Valentine's Day isn't the only Cupid-approved holiday that we like to celebrate come February. Before you break out the roses and wine for your significant other come February 14, it's time to celebrate your very best gal pals on February 13 a.k.a Galentine's Day.
Sure, it might not be an official holiday the way Valentine's Day is, but it's a chance to celebrate the wonderful friendships you have with the women in your life, no matter how happily single, coupled or in-between relationships they may be. While you can always opt to celebrate by going to your favorite restaurant or bar, Galentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to get creative. Our list of entertaining Galentine's Day ideas are perfect for friends who want to try something new.
Sure, you can head to a restaurant or bar, but if you're looking for more creative, active and entertaining ideas, check out our list of fun Galentine's Day ideas. If your group prefers to stay in, hunker down for a movie night with wine and mani-pedis or have a beauty product swap in your pajamas. Prefer to go out and hit the town? Sign up for karaoke or a paint-and-sip class or hit up a bunch of your favorite eateries for your own "food tour". Every group of friends might be different, but we can guarantee that this list has something for all ages and interests, helping to make this upcoming Galentine's Day your very best yet.
The Best Galentine's Day Ideas
Beauty Product Swap
Invite your gals to bring unused makeup products to sell or swap. Think primer, lipstick, mascara, eyeliner, brushes, you name it. It's all about gathering the right beauty essentials to put her best face forward. Feel free to share beauty tips while you're at it.
Fenty Beauty Highlighter
Glossier Priming Moisturizer
NARS Blush
Food Tour
Here's an idea foodies won't want to miss. Take the day to food hop, where you explore popular menu picks at different restaurants or bars. A few days before Galentine's Day, search for any food trucks or pop-ups in your area to add to the list.
Cookie Swap
Who doesn't love cookies? Have everyone bake their favorite cookie recipe — from shortbread squares and pecan pie bars to merry meringues and white chocolate thins — then swap them at your gathering. You can check out these Valentine's Day cookie ideas for some of our tastiest options.
Coffee Date
Coffee dates are casual, inexpensive and great for people watching. They're also a super cute Galentine's Day idea for catching up. Host the date at home or your favorite coffee spot (be sure to bring your own mug!).
G-Day Thrifting
There's nothing like the thrill of the hunt. That's why thrifting is the perfect activity to keep everyone engaged. Encourage friends to find pieces (bonus points for vintage items!) related to Valentine's Day. Imagine all the fun they'll have hunting for clothes and accessories in vibrant shades of red, pink and white.
Bowling
Dates — even with just the girls — are meant to be exciting. This makes bowling a fun choice to keep the conversations going. Plus, it's a challenge that will delight any introvert with a competitive streak.
Park Stroll
Bundle up and get ready to browse the beautiful scenery at the park. Some parks are all decked out for the holidays (Central Park being just one of them!), so huddle as a group to revel in the festive decor. Exploring the outdoors is also a great way to feel refreshed while connecting with your circle of friends.
Volunteer
Since Galentine's and Valentine's Day are all about caring for others, connect with local organizations to help spread love to those in need. Whether it's assembling a care package or participating in a local clean-up project, it's never a boring idea to support your community.
Secret Galentine Gift Swap
The week before Galentine's Day, write everyone's names on pink, red or heart-shaped cards. Have them pick a name out of a hat and set a budget for buying presents. When it's finally time to meet on the big day, it'll be such a fun surprise when the secret Santas are revealed (along with the sweetest gifts that come with it!).
Make Candles
Scented candles are a creative Valentine's Day craft that can double as a gift. DIY your own lovely scents with an online tutorial. And since it's a romantic holiday, choose fragrances to fit the mood — jasmine, cherry blossom and lavender are just a few perfect choices.
Wine and Chocolate Night
Wine and chocolate make a great combination. Include various options (maybe even these chocolate caramel cookies) and enjoy a night of laughter and fun.
Peppermint Bark
Ferrero Rocher Chocolate Bars
Rom-Com Movie Night
Gather your girls for a night of binge-watching your favorite romantic movies. There are plenty of options to keep the evening going (including the heartfelt yet ill-fated love story of Jack and Rose from The Titanic).
Brunch
Brunch is an excuse for friends to have fun, relax and indulge in the delicious food presented to them. Add a G-Day spin to a weekend brunch with our Valentine's Day breakfast ideas.
DIY Photo Booth
It's always a pleasure to take pictures. They're also great for preserving special moments. Set up your own photo booth with a V-Day-themed backdrop for you and your girlfriends to capture the celebration.
Photo Booth Props
Valentines Fringe Curtains
Heart Headbands and Sunglasses
Paint and Sip
Painting and sipping are two things that mix well. Book a space for this event or gather your own materials and have friends bring their favorite drinks for an at-home art session.
Game Night
Playing games can keep the party engaging. You can create your own games such as Valentine's Day Family Feud or a G-Day scavenger hunt. You can even purchase a classic (like Friend or Faux).
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Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in this article.
Galentine's Day
Galentine's Day is a celebration of female friendship that takes place on February 13th, the day before Valentine's Day. It is a day to honor and appreciate the important women in your life, whether they are single, in a relationship, or somewhere in between. It is not an official holiday, but it has gained popularity in recent years as a way to celebrate the bonds of friendship. Galentine's Day is often marked by activities such as going out for brunch, hosting a movie night, or exchanging small gifts.
Beauty Product Swap
A beauty product swap is a fun activity where friends gather to exchange unused or lightly used beauty products. Participants bring items such as makeup, skincare products, brushes, and more, and can either sell or swap them with others. It's a great way to try out new products and share beauty tips with friends.
Food Tour
A food tour involves visiting multiple restaurants or bars to sample different menu items. It's a great way to explore the local culinary scene and try a variety of dishes. You can plan your own food tour by researching popular restaurants and menu picks in your area. You can also consider adding food trucks or pop-ups to your list for a more diverse experience.
Cookie Swap
A cookie swap is a gathering where each participant bakes their favorite cookie recipe and then exchanges them with others. It's a fun way to try different types of cookies and share delicious treats with friends. Participants can bake a variety of cookies, from classic favorites to unique creations. You can find inspiration for Valentine's Day-themed cookie recipes online.
Coffee Date
A coffee date is a casual and inexpensive way to catch up with friends. It involves meeting at a coffee shop or hosting a coffee date at home. It's a great opportunity to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, and have meaningful conversations. You can bring your own mug to add a personal touch to the gathering.
Thrifting
Thrifting is the act of shopping at thrift stores or second-hand shops to find unique and affordable items. It can be a fun activity to do with friends, especially when you're looking for pieces related to a specific theme, such as Valentine's Day. Encourage your friends to find clothing and accessories in vibrant shades of red, pink, and white. You might even come across some vintage treasures.
Bowling
Bowling is a popular recreational activity that can be enjoyed with friends. It's a fun choice for a group outing and can keep the conversations going while adding a competitive element. Whether you're a seasoned bowler or a beginner, bowling can be a great way to bond with friends and create lasting memories.
Park Stroll
Taking a stroll in the park is a relaxing and refreshing activity that allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery and connect with nature. Some parks may be decorated for the holidays, providing a festive atmosphere. It's a great opportunity to bundle up, explore the outdoors, and spend quality time with your friends.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a meaningful way to give back to the community and spread love and kindness. You can connect with local organizations and participate in projects such as assembling care packages or participating in clean-up initiatives. It's a rewarding activity that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Secret Galentine Gift Swap
A secret Galentine gift swap is a fun and surprising activity where participants draw names and exchange gifts. Each person is assigned a secret recipient and sets a budget for buying presents. On the day of the event, everyone reveals their secret Santas and exchanges heartfelt gifts. It's a great way to show appreciation and make the celebration even more special.
Candle Making
Making scented candles can be a creative and personalized Valentine's Day craft. You can follow online tutorials to learn how to make your own candles and choose fragrances that fit the romantic holiday mood, such as jasmine, cherry blossom, or lavender. It's a thoughtful gift idea and a fun activity to do with friends.
Wine and Chocolate Night
Wine and chocolate make a classic and indulgent combination. Hosting a wine and chocolate night is a great way to relax, enjoy delicious treats, and have a fun-filled evening with friends. You can include a variety of wine options and different types of chocolates to cater to everyone's preferences.
Rom-Com Movie Night
Gathering your friends for a rom-com movie night is a popular way to celebrate Galentine's Day. You can binge-watch your favorite romantic movies and enjoy a cozy and entertaining evening together. There are plenty of romantic movies to choose from, including classics like "Titanic" and newer releases.
Brunch
Brunch is a popular mealtime that combines breakfast and lunch. It's a relaxed and enjoyable way to spend time with friends, indulge in delicious food, and have fun conversations. You can add a Galentine's Day spin to your brunch by incorporating Valentine's Day-themed breakfast ideas.
DIY Photo Booth
Setting up a DIY photo booth is a fun way to capture memories and create lasting keepsakes. You can create a V-Day-themed backdrop and provide props like heart-shaped sunglasses and headbands. Encourage your friends to strike poses and take pictures together. It's a great activity that adds a playful element to your Galentine's Day celebration.
Paint and Sip
Paint and sip events combine painting and enjoying drinks with friends. You can book a space for this event or gather your own materials and have friends bring their favorite drinks for an at-home art session. It's a creative and relaxing activity that allows you to express your artistic side while socializing with friends.
Game Night
Hosting a game night is a fun way to keep the party engaging and entertaining. You can create your own games, such as a Valentine's Day-themed Family Feud or a Galentine's Day scavenger hunt. Alternatively, you can purchase classic games like "Friend or Faux" to enjoy with your friends.
I hope these ideas inspire you to have a memorable Galentine's Day celebration with your friends! Let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with.
