12 creative ways to celebrate National Siblings Day

Yes, "National Siblings Day" is a thing! Also known as Sibling Day, it's more than just another excuse for a holiday. It's an opportunity to celebrate and strengthen this unique bond.

Quick National Siblings Day primer

National Siblings Day is celebrated on April 10th in the United States. It was created by Claudia Evart in 1995 to honor and recognize the relationships between siblings. Evart lost both of her siblings at a young age, and she wanted to create a day to appreciate and cherish such a singular connection.

12 National Siblings Day activities for your kids

If you have siblings in your family, consider marking the occasion with these fun ideas. Help your kids take time to appreciate each other or get inspired to reconnect with your own loved ones. 

1. Memory lane

Spend the day reminiscing about shared experiences and telling stories that bring back the warmest memories of your childhood adventures. Recall the laughter and the mischief that’s made your bond stronger over the years. 

For kids, have them write down some of their favorite memories to create a book of shared stories they can decorate or fill with family photos. They can draw portraits of each other, craft a poem or picture using the letters in their names, or best of all: Let them dream up their own way of celebrating with their sibling. 

2. Letters of appreciation

Take the time to write heartfelt letters expressing what you truly value about each other. Share the little moments that have left a lasting impact, the qualities that make you each unique, and the unwavering support that has carried you through life's ups and downs. For kids (or adults), a themed “What I love about my sibling” letter or poem can become a lifelong treasure.

3. Heirloom cook-off

Host a friendly cook-off where each sibling showcases their culinary skills by preparing a dish from a favorite family recipe. Let the aroma of nostalgia fill the kitchen as you recreate flavors passed down through generations, savoring the taste of tradition and love. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to introduce these recipes to your kids! If they’ve got siblings, have them whip up each others’ favorite treats. 

4. Give back, together

Make a difference together by volunteering at a charity or cause that holds a special place in your hearts. Whether it's lending a helping hand at a local shelter or organizing a fundraising event, working side by side to support a meaningful cause will deepen your connection and leave a lasting impact on those in need. 

5. Movie marathon

Transport yourselves back to the halcyon days of your childhood by indulging in a double (or triple!) feature. Laugh, cry, and reminisce as you watch your all-time favorite childhood movies together. 

For a fun twist, give your marathon a theme. Learn more about each other by choosing something you love that the other hasn’t seen. 

6. Personal, poignant gifts

Organize a small but thoughtful gift exchange to show your love and appreciation. Select gifts that reflect cherished memories, inside jokes, or shared interests so each present is a heartfelt reminder of the bond that has evolved.

7. Siblings trip!

Embark on an exciting adventure together with a vacation or outing to a place you both love or have always wanted to visit. Explore new landscapes, create new memories, and deepen your connection as you journey together.

8. DIY quality time 

Set aside structured time for a creative DIY project that reflects your shared interests or memories. Whether it's building a piece of furniture, designing personalized artwork, or crafting a keepsake that encapsulates your unique bond, it can end up being a longer-term shared passion that keeps you bonding on the regular.

9. Dance, dance, dance

Turn up the music and let loose with a lively dance party at home. Groove to the beats of your favorite tunes from childhood, or recreate iconic dance moves from each others’ favorite bands. 

10. Recreate a childhood photo

This one’s perfect for parent gifts or to hang on your family photo wall. Pick a favorite sibling photo from childhood and make a modern version! Strike the same poses, wear similar outfits, and capture the essence of your bond in a new pic that shows how far you've come and how much closer you've grown.

11. Book bonding

Embark on a literary journey together by reading the same book and gathering for a mini sibling book club. Hop on a chat or gather around a meal for thought-provoking discussions about the book’s themes, characters, and lessons. Share your perspectives, exchange insights, and spark meaningful conversations that help you learn more about each other.

12. Recreate childhood photos

Take a delightful trip down memory lane by recreating old photos from your childhood. Dress up in outfits reminiscent of the past, strike the same poses, and capture the essence of those cherished memories.

Turn National Siblings Day into a beautiful tradition

For an especially meaningful way to mark this special day, make it a tradition to do the same activity together each year. Not only will this create lasting memories, but it’s also a reminder to consistently celebrate and cherish the bond between siblings. Pass it on to your kids, too, and reap the benefits for generations to come.