How to Celebrate National Best Friends Day: Meaningful Traditions and Ideas

Turn closeness into lasting memories with personalized keepsakes and shared adventures.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 26, 2025

Turn closeness into lasting memories with personalized keepsakes and shared adventures.

Every year, June 8th is marked as National Best Friends Day—a special day dedicated to cherishing the friendships that add joy, laughter, and support to our lives. Whether you’re reminiscing on decades of memories or celebrating a new bond, this holiday offers the chance to express appreciation for your best friends in ways both big and small. From its historical roots to creative celebration ideas, here’s everything you need to know and more about making the most of National Best Friends Day.

What Is National Best Friends Day?

National Best Friends Day is an annual observance designed to honor and celebrate the closest friendships in our lives. Recognized on June 8th in the United States and several other countries, it’s a day for expressing gratitude to those friends who have supported, encouraged, and enriched our journeys through their unwavering companionship.

The Origins of National Best Friends Day

While the precise beginnings are somewhat unclear, the tradition of celebrating best friends is believed to have started in the United States in 1935, when Congress set aside June 8 to honor the importance of friendship. The selection of this early June date was no accident—the start of summer typically brings pleasant weather, perfect for outdoor gatherings and activities with friends.

Although initially slow to catch on, Best Friends Day grew in popularity with the spread of social media, enabling people to publicly share stories and photos under hashtags like #NationalBestFriendsDay.

National vs. World Best Friend Day vs. Friendship Day

Holiday Name	Date	Scope	Focus
National Best Friend Day	June 8	United States & select countries	Celebrating personal best friendships
World Best Friend Day	June 8	International	Universal value of friendship
Friendship Day	First Sunday of August (US)	Global (varying dates)	Broader celebration of all friends

These different friendship holidays all emphasize connection and appreciation, but June 8 sticks out as the day to focus on your closest friends–those extraordinary individuals who know you best.

Why Are Best Friends Important?

Best friends offer more than just good company. Extensive research shows that close friendships contribute positively to:

Mental and emotional well-being
Feelings of belonging and acceptance
Reduced stress and anxiety
Personal growth through shared support

Having a reliable confidant—someone who shares your experiences, supports you through ups and downs, and brings joy into your life—can make even the toughest days feel lighter.

Meaningful Ways to Celebrate National Best Friends Day

There’s no one-size-fits-all method for celebrating your best friend, but these ideas will help you create new memories and deepen your bond—even if you’re celebrating apart.

Heartfelt Letters of Appreciation

Letter writing is a classic way to express gratitude. Take a moment to pen a heartfelt message detailing your favorite memories, what their friendship has meant to you, and hopes for your future together. For a special touch, send the letter as a surprise.

Friendship Scrapbook or Memory Box

Compile cherished photos, ticket stubs, and small mementos of your journey together into a scrapbook or memory box. Include handwritten notes about each keepsake. This tangible tribute to your friendship will be treasured for years to come.

Plan a Surprise Outing or Adventure

Arrange a trip to their favorite café or restaurant
Plan an outdoor picnic or visit the beach
Book tickets to a concert, play, or event they enjoy
Go for a nature hike or try a new activity together

Tailoring the outing to your best friend’s interests shows thoughtfulness and care.

Volunteer for a Cause Together

Use the day to make a positive impact in your community by volunteering side-by-side. Whether it’s helping at a local shelter, cleaning up a park, or serving at a food bank, working together for a good cause can strengthen your friendship.

Host a Virtual Celebration

If distance separates you, don’t let it dampen your plans. Organize a virtual hangout complete with games, movies, or a digital toast. Sending a care package with matching mugs, snacks, or friendship bracelets can make the day even more special.

Creative Shared Projects

Start a collaborative playlist of your favorite songs
Try a joint art project or DIY craft
Write a short story or poem together
Cook or bake the same recipe and compare results over video call

Social Media Shout-Out

Share your appreciation loud and proud! Post a photo, video, or written message celebrating your friendship with the hashtag #NationalBestFriendsDay. Mention your favorite qualities in your best friend and why they mean so much to you.

Other Unique National Best Friends Day Ideas

Friendship Awards Night: Host a fun awards ceremony (either in person or virtually) with playful categories like “Best Listener,” “Most Outrageous Adventure Buddy,” or “Champion of Inside Jokes.”
Matching Gear: Create or purchase matching T-shirts, friendship bracelets, or mugs to commemorate the day.
DIY Friendship Coupons: Make personalized coupons your friend can redeem for things like a movie night, homemade dinner, or a coffee run together.
Photo Scavenger Hunt: Organize a themed scavenger hunt to revisit favorite hangout spots or landmarks from your friendship’s journey.
Group Video Montage: Gather video clips from mutual friends sharing favorite memories or inside jokes, then compile them into a surprise montage for your best friend.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is National Best Friends Day celebrated?

National Best Friends Day is held annually on June 8th and is celebrated primarily in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and India.

How is National Best Friends Day different from Friendship Day?

While both holidays honor friendship, National Best Friends Day (June 8) is focused on your closest relationships, whereas Friendship Day is a broader celebration including all friends, and is usually observed on the first Sunday in August.

Is National Best Friends Day a public holiday?

No, it is not a public holiday—schools and businesses remain open. However, it’s widely observed through personal celebrations, both in person and online.

What are simple ways to honor my best friend?

Send a heartfelt text or letter
Share a throwback photo and memory online
Organize a meet-up or virtual hangout
Create a small handmade gift

Can I celebrate if my friend lives far away?

Absolutely! Virtual gatherings, surprise mail, or coordinated activities online can bridge any distance and make the day special.

Tips for Nurturing Your Closest Friendships Year-Round

Schedule regular catch-ups, whether in-person or virtually
Be there in both good and challenging times
Share new experiences and adventures together
Communicate openly and honestly
Practice gratitude and say thank you often

Inspiring Quotes About Friendship

“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” – Walter Winchell
“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’” – C.S. Lewis
“There are friends, there is family, and then there are friends that become family.” – Unknown

Celebrate Every Friendship, Every Day

National Best Friends Day is a reminder to appreciate those unique connections that shape our happiness and personal growth. Use June 8 as an opportunity to reach out to your best friend—whether you’re side by side or miles apart—and celebrate the special bond that truly makes life richer.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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