🎁 July 15 – Give Something Away Day: Share the Joy…or Junk! 🎉
Celebrate July 15 with some generous flair—because giving (almost) anything to anyone is the name of the game. Let’s make this day one for spreading smiles, sparkles, and maybe a dash of delightful chaos.
Affiliate Disclosure
Just so you know, this post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click through and buy something, I might earn a tiny commission—enough to keep the lights on and maybe snag a celebratory cupcake. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, pinky promise.
🏁 Origins & Founder Story
Give Something Away Day didn’t pop up in some grandiose speech or viral campaign—it was born out of the simple human impulse to share. Its exact origin is a bit murky (so let’s just say it’s been floating around internet calendars since the early 2000s 😂), but its spirit is crystal clear: a lighthearted nudge to brighten someone’s day—big or small.
🎉 Interesting Tidbits
It’s practically the anti–Black Friday: instead of hoarding, you’re sharing!
Kicking back in mid‑July, it gives us something to do besides debating pineapple pizza.
You get the feel‑good vibes without a Hallmark card—though those are welcome too.
🌟 10+ Quirky, Delightful Ways to Celebrate
Mystery Snack Attack
Leave a bag of chips or candy bar on a coworker's desk with a “Surprise!” note. Instant smile.Borrow‑and‑Return Swap Station
Set up a mini shelf at home or work where folks can take a book, gadget, or plant—and return it someday (like a mini library without the fines).Secret Share Parcel
Fill a small box with fun items—stickers, goofy socks, mini‑classic candy. Leave it in a public place with a note: “For whoever needs this!”Digital Gift Card Dash
Send a $5 e‑gift card to a random friend for coffee or treats. A lil’ caffeine boost goes a long way.Music Playlist Power
Curate a “Just Because” playlist for someone based on their taste—it’s like a mixtape, but 21st century.Plant Pals Patrol
Have two of everything? Gently pot a baby plant and gift it to your neighbor or colleague.Compliments & Coupons
Make handmade “free compliment” coupons (redeemable for praise) and hand them out. Cheesy? Totally. Effective? Absolutely.Wardrobe Love‑Bomb
Donate a lightly used, gently loved clothing item to someone you know—or even a local shelter.Hand‑written Haikus
Craft fun haikus or doodles and slip them into coworker mailboxes. Undramatic yet delightfully absurd.Kitchen Surprise Jar
Bake or buy some treats, store them in a jar, and leave them in a shared kitchen with a “Take some, share some!” sign.Pet Treat Parade
Got a friendly neighborhood dog or cat? Pop over with a small bag of pet treats for some furry neighbors.Neighbor NFT (Nice Friend Token)
Walk over and say, “Hey, here’s a random gift—just because.” Could be candy, coffee, or a tiny trinket (we’re calling it an NFT 😉).
💡 Why It Matters
Feel‑good bonus points!
You’re giving dopamine (happy vibes!) to both giver and receiver.Build micro‑connections.
A small gesture can spark friendships or brighten someone’s day.Cultivate generosity muscle.
It’s easier to share when doing it becomes a habit—even with tiny things.
🍲 Main Dish: Share-the-Love Summer Vegetable Lasagna
Ingredients:
9 lasagna noodles (or use oven-ready)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 zucchini, sliced
1 yellow squash, sliced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cups baby spinach
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 cups shredded mozzarella
1 jar (about 24 oz) good marinara sauce
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
Cook noodles if needed. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté zucchini, squash, and bell pepper in olive oil until just tender. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Mix ricotta with egg and Parmesan in a bowl.
In a 9x13 baking dish, layer sauce, noodles, ricotta mix, veggies, and mozzarella. Repeat until you’re out of ingredients, ending with cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
Cool slightly, then garnish with basil. Cut into squares perfect for giving away.
🥗 Side: Summer Tomato & Corn Salad
Bright, fresh, and perfect to make in a big batch.
Ingredients:
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh corn kernels (raw or grilled)
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
Juice of 1 lime
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
Mix everything in a bowl. Let sit 10–15 minutes so the flavors become best friends.
🍪 Dessert: Pack-and-Share Lemon Crinkle Cookies
These travel well and bring instant sunshine.
Ingredients:
1 box lemon cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
Powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix cake mix, eggs, and oil into a dough.
Roll dough into balls, then in powdered sugar.
Bake on parchment-lined sheet for 8–10 minutes. Let cool, then pack up a few in a baggie with a note that says, “Just because.”
🍹 Beverage: Citrus Mint Iced Tea (a.k.a. “Kindness in a Glass”)
Ingredients:
4 cups water
4 black tea bags (or green for a lighter touch)
1/4 cup honey or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Juice of 1 orange
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
Orange and lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
Boil the water and steep tea bags for 5–7 minutes.
Remove bags and stir in honey while still warm.
Add citrus juices and mint leaves. Let cool, then chill in the fridge.
Serve over ice with citrus slices and a sprig of mint.
To Share:
Pour into mason jars or recycled glass bottles. Add a twine-tied tag with a note like:
“A sip of summer for your day. Happy Give Something Away Day!”
🍎 Elementary Idea: “Kindness Cart Parade”
Objective: Students create small, meaningful gifts and “parade” them around the school delivering kindness to others.
🎨 Materials Needed:
Small paper bags or envelopes
Crayons, markers, and stickers
Strips of paper or index cards
A cart, wagon, or decorated box (optional but adorable!)
Printable “Kindness Coupons”
📝 Steps:
Start with a Chat: Talk about what it means to “give something away” and brainstorm things you can give that aren’t just “stuff” (time, compliments, help).
Craft Corner: Students decorate gift bags and fill them with:
A Kindness Coupon (e.g., “Good for one classroom clean-up help!” or “Free recess buddy pass!”)
A drawing or positive note
A small token if you like (like stickers, erasers, or bookmarks)
Kindness Parade: Choose other classrooms, staff rooms, or the school office to surprise with the Kindness Cart!
Reflect: End the day with a Giving Glow-Up Circle—what did it feel like to give something away?
💡 Tips:
Let each student give one bag to a staff member or buddy in a younger grade.
Pair with a read-aloud like Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts or The Spiffiest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson.
📚 Secondary Idea: “The Great Giveaway Graffiti Wall”
Objective: Students anonymously “give” words of wisdom, kindness, or gratitude by creating a collaborative wall of messages.
🎨 Materials Needed:
Large butcher paper or bulletin board space
Markers, paint pens, post-its
A sign that says: “Take What You Need, Give What You Can”
Envelopes or mini folders (optional for takeaway notes)
📝 Steps:
Kickoff Discussion: Pose the question—"What can you give that costs nothing but can mean everything?" Explore answers: advice, memories, apologies, encouragement.
Create the Wall: Students write anonymous messages to “give away”:
Uplifting quotes
Affirmations
Study tips or self-care strategies
Acts of kindness they challenge others to do
Interactive Twist: Others can "take" a message they need and optionally leave one in return.
Reflection Prompt: Journal entry or group discussion: “What did you choose to give—and why?”
💡 Tips:
Encourage digital learners to contribute via a shared doc or Padlet.
Use this as a kindness kickoff for the year or term.
🎁 Quirky in the Workplace
"White Elephant, But It’s July (And Also Slightly Concerning)"
Host a midsummer “Gift Dump Swap.” Everyone brings one item from home they’re ready (emotionally or otherwise) to part with—no explanation needed, but ominous backstories encouraged. Think:
A haunted-looking porcelain clown
A half-used candle that smells like regret
That mug that says “World’s Okayest Boss” (never used, deeply suspicious)
An unopened chia pet shaped like Abe Lincoln
Each item gets wrapped in the office newspaper or bubble wrap from the last Amazon shipment. Participants draw numbers, pick a gift, and can steal from others (standard white elephant rules). The twist? Every gift must come with a dramatic tagline or jingle, infomercial-style.
Example:
🎤 “Tired of drinking your coffee without unsolicited inspiration? Introducing the ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ travel mug—with built-in guilt!”
Prize for most bizarre gift: a certificate for “Supreme Workplace Generosity (and Questionable Taste)”
Tagline for the day:
“Give Something Away Day: Because one man’s cursed lava lamp is another cubicle’s conversation starter.”
🎬 Movie: Pay It Forward (2000)
This heartfelt drama follows a young boy (played by Haley Joel Osment) who launches a "pay it forward" movement by helping three people, expecting each of them to help three others in return. His simple act of kindness snowballs, impacting lives in unexpected ways—perfectly embodying the idea of giving without expecting anything in return.
📺 TV Episode: Ted Lasso – Season 2, Episode 14
In the Christmas Day episode, Ted and Rebecca spend the day delivering gifts to underprivileged children. Their acts of generosity uplift not only the recipients but also themselves, showcasing the profound emotional impact of giving. A beautiful, feel‑good example of how sharing time and resources can bring people together.
🏁 Final Tips
Keep it low‑pressure and spontaneous—no one wants to feel indebted.
Even small is big: a single chocolate bar can make someone’s afternoon.
Share unpredictably! Keep the receiver guessing sneakily wholesome surprises.
📸 Snap & Share
Capture your mini‑gifts and kindness waves on social media. Use playful hashtags like:
#GiveSomethingAwayDay 🤝 #SpreadTheWeirdKindness 🌈 #July15Joy
