Your ultimate cheat sheet for hosting the coolest virtual hangouts ever

Picture this: it’s a typical Friday night, and you’re beat after a long, chaotic week. Your WhatsApp’s buzzing non-stop—your girls want to meet up, but you’re just too drained to say yes. And honestly, who wants to deal with the pressure of lipstick, heels, overpriced Ubers, and gridlocked traffic—only to hang for a few hours and come home even more exhausted? No thanks. But here’s the thing—the perfect hangout doesn’t have to be at a trendy restaurant or some late-night soiree.

Swap a stressful girls’ night out for a memorable girls’ night in, minus the pressure of looking presentable. Spend quality time with your favourite people and end the night feeling happy, connected, and totally recharged.

Here are five fun ideas to make your virtual hangout your happy place. 

A wonderful evening with words

Give reading a fun twist by hosting a virtual book date with your friends! It’s the perfect way to spend a chill Friday night from the comfort of your bed. Dive into juicy discussions about your current read, debate favourite characters, or giggle over that one absurd plot twist. Whether your gang loves thrillers, steamy romcoms or short graphic novels, there’s something for everyone. Pick a time, prep a few discussion questions, and throw in some fun interactive activities to keep things fresh. Even the reluctant readers in the group will want to join in.

Collaborate and create

Tired of the usual gossip, glam chats, and roasting exes? Try something different—start a passion project together! It might sound random, but creating something with your besties hits differently. Start a podcast, build a vision board, paint on call, or join a writing retreat online. You can even try learning a new language together. The fun lies in watching each other’s ideas take shape, giving feedback, and building something cool together.

Friends and fitness go hand in hand

Too tired for the gym but know you need those endorphins? Turn your workout into a party! Pick a fun fitness video—Zumba, yoga, or cardio—and hop on a Zoom call with your girls. Working out with your crew keeps you motivated, and honestly, it's way more fun to struggle through burpees together. End the session with a quick cooldown and virtual high-fives all around.

Glow up and unwind

Ditch the salon and plan a virtual spa night instead. Trust us—a self-care sesh with your beauty-obsessed crew will be the highlight of your week. Set the vibe with candles, slip into your comfiest PJs, and grab your face masks and nail paints. Bonus points for DIY beauty hacks like a lip scrub or natural face masks. Start with a quick meditation or face yoga session, then spill your skincare secrets, rant about work drama, and giggle your way to glowing skin.

Virtual voyage

Remember that dream trip to Bali you and your bestie kept planning (and never took)? Live it out virtually! Share your screen and take a digital tour of a museum, a famous landmark, or some offbeat destination you’ve both never heard of. Virtual tourism is the lazy girl’s way to spark wanderlust—and it totally counts as a night of bonding and discovery.

Before you plan your night in, just set a few ground rules: be present, be kind, and keep it drama-free. No filters, no pressure, just good vibes and better Wi-Fi. Follow these recommendations and by next Friday, you’ll be ready to have the best time—no makeup, no heels, and absolutely no regrets.

Lead image credit: Getty Images 

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