20 Incredible Party Ideas for the Most Memorable Galentine's Day Ever
- 1/21
20 Incredible Party Ideas for the Most Memorable Galentine's Day Ever
Leslie Knope of Parks and Recreation taught us many lessons, the most important being that February 13th is the best (unofficial) holiday: Galentine’s Day. Our Galentine’s Day ideas range from a classic brunch (à la the ladies of Parks and Rec) to an at-home spa day and everything in between. As Amy Poehler's character so eloquently explained: "Oh, it’s only the best day of the year. Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies."
So if you want to celebrate your ladies in style this year, first thing first, plan a great day. Whether you want a food-centric few hours in the morning (or evening) or a rowdy game night fueled by wine, you’ll surely get inspired after checking out our list of fail-proof Galentine’s Day ideas.
Next up, presents. No holiday is complete without a good gift and Galentine’s Day is hardly an exception. Luckily, we have a few ideas for pretty presents as well. The best part? Most of them are well under $50. Like Knope said, this day is all about fun and appreciation, so planning a great Galentine’s Day party is key. If your friends are smiling and laughing, you’re doing something right. That said, if you need some help, that’s what we’re here for! So keep reading, and you’re bound to stumble upon an idea that will get you going.
Cheetah Is the New Black - 2/21
Take a Hike
If you live in or near a city with mountains, lakes, or deserts, you may want to consider throwing on your warmest athletic clothes and hitting a hiking trail with your pals. After all, what's better than good conversation with your favorite people in fresh air? Plus, think of the photo opps with that gorgeous view as a backdrop! Don't forget to stay hydrated, though.
Dougal Waters - Getty Images - 3/21
Have Brunch at Home
The original Galentine's Day featured a big brunch, so if you want to honor Amy Poehler's character, host the brunch yourself. If cooking for all of your friends is a bit overwhelming, ask each of them to bring their favorite dish.
10'000 Hours - Getty Images - 4/21
Host a Floral Arrangement Class
Everyone loves flowers, right? That said, arranging them is more difficult than most may realize. So if you have any botanists in your friend group, you may want to ask them to lead a demonstration so that everyone's bouquets look as good as they smell. Have everyone bring their favorite vase and a few stems to get started.
Jena Ardell - Getty Images - 5/21
Try a Bake-Off
Whether or not your friends would consider themselves talented in the kitchen, a bake-off is always fun. Plus, a little competition never hurt anyone, right?
Morsa Images - Getty Images - 6/21
Consider a Fondue Night
Your lactose-intolerant gal pals may want to sit this one out. In our opinion, few appetizers are more delicious than melted cheese and bits of bread (or veggies), so if you agree, snag yourself a fondue set and have your friends bring the rest: cheese, baguettes, and, of course, wine.
Lingxiao Xie - Getty Images - 7/21
Rent Out a Bar or Restaurant
Instead of cooking for a bunch of people or hiring a caterer for a formal sit-down dinner, go out together. Rent the back room at a special restaurant or just keep things simple with drinks at your favorite watering hole. Just don't forget your wallet!
Cheetah Is The New Black - 8/21
Take a Class Together
Whether it's calligraphy, painting, ceramics, cooking, floral arranging, or skydiving, learning something new is a great way to practice self-care and bond with friends. So sign up for a class or activity to explore together.
ZAN PASSANTE - 9/21
Plan a Weekend Getaway
It's safe to say we're all craving a little sunshine once mid-February hits, so why not plan a weekend getaway somewhere sunny with your friends? If a warm-weather destination isn't feasible or a road trip sounds more realistic, rent a cozy cabin and cuddle up indoors. A fireplace will do for now.
Cheetah Is The New Black - 10/21
Get Manis and Pedis
Book appointments for a group of friends at your go-to nail salon. Or treat yourselves at a more artisan, design-y salon you've been wanting to check out. It's simple, affordable, and makes an errand you'd probably do anyway a lot more fun.
Because I'm Addicted - 11/21
Book a Private Fitness Class
Give your Galentine's Day party a healthy-living angle and invite an instructor come over to give you a private lesson in yoga, pilates, or whatever else.
Because I'm Addicted - 12/21
Have a Dance Party
Invite your friends over for a night of dancing, and make a playlist with classics you know everyone will have fun singing along to. Add some on-theme cocktails like these, and you've got yourself a party. You could also go out to a karaoke bar if you're feeling extra rowdy and vocal.
Artem Varnitsin / EyeEm - Getty Images - 13/21
Write Each Other Appreciation Notes
Though you probably do this every day already, Galentine's Day is the perfect occasion to gush about how much you love all your friends. So write each other notes of appreciation. If there are too many people to write a note for everyone, have everyone pick a name out of a hat, or write about the person next to them. While the entire Galentine's Day bash doesn't have to revolve around this activity, it's definitely a great way to supplement a dinner or cocktail party.
Sugar and Cloth - 14/21
Plan a Spa Day
If there's ever a time to pamper yourself, it's Galentine's Day. Book massages at a spa and then spend the day lounging and detoxing in the sauna with your nearest and dearest.
@babba.c - 15/21
Get Active
Get out of the house and do something out of the ordinary and nostalgic together: anything from bowling to paintballing, racecar driving, ice skating, hiking, rock climbing, trapeze-ing, rollerskating, or even laser-tagging. Just think of all the birthday parties you went to as a kid—and replicate them. Bonus points if you bring a camera to snap the sentimental moments.
@emilisindlev - 16/21
Give It a Wellness Spin
Let's just say it: Valentine's Day can to dredge up some painful emotional memories. But addressing them with close friends by your side is a good thing. Make it more fun by bringing in some positive energy. Learn how to do crystal readings, bring in a fortune teller and/or chakra healer, or do a group meditation to rebuild and practice self-love together.
Wu Haus - 17/21
Host a Viewing Party
Now's the time to embrace all the cheesy bliss of Valentine's Day with a marathon of romantic comedies or dramas. Unless, of course, you're more of an action or true-crime kind of crowd? Or, choose a book to read together and make your Galentine's Day party a book club.
Cheetah Is The New Black - 18/21
Have a Slumber Party
When was the last time you had a full-on slumber party? Invite your friends over for a sleepover, and make sure they pack their favorite pajamas and slippers. You can watch movies, do face masks, cook dinner, and, my personal favorite, make some funny prank calls.
@babba.c - 19/21
Throw a Boozy Brunch Party
Go grocery shopping and make a feast together, or whip everything up in advance. You can go all out with the Galentine's Day theme, or just use it as an excuse to gather all your loved ones to eat good food and sip mimosas.
Cheetah Is The New Black - 20/21
Play an Adult-Friendly Game
Organize a fun card game that helps conversation flow without putting people on the spot at your Galentine's Day party. You can stick to the classics, or you can try something new. A personal favorite is the funny (and really insightful) deck of cards called Who Should I Be With? It's designed to help you and your friends "identify a good enough love match." Seems fitting for the holiday.
Sugar and Cloth - 21/21
Set Up a Crafts Table
An arts-and-crafts table is always a fun party trick. This way, everyone will have something to do with their hands and have a goodie to take home with them. Things like DIY potpourri, terrariums, and candles are always great options. Here are plenty more ideas to help you get started.
Cheetah Is The New Black