps
Heart 2 Help Uses Tech Can to Foster Positive Relationships