Every year on 30 July, we celebrate the UN’s International Friendship Day, a day set aside to celebrate the importance of friends in our lives. Studies have shown that strong, meaningful relationships have many health benefits and that the benefits of friendship can outweigh the risks. Celebrated since 2011, the day celebrates the bonds that tie people together.
On this day, we honour the many cultures, values, and beliefs that unite us. This year, International Friendship Day falls on a Saturday, meaning it's the perfect opportunity to make a toast to the friends we have and celebrate the ones we’re yet to make. Our goal is to draw attention to the special relationship we share with our friends and family members around the world and how it ties us together in a way that is unique but close all at once.
International Friendship Day is a day for reflection and celebration of the important bond we have with our friends and family. Each year, on 30 July, we’re encouraged to reach out and make a difference by doing something nice for another friend or family member we may not always think to do something for. This year, why not take your friends out for a fun day out?
Here are some fun ideas to celebrate everyone's favourite day of the year.
1. Send thoughtful cards
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of getting a thoughtful card or letter in the post. In an age of digital communication and social media, there’s something special about getting a physical letter that shows how much you care. Why not send a thoughtful greeting card to your friends and family?
2. Host an international potluck dinner
A potluck dinner is common in many cultures around the world, serving as a way to bring people together. What better way to celebrate friendship than by inviting your local friends over for a meal? Make it an international potluck and invite your friends from different countries. Everyone can bring dishes that represent his or her culture. If you don’t have enough friends to attend, make the meal an annual event.
3. Have a sleepover night
Set aside a night where you spend time with all of your closest friends over fun activities such as board games, card games, storytelling, karaoke and going out for some midnight snacks! You can even use International Friendship Day as the theme for this fun event. Invite some trusted people into your circle of friends and try something new!
4. Throw a party
Holidays are always fun to celebrate with family and friends, and International Friendship Day is no different. Why not throw a fun multi-cultural party with your international friends? Share stories and memories, sing songs, and enjoy food from around the world. This can be a great way to celebrate the many beautiful aspects of friendship - even if you’re separated by an ocean.
5. Plan a getaway trip with your friends
Book some time away to spend quality time with your friends. This can be a simple day trip, or it can be an extended holiday for people to travel together. You can use this opportunity to get to know each other better, or just relax and have some fun together.
6. Get grilling on the barbecue
A barbecue is a great way to spend a fun afternoon with friends. Set up an outdoor barbecue in your garden or local park (if allowed) and invite your friends to join you. You can also use this day for a great opportunity to chat about the latest news in your neighbourhood, the world, or even at home. Additionally, you can use this day as an excuse to get together with everyone you haven't seen in a while!
7. Go on a picnic outing to the park
The best things about picnics are that they’re cheap, they’re easy to throw together, and they’re nice and easy on the pocket (especially if you have some leftover food). There is something calming about the outdoors and enjoying a casual meal with friends, but it requires a little planning. Why not visit your local countryside park and share some time together in a beautiful setting outside your respective homes?
8. Have a movie night
Watching movies together is a great way to bond as friends. Pick your favourite TV show, or marathon an entire season of your favourite show to catch up with everyone’s lives. You can also set out some snacks and invite people over for a watch-a-thon if you’re feeling fancy!
9. Host a talent show
Why not take some time out and have a little friendly competition? Everyone has their talents buried somewhere deep, so why not bring them out and display them in front of your friends? Whether it be comedy, singing, dancing or magic tricks, there are many ways to entertain your friends at an international talent show.
10. Volunteer together
Another great way to celebrate International Friendship Day is by volunteering together with your friends at an event that supports your favourite cause. Whether you’re volunteering at a local charity, volunteering at a school holiday activity, volunteering at an animal shelter or volunteering together with your local community group, there are plenty of ways to help out and make a difference while doing something nice for your friends.
These are just ten of many activities you can do on International Friendship Day. Why not try one or more of them? Do something nice for your friends that you wouldn't normally do to show them how much they mean to you!
