5 Friendsgiving Ideas to Celebrate With Your Besties (2024)

October 10 | ESPA Jewelry

It seems like every year it gets harder to escape the cycle of "catch-up culture," where we only see our friends long enough to catch up before life pulls us apart again. We all want that friend who stays in touch, but being that friend can be a challenge.

That’s where traditions like Friendsgiving come in.

Friendsgiving is a fresh twist on Thanksgiving, where instead of gathering with family, you celebrate with your friends and focus on appreciating one another.

Here are five fun and unique Friendsgiving ideas to make your gathering unforgettable:

# 1: Virtual Cooking Class

With many of us now living in different states or traveling frequently, it can be hard to get everyone together in person for Friendsgiving. That’s where a virtual cooking class comes in!

It’s the perfect way to stay connected while learning something new. Gather your friends on Zoom and take a cooking class together, learning to make cozy fall dishes like butternut squash soup or apple pie. You’ll be able to chat, laugh, and cook in real-time as if you were all in the same kitchen.

For extra fun, coordinate matching aprons or set a dress code to really make it festive!

#2: Autumn Drink Station

Can't get enough pumpkin spice? Apple cider your new obsession? Chances are your friends feel the same about at least one of the many fall favorites.

That's why an Autumn Drink Station is the perfect pairing for any fall gettogether.

Simply set up a bar with the ingredients needed for cocktails, mocktails, teas or coffees (depending on the time of day, or simply the vibe you're going for) and let everyone's innter barista come out.

A personal favorite? Caramel apple mocktail spritzer. Trust me, you won't regret it.

# 3: Butcher Paper Placemats

Looking for a decoration a little beyond basic? Butcher paper may just be your new best friend.

It's simple; get a large roll of butcher paper (shouldn't be more $6) and lay it out on a table. Through the night, challenge your friends to pin up photos, write favoritie memories, something they're greatful for, doodles: whatever comes to mind. Be sure to have it available throughout the whole evening so someone can run over and add something new whenever the inspiration strikes.

By the end of it, you have a diary for the evening that everyone participated in!

Bonus points if you keep the paper to put up next year, and continue to add on. It's like a personalized film reel!

# 4: Friendsgiving Piñata

Life is stressful: so why not hit a pumpkin with a stick?

Picking up a friendsgiving themed piñata can be a fantastic activity to bring everyone together to let off some steam. Whether turkey, pumpkin, or apple themed; you can fill the piñata with your candies, trinkets, and gratitude cards for the whole group.

It's creative, fun, and a great way to let loose. We actually reccomend starting off with the piñata rather than waiting to the end like a kid's birthday party, since it's a great mood setter, more likely to get everyone iin the party mood quickly.

#5: Cookie Decorating

Looking for a great activity you can eat? Try cookie decorating!

Either start from scratch by baking them yourself, or pick up a set of blank sugar cookies. From there, let everyone choose whatever color frosting, sprinkles, or other decorating bits-and-bobs to create a one-of-a-kind cookie. Bonus points if you pick a specific theme.

Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) make great take home gifts!