National Best Friends Day (June 8)

ByClare Brown Posted on Updated on
Two young women smiling and standing close together outdoors, capturing the warmth and connection celebrated on National Best Friends Day.

National Best Friends Day is a time to recognize the people who know us best and still stick around.

It’s about celebrating the friendships that bring joy, support, and meaning to everyday life.

Whether it’s a lifelong companion or a newer bond, this day is all about showing appreciation in thoughtful ways.

From a quick message to a shared adventure, the goal is simple: honor the people who make life better. One of the most heartwarming weird holidays in June.

Three close friends laughing and hugging on a couch—celebrating connection and laughter on National Best Friends Day.

When is the Holiday?

National Best Friends Day is celebrated annually on June 8th.

Who Invented It?

There’s no single person or group credited with inventing the holiday. Like many modern holidays, it gained traction through social media and cultural enthusiasm for celebrating relationships.

The concept taps into long-standing traditions of honoring close personal bonds.

Two stylish friends in fall outfits taking a selfie together, enjoying a walk and coffee during National Best Friends Day.

The History of the Holiday

Although the exact origin is unclear, the holiday seems to have emerged from a growing interest in personal connection during the early social media era.

By the 2010s, hashtags like #NationalBestFriendsDay were trending annually, giving people an excuse to share nostalgic photos, inside jokes, and kind messages.

Historically, the idea of honoring close friends isn’t new. Ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle classified friendship as one of life’s greatest virtues.

In Eastern traditions, friendship was also tied to loyalty and harmony. In the U.S., friendship cards and best friend lockets became popular in the mid-20th century, paving the way for a more modern take on celebrating these relationships.

Two young girls hugging and smiling outdoors, symbolizing childhood bonds and joyful moments on National Best Friends Day.

Top 5 Facts About Best Friends

  • Friends shape who we become – Your closest friendships can influence everything from your habits and values to your career and relationships.
  • Best friends can help you live longer – Research shows strong social ties, especially close friendships, are linked to longer lifespans and better health outcomes.
  • You only need one – Psychologists say having even one close friend can dramatically reduce feelings of loneliness and improve life satisfaction.
  • Best friendships often last decades – Studies have found that friendships formed during childhood or adolescence often last 20 years or more when nurtured.
  • Laughter strengthens bonds – Sharing humor with a best friend releases endorphins and builds trust faster than with casual acquaintances.
Man holding an umbrella for his dog on a leash, both facing away—capturing loyalty and friendship on a rainy National Best Friends Day.

Activities to Celebrate

  • Send a Card or Letter – Thoughtful notes never go out of style.
  • Plan a Best Friend Date – Revisit your favorite hangout or try something new together.
  • Create a Photo Collage or Digital Reel – Highlight shared memories in a creative way.
  • Rewatch a Favorite Show or Movie Together – Bonus points for inside jokes and quoted lines.
  • Make Something Together – From playlists to crafts, collaborative projects are a great way to bond.
Three young women in colorful dresses and shopping bags posing together outdoors, representing fun and connection on Best Friends Day.

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Links to Resources

Knock Knock “What I Love About You Bestie” Journal: A fill-in-the-blank keepsake that lets you personalize messages to your best friend—funny, sweet, or totally weird, depending on your style.

Hygge Gift Set for Friends: A curated self-care box that includes cozy socks, tea, and candles—ideal for long-distance best friends who need a reminder they’re loved.

Friendship Bracelet Tutorials: DIY guides with step-by-step visuals showing how to make simple or intricate friendship bracelets, a hands-on craft perfect for the day.

Best Friend Necklace Set: A popular pick among tweens and teens, classic split heart necklaces that are both nostalgic and trendy.

Teen girl smiling while her friend makes bunny ears behind her—a playful moment captured in celebration of friendship.

Related Holidays

National Make a Friend Day (February 11) – A lighthearted reminder to connect with someone new and expand your circle of friends.

International Day of Friendship (July 30) – Broadens the focus from best friends to all types of friendships.

National Girlfriend Day (August 1) – Honors female friendships and the special bond between besties, sisters, and chosen family.

Three older women walking arm in arm along the beach, smiling and talking—honoring lifelong friendships on Best Friends Day.

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Two young girls exchanging friendship bracelets on a playground, celebrating National Best Friends Day on June 8 with joy and laughter.