Here's How to Host the Perfect Slumber Party for Galentine's Day

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Galentine's Day, February 13, is the perfect time for women to celebrate their friendship, no matter how happily single, coupled or in-between relationships they may be. 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.

Does your gal group love to relax? Are you movie buffs (cheesy romantic comedies or Galentine's Day movies with female leads, anyone?)? Or are you in the mood for something more crafty? Or delicious? Regardless of your preferences, we have dozens of ideas that will make hanging with your BFFs on Galentine's Day one of the highlights of the year.

So, while catching up with friends virtually is always nice, if you want to get together in person this year, we've got you covered! And if you're looking for bonus points with your besties, check these thoughtful Galentine's Day gifts.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Stiletto Dance Class

Keep everyone's body moving with a dance class. Wear sexy stilettos and you have everyone's confidence boosted. They'll be ready to take on any potential date the holiday might bring.

Floral Arrangement Class

Flowers are common gifts for Valentine's Day. Book a flower arrangement class or host one in the comfort of your home. See our list of flowers with surprising meanings you'll want to know before sending them as a gift.

Weekend Getaway

Road trips and weekend getaways are a great way to leave any stress from work and everyday duties behind at least for a few days. Book a girls' trip and enjoy an eventful celebration worth remembering.

Appreciation Notes

During your party, take time out for your girlfriends to write appreciation notes. Galentine's Day is about celebrating your loving friendships, so sharing the qualities you admire most about your friends will bring on happy tears and tons of "aww" moments. Check out our DIY Valentine's Day card ideas to help bring this idea to fruition.

Slumber Party

Slumber parties can encompass a lot of activities. You and your girls can watch romantic movies, try on different face masks and catch up on everything you missed since your last get-together.

Romantic Book Club

Calling all book lovers! Host a book club party, where you all gather in your home to swap and read your favorite romantic books. During the celebration, you can discuss what you love about your chosen novels and the aspects you'd like to implement into your own romantic life.

Mani and Pedi

Gather your girls for a manicure and pedicure makeover. This is a relaxing idea to help you and your friends unwind. Plus, it's the perfect way to kick off your weekend and ease any tension while you're at it.

Baking Party

One of the best parts of Galentine's Day are the treats. Check out our roundup of Valentine's Day desserts you all can make to take back to your loved ones (and eat for yourselves).

Group Fitness Class

Working out can bring people together. What better way to get everyone's blood pumping than a group fitness class? You can host this in your home or book a space or class. Some V-Day options include pole dancing, aerial hoop and silk classes.

Puppy Play Date

Invite your friends over for a doggie play date. Dogs are the kings and queens of cuddles and affection. Hosting an at-home play date will bring smiles to everyone's faces.

Karaoke Party

Have everyone sing romantic tunes by hosting a karaoke party. Purchase your own microphone and karaoke set, or sing and dance along to your favorite music videos on your TV.

DIY Planter Party

Plant lovers will appreciate the concept of a planter party. It's an easy and engaging craft that will leave everyone with a gift to bring home.

Fondue Night

Sharing a pot of melted cheese (or chocolate for dessert) is a gesture that can only represent love. Host a fondue night full of marshmallows, strawberries and any other dipping treats you can think of.

Mixology Class

Book a G-Day mixology class, where everyone can learn how to make fruity and festive cocktails. Here's our roundup of easy V-Day drinks you can make to toast to the holiday.

V-Day Dress Code

Have your friends dress in V-Day-themed colors (red, pink and white) or come in full costume. Some ideas include coming as a box of chocolate or a giant heart.

Personalized Goodie Bags

Who doesn't like free stuff? Have a goodie bag party, where you give your friends the materials they need to make their custom tote. Invite them to fill it with delicious treats and small gadgets. You can even donate them to spread some love.

Secret Cupid

If you're new to secret cupid, you can make it a new Galentine's Day tradition. Once you have a list of attendees, randomly pick names from a bowl and assign gift-givers per person. If your friends aren't all acquainted, host a brief virtual introduction (or emailed one) and have them come together to present their gifts the day of your party. This is a great way for new friends to connect with old ones.

Wine Swap

This BYOB event is creative and fun, especially for any wine lovers. Let your friends bring their favorite wine (reds, bubbly or whites) and let the taste test begin. You can even have guests bring two bottles of the same kind to raffle off at the end of the night.

Polaroid Images

Capture the G-Day celebration by investing in a polaroid camera. Polaroids print the photos on the spot, making it easy to save and store your favorite memories.

Favorite Things Party

If you're looking for an easy yet festive way for your friends to learn more about each other, host a favorite things party! Ask everyone to bring two identical gifts with one or more of their favorite things (you have the option to set a budget). When your friends arrive, put their names in a bowl, have them share what their favorite things are (and why they chose them) and then gift it to the person whose name was picked.

Spa Day

Spa days can be essential to your mental and physical well-being. Host an at-home spa party with masks and lotion galore or plan a trip to the spa with your girls for the day.

Tea Party

Cut your sandwiches into cute and mouth-watering hearts. Don't forget to include heart-shaped cookies and a chocolate-themed dessert tea. You can even add a chocolate fountain to stay on theme.

Wreath Making

Crafts always bring people together, so why not host a DIY wreath party? From pink paper flower wreaths to recycled chocolate box wreaths, there are plenty of ideas to get everyone's creativity flowing. You can check out our DIY Valentine's Day wreaths for options your friends can recreate.

Rent Out a Restaurant or Bar

Go over the top and rent out a bar or restaurant (or maybe just the back room) so you and the girls can get the best of both worlds: dining out and privacy.

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