10 fun ways to celebrate your besties this Galentine's Day
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Let's hear it for the Gal(entine)s! Explore the origins of Galentine's Day, why it's important to honor your friendships, and 10 ideas to help you celebrate your gal-pals.
Valentine’s Day has its place, but let’s be honest, romantic love already takes up plenty of space in our culture. Between the heart-shaped chocolates, candlelit dinners, and over-the-top jewelry ads, it’s easy to forget that some of the most important relationships in our lives have nothing to do with romance.
Enter Galentine’s Day, the unofficial-yet-essential holiday that gives friendship the spotlight it deserves. Think of it as a much-needed reset button — a chance to pause the chaos of daily life and celebrate the incredible women who keep you sane, even when your kid decides to paint the dog with peanut butter.
But Galentine’s Day isn’t just an excuse for brunch (not that we’re complaining). Prioritizing friendships is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. Science backs it up — strong female friendships may help reduce stress, boost happiness, and even increase longevity. Basically, hanging out with your besties isn’t just fun; it’s self-care.
So, whether you’re planning a full-blown event or just looking for simple ways to show your friends some love, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the what, why, and how of making this Galentine’s Day one to remember.
What is Galentine’s Day?
Galentine’s Day is the fake holiday you didn’t know you needed. Celebrated on February 13, it’s a day dedicated entirely to honoring your closest friendships. Unlike Valentine’s Day, which tends to focus on romantic love (and comes with a side of pressure to be wildly in love or else), Galentine’s Day is about celebrating the love that doesn’t get enough credit — the deep, unshakable, laugh-until-you-snort kind of love between friends. (Those who celebrate this holiday with both the gals and the guys might call it Palentine’s Day!)
It doesn’t matter if you’re single, married, or somewhere in between, this day is all about making space to celebrate the people who show up for you, no matter what. And the best part? There are no rules. You can go all out with a themed party, keep it low-key with a FaceTime catch-up, or simply send a “Thanks for existing!” text that makes your friend’s day.
However you do it, the goal is the same: remind your friends just how much they mean to you (because we all need to hear it sometimes).
Origins of Galentine’s Day
This special day to celebrate your gal-pals was born in 2010 from the glorious mind of Leslie Knope, the waffle-obsessed, hyper-enthusiastic heroine of the tv show Parks and Recreation. In a season 2 episode, appropriately titled “Galentine’s Day,” Leslie gathers her closest girlfriends for a February 13th brunch extravaganza, complete with heartfelt speeches, personalized gifts and of course… waffles.
What started as a fictional event quickly became a real cultural moment. Fans loved the idea so much that they took it off-screen and made it their own. Now, Galentine’s Day is a widely celebrated tradition, popping up everywhere from friend groups to workplace events and even local businesses hosting Galentine’s-themed specials.
But while the Parks and Rec version is all about breakfast food and extravagant gift-giving, the real-world version is much more flexible. At its core, Galentine’s Day is about one simple thing: celebrating the friendships that keep us going. Whether that means brunch, a night in, or just sending a, “You are the best thing that ever happened to me!” text, the point is to take a moment to appreciate the people who love you, no matter how chaotic your life (or your group chat) gets.
In a world where adult friendships often take a backseat to work, kids, and the general what is happening of daily life, Galentine’s Day is the reminder we all need to show up for the people who’ve been showing up for us all along.
Why it’s important to celebrate your friendships
Somewhere between juggling work, family, mental to-do lists that never end (did you ever RSVP to that birthday party?), and trying to remember the last time you drank water, friendships can accidentally slip to the back burner. It’s not that we don’t care — it’s just that life gets loud, and catching up can feel like another thing on the never-ending list.
But here’s the thing: friendships aren’t just nice to have; they’re vital to our wellbeing. Science—and, let’s be real, personal experience—tells us that strong friendships:
Boost mental health: Ever vented to a friend and instantly felt lighter? That’s because deep conversations and emotional support actually reduce stress and anxiety.
Increase happiness: Spending time with friends can trigger the release of oxytocin and dopamine, aka the “feel-good” chemicals.
Improve physical health: Studies show that close friendships may lower blood pressure, boost immunity, and even help you live longer.
Give you a much-needed reality check: A real friend will hype you up when you need it, call you out (gently) when you’re spiraling, and remind you that, no, you’re not a terrible mom just because you forgot about spirit week again.
And let’s not forget the joy of being around people who just get you. The ones who don’t need to know your hero (villain?) origin story because they were there when it happened. The ones who let you be your unfiltered, weird, sometimes-messy self without judgment.
So, why celebrate Galentine’s Day? Because friendships deserve to be prioritized, not just squeezed into whatever scraps of free time we have left. Taking even a few hours to connect, laugh, and show appreciation for your friends isn’t just fun, it’s necessary.
How to celebrate Galentine’s day: 10 ways to show your friends some love
The beauty of Galentine’s Day is that there’s zero pressure to make it perfect — no overpriced prix fixe menus, no awkward gift expectations, no “So, uh… what are we?” conversations. Just pure, unfiltered appreciation for the women who keep you sane. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy night in, a big group outing, or something completely out of the box, here are some fun, low-stress ways to celebrate your besties.
1. Host a classic Leslie Knope-style brunch
Leslie Knope had it right — nothing says, “I love you” like waffles, mimosas, and shamelessly gassing up your friends. You can go full DIY and whip up an elaborate breakfast spread, or keep it easy with a potluck-style meal where everyone brings their favorite brunch dish. Bonus points for giving each friend an over-the-top, dramatically heartfelt toast. (If speaking in front of others makes you nervous, here’s 15 tips to help.)
2. Plan a self-care night
Friendship is self-care, but add in face masks, fuzzy robes, and a no-judgment vent session? Pure magic. You can set the mood with some candles, your favorite feel-good playlist, and all your favorite snacks. And if your version of self-care involves eating an entire pizza in sweatpants while watching Bridesmaids for the 14th time? That absolutely counts.
💙 Explore what it really means to practice Self-Care in this session with Jay Shetty.
3. Create a friendship time capsule
Before you roll your eyes, hear us out! Take an old shoebox, fill it with inside jokes, letters to your future selves, Polaroids from the night, and tiny trinkets that remind you of your friendship. Seal it up and set a future Galentine’s Day date to open it. Future-you will probably love the moment of major nostalgia.
4. Book a fun class together
Trying something new together is a great way to bond, laugh, and create ridiculous memories. Whether it’s a paint-and-sip night, a dance class, or even a cooking workshop, the fun is in the shared experience. Plus, there are always online classes for friends who don’t live in the same city.
5. Have a no-phone, all-talk dinner
We love a good group chat, but when was the last time you had a real, uninterrupted conversation with your besties? Head to a cozy restaurant or cook a meal together at home, but make one rule: no scrolling, no distractions — just deep, uninterrupted quality time. Maybe you even come up with some discussion topics ahead of time like favorite books, podcasts, or even goals you have for the future.
6. Send surprise appreciation texts
Too busy for an in-person hang? No problem. A simple, “Hey, I just wanted you to know how much I love and appreciate you” text can make someone’s day. You could also send a voice memo full of unhinged compliments. Whatever works for your friendship.
7. Swap “friendship valentines”
Why should couples have all the fun? Write each friend a personalized card, listing all the reasons they make your life better. If you’re feeling crafty, make DIY Galentine’s cards (think middle school Valentine’s, but with more inside jokes and less heartbreak). Here are 100+ valentine’s greeting ideas to get you started.
8. Take a mini road trip
Pick a destination (or no destination at all), curate a great playlist, grab some road snacks, and hit the road with your besties. Whether it’s a full weekend getaway or just a drive to the next town for the fancy coffee, the best memories often come from spontaneous, no-pressure adventures.
💙 Let The Stay Vibrant Series playlist be the background track to your adventures on the road.
9. Plan a themed dress-up night
If you and your friends love a good excuse to be extra, this is your moment. Think 90s nostalgia, all-pink-everything, power suits and cocktails, or even “hot mess express” pajamas night. Take a million pictures, laugh until your stomach hurts, and embrace the over-the-top energy.
10. Do a “power swap”
Each friend has something they excel at — whether it’s budgeting, skincare, meal planning, or hyping people up like it’s a full-time job. Plan a Galentine’s “power swap” night where everyone teaches a mini masterclass in their area of expertise. You’ll leave with new skills and a deeper appreciation for your friends’ talents.
Galentines day FAQs
When is Galentine’s Day?
Galentine’s Day falls on February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day. It’s close enough to Valentine’s to feel like part of the love-fest, but far enough away that it doesn’t get overshadowed by the heart-shaped chaos of February 14.
It’s a day dedicated solely to celebrating the friendships that keep us sane, supported, and laughing through life’s messiness. And the best part? There are no rules — celebrate it on the 13th, the weekend before, or whenever your group chat finally finds a date that works.
What is the meaning of Galentine's day?
At its core, Galentine’s Day is about recognizing and appreciating the friendships that make life better. It’s a reminder that love isn’t just about romance — it’s also about the friends who show up for us, lift us up, and remind us of who we are when we forget.
Created by Parks and Recreation’s Leslie Knope (a woman who understands the power of waffles and words of affirmation), Galentine’s Day started as a fictional celebration but quickly became a real-life tradition. It’s a day to hit pause on the chaos of everyday life and give your besties the recognition they deserve.
Is Galentine’s day only for singles?
Absolutely not! Galentine’s Day is for anyone who wants to celebrate their friendships, regardless of relationship status. Whether you’re single, happily partnered, married, or somewhere in between, your friendships still deserve attention and appreciation.
Being in a relationship doesn’t mean your friends are any less important, and being single doesn’t mean you don’t have deep, meaningful love in your life. Galentine’s Day is about celebrating the people who love you unconditionally, no matter what your romantic status may be.
Is Galentine’s Day only for girls?
While the holiday originated as a celebration of female friendships (hence the name Galentine’s), the truth is anyone can participate. The heart of Galentine’s Day is about showing appreciation for the people in your life who support and uplift you, regardless of gender.
If you’ve got a solid friend group—whether it’s made up of women, men, non-binary folks, or a mix of everyone—there’s no reason you can’t all celebrate together. Make it a Palentine’s Day instead! Love is love, and friendships of all kinds deserve their moment in the spotlight.
What are some ideas or activities to celebrate Galentine’s Day?
The beauty of Galentine’s Day is that there’s no wrong way to celebrate it. You can go big with a themed party, a weekend getaway, or a fancy brunch, or keep it simple with a heartfelt text, a coffee date, or a cozy movie night in.
Some fun ideas include hosting a self-care night (here are 20+ self-care ideas), taking a fun class together, planning a no-phone dinner to actually talk, or even creating a friendship time capsule to open years down the line.
Whatever you choose, the most important thing is that it feels good for you and your friends. It’s not about perfection — it’s about showing up for your people and making space to celebrate your friendships.
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