What is a friendship book? A German childhood tradition – now also in English

In Germany, many children know it from kindergarten and elementary school: the friendship book.

It goes from child to child; every friend fills out their own page, draws something in it, perhaps pastes a photo, and leaves a small memory. In the end, a personal book full of names, favorite colors, small secrets, wishes, and friendships emerges.

For many families in Germany, a friendship book is a natural part of childhood. For international parents, expats, or families at international schools, this custom is often new.

Yet, a friendship book is an especially lovely idea in such contexts: It helps children to capture new friendships – even if different languages are spoken at home.

What is a friendship book?

A friendship book is a keepsake book for children. It contains pre-designed pages that can be filled out by friends.

Typical questions include:

• What is your name?
• When is your birthday?
• What is your favorite color?
• What do you like to do?
• What is your favorite food?
• What would you like to tell me?
• What do you wish for me?
• Some pages offer space for a photo or a small drawing. Over time, a book full of personal entries is created.

For children, this is often much more than just a book. It is a collection of their first important friendships.

Is a friendship book typically German?

The friendship book is particularly well-known in German-speaking countries and is a familiar childhood tradition for many children in Germany.

Parents may still remember the classic autograph album. The modern friendship book is a more child-friendly, playful evolution of it: less formal, more colorful, more personal, and often suitable for kindergarten and elementary school children.

Therefore, it can be said that a friendship book is a piece of German childhood culture.

Not because friendship books exist exclusively in Germany, but because this type of book is particularly widespread here and often belongs to everyday school and children's lives as a matter of course.

Why a friendship book is perfect for starting school

Starting school is a big step for children.

New class.
New teachers.
New routines.
New friendships.

Especially in the first weeks of school, many new contacts are made. Children get to know names, faces, and small peculiarities of their classmates.

A friendship book helps to capture this special time.

It is therefore a wonderful gift for starting school, for the beginning of a new school year, or for starting at a new school. Especially when a child is just joining a new class or meeting many new children at an international school.

Why a friendship book in English makes special sense

At international schools, children from many countries meet. Some speak German, others English, some multiple languages.

A friendship book in English makes it easier for all children to sign. Even children who don't yet speak German well can participate.

This is especially wonderful for:

• Children at international schools
• Bilingual families
• Expats in Germany
• Families who have recently moved to Germany
• Children with friends from different countries
• German children who are learning English or growing up internationally

Thus, the English friendship book connects a German childhood tradition with an international daily life.

A lovely gift idea for international families

Many international parents in Germany are initially unfamiliar with the Schultüte (school cone), the school enrollment ceremony, or the Freundebuch (friendship book). Precisely because of this, such traditions are exciting.

They give children the feeling of being part of the local culture without giving up their own international identity.

An English friendship book can build a bridge here.

It is easy to understand, practical to use, and at the same time has emotional value. Children can take it to school, pass it on to friends, and browse through it again and again later.

For parents, it's an easy way to give their child something that not only looks nice but creates a genuine memory.

My Book of Friends – the Friendship Book in English

At The German Gift Shop, you will find My Book of Friends – the Friendship Book in English. It is intended as a gift for school enrollment and for international families who are looking for an English version of this German childhood tradition. The book is in English, designed, and printed in Germany.

The friendship book is particularly well suited for children who attend an international school or grow up in a multilingual environment. On the product page, it is explicitly described as the perfect gift for starting school and for international families.

Also as part of the School Enrollment Bundle

The English friendship book is also part of our School Enrollment Gift Bundle.

This is particularly practical if you don't just want to give a single book, but are looking for a small, creative gift set for the start of school.

Together with other products such as high-quality wax crayons, a postcard, and small extras, it creates a gift that creatively accompanies children and makes starting school special.

The bundle is suitable, for example, as a gift from:

• Grandparents
• Godparents
• Aunt or uncle
• Family friends
• Parents as an additional surprise
• Families at international schools

Not everything has to fit into the school cone. A friendship book, in particular, can also be given separately, as it will be used for a longer time and remain a special memory.

How does a child use a friendship book?

Using it is very simple.

The child gives the book to a friend to take home. There, a page is filled out, and the book is then returned. Gradually, the book fills up with entries.

For younger children, parents can help with filling it out. Older children often do it themselves.

At international schools, the friendship book can also be a wonderful conversation starter. Children learn from each other, discover commonalities, and learn small things about their friends that might not immediately be visible in everyday school life.

Why a friendship book is more than a small gift

A friendship book is not a toy that is forgotten after a short time.

It is a keepsake.

Many adults keep their old friendship books for a long time. When flipping through them, names, drawings, and small sentences reappear, recalling a specific time.

For children, it's nice to see: I have friends. People have written something to me. This time was important.

Especially at the start of school, this can be empowering.

Conclusion: A German tradition that works internationally

A friendship book is a beloved German childhood tradition. It captures friendships, accompanies children through kindergarten and elementary school, and makes visible who is part of their small world.

In an English version, this tradition is also accessible to international families, bilingual children, and students at international schools.

If you are looking for a special gift for starting school that is personal, meaningful, and emotional, a friendship book in English is a wonderful choice.

➡️ Discover My Book of Friends – Friendship Book in English

➡️ View School Enrollment Gift Bundle

Would you like your own school edition?

For international schools, we are happy to explore the possibility of creating an individual school edition of the English friendship book – for example, with your school's logo on the cover or a design tailored to your school community.

Such an edition is particularly suitable as a welcome gift for new students, a gift for the start of school, or a special product for the Lower School community.

If you would like to develop your own school edition, please contact us at hello@thegermangiftshop.com. We will discuss together what design, quantity, and implementation options are available.