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13th February – mark it in your diary because it’s Galentine’s Day! While Valentine’s Day might hog the limelight, this fabulous prelude deserves just as much attention. Born from the legendary comedy Parks and Recreation, Galentine’s Day is all about celebrating amazing friendships – the ones who’ve stuck by you through thick, thin, and questionable decisions.
As Parks and Rec’s Leslie Knope so perfectly said, “We need to remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles, and work. Or waffles, friends, work. Doesn’t matter, but work is third.” So, this February, let’s prioritise our friends and show them how much they mean to us, whether that's giving them a Galentine's Day Gift or planning an event to celebrate your friendship! Because let's face it, life wouldn't be the same without them!
Ready to plan the ultimate friendship fest? Keep reading for ideas that’ll have you spending some much-needed quality time together!
This post covers Galentines Day Ideas.
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17 Super Cute Galentine's Day Ideas To Celebrate Your Friendships
Treat Yourselves to a Pamper Day
In the iconic words of Parks and Rec’s Donna Meagle and Tom Haverford: Treat Yo’ Self – especially this Galentine's Day!
One of the best ways to relax and unwind with your besties is by going for a pamper day together. Whether it’s just a manicure, a pedicure, or a full spa day, it’s the perfect excuse to indulge in some well-deserved quality time together.
You can usually find some really good deals for spa treatments on Itison. If you'd prefer to stay in, Etsy has adorable pamper boxes filled with everything you need for a chilled girls' night in, from face masks to fluffy socks.
Have a Movie or TV Marathon
Grab your girls and settle in for a cosy night of binge-watching your favourite TV shows or movies! If you'd rather go out, head to the cinema to see the latest movie releases instead.
For the ultimate Galentine’s vibe, queue up classics like Mean Girls, The Devil Wears Prada, or Clueless. If TV shows are more your thing, you can’t go wrong with Gilmore Girls or Gossip Girl – absolute comfort viewing!
Want to make it extra special? These adorable digital invitations, movie night-in boxes, and even girly movie match games add the cutest aesthetic to your cosy night-in!
Plan a Fun Games Night-In
This Galentine’s Day, why not ditch the heels and opt for a night in with your friends? Grab some blankets, snacks, and a bottle (or two) of wine for the ultimate games night!
For a bit of friendly competition, board games like Codenames or Ticket to Ride are so much fun. Both of these are among my favourite games! If you're looking for something a bit lighter? Telestrations is a hilarious option, guaranteed to have everyone in stitches. Or What Do You Meme? is a great game to get to know your friends that little bit more than you already did.
Get comfy and bring your A-game!
Have a Good Old Chinwag Over Dinner
Life gets busy, and before you know it, weeks have flown by without a proper catch-up with your friends. This Galentine’s Day, why not change that with a good old chinwag over dinner?
Booking out time to go for a meal means uninterrupted quality time together – and nothing beats chatting away over delicious food. Whether it’s a new restaurant or your favourite local spot, it’s all about the company (but great food is also a lovely added bonus!).
If you're on a budget, swap dinner for coffee and cake at a café, or invite your friend over and cook up something in the kitchen.
Get Creative with an Arts and Crafts Night
If you and your friends are feeling creative or just fancy trying something a bit different – why not plan an arts and crafts night? It’s the perfect way to spend time together while making something fun (or at least having a good laugh trying!).
Most cities have creative workshops you can attend, like flower arranging, jewellery making, crocheting, or paint-and-sip events. For those who prefer staying in, there are some incredible art and craft boxes you can get from painting kits and candle-making sets to pottery-making boxes.
Get crafty this Galentine's and make some memories (maybe even a masterpiece or two)!
Learn Something New at a Cooking Class
If you and your friends love whipping up new recipes, a cooking class is the ultimate Galentine’s Day activity. It’s a fun way to sharpen your culinary skills, explore new cuisines, and have a laugh while you’re at it!
From pasta-making masterclasses to sushi-rolling sessions or even cake-baking workshops, there’s a cooking class out there for just about every cuisine. Get Your Guide has some great options for cooking classes so make sure to check it out!
Learning something new with your besties is not only a great bonding experience, but you also get to enjoy the delicious results of your hard work. Win-win, right?
Get Tipsy at a Wine-Tasting
If you’re anything like me, your wine knowledge begins and ends with grabbing a £5 bottle from the local supermarket. But did you know wine has legs? (Nope, me neither until recently!) Turns out, there’s a whole world of wine knowledge to learn – and what better way to dive in than with a wine tasting?
Guided by a sommelier, you and your friends will sniff, swirl, and sip your way through different varieties, learning all the fancy terms as you go. It’s a fun Galentine’s Day activity that’s equal parts informative and interesting. I'd recommend you go on Get Your Guide as it has fantastic activities for wine-tasting tours!
Dress Up for a Night at the Theatre
Get dressed to the nines for a fabulous night at the theatre with your friends this Galentine's Day! Whether it’s a classic play, a captivating musical, or a comedy show, most major UK cities have plenty of options to choose from – though London undeniably steals the show with its iconic West End productions.
Don’t forget to make a proper night of it – book a pre-theatre dinner and get drinks to kick things off in style!
If you are feeling adventurous, you could go on a day trip to London. My family and I used to do this when I was younger: fly down to London early in the morning, do a bit of sightseeing, see a show, and then fly home at night. You can often find some really affordable return flights to London, particularly with Ryanair, or reasonable train tickets.
Get Your Fitness On
Why not swap cocktails for cardio this Galentine’s Day and book a fun fitness class? Yoga is always a great option, and with so many variations out there like hot yoga or aerial yoga (where you’re literally suspended from the ceiling) – there’s something for everyone.
And get this: puppy yoga is now a thing! Yes, really! If you’re lucky enough to find a class near you, expect some serious cuteness overload. I went to a puppy yoga class a few years ago and it's safe to say that not much yoga was done!
If yoga isn't your thing, try reformer Pilates for a challenge, spin for a high-energy workout, or even pole dancing for a fun and empowering exercise.
Indulge in an Afternoon Tea
Get your posh frocks on and treat yourselves to a classic afternoon tea this Galentine’s Day! This quintessentially British tradition – complete with dainty sandwiches, scrumptious cakes, buttery scones, and of course, a proper cuppa – is a fab way to spend quality time with your besties.
Fancy something a little out of the ordinary? Some cities have put their own creative spin on the classic afternoon tea experience. In Glasgow, you can hop aboard the Red Bus Bistro for a sightseeing tour paired with tea and sweet treats. In Edinburgh, you'll find the Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation at The Real Mary King’s Close. Or if you're closer to London, there's a Romeo and Juliet Afternoon Tea available at the Swan.
Book a Virtual Event with Your Long-Distance Bestie
No matter if your bestie is just down the road or across the globe, you can still make Galentine’s Day special – even from a distance.
There are tonnes of virtual experiences to enjoy together, like a virtual Thai cooking class, a pasta-making session in Tuscany, or even a fun Argentinean empanadas class.
If you can’t travel together right now, don’t worry! You can still explore the world virtually with a tour of the Vatican or a dive into Cold War Berlin tour, all from the comfort of your sofa. Who says long-distance friendships can’t still be full of adventures?
Seek Adventure on a Road Trip
This Galentine’s, grab your besties, pack up the car, and hit the road for a spontaneous adventure! All you need is a bag of essentials, a selection of snacks, your favourite playlist packed with karaoke classics, and you’re all set for an unforgettable trip.
You’d be surprised at how many beautiful places you can reach in just a couple of hours. Before you know it, you'll feel like you're a million miles away, exploring somewhere new and exciting.
If you’re based in the UK, you're in luck – there are some stunning road trips to choose from. Cruise through the Cotswolds in England, take in the stunning views along the Coastal Way in Wales, go wild on Scotland’s North Coast 500, or enjoy the epic Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland.
Get Your Adrenaline Pumping
If you and your besties are adrenaline junkies or if you’re just wanting to do something a bit wild – Galentine’s is the perfect time to go for it!
Why not go totally out of your comfort zone? Bungee jumping, sky-diving, white-water rafting, or even scuba diving are all great options. You can usually find some awesome thrill-seeking activities on Get Your Guide! Whatever gets your heart racing, it’s the perfect excuse for a little adventure with your friends by your side.
There’s no time like the present, and at least you’ll have each other to go through all the emotions with!
Throw a Colour Board Party
Colour board parties have become really popular in the last few years, and honestly, they’re a great idea for Galentines! If you haven’t seen one yet, here’s the premise: each of your friends gets assigned a specific colour, and they come dressed in that colour, bringing a board of sweets (yep, you guessed it – also in that colour).
Once everyone's arrived, it’s time for a night of fun – whether you're watching a film, playing games, or just chatting away. If you're feeling nostalgic, why not turn it into an old-school sleepover and go all out with blankets and popcorn? It's an easy way to make your Galentines a night to remember!
Solidify Your Friendship Forever
Looking for a way to create lasting memories with your friends? How about getting a tattoo or piercing together? It’s the ultimate way to mark your friendship for life. Every time you look at your new ink or piercing, you’ll be reminded of the day you shared that moment. Go that step further by opting for matching tattoos or piercings.
If you are wanting to do something a bit less extreme, why not treat yourselves to matching welded bracelets from Astrid & Miyu? It’s still a special keepsake, without the commitment of a needle!
Book a Weekend Getaway
If one day just isn’t enough to celebrate your friendships, why not extend the fun over a whole weekend getaway? You can often find some incredible flight and accommodation deals to destinations across Europe, often for the same price as a weekend away closer to home.
Expedia is a top pick for booking your trip, especially since they offer a 10% discount when you bundle flights and hotels together.
Barcelona, Prague, Amsterdam, and Lisbon all make for fab city breaks, perfect for a girls’ weekend. Spend your days eating mouthwatering food, soaking up the sun, and sightseeing. By the time you’re back home, you’ll be itching to book another trip away with your friends!
Engage in Some Retail Therapy
You’ve probably heard the saying "Retail therapy is the best type of therapy", and honestly, who can argue with that? Organise a day in which you head to the shops with your friends.
Spend your time leisurely strolling around and picking up a few treats. Once you're all shopped out, wind down with a well-deserved lunch and some cocktails. A perfect way to treat yourselves this Galentine’s!
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This post is about Galentines Day Ideas. Thanks for taking the time to read this blog, it’s much appreciated!
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