Fun fact: Galentine’s Day (created by Amy Poehler’s character Leslie Knope on the TV show Parks and Recreation) and Palentine’s Day (a more recent addition to the social calendar) are often celebrated February 13th. But don’t let the calendar hold you back—your friends, your party, your date.
Celebrate Your Best Friends on Galentine’s or Palentine’s Day
Love is for everybody. So why limit Valentine’s Day to significant others or grand gestures when Galentine’s and Palentine’s celebrations have become a thing? Whether you celebrate with a few close girlfriends or get everyone together online, take the excuse to say “I love you” to the people who make your life so much better every day. Here are a whole bunch of ways to share the love when celebrating Galentine’s or Palentine’s Day.
Pick a theme.
Not every group of pals parties the same way. Even if you manage to agree that your Galentine’s gathering will be around a brunch buffet, there’s a difference between mimosa-drinkers and those who seek out Bloody Marys and biscuits and gravy. We took a quick, unofficial survey of a bunch of our favorite people—married and single, fresh-faced and wise, gay and straight—to get their theme ideas.
Have a crafternoon.
As long as we’re making up names for things, let us introduce you to the glorious idea of getting together for a few hours to eat, drink and make things. You can preselect a project or make it BYO DIY. A crafternoon even works virtually—everyone gathers their own supplies and snacks, with a mandatory show-and-tell at the end.
Add a popcorn bar.
Keep the snacks simple by adding popcorn and mix-ins to a night of catching up or watching movies (rom-coms or action flicks—your call).
Take it online.
Speaking of movies, if your Galentine’s or Palentine’s Day festivities are remote, we’ve got ideas for making a virtual watch party feel like something more special than your average night on the couch.
Create Galentine’s or Palentine’s care packages.
Some creativity and a whole lot of inside info are the most important ingredients in the perfect care package. Check out our tips for putting little things together to share big love.
Fancy up a plant.
If you’re getting together for a crafternoon, these easy canvas plant wraps make a great DIY. Or make enough for your circle of friends, wrap up some tiny plants and hand-deliver them.
Or dress up a flower.
This is not an occasion for a dozen red roses. But a single stem in an upcycled wine bottle vase is just right for friends. Pick your favorite flower or find one that sends the perfect message.
Make a friendship bracelet.
Try the super-easy twisted or braided versions. Or flash back to middle school with some beaded safety pins. They’re perfect tuck-in gifts for Valentine’s Day cards to send through the mail.
DIY a cookie bouquet.
Try this chocolate chip cookie recipe and step-by-step instructions for crafting adorable cookie bouquets (including free, printable gift tags) from our resident cookie expert.
Make a little whoopie.
Keep it simple with a whoopie pie recipe that uses boxed cake mix, instant pudding, butter and a tub of frosting. Customize the flavors to your hearts content.
Put a cupcake under glass.
There is no cuter way to deliver a single cupcake than in an upside-down jar tied up with a ribbon. It’s fancy enough that you can cheat and order the cupcakes from your favorite bakery.