A Year of Giving: A Simple, Printable Giving Calendar for Kids
Teaching kids about giving does not have to be expensive or complicated. Small, everyday acts of kindness can be woven naturally into family life and help children develop empathy, gratitude, and generosity over time.
At Name Bubbles, giving back has always been part of who we are. Since 2009, we’ve donated nearly $300,000 dollars to various organizations. We believe our kids can create a better world, and that kindness is best learned through simple, consistent practice. That belief inspired this year-long giving guide designed to help families build a steady rhythm of generosity throughout the year.
Our Giving Calendar is a free, printable calendar that makes for an easy guide you can share with your little ones throughout the year. It will hopefully make kindness approachable, meaningful, and part of everyday routines.
What Is the “A Year of Giving” Calendar?
The Year of Giving Calendar is a one-page, printable kindness calendar for kids, featuring one simple giving theme for each month of the year.
- Designed for kids and families
- Low-cost and easy to follow
- Focused on real-life acts of kindness
Place it on your refrigerator, bulletin board, or family calendar to keep generosity and kindness visible and part of everyday routines.
Why a Giving Calendar Matters for Kids
This free, downloadable calendar teaches kids that giving isn’t just about donating - it’s about noticing others and showing care, kindness, and compassion in everyday moments. If you’d rather take a look below, we’ve included all of the monthly activities in this blog post.
The Giving Calendar helps children:
- Notice others
- Care about their community
- Understand that generosity becomes part of who they are
After each activity, ask your child how it felt when they did their act of giving, and what reaction they noticed from others. Those conversations are just as important as the act itself because they help them reflect on and understand why a giving spirit is so important.
A Year of Giving Calendar for Kids - Monthly Acts of Kindness
January
Start With Kindness
Have your child color a printable thank-you page for a teacher, neighbor, librarian, or bus driver. Starting the year with gratitude shows how small gestures can make someone feel seen and appreciated.
February
Share the Love
Kind words are not just for Valentine’s Day. Encourage your child to create cards or notes for seniors, hospital patients, or a favorite local shopkeeper. Thoughtfulness matters more than store-bought gifts.
March
Clean and Donate
Spring cleaning becomes more meaningful when kids help choose what to donate. Gather gently used toys, books, or clothing for a local organization. This reinforces the idea that communities thrive when people support one another.
April
Give to the Earth
Giving back can include caring for the planet. Join a community cleanup, plant pollinator-friendly flowers, or participate in a local Earth Day activity. Kids learn that protecting nature benefits everyone.
May
Help at Home
Encourage your child to help without being asked. This could mean assisting a sibling, caring for a pet, or working on a family project together. Let them choose how they want to help and talk through their plan.
June
Support Animals
Animal shelters often need clean blankets, towels, or food. If you do not have items to donate, help your child organize a small neighborhood collection and set a delivery date together.
July
Give Your Time
Volunteering as a family or helping a neighbor shows kids that small actions can create meaningful change. Giving time builds compassion and strengthens family bonds.
August
Back-to-School Giving
Donate school supplies or backpacks. Kids can help sort last year’s supplies or use Giving Jar funds to purchase new items. Calling a school or community center together reinforces responsibility.
September
Share What You Know
Encourage your child to teach something they know. Reading with a younger sibling, sharing a skill, or showing a friend how to make a favorite project helps kids recognize the value of their knowledge.
October
Think of Others
As the weather cools, focus on practical needs. Donate warm clothing, socks, or hats. Kids can ask family members or neighbors if they have gently used items to contribute.
November
Give Thanks
Volunteer time, organize a small food drive, or prepare a meal for someone who may need extra support. Sharing a holiday meal can make a lasting impact
December
Choose a Cause
Let your child choose a cause that matters to them and donate the funds they have saved. Offer guidance if needed, but allow them to lead. This reinforces that generosity is part of who they are.
How Small Acts of Kindness Shape Kids Over Time
Giving doesn’t need to be overwhelming or expensive to be meaningful. Through small, intentional acts throughout the year, families can raise kids who notice others, care deeply, and understand that kindness is something we practice every day.
Download our free Year of Giving Calendar, which features 12 kid-friendly activities for 12 months of giving, and make this year the time for intentional acts of kindness in everyday life!
