The most memorable gifts are the ones that feel personal, and somehow intentional. Not necessarily the grandest gestures or the most extravagant purchases, but the things that say, “I know you. I appreciate you, and I thought of you.” A little detail they remembered, something that instantly made them think of you, or an experience that becomes a memory you’ll revisit years later.
For Friendship Day, we wanted to skip the predictable gifts and put together an edit of elevated gifts and experiences that go beyond the usual; thoughtful pieces, delicious treats and moments worth sharing with the people to make them feel loved and cherished.
To Gift
Diamonds meet enduring symbolism in Pomellato’s Together earrings. Handcrafted in the house’s Milanese atelier, the interlocking hoops represent eternal unity, pairing luminous pavé diamonds with a radiant band of 18-karat rose gold. A meaningful gift for the friend who has become family.
For the friend whose skincare shelf is immaculate. The new refillable gel cream uses white camellia extract, hyaluronic acid and microfluidic technology. An even more giftable option is the limited Micro Sérum Lèvres trio, with Original, green-apple Frais and berry-rose Tendre versions.
For the friend who never leaves the house without the perfect lip, Louis Vuitton’s Lip Pencil Case makes a fitting Friendship Day gift. Wrapped in signature Monogram canvas, the compact case holds all 10 shades from the LV Crayon collection, offering a colour for every mood, look and occasion. Practical enough for travel yet special enough to treasure, it keeps a complete lip wardrobe close at hand.
For the friend whose wardrobe always feels effortlessly put together, Mango’s new collection makes an ideal Friendship Day gift. Moving between modern femininity and everyday ease, the edit features versatile pieces in shades of blue, black, brown and white, finished with expressive prints. Designed to be worn on repeat, it offers confident staples she can style for workdays, weekends and everything in between.
Treats to Pair Them With
I’ve always believed that food has a way of bringing people closer. That’s why an indulgent box of treats feels like such a lovely gift, something thoughtful that can be shared and enjoyed together.
With crisp shells, creamy centres and a rainbow of flavours, this handcrafted macaron box is the perfect little indulgence to share over coffee, catch-up or simply an afternoon spent together.
Layers of moist chocolate sponge, silky chocolate cream, roasted hazelnuts and crisp wafer pieces come together under a glossy chocolate finish, creating a cake that instantly becomes the centrepiece of any Friendship Day gathering.
Flowers That Say More Than Words
Featuring deep purple roses, delicate lisianthus, soft pink matthiola and eucalyptus, this bouquet pairs rich tones with delicate textures for an elegant floral arrangement.
Where To Celebrate Friendship Day
Some of the best gifts are experiences you get to share. From leisurely coffee dates to long lunches and sunset dinners, these spots are perfect for spending quality time together.
A Slow Afternoon at Gerbou
For a celebration that feels distinctly Dubai, Gerbou’s Fwala experience makes for a beautiful afternoon together. Available daily from 3 PM to 6 PM, the experience brings together sweet and savoury bites, Arabic coffee and premium teas in a setting that feels warm and inviting.
Where: Gerbou, Nad Al Sheba
Price: Dhs 195
Waterfront Catch-Ups at Boardwalk
If your idea of a good catch-up involves great food and an even better view, Boardwalk is an easy choice. Set along Dubai Creek, it’s perfect for a leisurely Friendship Day lunch, with a menu of fresh seafood, handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas that everyone can agree on.
Where: Dubai Creek Resort, Port Saeed, Dubai
A Special Dining Experience at Jun’s
For the friends who love trying something different, Jun’s thirteen-course tasting menu makes for a fun afternoon or evening out. The menu takes diners through a series of bold, creative dishes, with a vegetarian option available for those who prefer it.
Price: Dhs 560 for the thirteen-course menu
Toast to Friendship at Bar Du Port & Café Du Port
If Friendship Day plans usually revolve around good food and catching up over a drink, Bar Du Port and Café Du Port have two offers worth bookmarking.
On 30 July, Bar Du Port Dubai is offering two hours of free-flowing bubbles and two starters to share for Dhs 160, available from 4pm to 8pm. Next door, Café Du Port is serving an all-day menu with one egg dish, one pastry or crêpe, and a coffee for Dhs 75.
There’s a little extra reason to visit too. Guests can also enter the Friendship Day giveaway by tagging their best friend and sharing the funniest reason they’ve stayed friends over the years for a chance to win a BloomingBox bouquet and a dining experience.
Where: Bar Du Port & Café Du Port, Dubai Harbour, Dubai
Coffee, Dessert and Conversations at Coffeemania
Sometimes all you need is coffee and your favourite person. Coffeemania is celebrating World Friendship Day with an offer where guests purchasing two coffees receive a complimentary dessert for the first 50 walk-ins.
Where: Dubai Hills Mall
When: Daily, 8 AM – 12 AM
