International Day of Friendship Guide: History, Celebrations, and Gift Ideas!

“Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by, the doubling of our joy, and dividing of our grief.” - Joseph Addison

A day that unites friends, where laughter echoes across continents and hearts - that’s the beauty of the International Day of Friendship, celebrated on July 30th! International Friendship Day is all about celebrating the power of friendship in bridging gaps and fostering understanding across cultures. A tapestry woven with threads of trust, shared memories, and fun - this is the essence of true friendship. Let’s now dive into the history, significance, and ways to make the most of the International Day of Friendship.  

History and Significance of International Day of Friendship

It was in the early 20th century when Joyce Hall, Founder of Hallmark Cards, proposed the idea of Friendship Day celebrations. Then, in 1958, the World Friendship Crusade, founded by Dr Ramon Artemio Bracho and his friends in Puerto Pinasco, first presented the idea of supporting the power of friendship. The following year, in 1959, Dr Ramon and his friends celebrated their friendship the whole week until 30 July, which they marked as Friendship Day. This marked the beginning of a revolution in celebrations of friendship as it only grew and spread across the Americas. Ultimately, on 27 April 2011, the UN declared July 30th as the International Day of Friendship.

Can you imagine your life without a single friend? No, right? The significance of friendship cannot be undermined. True friendship is all about love, support, and, of course, a fulfilling life. The International Day of Friendship is all about embracing the invisible thread that spans oceans, mountains, and cultural divides to share laughter, foster mutual understanding, and bind us together. In a world divided by conflict and misunderstanding, true friendship stands as a quiet rebellion against indifference.       

When is the International Day of Friendship Celebrated?

International Friendship Day is celebrated worldwide on July 30th. However, in a few countries, such as India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, the UAE, and the US, the celebrations take place on the first Sunday of August. Below, we have listed the International Friendship Day dates in certain countries. 

2024 Theme for International Day of Friendship

Even though the UN has yet to announce the theme for the International Day of Friendship, the crux of this beautiful day remains the same—to acknowledge the value of friendship. This Friendship Day is an opportunity for everyone to value and care for their current friendships, encourage building new friendships across cultures and backgrounds, and embrace the joy and meaning that true connections bring to one’s life.

6 Ways to Celebrate International Day of Friendship

All set to turn your friend-o-metre up to ten? Buckle up as we take you through a friendship fiesta that is sure to make your best friend’s heart do the cha-cha! It’s now time to get creative, a little silly, and maybe even a bit sappy as we explore fun ways to celebrate International Friendship Day. 

1. Plan a Trip 

Don’t want to celebrate Friendship Day in the city? You can always plan a nice getaway with your friends to a mountain, the beach, or camping in the forest for your Friendship Day celebrations. Get together and discuss the travel time and mode of travel. Make sure to prepare an itinerary of all the activities that you would love to do together, be it trekking, water sports, adventure activities, or bonfires. 

2. Go Clubbing 

If you and your friends love to groove to good music and party all night, then clubbing is your best option to spend the International Day of Friendship. You can pick a popular club or try club hopping. A lot of clubs offer great deals and discounts, so ensure to check the offers in advance. Whether you’re into hip hop, live music, karaoke, EDM, or live bands, clubbing with friends on Friendship Day is a great way to lose and create invaluable memories.

3. House Party

On the contrary, if you are someone who wants to spend their International Friendship Day indoors, throwing a house party is a wonderful idea. You can also go for a theme-based party to make it more interesting. Consider setting up a nice buffet or a potluck dinner where everyone can brings their favourite dishes. When it comes to the fun part, there’s so many things you can do like a movie marathon, play board games, make scrapbooks, or write handwritten letters to each other.

4. Volunteer at an NGO

No better way to celebrate the International Day of Friendship than to do something for the community. You and your friends can begin by finding a cause that you’re passionate about - be it environment clean-ups, aiding in animal shelters, or helping the poor. Volunteering has several benefits indeed. It not only enables you to give back to the community but also strengthens your bond with your friends. 

5. Go Shopping

A shopping spree with friends does sound like a lot of fun! You can plan your entire day out at a shopping mall or flea market where you get everything, from clothes and shoes to food and drinks. Start by making a list of things to buy and the spots to purchase them from. Take a break by savouring a delicious cup of coffee or munching on some snacks. You can also watch a good movie together in the mall. Shopping, indeed, is a great way to spend time with your friends on the International Day of Friendship.

6. Virtual Gathering

You and your friends are not in the same city on International Friendship Day? Worry not, a virtual gathering is how you can have your Friendship Day celebrations. You can organise a virtual game night where you can play games using several online platforms and apps like Jackbox Games or Among Us. You can also play never have I ever while sipping good drinks. If you all are into books, then you can have a virtual book club where you can discuss your favourite books and sharing your thoughts on it. 

Gift Ideas for the International Day of Friendship

What’s Friendship Day celebrations without gifts? Forget the boring, old world’s best friend mugs, it’s time to explore some unique gifts you can give your friends. We will now take you through some usual and DIY gift ideas for Friendship Day that is sure to woo your friends.   

1. Memory scrapbook
2. Spa voucher
3. Personalised jewellery
4. DIY kit
5. Anime figurines
6. Perfume
7. Gift hamper (add chocolates, wallet, perfume, handwritten letter, mug, & whatever else you can think of!)
8. Plants
9. Body essentials kit
10. Book

5 International Day of Friendship Wishes for Friends and Family

No celebration is complete without some heartfelt wishes. After all, words have the power to bridge distances and strengthen bonds. On this International Day of Friendship, it’s time to let your loved ones know how much they mean to you. Here are a few wishes you can use for your friends and family.

1. Nothing makes me happier than being with you. On this International Friendship Day, let’s promise to continue being silly and doing crazy things together!
2. Through thick and thin, highs and lows, you’ve been my rock and anchor. On this International Day of Friendship, I want to say, “I am grateful for you.’
3. While we may be miles apart but on this International Friendship Day, let me tell you that you’re very close to my heart. A very happy International Friends Day!
4. From those giggles at silly jokes to the serious talks of life, we have grown up, buddy. And I feel so overwhelmed with the memories we made together. Happy International Day of Friendship to the best person I know!
5. Let’s cheer this friendship day for decades to make our bond brighter and shinier throughout the years.

As we celebrate the International Dayof Friendship, let’s remember that true friendships are the threads that weave the fabric of our lives. Whether you are going out an adventure or enjoying a cosy house party, the essence of International Friendship Day lies in cherishing and nurturing the bonds of friendship. So, take this International Day of Friendship as an opportunity to express your gratitude and make invaluable memories to last a lifetime. A very Happy Friendship Day to you all!