How do you celebrate friendship? If you have a ride or die, you know that true friendship is not just about having someone to laugh with. More so, it is someone who stands by your side through the ups and downs. Your connection is built on trust, understanding, and shared common interests.
These ties are rare and truly worthy of celebration. Unlike the fleeting, amorous variety of connections, friends offer a unique kind of comfort and a safe space to be yourself without fear of judgement. Friends are the family you choose, offering support, laughter, and companionship that give joy to your life.
Further reading: The science of friendship: proven strategies for making friends
Why should you celebrate your friendship?
Making friends is easy, but keeping them is not. Believe it or not, it takes commitment to maintain friends forever. Sure, there are people we remain close wit,h even with minimal interaction. But for some, the reality is that many relationships are expected to expire with the lack of communication.
The older we grow, the more we recognise that just, like in any relationship, effort is vital to sustain and nourish meaningful friendships. That's definitely a challenge for us mums, especially single mums and mums with younger kids. There's so much going on in life that often forces us to put our friends aside.
Here are creative ways to applaud our friends.
6 Creative ways to celebrate friendship
Adventure bucket list
Last year, my college friend group celebrated the 20th anniversary of our friendship. To mark the occasion, we decided to tick off an item that has been on our bucket list forever: a weekend in Bali. It was the perfect opportunity to reminisce about the past, share about our present, and share silly inside jokes from our uni days. It felt so good to catch up and see how far we’ve all come, yet how much we’ve stayed the same. That trip reminded me why these women are still my people after all these years.
But whether it's a local or foreign trip doesn't matter. What's important is you and your friends take a moment from your everyday life for the greatest adventures.
Friendship bracelet
If you didn't notice, friendship bracelets have been all over the internet for the past two years. They're simply a simple yet perfect gift for people who bring happiness into your life. My friend Kay has two preteen daughters, who were really enthralled by this cultural trend and had lots of beads and strings in her house. She made one for each of her closest friends, reflecting the uniqueness of one another, and had them shipped to our addresses. So sweet!
If you're not fond of colourful beadwork, charm bracelets and matching bangles work great, too!
Friendship tattoos
Now, this is something I haven't personally done, but getting identical or matching tattoos with your friends is actually a thing! It’s a fun and meaningful way to celebrate your quirks and passions together. Whether it’s a symbol of a shared milestone, like graduating uni, surviving a tough year, or simply a design that represents your connection, a tattoo can be a lasting reminder of your bestie or your whole group.
How to celebrate your friends (cont.)
Friendship photobook
Another great idea is creating a photo book. It’s a time capsule filled with pictures from the different trenches of life, funny screenshots of your social media chats, and those little keepsakes like a concert ticket or a handwritten card. Include snaps of childhood memories or life events like an engagement or wedding. Add captions to remember your stories, and gift a copy — or even mail it — to your friends. It's nice to have something tangible that we can look back to see if, in 30 years, we have stood the test of time.
Friendship Day date
Sometimes, friends know you better than romantic partners or even your own family. That's why people designated a special day for our friends: July 30. It's a day that serves as a reminder of the people that has made everything brighter in our lives. Why not make plans with your friends to go on a date?
You could plan a cosy brunch at your favourite café, complete with long chats and bottomless coffee. Or maybe try something adventurous, like kayaking, rock climbing, or taking a painting class together. If you’re more into low-key vibes, host a movie night at home with snacks and your favourite old films. A spa day, a karaoke session, or even just a walk by the beach are all great ways to reconnect. Whatever you choose, the focus is on spending time together and celebrating the bond you share.
Signature treat
A grandmother in my daughter's daycare has something sweet she shares with her friends. By sweet, I mean literally. One of her best friends is a baker, and their friend group has a signature pastry!
For us who can't do something as grand as having a cake named after our friends, we can do the same on a simpler scale. A tweaked cookie recipe or a homemade drink that has ingredients that symbolise your shared experience. This idea might sound corny when you're younger, but once you become an adult, believe me. You're going to cherish it.
Final thoughts: How to celebrate your friends
There's no end to the value of friends. Because of our different circumstances, most times, it's enough to simply cherish and respect each other. But sometimes, it's also nice to put a little more effort to applaud your chosen family. It doesn't matter if the gesture is grand or simple. If you have true friends, they will appreciate even the simplest effort. Here’s to friendships that uplift, inspire, and stand the test of time.
