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Be kind to a stranger -

Simple things such as holding the door open for someone, or giving up your seat on the bus, can make someone's day a little bit better.

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Teach your kids the importance of giving -

Educating your children to be kind to others and giving is something that stays for life. You can start by getting them to donate toys they no longer play with.

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Give blood -

You can literally save someone's life by being a blood donor.

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Take part in a charity run -

Choose a cause and go for it. Get friends and family involved and raise some money for charity.

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Donate unwanted gifts -

You know that ugly Christmas sweater? Someone out there would love to wear it. The same goes for any other unwanted gifts.

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Donate your skills -

Are you good at something? Help others get good at it too. Teach your skills to those who can't afford to take a course to learn them, for instance.

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Volunteer at a soup kitchen -

Give up some of your time to help others at a soup kitchen. Just a couple of hours can make a huge difference.

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Volunteer at a homeless shelter -

The same goes for homeless shelters. Sadly, those who stay there don't have a home to go to, so any comfort your time can help bring them is invaluable.

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Help out at an animal shelter -

This is particularly rewarding for those who love animals but are unable to have one at home.

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Send charity Christmas cards -

Instead of buying regular post cards, buy some charity ones. It's a win-win!

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Donate for every shopping trip you make -

If you're doing to buy more, why not give up a bit of what you already have? This will also be a great way to declutter your home.

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Buy Fairtrade products -

Support farmers and workers in developing countries. From coffee to bananas, there's a huge range of Fairtrade products to choose from.

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Contribute to International Human Solidarity Day -

The United Nations celebrates and raises awareness about solidarity on December 20. Will you do your part?

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Participate in national giving days -

Check out the relevant national giving days in your country. Giving Tuesday, more popular in the US, is a good example.

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Encourage your company to develop a charity partnership -

In many countries, companies will get a tax relief when they donate to charities, so it's always a good thing to consider.

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Organize a Secret Santa with gifts from charity shops only -

Give a charitable twist to Secret Santa and get everyone at work involved.

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Organize dress down day at work -

And charge everyone involved, with all the proceeds going to charity. Try it!

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Throw an office party -

Everyone loves a party, so why not get your coworkers involved and contribute with something for charity?

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Engage with charity pages on social media -

Follow and like charity pages on social media. The more these pages grow, the more people they can reach.

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Raise awareness by sharing relevant content on social media -

You don't want to be a spammer, but some things are definitely worth sharing.

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Grow a mustache for Movember -

If you can, raise awareness about men's health in November by growing a mustache and participating in the Movember initiative.

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...and a beard for Decembeard -

And you can grow a full beard in December to raise awareness about bowel cancer.

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Hold a charity raffle -

This is a great fundraising method, and it's fun!

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Donate toys to kids who need them -

Not every child has access to toys, so if you have some spare ones that your kids don't play with anymore, donate them to those who would love them.

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Donate money -

Donate money to a charity close to your heart. Every bit counts.

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Donate clothes to the homeless -

Coats, gloves, hats, and any other warm items of clothing are particularly welcomed. Blankets are a good idea too!

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Buy locally -

Support the local economy by buying local produce. This a sustainable way to help your community.

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Arts and crafts -

Can you knit or make nice crafts? Why not sell them and donate the money to a charity of your choice?

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Plant a tree -

You'll do the planet and generations to come a big favor.

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Leave something to charity in your will -

Leave a gift to charity when you're gone. Now that's a legacy!

See also: Charity cases: The biggest donations of recent times

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