What is Friendship Day? Plus, cool ways to celebrate

Friendship Day is more than just another social media holiday. It’s a golden opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the connections that help kids— and adults — grow into their best selves. Whether it’s a classmate who shared snacks or a best friend who’s always there to listen, Friendship Day offers families a chance to talk about what it means to be a good friend—and why that matters.

So, what is Friendship Day, anyway?

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Friendship Day has its roots in the 1930s in America, but has since evolved into a global celebration of human connection. The United Nations officially declared July 30 as the International Day of Friendship, but in the U.S., it is most commonly observed on the first Sunday of August. Many countries celebrate it on different days; India, for instance, celebrates on the first Sunday of August with friendship ribbons and notes.

At its heart, Friendship Day is a simple but powerful reminder: Our relationships matter. It’s about picking up the phone to say “I’m thinking of you,” or giving a hug that says “Thanks for being there.” It’s about teaching kids that even small acts of kindness—such as sharing crayons, saving a seat, or standing up for a friend—can go a long way. In a world that can feel divided, this day nudges us to build bridges, not walls. To slow down. To celebrate the people who make our lives lighter, brighter, and more full of laughter.

Why friendship matters for kids

Friendships teach children valuable life skills, including empathy, listening, sharing, and resolving conflict with kindness. In fact, studies show that strong social connections can support everything from emotional well-being to academic success. That makes Friendship Day a perfect teaching opportunity for families to reinforce these values in everyday life.

15 family-friendly ways to celebrate Friendship Day

1. Make friendship bracelets. Use colorful thread or beads to create DIY friendship bracelets that kids can exchange with their friends.

2. Write gratitude notes. Help your child write a few simple sentences about why they appreciate their friends.

3. Host a backyard picnic. Invite a few friends over and make it a potluck. Bonus points for a gratitude circle or ice-breaker questions before digging in.

4. Draw friendship portraits. Get out the crayons and sketch what friendship looks like—literally!

5. Create a "kindness jar." Add notes about the kind things family members see others do. Read them aloud at dinner.

6. Make a "friends playlist." Ask your child to choose songs that remind them of their friends and create a shared playlist.

7. Volunteer together. Help your child understand that friendship extends to kindness in the community as well.

8. Bake and share. Whip up cookies and deliver them to neighbors, classmates, or teachers.

9. Send a video message. Record a short "Happy Friendship Day!" message and send it to friends and family.

10. Start a pen pal connection. Encourage your child to write to a cousin or long-distance friend.

11. Build a "friendship fort." Indoors or outside, create a cozy spot just for chats, reading, or games with friends.

12. Read a friendship-themed book. Titles like "The Invisible Boy" or "Enemy Pie" offer powerful lessons on inclusion and empathy.

13. Create a friendship calendar. Mark special friend-focused dates to remember birthdays or milestones.

14. Make a DIY card. Break out the glue sticks and glitter—this is a chance to make your appreciation truly personal.

15. Talk about money and values. Use Friendship Day to discuss your family values and how you can reflect generosity, sharing, and fairness in your financial choices.

Building character through connection

Friendship Day can also serve as a good springboard for conversations about the values that shape kids into kind, thoughtful individuals. Talk about what it means to be trustworthy. Ask how your child handles disagreements. Explore the little choices they make each day that add up to being a good friend. These discussions are part of their emotional and social growth, and you’re their first coach.

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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.