Move over, Valentine’s Day—Galentine’s Day is here to steal the spotlight! This February 13th is all about celebrating the women in your life. Best friends, sisters, moms, grandmas—you name it, it’s your chance to show them just how much they mean to you by showering them with love and appreciation. What started as a fictional holiday on Parks and Recreation has blossomed into a beloved tradition, proving that romantic love isn’t the only kind worth celebrating.
The Origins of Galentine’s Day
In 2010, the ever-iconic Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) introduced the world to Galentine’s Day in an episode of Parks and Recreation. Her philosophy? “It’s only the best day of the year!”—a day for ladies to ditch their partners, brunch it up, exchange heartfelt gifts, and toast to the power of friendship. The idea resonated far beyond the show, inspiring real-life celebrations that have only grown in popularity.
How to Celebrate in Style
Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or an all-out party, there are endless ways to make Galentine’s Day special. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Schedule a Weekend Staycation
Save those vacation days for your next girl’s trip and enjoy your local area with your close ones by making time to savor all of your favorite places. Take a day or two off from your daily life and appreciate what’s around you, and make endless memories together!
Pamper Yourself with a DIY Spa Night
Treat your squad to some self-care with a DIY spa night. Think face masks, soothing baths, mani-pedis, and maybe even a little bit of meditation. Light some candles, play relaxing music, and just enjoy each other’s company while giving your skin a glow-up.
Host a Movie Marathon
What’s better than watching feel-good movies with your best friends? Create a lineup of empowering films, rom-coms, or guilty pleasures that everyone loves. Mean Girls, Legally Blond, The Devil Wears Prada, Veere Di Wedding, Crew, etc which can make some excellent picks. Set up a blanket fort, pile on the popcorn, and get ready for hours of entertainment.
Get Creative with DIY Gifts
Make this Galentine’s extra memorable by getting crafty. Have a DIY craft night where you can make friendship bracelets, personalized journals, or paint something special. These homemade gifts will be meaningful and a great way to show how much you appreciate each other.
Get Out and Have Some Fun
If you want to break away from the couch, organize an outing with your besties. Whether it’s a karaoke night, a dance class, or even a scavenger hunt around your town, doing something fun together will make for awesome memories.
Share Heartfelt Galentine’s Cards
Skip the romantic cards and give your friends something from the heart. Write each friend a personal note that expresses why they mean so much to you. Reminisce about the good times and let them know just how much their friendship means.
Have a Virtual Night
If your group of friends are located all over the country, and can’t get together like you used to, then you can make the day special with a few hours of video chat. You can watch a movie together, cook the same meal, or play online games for fun.
[Contributed By Anushka Gaikwad]