Today is Valentine’s Day! A great day to celebrate love of all kinds. In today’s blog, we specifically focus on friendships. Do you want to show your friends that you appreciate them and celebrate your friendship together? Here are seven last-minute Valentine’s Day ideas to strengthen your bond!

#1 Really check in with your friends

You might already do this regularly (or not), but use this day to ask your friends how they are really doing. It’s a great way to connect and show them you’re there for them. Even if it’s just for a few minutes, really listening to them and being present can mean the world. You never know what someone is going through; a listening ear might just be what they need.

#2 Cook dinner together

Having a dinner date or cooking dinner together is another amazing way to celebrate your friendship together. Love goes through the stomach, right? You can treat yourselves and order some food, cook something, or have everyone make and bring a course. Whatever floats your boat!

#3 Gift something thoughtful

Even if your love language is not gift-giving, a (small) thoughtful gift can go a long way. Think about your friend’s interests, hobbies, and favourites, and choose something accordingly. You could, for example, buy their favourite chocolate, or treat them to a film at the cinema if they’re a film lover. If you want to make it extra special, add a tag with a compliment. I’m sure they’ll appreciate it.

#4 Watch films featuring friendship

A film night is always a good idea, but how about a film night featuring only films about friendship? Classics like Toy Story (1995) or other films like Christopher Robin (2018) and Luca (2021) might be something for you!

#5 Organise a (board) game night

Play some (board) games! You could go traditional by playing some cards or Ludo, or go online and play Mario Kart, for example! All games are great bonding activities. It might be better to steer away from Monopoly, though, because this might break your friendship rather than make it. ;)

#6 Make friendship bracelets

Want to celebrate your friendship with something tangible? Make friendship bracelets together! This might be hard to organise last minute, but a cute shop in the Folkingestraat sells everything you need. Grab your favourite colours, initials and other unique beads, and get cracking. You could even make each other a bracelet.

#7 Visit Filmflirts at Forum Groningen

Want to go out? Visit Filmfirts at Forum Groningen. You’ll watch Poor Things (2023) featuring Emma Stone, compete in a film quiz to win prizes, drink a delicious cocktail and, most importantly, flirt if you're up for it. It’s an evening full of love, so know what you sign up for!

There you go, 7 Valentine’s Day ideas you can do to celebrate your friendships! We hope you have a lovely day. If you’re spending the day alone, please remember that you are amazing, you are enough, and you are loved.