Life is full of major milestones—birthdays, weddings, graduations—but what about the little things? Those unexpected, quirky moments that mark the passage of time and friendship in the most delightful ways? Celebrating unconventional milestones with friends is a fantastic way to stay connected, make memories, and bring a little extra joy into the everyday. So, whether it’s your tenth “friendiversary” or the day someone finally mastered latte art, here are some quirky milestones worth raising a glass to.
The Friendiversary
One of the sweetest (and increasingly popular) milestones to celebrate is the friendiversary. Whether it’s the date you met on the first day of uni or the moment you bonded over a mutual love of crime podcasts, friendiversaries deserve recognition. Mark the occasion with a night out, a heartfelt card, or even a cheeky gift that recalls your inside jokes.
New Hobby Unlocked
When a mate picks up a new hobby—be it pottery, surfing, or competitive board gaming—it’s the perfect excuse to celebrate. Host a casual gathering centred around their new interest (BYO knitting needles, anyone?), or plan an outing that lets them show off their skills. Not only does it show your support, but it’s also a great way to get involved in each other’s lives in new and unexpected ways.
Career Curveballs and Small Wins
Not every career moment has to be a promotion to be worthy of celebration. Did your friend survive their first presentation without fainting? Nail a difficult client pitch? Finally quit that job they hated? These ‘mini wins’ are the stuff of real life—and they’re worth toasting. Whether it’s a low-key brunch or an after-work gathering at a stylish spot like Slate Restaurant Bar, these occasions can be just the morale booster everyone needs.
“You Were Right” Moments
We all have that one friend who always gives solid advice—and the moment you realise they were totally right (again) is worth acknowledging. Turn it into a running tradition. Each time one of you has a “you were right” moment, shout the other a coffee or lunch. It’s a fun, light-hearted way to celebrate humility and friendship in equal measure.
Surviving the Group Trip
Let’s be honest: planning and surviving a group holiday without drama is absolutely a milestone. Celebrate your return with a debrief dinner, photo slideshow, or a shared journal entry you all add to. It keeps the good vibes going and lets you relive the fun (without the airport chaos).
Apartment Anniversaries
Whether it’s been one year since moving into your first solo flat or five years in your sharehouse, celebrating a home-versary can be surprisingly meaningful. Host a themed dinner or backyard get-together to mark the occasion and reflect on how far you’ve come since your first IKEA disaster.
Seasonal Rituals
Do you and your friends have quirky traditions tied to certain times of year? Maybe it’s the first beach trip of the summer, or an annual viewing of your favourite bad Christmas movie. Turning these moments into mini celebrations adds structure and sentimentality to your friendship calendar—and gives you all something to look forward to.
Whether it’s a quiet toast or a full-blown gathering, taking the time to recognise these unconventional milestones is about more than just the event—it’s about cherishing the people who make life richer. So next time something small but meaningful happens, don’t wait for a “big” reason. Celebrate it, savour it, and share it with your favourite people.
