Life gets hectic, between work, kids, family obligations, and trying to squeeze in some alone time, it’s so easy to let friendships slide. I’ve been there. I’ve gone from texting my best friend daily to suddenly realizing it’s been three months since we last talked. It happens. But I also know that staying connected doesn’t have to mean long phone calls or perfectly planned visits. Sometimes, a little creativity is all it takes. So today, I’m sharing 10 creative ways to stay in touch with friends. These ideas have worked for me and my friends, and I hope they inspire you to keep your own connections strong, even during your busiest seasons.
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1. Start a Shared Photo Challenge
One of my favorite things I’ve done with a long-distance friend is a weekly photo challenge. Every Monday, we pick a theme: “green,” “quiet moments,” “coffee corners,” you name it. We each snap a photo sometime that week and send it via text or post it to a private shared album.
It’s not about being artistic, it’s about sharing little glimpses of our daily lives. It keeps us in touch without needing a deep conversation every time. Bonus: you end up with a little photo journal that reflects both your worlds.
You could even turn these into printed books once a year or share your favorite moments on Instagram. It’s such a low-lift, high-reward practice.
2. Send Voice Memos Instead of Texts
Let’s be honest, typing out a whole life update can feel like a chore. That’s why I love voice memos. I can ramble about my day while folding laundry, and my friend can listen while she’s driving or making dinner. It’s like a mini podcast, just for her.
We go back and forth with updates, funny stories, and random observations. It feels more personal than a text and takes way less effort than a call.
And here’s the fun part, you get to hear each other’s voices. Which, let’s face it, we all miss when life gets in the way.
3. Celebrate “Tiny Holidays” Together
Sure, we all remember birthdays and major holidays, but what about National Donut Day? Or the anniversary of the first concert you went to together?
My college roommate and I now celebrate the day we met with a silly meme exchange and virtual cheers. It’s goofy, but it keeps that bond alive. Think of small traditions you can start together:
- Virtual coffee date on the first Friday of the month
- Exchange cards on your “friendiversary”
- Celebrate obscure holidays with funny gifts
There’s something magical about creating your own rituals, even if they seem silly. They become “your thing,” and those shared experiences are what make friendships memorable.
4. Start a Long-Distance Book Club
This has been a game-changer for me and a couple of mom friends who live in different states. We pick a book every other month (nothing too heavy), then set a date for a Zoom wine night to discuss it. Sometimes we talk about the book. Sometimes we just catch up. And both are fine.
It gives us something to look forward to and a reason to reconnect that doesn’t feel forced.
If books aren’t your thing, try a movie club, podcast club, or even a “Pinterest project of the month” where you each try something new and talk about how it went.
5. Create a Shared Playlist
Music brings back memories and emotions like nothing else. My best friend and I have a Spotify playlist we both add to, and every time a song pops up from her, it’s like she’s riding shotgun with me.
You could:
- Make a “Throwback to College” playlist
- Share songs you’re currently loving
- Create mood playlists (“Songs for When You’re Over It”)
You can even add little voice recordings or interludes using audio apps to make it feel like a personalized mixtape.
Even if you don’t talk every day, the music keeps you connected in the background.
6. Send Snail Mail Surprises
Who doesn’t love getting real mail?
Every now and then, I grab a few cute postcards and write quick notes to my friends. No pressure, no need for a reply, just a little “thinking of you” moment. Bonus points for stickers, tea bags, or small flat gifts.
A friend of mine once sent me a mini puzzle and a handwritten recipe she thought I’d like. I smiled every time I picked up the envelope.
It’s simple, sweet, and way more fun than another Amazon package.
7. Plan Virtual Themed Hangouts
Zoom burnout is real, but hear me out: themed hangouts can be surprisingly fun.
My friends and I once did a pajama party where we all showed up with our favorite snacks, did a face mask, and talked about nothing important. Another time, we hosted a virtual wine tasting night (we each bought the same bottle). We’ve also done trivia nights, recipe cook-alongs, and even “PowerPoint parties.”
The key? Keep it low-pressure and short. Even 30 minutes can go a long way.
Themes make it feel like an event, not just a meeting. And that can help friends actually prioritize it.
8. Share a Digital Journal or Notes App
One of my introverted friends started this with me. We share a Google Doc where we write little updates, poems, funny things our kids said, whatever. It’s like a low-maintenance pen pal situation.
We check in when we feel like it, and it becomes a sweet record of our ongoing friendship. This works especially well for friends who aren’t into calls or constant messaging.
Another variation: start a shared journal app like Day One, or even use shared notes in your iPhone. Keep a gratitude log or swap dream journals. It’s a quiet way to stay emotionally in sync.
9. Play Ongoing App Games Together
Remember Words With Friends? Or Draw Something? They’re still around, and they’re still fun. My cousin and I started playing Wordle and sending each other our scores daily. It’s a quick check-in that doesn’t require deep conversation.
You can also try:
- Duolingo friend challenges
- Multiplayer puzzle games
- Fitness tracker competitions
Even if it’s silly, it keeps the conversation going. And sometimes, shared play is even better than small talk.
10. Schedule Recurring “Friend Check-Ins”, But Make Them Flexible
I know scheduling sounds boring, but hear me out: putting it on the calendar helps it happen.
My two childhood friends and I have a standing check-in every six weeks. Sometimes it’s a phone call, other times a text thread or even a meme exchange. It’s not about sticking to a script, it’s about making space for the friendship, even in a tiny way.
Let go of the idea that every check-in needs to be deep or perfect. Sometimes, a quick “Hey, thinking of you!” is enough.
Friendship Doesn’t Have to Be All or Nothing
Here’s what I’ve learned: staying in touch with friends doesn’t mean daily chats or elaborate plans. It’s about small, consistent gestures that say, “I’m thinking of you.”
Life will get busy. Schedules won’t always line up. But creativity can keep you connected, even in the busiest seasons.
So try one or two of these ideas. Or come up with your own twist. Just don’t wait for the “perfect” time to reach out. That time rarely comes.
Send the text. Share the playlist. Mail the card. Hit “record” on that voice memo. Because friendship? It’s worth the effort, and you deserve the joy that comes with feeling connected.
Keep the Conversation Going
I’d love to hear your own favorite ways to stay close with your people. What’s worked for you? What made you laugh, cry, or feel closer to someone recently?
Drop your ideas in the comments, tag your friend and say “let’s try this,” or forward this blog post as a little nudge to reconnect.
Because the truth is, we all need reminders now and then that friendship doesn’t have to disappear in busy seasons. It just needs a little intention, and a lot of love.
With love,
Bri & Cat
Related Posts to Check Out:
10 Heartfelt Ways to Cheer Up a Friend When They’re Feeling Down
Clever Gifts for the ‘Don’t Get Me Anything’ Friend
Quality Friendships: Why a Few Close Friends Matter More Than a Big Social Circle
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