July 30th is International Friendship Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the amazing people who make life a little brighter.
So, whether you’re the shoulder to cry on or the resident goofball, this blog is your one-stop shop for making Friendship Day extra special.
This comprehensive blog shares ideas for fun activities, heartwarming gift suggestions (because who doesn’t love a thoughtful present?), and ways to show your friends just how much they mean to you.
Ready to turn up the friend meter this July 30th? Keep scrolling.
Why is International Friendship Day celebrated?
Strong friendships have a profound impact on our well-being. They provide us with a sense of belonging, acceptance, and unwavering support.
That’s where the International Day of Friendship comes in. It serves as a dedicated time to acknowledge the importance of these incredible bonds in our lives.
It’s a day to go beyond the simple friendship card (although a thoughtful note or small token of appreciation is always a sweet gesture) and truly celebrate the people who make life an adventure.
It’s a day to remind ourselves and our friends just how much they mean to us.
Friends challenge us to be better versions of ourselves, pushing us outside our comfort zones and cheering us on every step of the way.
They make us laugh until our sides hurt, offering a much-needed dose of joy and laughter in the midst of life’s chaos.
Think about it: who do you share your deepest secrets with? Who gets dragged along on your spontaneous adventures?
Who picks you up when you’re feeling down and reminds you of your awesomeness?
Those are your friends, and they deserve a little extra recognition (beyond the occasional “thanks, bestie” text).
International Friendship Day: A history rooted in happiness
International Friendship Day might feel like a recent invention, but the idea of celebrating friendship goes back further than you might think.
The Friendship Day history began in 1958, in the heart of Paraguay, thanks to Dr. Ramón Artemio Bracho.
Dr. Bracho, a firm believer in the power of friendship to bring people together and promote happiness, proposed the idea of a dedicated day to celebrate these special bonds.
While the exact date initially differed, the core message remained: friendship is a universal language that transcends borders and cultures.
Fast-forward to 2011, when the United Nations officially recognized July 30th as International Day of Friendship.
This international recognition solidified the day’s significance, highlighting Dr. Bracho’s vision of friendship as a bridge between people and a cornerstone of a peaceful and harmonious world.
Celebrating diversity through friendship
The beauty of friendship lies in its ability to bridge divides, fostering understanding and appreciation for the rich tapestry of human experience.
Here’s how friendships can connect us across cultures and backgrounds:
Culinary adventures
Sharing meals is a universal language of friendship. Make a video gift of you trying delicious dishes from a friend’s cultural background during a potluck or celebrating a traditional holiday together.
Cultural exchange
Formal programs can be a great way to meet people from different backgrounds, but friendships celebrating diversity can blossom organically, too.
Maybe a neighbor invites you to a Diwali celebration, or a classmate introduces you to their favorite music from their heritage.
Bridging generations
The beauty of friendship is that it transcends age.
Grandparents can share stories with their grandchildren, and teenagers can learn from older friends – these connections create a beautiful tapestry of shared experiences and understanding.
Imagine creating a retirement video filled with messages from friends across generations, a heartwarming tribute to a lifetime of connections!
Language learning buddies
Learning a new language can be more fun with a friend.
Motivate each other, practice conversations, and immerse yourselves in each other’s cultures through movies, music, and even language exchange apps.
Global celebrations
The world is full of vibrant festivals and traditions. Send a virtual hug across the globe, participate in a local Lunar New Year parade, join a friend’s family for a traditional Cinco de Mayo gathering, or learn about a friend’s religious holiday in celebrating friendship.
Fun activities to celebrate friends
World Friendship Day is all about cherishing the amazing people in your life.
But how do you translate that love into a memorable experience?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a list of fun activities for all types of friendships:
- Classic fun: Reinvent the classics with a twist! Pack a delicious spread and head to the park for a picnic with friends. Dust off your favorite board games for a game night filled with laughter and friendly competition.
- Volunteering together: Give back to your community and create lasting memories at the same time. Volunteer at an animal shelter, plant trees at a local park, or clean up a beach – the options are endless!
- Long-distance Love: Distance doesn’t have to dim the friendship flame. Plan a virtual game night with online platforms, or challenge yourselves with a collaborative online puzzle. Catch up over a video call, sharing stories and laughter even if you’re miles apart.
- Creative collaborations: Get your creative juices flowing with a friend. Take a painting class together or create a video message card for each other– the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
- Embark on an adventure: Spice things up with an exciting adventure. Explore a new part of town, go on a hike together, or even try a new activity like rock climbing or dance lessons.
Friendship Day gift ideas
Finding the perfect gift for your friend can be tricky.
But the best gift comes from the heart. No matter what you choose, make sure it reflects your appreciation for your amazing friend.
Here are some creative and personalized ideas to make their International Day of Friendship extra special:
The gift of memories
Capture a special moment (or a bunch of funny ones!) in a personalized video greeting card for your friends.
Slide together a montage of pictures or short videos showcasing your adventures, inside jokes, and heartwarming memories.
Uniquely you
Think about your friend’s interests and hobbies.
Would you like to give them a coffee mug with a funny saying related to their favorite TV show, a subscription box for their passion, or a custom-designed phone case with a special photo? The possibilities are endless!
Experiences over things
Sometimes, the best gifts are experiences you create together.
Tickets to a concert they’ve been dying to see, a weekend getaway to explore a new place or even a cooking class you can take together – these shared experiences will become cherished memories.
From the heart, handmade
Handmade gifts hold a special charm. If you’re crafty, knit a scarf, paint a portrait (abstract or realistic, it’s up to you!), or bake your favorite cookies.
The time and effort you put in will be truly appreciated.
A classic twist
Friendship bracelets are a timeless tradition for a reason. To modernize them, use unique beads or charms that hold special meaning for your friendship.
How to make a video greeting card for Friendship Day
Looking for a unique way to celebrate your friends on International Friendship Day?
Go the extra mile and create something truly special – a personalized video greeting card using GiftLips.
GiftLips is a free online greeting card maker that lets you add your own video messages to beautiful, pre-designed cards.
It’s the perfect friendship day gift idea to show how much they mean to you in a way that’s both heartwarming and engaging.
Here’s how you can create your own video greeting card using GiftLips:
- Pick a card: Browse GiftLips’ collection and select a template that screams “your friend’s style.” For a more personalized approach, you can upload your own custom picture.
- Record a message: Say “Thanks for being awesome” with a heartfelt video message (record directly on GiftLips or upload your own).
- Invite friends to join: You can share a special link with other friends to join in on the fun and create a collaborative video greeting card.
- Preview your card: After uploading, click “Done” to preview your video message.
- Download and print: Download your free printable greeting cards and send it to your friends.
Let’s celebrate the friends who make us who we are!
Friendships are the sunshine on a cloudy day, the laughter that chases away the blues, and the unwavering support that keeps us going.
International Friendship Day gives us a dedicated moment to acknowledge these incredible bonds in our lives.
Why not make this year extra special with a personalized video greeting card? GiftLips makes it easy to create a unique and heartwarming message your friends will cherish.
From funny memories to heartfelt expressions of gratitude, a video greeting card is a gift that comes straight from the heart.
With GiftLips, it’s easier than ever to create a memorable Friendship Day celebration that celebrates the incredible power of friendship.
So, what are you waiting for? Reach out to your friends today and send them a love letter in motion, showing them just how much they mean to you.
Frequently asked question
The official theme for International Friendship Day on July 30th has not yet been announced by the United Nations.