Gather your besties and make some plans for February 13th. That’s the official date for Galentine’s Day, a day fully dedicated to showering your best ladies with love.
Don’t celebrate it yet? After reading this, I hope you decide to start! Consider this your sign that it’s time to officially put Galentine’s Day on your calendar.
What is Galentine’s Day?
We all know what Valentine’s Day is, right? On February 14th, we’re supposed to be busy gazing into the eyes of our one true love. It’s a day of romantic dates, bouquets of flowers, fancy gifts, and lots of hearts on everything. It’s all really sweet or really expensive – sometimes a little bit of both.
Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t let your beau make reservations at the fanciest restaurant in town. But maybe you should also mark the day before on your calendar, too. After all, our friends play a pretty important role in our lives, and I’ll take any excuse to celebrate that!
That day before Valentine’s Day, February 13th is gradually growing in popularity as Galentine’s Day. It’s not an “official” holiday or anything, meaning you won’t find specially designed greeting cards, and you definitely won’t get a day off of work for it. That doesn’t change the fact that we should all be celebrating it with our besties.
As you can guess by the name, it’s a riff off the same ol’ romance-obsessed Valentine’s Day celebration. Except with this one, it’s for your best gal pals. Or guys, or theys, and everyone in between. As long as they’re your besties, they’re included. Galentine’s Day is a special day dedicated to honoring friendships in all of their forms. Until now, there wasn’t really a day set aside specifically for that.
Okay, there is apparently an International Friendship Day celebrated in some countries, so I guess it’s just not a thing in the U.S.
I think it is really important to recognize important, non-romantic relationships. Our friends are always there for us, in ways that romantic partners aren’t. Who else is going to be completely honest with you about that outfit, and who can you call to rant about the date you went on last night? They don’t care if you have a stitch of makeup on or if you’ve washed your hair. They just want to binge the newest Netflix series together. Perhaps most importantly of all: they’ve been with you through thick and thin, and you can always count on them to be a call or text away.
That is definitely special. And that deserves a special day of celebration!
Even if you already shower your bestie (or besties!) with quality time and thoughtful gifts on a regular basis, it’s fun to do it in a more official way. Think of it as a platonic best friends date. Once a year, you get to do something extra special together. Just like you have to continue to put in the work with a romantic relationship, you should also be doing the same with your friendships.
Related: Perfect Gift Ideas for New Moms
Where Did Galentine’s Day Come From?
So, we’re celebrating Galentine’s Day!
As I said, this day falls on February 13th. It’s the day right before Valentine’s Day. Think of it like Valentine’s Day Eve. Everyone can participate, although it’s typically centered around the gals (as the name suggests). We’re looking at women bonding and empowerment. But hey, not a single rule exists about this day. There is no one stopping you from celebrating with all your friends. Call up all your besties, regardless of gender identity, and make it a real party!
Did this holiday start with greeting card companies or corporations looking to get your money for yet another holiday? No, actually.
As far as I can tell, it actually originated with a TV show. No, really. Back in 2010, everyone’s favorite fictional bestie Leslie Knope of Parks and Recreation gathered her closest gal pals for a brunch full of waffles and love. The episode is (unsurprisingly) titled “Galentine’s Day.”
“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,” she said during the episode. “It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas.”
Is that when I added Galentine’s Day to my calendar? You bet.
Galentine’s Day Gift Ideas
For Galentine’s Day, you can do anything you want. There aren’t any rules here. You and your friends can pack up and head to the circus, as long as that’s your thing.
There aren’t any rules about gifts, either. They certainly aren’t mandatory for celebrating the special day. However, finding special gifts that remind me of my favorite people is kind of my love language. I’m not a hugger or a crier, but I’ll find some random vintage trinket after not having talked to you for two months and wrap it up. It’s just my way of saying, “I was thinking about you!”
So, if you’re keen on getting a gift or two for your besties on Galentine’s Day, I’ve got you covered.
The Inspiration Puzzle Your Bestie Needs
Celebrate strong women from history with this 1000-piece puzzle. Your friend can piece together images and inspirational quotes from notable women from the past 150 years. As an added bonus, this puzzle is made by a company that makes thoughtful products for women, by women.
Get it here: Nevertheless, She Persisted 1,000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle at Uncommon Goods
A Super Snuggly Blanket for Binge-Watching Sessions
Is there anything better than an oversized plush blanket? No, I don’t think there is! This luxurious blanket comes in a ton of color options to match any decor. Your friend will think of you every time she snuggles up to binge the newest Netflix series.
Get it here: Luxurious Double Sided Sherpa Fleece Oversized Plush Blanket
This Mug Will Remind Her That Distance Doesn’t Break Your Connection
Even long-distance besties can feel connected this Galentine’s Day. Customize the names and states for a gift that really hits home. This custom mug lets you add up to four states, reminding your friends that distance won’t break your connection.
Get it here: Customizable State-to-State 11oz Coffee Mug on Amazon
A More Grownup Version of a Best Friends Necklace
Remember wearing matching best friend necklaces when you were a kid? You can still do that with your besties! This friendship necklace set is definitely more grown-up than what we used to trade in grade school. This set is super sleek and includes three necklaces that form a circle when they’re put together.
Get it here: Friendship Circle Best Friend Necklace Set for 3
A Less Grownup Version of a Best Friends Necklace
Okay, but there’s nothing wrong with those old-school best friends’ necklaces, either! Who wouldn’t want a matching burger and fries pendant? These adorable enamel necklaces remind me of the good ol’ days.
Get it here: Enamel Burger and Fries BFF Friendship Necklace
A Bouquet of Roses, but Make it Even Better
Skip the traditional rose bouquet for Galentine’s Day, and gift your friend something even better: small-batch handmade bath bombs filled with real rose petals. These fizzies are made with high-quality ingredients, including oils, botanicals, and mineral-rich salt.
Get it here: Jumbo Handmade Wild Rose Bath Bomb
Rosé Instead of Roses
Roses are so last year! Instead of bringing a bouquet, bring your bestie a bottle of rosé. This crisp, fragrant rosé is well-balanced with fruity freshness. With notes of soft, ripe summer fruits, it’ll brighten up your friend’s day. It also comes with its own stylish canvas wine bottle tote.
Get it here: Rosé and Canvas Tote
For the Coffee Lover in Your Life
If your bestie loves to sip coffee at her desk, this electric mug warmer will keep it at a cozy temperature all day long. This is extra helpful for the #bossbabe in your life who get so busy they keep having to microwave their mug!
Get it here: Electric Coffee Warmer for Desk With Auto Shut Off and Three Temperature Settings
Tell Her Why She’s Your Bestie (the Easy Way!)
Not very good with words or talking about feelings? This fill-in-the-blanks book will make it easy to tell your bestie why you love her so much. It’s packed full of prompts for you to fill in, and you can be as serious or funny as you want!
Get it here: Why You’re My Bestie Fill in the Love Book
For the Friend Who Loves Entertaining
Made out of Acacia wood, this slick charcuterie board also has magnets in it to allow reconfiguration. That makes it perfect for any party! It comes complete with a slate cutting surface insert, 4 cheese knives, 2 slate markers, 3 ceramic sauce bowls, and a wine opener.
Get it here: Extra Large Magnetic Charcuterie Board Set
If She Likes to Climb the Scoville Scale
What’s better than a collection of hot sauces? A collection of hot sauces that your bestie created!
Get it here: Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit
