Galentines

Galentines: The Ultimate Guide to Friendship and Fun

Galentine’s Day—a day of celebration and appreciation for women—has become a global phenomenon. This unofficial holiday is all about platonic love, empowering friendships and community. In this post we’ll look at the history of Galentine’s Day, how it went viral and share some fun ideas to celebrate with your besties.

What is Galentine’s Day?

Galentine’s Day is a fun holiday on February 13th, the day before Valentine’s Day. It’s a day to honour the bond between women and celebrate female friendships. The term Galentine’s Day was coined by the TV show Parks and Recreation in 2010 and has since become a beloved holiday around the world. According to Merriam-Webster, Galentine’s Day is “a holiday observed on February 13th as a time to celebrate friendships, especially among women”. This day is all about showing appreciation and gratitude for the amazing women in your life, making it the perfect lead up to Valentine’s Day.

The History of Galentine’s Day

Galentine's Day Ideas

Galentine’s Day was born from the TV show Parks and Recreation. In Season 2’s “Galentine’s Day” episode, Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) says February 13th is a day for “ladies celebrating ladies”. The idea took off and went from fictional to real life. Since 2010 when it was first mentioned, Galentine’s Day has become a beloved tradition that’s all about female friendship and self care. The celebrations can run throughout the week leading up to February 13th with various events and activities.

Why Celebrate Galentine’s Day with Girlfriends?

Friendship is key to mental and emotional health. Studies show that strong social connections reduce stress, improve overall health and increase happiness. Galentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show your friends you appreciate them and nurture those relationships. It’s a chance to get out of the daily grind and have some quality time with your favourite people.

Galentine’s Day Ideas

Galentine’s Day Ideas

Need some inspiration? Here are some fun and practical ways to make the most of Galentine’s Day: Guests can throw reusable bags in their cars or purses to carry gifts or personal items for the day.

1. Brunch Party

Recreate Leslie Knope’s Galentine’s Day tradition with a waffle themed brunch. A build your own waffle bar with fresh fruit, whipped cream and chocolate chips. Mimosas or mocktails for a fun twist.

2. Spa Night

Turn your space into a DIY spa for Galentine’s Day. Set up stations for facials, manicures and massages. Candles, soft music and goodie bags filled with skincare treats for everyone.

3. Movie Marathon

Get your friends together for a Galentine’s Day movie marathon with a lineup of feel good films. Choose movies with strong female leads or heartwarming friendships. Don’t forget the popcorn and snacks!

4. Craft and Sip

Get crafty with a crafting session for Galentine’s Day. Whether it’s painting, making jewellery or creating personal cards, this activity is fun and a keepsake. Add wine or tea for extra fun.

5. Book Club

If your group loves to read, host a special book club night for Galentine’s Day. Choose a book that fits with friendship or empowerment themes and discuss over drinks and appetizers.

6. Outdoor Adventure

For active friend groups looking to get outdoors for Galentine’s Day, consider a day hike, bike ride or picnic in a beautiful location. Being in nature is a great way to bond and recharge.

7. Game Night

Get out the board games, card games or trivia quizzes for a Galentine’s Day game night to celebrate female friendships. Choose games everyone can play and offer prizes for the winners.

8. Potluck

Celebrate Galentine’s Day with a shared meal where everyone brings their favourite dish. A great way to show off your cooking skills and try new recipes.

9. Volunteer Together

Give back to your community by volunteering as a group for Galentine’s Day. Whether it’s at a local shelter, food bank or community centre, helping others can be a great way to bond.

10. Memory Book

Celebrate your friendships on Galentine’s Day by creating a scrapbook or memory book. Photos, inside jokes and heartfelt notes. A beautiful keepsake to treasure for years to come.

Galentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Galentine’s Day Gift Ideas

When it comes to Galentine’s Day, finding the perfect gift for your girlfriends can make the day even more special. Here are some lovely and fun gift ideas to show your friends you love them:

  • Chocolate and Wine: A classic combo that never goes out of style. Share a box of gourmet chocolates and a bottle of wine for a night in.
  • Customised Gifts: Personalised items like mugs, jewellery or funny cards will put a smile on your friend’s face and show you’ve put thought into the gift.
  • Experience Gifts: Plan an experience you can do together, like tickets to a concert, a cooking class or a fun activity like a painting night.
  • Handmade Gifts: A heartfelt letter or a handmade craft is a lovely way to say thanks and create a memory.

These will make your friends feel loved.

Consider a Luhvee book to make it even more special!

Unique Gift ideas for Best Friend.

Food, Drink, Decorations

To set the scene for your Galentine’s Day celebrations you’ll need delicious food, fun drinks and pretty decorations. Here are some ideas:

  • Brunch or Dinner: Get your girlfriends together for a meal. Serve shareable dishes like a waffle bar for brunch or a tapas spread for dinner.
  • Festive Drinks: Keep the drinks flowing with pink and red drinks like rosé, strawberry margaritas or sparkling mocktails to match the occasion.
  • Decorations: Set the scene with flowers, balloons and other decorations. Pink and red colours to create a warm and festive atmosphere.
  • Sweet Treats: No Galentine’s Day is complete without chocolate! Have a selection of sweet treats on hand to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

These will make your Galentine’s Day fun and memorable.

Make Galentines Personal with Gifts

The beauty of Galentine’s Day is its flexibility. Planning activities for the week leading up to Galentine’s Day will make the day even more special. Whether you like a quiet night or a big celebration, tailor the day to your group’s style. Remember, the point of Galentine’s Day is to celebrate the amazing women in your life and create memories together.

Make the Day Last All Year

Galentines Personal with Gifts

While Galentine’s Day is a great occasion to celebrate your friendships, it’s also important to keep that vibe going all year. Here’s how to make the day last all year round:

  • Stay in Touch: Make an effort to stay connected with your girlfriends through regular phone calls, texts or meetups. Consistency is key.
  • Plan Regular Activities: Organise regular get togethers or activities like hiking trips, book clubs or movie nights to keep the fun going all year.
  • Show You Care: Small things like sending a funny meme or a thoughtful text can go a long way.
  • Start a Tradition: Consider having an annual Galentine’s Day dinner or outing. Having a tradition makes the day feel even more special and gives everyone something to look forward to.

By doing these you’ll make the love and appreciation you feel on Galentine’s Day last all year and keep your friendships fresh and alive.

In Conclusion

Galentine’s Day is a great occasion to celebrate your friendships

Galentine’s Day is more than a trend; it’s a day to celebrate friendship and self love. By doing this you’re acknowledging the amazing relationships in your life. Whether you’re brunching, crafting or volunteering, just celebrate with love and appreciation. So put February 13th in your diary and let’s get this party started!

Looking For More?

Check out these great reads to get inspired.

Here's a recommended reading list to inspire your gift-giving and personalize your presents with heartfelt meaning. Each blog offers thoughtful ideas and practical tips for making your loved ones feel special.

1. Valentine's Day Gifts for Her

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for the special woman in your life? This guide explores heartfelt and meaningful ideas that go beyond the ordinary, helping you express your love in a truly personal way.

2. Happy Valentine’s Day

Celebrate love and affection with creative ideas to make Valentine's Day unforgettable. This post includes romantic gestures, thoughtful surprises, and personalized gift ideas to show how much you care.

3. Making a Best Friend Gift Box: 10 Easy Ideas

Discover how to put together the ultimate best friend gift box with these 10 simple and creative ideas. Whether it’s for a birthday, a special occasion, or just to show appreciation, this guide will help you craft a meaningful and fun surprise.

4. Personalized Gifts for Her

Personalized gifts add a special touch to any occasion. This post explores unique and thoughtful options to make any woman in your life feel cherished with customized presents she’ll love and treasure forever.

5. Sister-in-Law Personalized Gifts

Struggling to find the perfect gift for your sister-in-law? This article provides personalized gift ideas that cater to her unique personality and interests, making it easy to find something she'll truly appreciate.

Enjoy these inspiring reads and make your gift-giving experiences extra special with personalized touches!

Galentines
Back to blog