The International Day of Friendship is celebrated every year on 30 July. The idea was born in Paraguay in 1958, and in 2011 the UN General Assembly officially proclaimed it an international day. It is a perfect chance to tell a friend how much they mean to you. Below are short Friendship Day wishes, heartfelt messages, funny lines, poems and gift ideas.

More for friends: birthday wishes for a male friend, birthday wishes for a female friend, good luck wishes.

Key facts about the International Day of Friendship

Short Friendship Day wishes

Happy Friendship Day! Thank you for always being there, in sunshine and in rain.
Happy International Day of Friendship! May our friendship stay as strong as a good morning coffee.
Everything is easier with you around. Wishing you happiness, luck and new adventures!
Happy Friendship Day! May you always have people around who make silence comfortable and laughter easy.

Wishes for a male friend

Buddy, you have been tested by time and adventures. Thanks for always having my back. Wishing you strength, health and success in every plan!
Happy Friendship Day, bro! More weekends, fewer worries and a full tank for new road trips.
You are the one I can call at 3 a.m. Thank you for that. Stay happy!

Wishes for a female friend

My best friend, happy Friendship Day! Thank you for the support, the advice and our endless talks. May every day of yours be bright!
You are my person. Wishing you love, inspiration and a smile that never fades.
With you even an ordinary evening turns into a celebration. Love you, dear!

Funny Friendship Day wishes

Thank you for knowing all my secrets and still being my friend. That is true heroism!
A friend is someone who would eat the last slice of pizza but share half of it with you. Happy Friendship Day!

Heartfelt words

Real friendship does not need daily calls. It lives in knowing that you will always be heard and understood. Thank you for being in my life.
I wish you always have people around you with whom you can be yourself. And I will be one of them, I promise.

Friendship Day poems

A friend is a light on a rainy day,
A hand to hold when skies turn grey.
So here's to you, my dearest friend:
May joy and laughter never end!

For laughter, for kindness, for talks late at night,
Thank you for making my days so bright!
Wherever life takes us, near or far,
I'm grateful each day for the friend that you are.

Gift ideas for friends

Friendship Day is not about expensive gifts, it is about attention. A small bouquet in soft colours suits a female friend; a balloon, treats or tickets to a shared event suit a male friend. And the best gift of all is an evening spent together.

Woodmaid bouquet — Fresh lime roses: a summer mood for a friend

See flowers for a friend and daisies.

Heart balloon — A heart balloon: a small sign of a big friendship

FAQ

When is the International Day of Friendship?

Every year on 30 July. Some people also greet each other on 9 June, the unofficial International Friends Day.

Who started Friendship Day?

The idea came from Paraguay in 1958, and in 2011 the UN General Assembly proclaimed 30 July the International Day of Friendship.

How do I wish a friend a happy Friendship Day?

Send a short message, call or meet up. A small bouquet or a balloon makes a nice addition.

And in winter, on 21 January, there is a reason to hug your friends: Hug Day messages.

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Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

Friendship Day Wishes