Once upon a time, February was the most dreaded month of the year. If you weren't in a relationship, it felt like only a time for couples. And if you were dating someone, there was so much pressure to find the perfect gift and be Pinterest-level romantic. But then, along came Galentine's Day — the holiday that saved the most disliked time of the year. If you’re wondering how this (magical, pink, lovely) day came to be, grab your box of chocolates and read on because yes, I am a Galentine’s Day historian.
It all started with a 2010 episode of Parks and Recreation titled “Galentine’s Day.” In the show, Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) hosts a February 13 brunch for her best girlfriends. She said the event — held one day before Valentine’s Day — was all about “ladies celebrating ladies.” I mean, of course we all fell in love with this day. How could we not? From that point on, February 14 was pretty much canceled. Kidding, but, Galentine’s Day quickly became the best part of the month and is now highly celebrated year after year.
So, how does one throw a Galentine's Day celebration? Well, there's no wrong way to do it. It's as easy as telling your friends that you love and appreciate them. But, if you're looking for a bit more inspo, you're in luck. Beyond knowing everything about this holiday, I'm also a Galentine's Day Party Professional.
Pick a theme
Everyone loves a good themed party, and this is no exception. Instead of everyone just wearing pink or red, giving your friends a specific direction to go in can really let them get creative. Maybe the theme is slumber party, and everyone wears fun pajamas. Or if you miss getting dressed up (same), you can ask everyone get red carpet ready and wear old prom dresses. Another idea is to make it pop culture focused, and ask your friends to dress up as iconic female movie, show, and book characters.
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Have a secret gift exchange
Presents are never a bad idea, and nothing says ladies celebrating ladies like a whole bunch of cute gifts. Use an online generator like this one to secretly match up you and your friends. Set a price limit, be it $5 or under $25, and ask everyone to wrap the gifts in pink wrapping paper. If you're not together IRL, make sure everyone has enough time to mail their gifts and then take turns opening together on a video call.
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Make a balloon wall
It's not a party without a balloon wall, OK? Whether it's for the background of your Zoom call or a real life photo booth backdrop, this is the easiest and most festive DIY decor you can do. Simply order heart-shaped balloons and line an empty wall with them. Easy, cute, and practically made for Instagram.
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Serve heart-shaped food
There's certainly no shortage of heart-shaped eats during this time of year, from grocery store cookies to drugstore chocolates. But, I highly recommend going for a heart-shaped pie. Many local pizza shops run specials on this kind of pizza during February, so there's a likely chance you can find someplace near you that can do something like the picture above.
JDWPlanning Breakable Heart
EllasNewGalleria Small Chocolate Cake Heart
PinkDahliaCookieCo Pink Red White Valentine Hearts
ShapemCom Diamond Heart Mold
Make a dessert charcuterie board
ICYMI: Traditional charcuterie boards are kind of over. Now, it's all about putting fun new twists on the platter. For Galentine's Day, you can make a dessert board filled with pink and red sweets. Beyond tasting good, it will look good on your feed.
Anthropologie Agate Cheese Board
Sour Patch Kids Valentine's Gummy Hearts
HERSHEY'S Hershey's Chocolate Hearts
Zaza Strawberry Heart Lollipops
Danielle Tullo
Deputy Editor
I like pink, iced coffee, and long walks through the candle section. When I'm not lighting up my favorite scents (probably while testing out new skincare), you can find me writing and editing all of the lifestyle things at Seventeen.
FAQs
The idea is to get all your friends in one place and to have a special day dedicated to each other. It's time to celebrate friendships and show your appreciation to all your lovely gal pals. This usually means a fun meal out, drinks or an activity with cards and presents but can be anything you want it to be.
How do you celebrate Galentine day? ›
This day, as the name suggests, is usually dedicated to honoring friendships between women. You get to spend it however you like with your galentines—by going out, taking a trip, enjoying a cozy night at home, or simply showering each other with gifts and affection the same way you would a partner.
What is Galentines day only the best day of the year? ›
Galentine's Day is a play on Valentine's Day dedicated to celebrating a different kind of love - friendship. The unofficial holiday falls on Feb. 13, the day before Valentine's, and specifically encourages women to get together with their female friends and honor the power of female friendship.
How to throw the best galentines party? ›
35 Galentine's Day Party Ideas Your Girls Will Absolutely Obsess Over
- Get excited about a theme. ...
- Arrange your own flowers.
- Make fondue.
- Plan a "my favorite things" product swap. ...
- Pick a signature co*cktail.
- Invest in (themed, duh) balloons.
- Make personalized goodie bags.
- Host an at-home mani-pedi night.
Observed on February 13, the day before Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day celebrates platonic friendships, usually among women.
What are the rules for Galentines day? ›
There are no strict rules when it comes to Galentine's Day festivities. Some choose to go the original path that is based on the television show. This consists of eating breakfast, sharing Valentine's Day goodies, exchanging gifts and an overall celebration of female friendship.
What is the guy version of Galentine's day? ›
Malentine's day is a day for men to meet up and celebrate their amazing friendship.
What is the color for Galentines day? ›
A pink and red printed dress is the perfect choice for a Galentine's Day celebration.
What are some fun facts about Galentines day? ›
Fun Fact: Galentine's Day was created by Leslie Knope, the Parks and Recreation fictional main character. She invented the holiday as a tribute to her close girlfriends.
Why is Galentines important? ›
Galentine's is not just a holiday, it's a way to empower a woman in your life or to celebrate your cherished friendships. The holiday is a symbol for women empowerment and celebrating those we love.
There's obviously no strict dress code for Galentine's Day— it's all about however dressed up or casual your friends want it to be. So whether you're looking for the best pair of sweatpants, or a fun sparkly-skirt outfit, we have some ideas for you.
What to bring to Galentines? ›
It is the greatest day of the year, after all!
- Red Velvet Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls (pictured above)
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Bars.
- Red Velvet Sugar Cookies.
- Chocolate Strawberry Jelly Roll.
- Grand Champagne co*cktail.
- Red Velvet Whoopie Pies.
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries.
- Strawberry Macarons.
You'll always be my Galentine. There's nothing better than best friends. Except best friends with chocolate and wine.
What is a Galentine slang? ›
That's right: Galentine's Day—a day for women to celebrate their friendships with their lady friends. It's Valentine's Day with your gals.
Is Galentines only for single girls? ›
Is Galentine's Day only for girls and singles? Galentine's Day is definitely NOT for just the singles and girls. While the name has gal in it, anyone and everyone can celebrate Galentine's Day.
Why are people saying Galentines instead of Valentines? ›
Coined in 2010 by an episode of the sitcom “Parks and Recreation,” Galentine's Day falls on Feb. 13 and is all about “ladies celebrating ladies,” according to Leslie Knope, the show's main protagonist.
What do you bring to a Galentine party? ›
Include your favorite cookies, bars, and candies in all shades of pink. You can make these yourself, or grab an assortment of premade treats for a quick and easy spread. Depending on the size of your guest list, you can also ask your pals to bring a dessert to share.
What is a fun fact about Galentines Day? ›
Fun Fact: Galentine's Day was created by Leslie Knope, the Parks and Recreation fictional main character. She invented the holiday as a tribute to her close girlfriends.
What do you say on Galentines day? ›
“Happy Galentine's Day! I hope you know how much I love and adore you! As much as the world may try to separate us, I know that we will always come back to each other. I love you so, so much!”
Why is everyone calling it Galentines Day? ›
It's one of those things that has just embedded itself in popular culture, and it actually goes back to the Feb. 11, 2010, episode of "Parks and Rec" where Leslie Nope, Amy Poehler's character, is introducing Galentine's Day. It's this wonderful day where, you know, women celebrate women. They go out to brunch.
