🎉 14 Things To Do With Friends
🍼 The Newborn Survival Kit
The first six months of parenthood are a blur of exhaustion. Stop trying to tough it out—these are the 5 absolute life-saving baby essentials that experienced moms literally refuse to live without. They will instantly solve your biggest sleeping, feeding, and soothing struggles.
🌙 Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine
The ultimate sleep hack. You can entirely control this white noise machine and dimmable nightlight from your smartphone, meaning you never have to accidentally wake the baby while sneaking back out of the nursery after a 3 AM feeding.
🤧 FridaBaby NoseFrida Snotsucker
It sounds incredibly gross until your baby has their first cold and literally cannot breathe to sleep. Throw away those useless hospital bulb syringes—this doctor-invented tool safely clears congestion in seconds, and yes, the filter absolutely prevents any germs from reaching you.
💧 Haakaa Silicone Manual Breast Pump
Every breastfeeding mom's best kept secret. Simply suction this cheap, cord-free silicone cup to the opposite breast while you nurse to effortlessly catch every drop of liquid gold letdown that would otherwise leak onto your shirt and be totally wasted.
🧴 Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment
Forget buying ten different expensive, highly-fragranced creams. This is the only ointment you need. It miraculously cures severe diaper rash overnight, heals cracked nursing nipples, soothes baby eczema, and aggressively protects delicate skin from harsh winter wind.
☁️ Burt's Bees 100% Organic Burp Cloths
You will go through dozens of these a day, so do not cheap out on thin fabric. These thick, ultra-absorbent organic cotton cloths actually catch massive spit-ups before they ruin your only clean outfit, while remaining incredibly soft against your newborn's face.
Hey besties! Feeling that collective slump where ‘Netflix and chill’ has become ‘Netflix and… just chill, maybe even a little too much’? We get it. Sometimes you need a little nudge, a fresh idea to shake things up and actually do stuff with your favorite people. Because let’s be real, your group chat deserves more than just endless scrolling through memes (though we love those too). Get ready to ditch the digital detox (for a bit) and dive into some seriously fun, memory-making adventures with your crew.
1. Host a themed potluck dinner
Forget boring dinners. Pick a theme – ‘Taco Tuesday elevated,’ ‘Around the World in 8 Dishes,’ or ‘Only Foods That Are Orange.’ Everyone brings a dish, a drink, or a dessert aligned with the vibe. It’s way more exciting than just ordering pizza, even if pizza is life. Pro tip: assign categories beforehand to avoid seven people showing up with guacamole. You get to sample amazing food and probably discover someone’s secret culinary talent.
2. Explore a new neighborhood
You know that part of town you always say you’ll check out but never do? Grab your friends and make a day of it. Wander through boutiques, grab coffee from an indie spot, maybe stumble upon a cool street art mural. It’s like being a tourist in your own city, only with better company. You’ll uncover hidden gems and get some steps in, which totally counts as exercise.
3. Have a craft night
Unleash your inner artist, even if that artist primarily works in stick figures. Think painting ceramics, tie-dyeing old shirts, making friendship bracelets, or even trying one of those ‘paint and sip’ kits at home. It’s less about the masterpiece and more about the laughs as you all inevitably make a glorious mess. Plus, you end up with a tangible (and probably hilarious) souvenir.
4. Organize a game tournament
Board games, card games, video games – pick your poison. Set up a bracket, assign silly prizes (think a dollar store crown for the champion), and let the friendly competition begin. From intense rounds of Mario Kart to strategic Catan battles, it’s a fantastic way to bond and see who’s secretly a ruthless competitor. Just remember, it’s all fun and games until someone flips the Monopoly board.
5. Volunteer together
Want to feel good and do good? Find a local charity, animal shelter, or community garden that needs a helping hand. Spending a few hours giving back with your friends is incredibly rewarding and definitely puts things in perspective. It’s a great way to strengthen your bond over shared purpose, and honestly, good karma looks great on everyone.
6. Plan a picnic in the park
Old school, but gold school. Pack a cute basket with snacks, drinks, a blanket, and maybe even a frisbee or a deck of cards. Find a sunny spot in your favorite park and just… chill. It’s an instant mood booster, offers prime people-watching opportunities, and costs next to nothing. Bonus points if you bring a speaker for some background tunes.
7. Attend a local workshop or class
Ever wanted to try pottery, mixology, or even a beginner’s dance class? Check out what local community centers or studios offer. Doing something completely new and slightly out of your comfort zone with your friends makes it way less intimidating and much more memorable. You might even discover a new passion, or at least a new inside joke about your terrible attempts at salsa.
8. Go on a scenic hike or nature walk
Lace up those sneakers and hit a trail. Whether it’s a challenging hike with epic views or a leisurely stroll through a nature preserve, getting some fresh air and disconnecting from screens is always a win. The conversations flow easily when you’re surrounded by nature, and you can all pretend you’re fitness gurus for an hour. Don’t forget snacks and water, nobody likes a hangry hiker.
9. Have a movie marathon (themed, of course)
This isn’t just ‘watching movies.’ This is a marathon. Pick a theme: ‘Bad 80s Action Flicks,’ ‘Rom-Coms That Make You Cringe,’ or ‘Every Movie Starring [Your Favorite Actor].’ Make popcorn, build a fort, and settle in for hours of cinematic (questionable) glory. Pro tip: assign each friend a movie and snack to bring. It’s the ultimate cozy night in, minus the effort of going out.
10. Visit a local farmers market
Wake up early (gasp!), grab your reusable bags, and hit the farmers market. Sample fresh produce, discover artisanal goods, and maybe even grab a yummy breakfast pastry. It’s a vibrant, sensory experience and a great way to support local businesses. Plus, you can plan a meal to cook together later with your fresh finds.
11. Try a new restaurant or cuisine
Stop going to the same five places. Challenge yourselves to pick a restaurant that serves a cuisine none of you have tried before – Ethiopian? Peruvian? Laotian? Dive in! It’s an adventure for your taste buds and a guaranteed conversation starter. Even if it’s not your new favorite, the experience of trying something different is what counts.
12. Do a photoshoot
No, not for Instagram. Well, maybe for Instagram, but make it fun. Pick a ridiculous theme – ‘Awkward Family Photos,’ ‘Pop Star Album Covers,’ ‘Historical Figures Reimagined.’ Get silly with props and outfits. You’ll laugh until your stomach hurts and end up with some truly priceless memories (and possibly blackmail material). Just make sure everyone’s in on the joke.
13. Build a massive fort
Seriously, unleash your inner child. Gather every blanket, pillow, chair, and string of fairy lights you own. Construct the most epic fort imaginable. Once it’s done, crawl inside with snacks, flashlights, and maybe a scary story or two. It’s surprisingly therapeutic, wonderfully nostalgic, and a fantastic way to just hang out and chat without distractions.
14. Host a ‘clothing swap’ party
Everyone brings clothes, shoes, and accessories they no longer wear (but are still in good condition). Set them up like a boutique, put on some music, and let the ‘shopping’ begin. It’s sustainable, saves money, and you get to refresh your wardrobe with unique finds. Plus, it’s hilarious to see your friend try on that sequin top you bought during a questionable phase. Anything not claimed can go to charity.
🧩 The Toddler Sanity & Learning Kit
Toddlers are tiny tornados. Instead of turning on the iPad in a moment of desperation, these 5 open-ended toys and clever tools foster independent, screen-free play while simultaneously saving your house from milk spills and crayon disasters.
🧱 Magna-Tiles 100-Piece Building Set
The undeniable king of open-ended play. It is the one single toy that a 2-year-old and a 10-year-old will both happily play with for an hour straight. They develop spatial reasoning, math skills, and independent focus—worth absolutely every penny.
🥛 Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cups
Stop wiping up milk puddles. These genius, dentist-recommended cups allow kids to drink from anywhere around the rim like a real glass, but they instantly seal themselves the second the child stops drinking—even if they drop it on the floor.
🎧 Yoto Mini Kids Audio Player
The ultimate distraction for car rides or quiet time without the guilt of handing over a glowing screen. Kids control it completely by inserting physical cards to play audiobooks, music, and educational podcasts completely independently.
🧹 Melissa & Doug Wooden Cleaning Set
Toddlers desperately want to do exactly what you do. This kid-sized, highly durable wooden sweeping and mopping set redirects their chaotic energy into productive, confidence-building life skills while you actually get the real cleaning done in peace.
🎒 Montessori Travel Busy Board
The secret to surviving restaurants and airplanes with a two-year-old. Packed with buckles, zippers, shoelaces, and snaps, this soft, lightweight 'briefcase' develops critical fine-motor skills and keeps busy little hands occupied for surprisingly long stretches.
Conclusion
See? Your friendship journey doesn’t have to be a repeat episode. There are so many ways to create new memories, laugh until your cheeks hurt, and just genuinely enjoy each other’s company beyond the usual. So text the group chat, pick one (or all 14, we dare you!), and go make some magic happen. Your future selves will thank you for ditching the couch for a bit. Now go forth and be awesome friends!
