Pocket-sized crochet creations being given out around the Bay of Plenty are delighting those who find them. 

The BOP Random Acts of Crochet Kindness was inspired by a similar idea in the United States. Now it’s being picked up around the world by crafters keen to spread joy in their community.

Pahoia resident Deb Bowden started a group in Ōmokoroa about six months ago. 

“It’s just a little surprise designed to make people smile,” says Deb.

“We get together to share ideas and then work individually to make them and place them where locals will find them.”

People who happen to find the small plastic parcels with woollen hearts, worry worms, butterflies and flowers will find a poem inside explaining the creation is a free gift to brighten their day. 

“We’d love to see posts on our Facebook page from people finding them and how it might have made them feel. We often don’t know which of us has made it, but it just shares the happiness back to us,” says Deb.

Brenda Butler is estimated to have made about 400 crochet gifts and loves leaving them at her local doctor’s office, in baskets and trolleys at the supermarket, or simply handing them to people as she passes.

“Sometimes she gets a hug and a big ‘thank you’,” says Deb.

Fellow prolific crocheter Christine Conn has been known to simply leave her ‘pocket hugs’ in public restrooms for people to find.

 “I learned how to crochet when I was a child and didn’t do much with it and just picked it up again recently when the group started,” says Christine.

“It’s just nice to spread some happiness and to show appreciation to people in the community.”

“It’s quite fun trying to put them somewhere so no one sees you’ve done it, but they’ll still be found by someone,” laughs Shirley-Ann Crosby.

“It’s like reverse stealing.” 

“Hundreds have gone out but not many people have commented on the Facebook page,” says Deb.

“We’re hoping to get more people posting about their find on ‘BOP Random Acts of Crochet Kindness’ on Facebook.”