What is Friendship Day?: Learn all about this fun-filled day and get ideas for celebrating your besties

An illustration of the backs of three women as they stand side by side, hugging one another.

It’s pretty easy to figure out that Friendship Day is all about taking time to feel grateful for our friends. But if you’re wondering how it became a thing or you’re in need of ideas to celebrate it, you’re in the right place! 

From understanding its origins and how it’s celebrated globally to organizing meaningful gatherings, giving cards, gifts and more, read on for ideas on how to make your next Friendship Day extra memorable.

Inspired? Create and share by tagging @HallmarkStores.

What is Friendship Day?  

The idea for Friendship Day originated with the founder of Hallmark Cards, J.C. Hall, back in 1919. He noted that while we had special days to celebrate mothers, fathers and romantic partners, there was no day set aside for some of the most important people in our lives. So it was suggested that we have a day for everyone from our BFFs and childhood friends to brand new friends to be recognized and appreciated.

The United States Congress proclaimed the first Sunday in August as National Friendship Day in 1935. It has since become a widely celebrated holiday not just here in the United States but also in many other countries in Asia, South America, and around the world.

Ways to celebrate Friendship Day  

Send a card

Whether they’re near or far, picking just the right card for a friend to express your appreciation for them is always a good idea.

We even have customizable cards that let you upload your own photos and add your own messages, which you can then send through the mail or immediately as an ecard. How cute would you and your bestie look on this one? (Very.)

Give a gift

When it comes to Friendship Day, it’s definitely the thoughtfulness that counts. Here are some gift ideas that range from simple DIY gestures to slightly more elaborate gifts.

Homemade and heartfelt

A homemade gift can show you took the time to create something just for them. The possibilities are endless but here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Friendship bracelets. Take a page out of a certain pop star’s handbook and make your pals custom friendship bracelets—each with a word or phrase that’s personal to them or meaningful to your friendship. For a tutorial on how to make more artistic bracelets, check out this article.
  • Photo album or scrapbook. Create a friendship photo album with your favorite snapshots over the years or put together a scrapbook of a trip, event or celebration you know they’ll appreciate.
  • A crafty keepsake. Consider making something that you know your friend would love. It could be anything from a bookmark using pressed flowers to lettering or cross-stitching a sweet or inspiring quote about friendship for them to display.
  • A letter or poem. Write your friend a heartfelt letter or a poem. You can use your favorite memories, describe what they bring to your life or simply write from the heart.  

 

Delightful and delicious

For all the times you “cooked up” some fun together, make Friendship Day more memorable by serving up something delicious.

  • Get out your mixer and whip up some cookies or brownies or loaves of fresh bread to give to friends along with a little note of appreciation. Everyone loves homemade treats.
  • Design a gourmet gift basket with your friend in mind. Whether they like cheese, candy, tea or cookies, Friendship Day treats are always a win.
  • Celebrate with a friendship cake. Whether you bake it from scratch or order a personalized photo cake with your face on it, friends don’t let friends eat cake alone! You could even put up enough candles to match your years of friendship.

 

Perfectly personalized

A personalized gift can be a really affirming way to show your friend how seen and valued they are to you. Use any of the below ideas for inspiration or choose something you know they’ll love!

  • Flowers. Who wouldn’t love some “thinking of you” blooms? You could pick the flower of their birth month or choose specific flowers that speak to who they are as a person. Learn more about flowers and their meanings here.
  • Photos. Print a favorite photo of you and a friend to put in a friendship-themed frame like this one.
  • Memories. Fill out this Why You’re My Bestie book and surprise them with something one of a kind.
  • T-shirts. Celebrate Friendship Day in style. Make your friend a truly personalized gift with your favorite quote, a funny photo or an inside joke on a T-shirt.

Hangout ideas

When you want to celebrate Friendship Day by doing something fun together, here are some ideas that range from low-key to fancy. And if you’re looking for even more fun things to do with friends, we’ve got you covered.

Local adventures

  • Go for a drive with your windows down and volume up as you sing your favorite songs together.
  • Go for a walk together just to get some fresh air and catch up!
  • Organize a happy hour at a favorite neighborhood bar.
  • Go to a thrift store and pick out something cute for each other!

 

At-home fun

  • Invite a friend or friends over for a coffee date. Bonus points if you serve their drink in a fun mug like this that they can take home.
  • Bring all your favorite photos over the years for a throwback slideshow night.
  • Come up with a secret handshake. All besties need one, right?
  • Watch your favorite movies or TV shows together. Popcorn is a must.

 

An event to remember

  • Take a painting, exercise or cooking class together.
  • Attend a concert or performance.
  • Have a luxurious spa day or get your nails done.
  • Go on a trip or weekend getaway.

Long-distance ideas

Today more than ever, we aren’t always able to live in the same city as some of our closest friends. That doesn’t mean we can’t find a million and one reasons to reach out and say “hello.”

Celebrating Friendship Day with long-distance friends can also be a great way to reconnect if it’s been a while. Here are a few creative ideas:

  • Schedule a video chat. Funny filters optional.
  • Stream a show or movie at the same time.
  • Have a phone chat while you take a walk.
  • Play a video game or online board game.
  • Listen to an album together but separately.
  • Make each other bestie playlists.
  • Read a book every month and chat to discuss.
  • Send each other disposable cameras and then swap!
  • Buy some cute stationery and become pen pals.

Vintage Friendship Day cards  

A vintage Friendship Day card from the 1920s
A vintage Friendship Day card from the 1920s

For so many of us, our friends get us through the good times, the bad times and all the times in between. It’s no wonder a day to celebrate them has become so popular! Hopefully we’ve given you lots of ideas and inspiration to make the most of this meaningful day. 🫶

 

Looking for more ideas to love on your besties? We’ve got ’em: