Secret Buddy Kindness Week Game
Draw names and secretly do kind things for your assigned person all week without being caught — a fun twist on kindness that builds thoughtfulness.
What You'll Need
- 1Paper slips for drawing names
- 2Container for names
- 3Supplies for kind acts throughout the week
What You'll Need
Small paper slips with family members' names
A container for drawing names
Supplies for whatever kind acts you dream up during the week
How to Play
Write each person's name on a slip of paper.
Everyone draws a name — that's your secret buddy for the week. Don't tell anyone!
All week, do kind things for your secret buddy without being discovered.
Ideas: make their bed, leave a nice note on their pillow, do one of their chores, prepare their favorite snack.
Keep a secret tally of what you did.
At the end of the week, gather and guess: "Who was MY secret buddy?"
Reveal and share all the kind acts. Celebrate the kindness.
Why It Works
The "secret" element transforms kindness from an obligation into a game. Kids have to think carefully about what their specific person would appreciate (empathy), then execute kind acts without being caught (planning and stealth). The guessing game at the end adds excitement, and the reveal creates a warm flood of gratitude. This activity teaches an important lesson: doing something nice for someone without getting credit feels even better than being thanked. That's intrinsic motivation for kindness — the most powerful kind.
Tips
If someone draws their own name, redraw. But if a parent draws a child's name, that's perfectly fine.
Encourage creative kindness, not just physical tasks. A handwritten compliment note can mean more than making a bed.
Keep a group tally of all kind acts discovered during the reveal. "We performed 23 acts of kindness this week!"
Do this monthly. The anticipation of secret buddy week becomes something the whole family looks forward to.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 10 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: paper slips for drawing names, container for names, supplies for kind acts throughout the week.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 8-12 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
Ratings & Reviews
Sign in to leave a rating or review.
Add to Your Weekly Plan
Schedule this activity into your family's week. It takes about 10 min.
Free account required to save plans
Explore More
Love this activity?
Create a free account and add it to your weekly planner. Discover hundreds more activities matched to your child's age.