World Smile Day – celebrated on the first Friday of October each year – is all about spreading smiles (obviously!) and kindness. Since its debut in 1999, it has aimed to restore the original spirit of the iconic smiley face. And, encourage everyone to brighten someone’s day with a simple act of kindness or a heartfelt smile. This year’s theme is simple: “Do something kind. Make someone’s day.” But, if you’re unsure where to start, these ideas might help.

1. Step up

Supporting someone doesn’t always require grand gestures. Simply being there for a friend in need or offering a hand when they least expect it can make a world of difference. Want to add a fun twist? Consider gifting them a pair of shoes from the SpongeBob SquarePants collection by Hey Dude, featuring the famous character’s iconic grin. It’s a playful way to show you care while giving them a reason to smile and stand tall.

2. Say … or send … a sweet something

Sometimes, all it takes to lift someone’s spirits is a thoughtful message or a little surprise. A heartfelt note of encouragement or a simple “thinking of you” text can work wonders. However, if you want to take things a little more literally, why not send a sweet treat. A box of delicious Dr Dough doughnuts are sure to deliver a whole lot of love.

3. Be someone’s emotional support (mascara!)

Whether it’s advising someone through a challenging situation, or just listening to let them know you’re there, emotional support can come in many forms. And, sometimes, it’s the little things that help brighten the mood, like a cute beauty product. Australis Emotional Support Tubing Mascara, for example, adds a bit of whimsy to your everyday routine while reminding you that self-care is essential. The fact that it’s flake-free and smudge-proof makes it an excellent option for a friend who needs to let her tears out.

4. Make them smile

It can be as simple as a compliment, a funny meme, or a shared laugh over a video – little moments like these can turn anyone’s day around. Or, why not dazzle them with a literal sparkling smile? White Glo, offers everything from whitening toothpaste to teeth whitening kits and strips to help you keep your grin in top form. A good way to test the theory that when you smile, the whole world smiles back at you…

5. Melt problems away

Finally, sometimes, the best way to make someone smile is by reminiscing about the good-old days. A trip down memory lane can spark joy and laughter, especially when it’s paired with an old-school treat and throws back to a time when calories never counted. Split a dessert and savour every moment. Or, for a quirky twist, opt for  Sundae Whipped Suncare – a nostalgic SPF that feels like a playful throwback to simpler days and ice cream sundaes.