10 Galentine's Day ideas for the ages

While the forever-famed February 14th is all about big red hearts and romance with a capital R, February 13th happens to be a celebration of fierce and fabulous female friendships—Galentine’s Day! Coupled or single, this day’s for you. Note: Galentine’s day does not have to be girls only—the idea is to celebrate any and all the “gals” you love, regardless of orientation or gender.

Rendered illustrious by Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope in the well known TV series Parks and Recreation, this fictional holiday has gained a ton of traction IRL ever since the initial “Galentine’s Day” episode aired in 2010. In other words, though it may have started out as the centerpiece for one funny episode, Galentine’s Day is now a larger than life event!

The only question, of course, is how best to celebrate it? Here are 10 inspired Galentine’s Day ideas perfect for showin’ love where love’s due this February 13th.

1. Cook together and follow it up with a movie marathon

Whether it's classic spaghetti and meatballs, a 100% plant-based gourmet night, or a mish-mash potluck evening, breaking bread with the important women in your life is everything. And what better way to digest than by watching your favorite anti-romance movies (or pro-romance, as the vibe calls for)—or binge watching that new show you’ve all been dying to see.

2. Host a grrrls’ game night

Get your competition on with your favorite people. From board game options like The Settlers of Catan, Cards Against Humanity, Monopoly, Jenga, and Twister, to outside-the-box games like charades, Truth or Dare, or Would you Rather, the possibilities for play really are endless. Wordle challenge, anyone?

3. Booze it up with creative cocktails

Light some red and pink (or goth black) candles, and gather your gaggle for an evening of mixing and swilling festive cocktails! You’ll wanna stock up on rosé, champagne and other mixers for an evening of splashy chatter and heartfelt laughs. 

4. Have a living room spa day/sleepover

Invite your gorgeous Galentines to a day at the spa—chez toi (or at a spa if you prefer)! Either way, massages, foot soaks, face masks, and nail polish are sure to do the trick. And hey, if it morphs into an old school sleepover, all the better. Pull out your old yearbooks, magazine quizzes, and snacks, and remember what relaxing fully with your besties really feels like—everything.

5. Brunch it up, Knope stylez

Leslie Knope established Galentine’s Day with her annual brunch event: mimosas, decadent crepes, and a gift exchange (or if you dare, a sex toy gift exchange). Or, make it a fancy dinner out—couples do not own the rights to this idea, y’know. Get a few pals together, dress to the nines, and show off your flashy friendship at your fave restaurant.

6. Throw a full-on party

The angle here is entirely up to you and your gals. Whether you’re big on the anti-Valentine’s Day thing, or there’s a palpable pro-hookup vibe going on—or both—you got this. You might initiate a theme, like ‘glam,' or ‘goddess,' or ‘paint ‘n sip’ (where the idea is to drink and paint pictures). You might play matchmaker with your guest list—or not. With good music, snacks, drinks, and company, you're bound to have an evening worthy of your favorite lovers and haters alike. 

7. Road trip!

Getting outta dodge is one of the best ways to forge meaningful bonds and make memories in the process, hands down. You could drive to a new city for the hell of it, or out to the country for a weekend skiing/hiking trip. Or, you could see what upcoming conferences/conventions might interest you and your friends (i.e., Comic-Con, political rallies, motivational conferences, art retreats, etc.), and plan a trip around that.

8. Have a clothing exchange

Plan a get-together where everyone brings over shoes, accessories and clothing they’ve been wanting to clear out, and throws it in a giant pile in the middle of the floor. Add red wine and dark chocolate to the mix, and voila, a new look for all in attendance. You might try taking turns so as to distribute the booty more evenly.

9. Plan a femme fam reunion

Plan a get-together with women from the various generations of your family. If distance is an issue, there is always Zoom. Quality time spent with your predecessors and children alike can offer amazing opportunities to learn more about each other’s life experiences and form a real appreciation for all the new insight you walk away with, plus, chances are, a fresh perspective.

10. Dance!

When in doubt, dancing is a foolproof go-to, you heard it here first. Whether it’s a rock concert, an exclusive club, or a dank ’n dingy dive bar with a jukebox, go out with your friends for the sole purpose of dancing your troubles away—in style, and together. Follow it up by hitting a karaoke bar, if the will is there. Whatever you do, be sure to paint your town cinnamon heart-red.

Turns out that in February, 13 is the luckiest number of them all, because it’s a day destined for gal pal greatness, and for deepening friendships new and old alike—all while shunning February 14th, if that’s where your heart is at. Happy Galentine’s Day to you and yours—may it fill you with bonafide joy and a sense of connection. <3