- Categories:
- Relationship
- Tags:
- ChildrenFamily
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every May 2
- Holiday emoji:
- 🫂
National Brothers and Sisters Day celebrates the special bond with siblings every May 2. Take time to reconnect with your brothers and sisters, share cherished memories, and create new ones. Plan a fun outing, send a thoughtful gift, or simply call to say ‘I love you.’
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Expected National Brothers and Sisters Day Deals
As National Brothers and Sisters Day approaches on May 2, expect retailers to offer promotions on gifts and experiences perfect for siblings. While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows brands like Hallmark often feature special cards and personalized gifts. Shutterfly typically runs discounts on photo albums and custom prints, ideal for sharing memories. Look for deals from Harry & David on gourmet food baskets or FTD for flower deliveries. Casual dining spots like The Cheesecake Factory or Chili’s might offer gift card bonuses or special meal deals for groups. Experience-based platforms such as Groupon or Airbnb Experiences could highlight local activities for siblings to enjoy together. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May approaches.
Platform Guide for National Brothers and Sisters Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #BrothersAndSistersDay. Share throwback photos with your siblings or recent reunion pics.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BrothersAndSistersDay. Create a family photo album or share a funny sibling story.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #BrothersAndSistersDay. Film a ‘sibling challenge’ video or share a ‘things only siblings understand’ reel.
National Brothers and Sisters Day Hero
Claudia Evart
History of National Brothers and Sisters Day
Life is short, and it’s easy to get caught up on the little things that may come your way. National Brothers and Sisters Day was created after an unknown woman lost her brother and realized how she never let him know how much he meant to her. Two years after his death, she decided to create a holiday that was all about siblings connecting, reconnecting, and appreciating each other so that others didn’t miss out on what she did: a close relationship with her brother. And thus, National Brothers and Sisters Day was born.
It is meant to be a holiday that is strictly celebrated from the heart where brothers and sisters really take the time to value and cherish each other and the memories they share and to (of course) create new ones. Not to be confused with National Siblings Day, this holiday was created to specifically recognize the bond that only brothers and sisters can have.
So whether you and your brother or sister haven’t spoken in days, months or years, it’s a time to reflect and strengthen bonds. Call your sibling and talk for 10 minutes or go see a movie together. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate this holiday, all you have to do appreciate and continue to grow with your brother or sister.
Brothers and sisters for a lot of people are each other’s first best friends, first sparring partners, and one of their most valued protectors. Each year the holiday is celebrated at the beginning of May — the middle of spring, a time for blooming. It’s the perfect time of the year to water and nurture your relationship no matter how weak or strong it may be.
National Brothers and Sisters Day timeline
Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal both appear in their father's film, "A Dangerous Woman."
Jodi Picoult's famous novel, "My Sister's Keeper" is published, telling the story of a brother and sister trying to support their older sister who is slowly dying from leukemia.
Television comedy "Brothers & Sisters" makes its premier debut on ABC.
The first episode of "Schitt's Creek" airs on CBC Television, featuring not only TV brother and sister David and Alexis, but also real life brother and sister, Daniel and Sarah Levy.
National Brothers and Sisters Day related content
40 Gifts for Sister
Think about what your sister loves to do and get her a unique and special gift that shows you appreciate her.
See More
National Siblings Day
National Siblings Day celebrates the complex and cherished relationships we share with our brothers and sisters every April 10. From childhood confidantes to lifelong friends, siblings play a pivotal role in our lives. Reach out, share a memory, or plan a special outing to honor these irreplaceable connections.
See MoreNational Brothers and Sisters Day - Survey Results
Data gathered by a top Portland Marketing Agency
AMERICANS WITHOUT SIBLINGS ARE PERFECTLY HAPPY THAT WAY
When asked whether they would prefer to have brothers/sisters or be an only child, 38% of sibling-less Americans said they are perfectly happy without brothers and sisters. Only 12% of Americans with siblings would prefer to be an only child.
WOMEN PREFER TO BE THE YOUNGEST CHILD; MEN WOULD RATHER BE THE OLDEST
35% of women would prefer to be the youngest child, 34% the oldest, 17% the middle child, and 14% an only child. Meanwhile, 40% of men would prefer to be the oldest child, 24% the youngest, 20% the middle child, and 16% an only child.
Traditions for Brothers and Sisters Day
Behind every tradition is a great story. Traditions on this day differ for everyone. Sibling pairs who fight like there’s no end yet love each other like crazy all share experiences and inside jokes that only they can understand. These become traditions later on in life, like making that strange concoction that only they know, driving in streets and visiting places that hold meaning only for them, calling each other nicknames that may sound totally bizarre to others, and more.
Although siblings often feel like the other is cramping their style, brothers and sisters spend more time together on this day. They go out to their favorite eatery, take drives together, go to an arcade to revisit childhood memories, and do other activities to show how much they actually adore each other, without getting too mushy about it.
Another popular tradition in the past few years is recreating childhood photos. The outfits and poses from a memorable photograph are re-enacted and posted on social media.
Brothers & Sisters Day By the Numbers
33% – the percentage of free time siblings have spent together by the time they reach the age of 11 years old.
10 – the number of hours children spend with their siblings per week.
17 – the number of hours children from large families spend with their siblings per week.
½ – the portion of all siblings who go on to share the same level of educational- and economic success.
14% – the percentage decrease in risk of obesity that drops with each additional sibling in a household.
65% – the percentage of mothers who claim to have a favorite child — typically the oldest one.
70% – the percentage of fathers who claim to have a favorite child.
3½ – the number of times in an hour that siblings aged between 3 and 7 years old get involved in fights.
390 – the number of families who participated in a research study that found younger siblings are more rebellious and aggressive than older siblings.
8 – the average age at which children start being bullied by their siblings.
National Brothers and Sisters Day FAQs
When is National Brothers and Sisters Day?
National Brothers and Sisters Day in 2027 is observed on Sunday, May 2. This annual date provides another chance to appreciate the unique and lasting connections we share with our brothers and sisters.
How many Americans have siblings?
The vast majority of American households include siblings, with studies consistently showing that around 8 out of 10 individuals have at least one brother or sister, making these bonds a fundamental part of family life.
What is the importance of sibling relationships?
Beyond just family ties, siblings play a crucial role in our development, serving as our first playmates, confidantes, and sometimes rivals. These early interactions teach us negotiation, empathy, and resilience, skills that last a lifetime.
What is the origin of National Brothers and Sisters Day?
While the exact origins of National Brothers and Sisters Day on May 2 are somewhat obscure, it emerged as a day to honor the unique and often complex relationships between brothers and sisters. It complements other family holidays by focusing specifically on these foundational bonds.
How to Celebrate Brothers and Sisters Day
Call each other
What better way to let someone know that you're thinking of them than to take time out and call them? Whether it's FaceTime, or a good old fashion phone call, the gesture goes a long way especially when texting is the norm. So call up your brother or sister anytime of the day and reminisce, we guarantee they will appreciate it.
Spend some quality time together
Plan to spend time with your brother or sister doing all your favorite hobbies together. Catch a movie, visit your favorite restaurant or your childhood home. Whatever you chose to do, just be present with one another.
Give each other a shoutout
Show your brother or sister some love online by shouting them out on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. It may be less personal for some but it means a lot to most to see beloved pictures along with a sentimental caption.
5 Facts About Brothers And Sisters
Siblings, how many of us have them?
89% of Americans have a brother or sister
Would you rather?
35% of Americans would rather be the older sibling
Besties for life
10% of Americans say they are best friends with their brother/sister
Not so brotherly/sisterly love
8% of Americans say that they have physically fought their siblings, drawing blood or leaving marks
Birds of a feather
5% of Americans regularly hang out with their brother(s)/sister(s) and share the same friend group
Why We Love National Brothers and Sisters Day
It's not Commercial
This day may not be as well known as others but there are so many positives to not being a commercial holiday. It keeps the day heartfelt and there is no right or wrong way to celebrate your brother or sister. It is truly all love.
It's FUN!
Sharing inside jokes, reflecting on childhood adventures and simply catching up is always fun especially with your siblings. You literally go with the flow on this day with your brother or sister. You might even go on a new adventure that you can look back on for the next National Brothers and Sisters Day.
It's a day to Rebuild
We understand that not everyone is close with their sibling and that's another reason why we love this holiday. You don't have to be best friends with each other to celebrate this day, but you can use it as a stepping stone to repairing relationships and we think that's pretty amazing.
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