Leah Ollie 
Some of the most valuable relationships in your life are those with friends. They shape us, encourage us, challenge us, and this summer can be the perfect time for you to bond with and appreciate them a little more! Whether you’re graduating and parting ways with your besties or looking forward to a long time together, you can make memories that will last forever.
For DIY gift purposes, Shutterfly often circulates through deals for printing photos and scrapbooks. With some scissors and a bit of glitter glue, you can construct a super cute collage of photos of you and your besties to hang on your wall or take with you to your dorm! This also makes for a great time capsule that will last for years to come to remind you of the memories you made together.
For another long lasting gift and memorable experience, venture into a nearby bookstore (For Chicagoans I recommend Semicolon as well as Afterwords). To make things fun, each friend should pick one word as inspiration for a “theme” to select a book for your bestie. Give each other about 10 minutes to find the book and then swap. For example, if my word was “mystery”, my best friend might pick up a new thriller for me, and vice versa! This way you’re exposed to new authors and creators, getting to know more about your friends’ tastes and have a lasting souvenir of a great book to take home with you.
Flea markets or thrift sprees are another safe and responsible way to have fun with your friends. Whether you’re styling a fit for each other or shopping for yourself personally, contributing to smaller businesses and independent retailers is the sound of the summer. To round out the full day, add brunch or coffee plans before and after.
Last, to soak up the outdoors coordinate a mini potluck! Assign one person beverages, another entrees, one side dishes and the last desserts (or double up if it’s just you and your best friend). Everyone brings their own blanket, and you can let the festivities begin at a local park or in someone’s backyard. Supplement the food and company with cards or board games, add music along with some laughs and let the making of memories begin.
I hope these ideas inspire your next hangout with your besties, no matter the circumstance. Gathering together is one of the most joy filled parts of summer, and I know I’m looking forward to it. As always, stay safe, and have fun!
By Leah Ollie, Senior, Whitney Young Magnet High School
Instagram: @leahgraceollie
