Generosity doesn't have to be expensive. National Give Something Away Day, on July 15, encourages people to share something they have, whether it's a gently used item, a skill, their time or a kind word. Giving can help others while also decluttering your home and lifting your spirits. It's a day to think about what you can share and who might benefit.
History of National Give Something Away Day
Giving and sharing are values found in cultures and religions around the world, from charity traditions to community gift economies. Many Native American cultures, for example, have traditions of giving, such as the potlatch ceremonies of Pacific Northwest peoples.
In the United States, organized charity grew in the 1800s and 1900s, and thrift stores, food banks and donation centers became common. In recent years, online 'buy nothing' groups and community sharing programs have made it easier to give items directly to neighbors.
Research in psychology has explored the benefits of giving. A well-known 2008 study by Elizabeth Dunn and colleagues found that people who spent money on others reported greater happiness than those who spent it on themselves. Who created National Give Something Away Day is not documented.
Why National Give Something Away Day Matters
Giving helps people in need and strengthens communities.
It can also make givers feel happier and more connected.
Giving away unused items reduces waste and clutter, keeping useful things out of landfills and in the hands of people who can use them.
Giving can also be a family tradition. Children who help choose items to donate or volunteer alongside adults learn empathy and gratitude. Even small acts, like leaving a book in a little free library or sharing garden vegetables with neighbors, help build a culture of generosity in a community.
How to Celebrate National Give Something Away Day
- Donate items: give clothes, books or toys to a charity.
- Share a skill: teach someone to cook, code or garden.
- Volunteer: give your time to a local organization.
- Join a sharing group: give items to neighbors through a community group.
- Give a compliment: share kind words for free.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, teams can organize a donation drive for clothing, books or school supplies, or volunteer together. In classrooms, students can collect items for a local charity, discuss different ways to give, or write kind notes to school staff. At home, families can go through closets and toy bins and choose items to donate, letting children decide what to give and where it will go. Make sure donated items are clean and in good condition.
Fun Facts About National Give Something Away Day
- A 2008 study found spending on others increased happiness.
- Potlatch ceremonies are giving traditions of Pacific Northwest peoples.
- Community sharing groups help keep items out of landfills.
National Give Something Away Day FAQs
When is National Give Something Away Day?
National Give Something Away Day is July 15.
What can I give away?
Items, time, skills or kind words.
Does giving make you happier?
Research suggests giving can boost happiness.
Where can I donate items?
Charities, thrift stores, shelters or community sharing groups.