Galentine’s Day (What Is It? + How to Celebrate in Style!)
~ Galentine’s Day is possibly the best holiday anyone has invented in a long, long time. So just what IS Galentine’s Day? We’ve got the scoop, plus loads of Galentine’s Day ideas for how to celebrate, what to eat, Galentine’s gifts (totally optional BTW) … and more! ~
What Is Galentine’s Day?
Galentine’s Day celebrates gals and their besties – those friendships that have stood the test of time, through thick and thin, through boyfriends and husbands, through the good days and the bad. It’s not about romance – it’s about friendship.
Pretty hard to think of many better reasons to celebrate!
As Cosmpolitan so perfectly puts it, “At its gooey heart … it’s a day dedicated to showing the most important people in your life how much you care about them. It’s corny. It’s cheesy. And that’s what makes it great.”
So great, right?!?
A totally made-up holiday (we’ll get to the hilariously, wonderfully, completely fictional roots of it all in a sec …) that is 100% about how much you treasure the most important friendships in your life. You don’t gotta do the gift thing, or even grab a sappy card. (Although … yeah, it’s ok if you want to.)
You just … celebrate the people you care about. So beautifully simple, so perfectly fun.
When Is Galentine’s Day?
Galentine’s Day falls on February 13. Right before Valentine’s Day (that other holiday for celebrating people we love best).
Parks and Rec Galentine’s Day (How It All Began)
As if this completely made-up holiday wasn’t fun enough (just because it’s such a great idea) … the whole story of how Galetnine’s Day started makes it even more fun!
Galentine’s Day is the wonderful invention of a completely fictional TV character – Leslie Knope on Parks and Rec (played by Amy Poehler).
According to Wikipedia, the segment “Galentine’s Day” aired back in 2010 – the 16th episode of the second season of Parks and Recreation.
The basic outline is that Leslie Knope throws a brunch bash for her female friends, complete with plenty of waffles and other brunchy delicacies … and even ridiculous hand-made gifts like crocheted flower pens, mosaic portraits made from the crushed bottles of each friend’s favorite soda, and 5,000-word essays pontificating about why her friends are so awesome.
Ridiculous good fun – as only Parks and Rec can deliver it.
And Leslie’s brilliant idea caught on like wildfire.
Because it wasn’t just ridiculous and fun. It was brilliant and perfect and just totally felt right. (Why did it take all these years until a fictional character finally figured out that our besties deserve their own celebration!?!? Seems so obvious now!)
But you’re not Leslie. And you probably don’t like to crochet flower pens. Probably don’t want to spend the time to write a bunch of 5,000 word essays.
No worries!
We’ve got lots of ideas for how to celebrate Galentine’s Day in style … your way!
Galentine’s Day Ideas
When it comes to celebrating this particular holiday in style, the great thing is that style doesn’t have to mean glitz and glamour and expense. Remember … it all started with waffles and crochet.
The best way to celebrate is YOUR way. The way that will make you and your friends feel the happiest, the most connected.
So, what exactly could that be?
How about …
Galentine’s Day Brunch
If you wanna stay true to the roots of the day, brunch is the way to go.
And waffles – lots of waffles (maybe some mimosas, too)!
You know we have lots of yummy brunch ideas for ya.
Bonus: because these recipe ideas are all a bit healthier, too, you and your besties won’t feel guilty celebrating again tomorrow. Because (don’t forget!) Galentine’s Day is immediately followed by that other day known for chocolates and caloric decadence. 😉
Waffle Bar
Make this really fun! Offer up loads of different toppings, from fresh fruit to different drizzles (check out our delicious Strawberries and Cream Sauce below ... YUM) and sauces and sprinkles! We've got so many ideas for you!
The Best Whole Wheat Waffles
And since you wanna keep your celebration indulgent but also guilt-free ... toss in some whole grains for a little added nutrition. These waffles are still so darn perfectly good, you won't taste the difference a bit!
4-Ingredient Strawberries and Cream Pancake and Waffle Topping
Super simple but crazy-good! And a such pretty pink for Galentine's Day, too!
Perfect Whole Wheat Pancakes
Don't have a waffle iron? Easy solution: pancakes!
Easy Tricks for Making Pancake Shapes and Numbers
Since Galentine's Day is all about being fun and silly and sweet ... here are some clever ideas to make those pancakes extra-festive!
Stuffed French Toast Breakfast Casserole with Strawberries and Cream
Don't wanna be in the kitchen during your Galentine's Day brunch, pumping out the fresh pancakes and waffles? This is definitely your answer! Make it the night before so you can 100% focus on relaxing and celebrating!
DIY Fruit Bouquet
Showstopper, anyone? This is the perfect (edible!) brunch centerpiece. And believe it or not, it's totally not hard to do. It's just ... WOW.
Farmers' Market Overnight Breakfast Egg Casserole
Oh! And how about something savory? This is one of our all-time most popular recipes. And you can make this one ahead, too!
5-Minute Healthy Avocado Toast with Smoked Salmon
Feeling fancy? This takes no time at all, but feels ultra-luxurious!
Chia Pudding with Coconut Milk and Berries
Feeling virtuous? This chia pudding is so healthy but sweet and indulgent, too. Set out jam and berries and granola so everyone can top their own, just the way they like!
Galentine’s Day Evening
Can’t get everyone together for a morning brunch? No problem! I think Leslie would understand.
How about a casual evening, just catching up and laughing together? No guys, no kids. Just friend time. Sounds perfect, huh?
• You could stage a little mani-pedi spa party.
• Or, maybe cue up your favorite rom-com. Or, hey hey – why not pay homage to the reason you’re all there together, and giggle through a Parks and Rec watch-a-thon (remember the “Galentine’s Day” segment is in season 2).
Need a few snackies? (Of course you do! Can’t sip a nice glass of wine without some perfect munchies alongside.)
Again, we’ve gotcha covered … with yummy ideas that won’t leave the gals all feeling over-fed and regretful!
3-Ingredient Chocolate Dip
Because you and your besties deserve it! (Plus it's a total snap to make!)
5-Minute Avocado Ranch Dip with Greek Yogurt
Exactly perfect with veggies or tortilla chips. Ultra creamy and so totally guilt-free. Perfect for girls' night!
Microwave Popcorn (In a Bag!)
Can't have a watch-a-thon without popcorn! This is a super-fun (and healthy) way to make it. Plus, your friends will think it's such fun to try!
Sweet and Spicy Cream Cheese Dip
Such a pretty appetizer, and the perfect combination of richly creamy with sweet with a hint of spice to keep it all interesting!
Baked Hummus Dip with Easy Tabouli Topping
You won't be able to stop dipping – this always disappears fast!
"Cowboy Caviar" with Lemon-Dijon Vinaigrette
A delicious twist on those Cowboy Caviar dips everyone loves!
Galentine’s Day Gift Ideas
I’d say this is one of those holidays where you can totally skip the gifts. In fact, obsessing too much over the right gift just takes the focus off the whole point, anyway.
But, if you’re the gifty type, a well-chosen trinket or two isn’t out of bounds here, either.
Totally up to you – gifts or no gifts. There kinda aren’t a lot of rules for this holiday – whatever feels right for you and you pals is just fine.
Sadly, just like so many other holidays, Galentine’s Day is already becoming more commercialized. (As if crochet and personally crafted essays weren’t good enough!) There are plenty of lists out there to fuel your ideas, if you feel like you have to buy something for your besties.
But, what about some ideas that are a little more heartfelt and true to where this holiday began? How about:
• A handmade scrapbook filled with pictures, ticket stubs … all the things from all the years. (The old-fashioned kind of scrapbook, no Shutterfly required.)
• A personal letter. (No no … you don’t have to hit Leslie’s 5,000-word-limit!) Just a thoughtful note about all the things that are most wonderful about your friend, all the things you adore about them, and how very much they mean to you.
• If you live somewhere warm enough that flowers are blooming right now (I’m jealous of you!), make each friend a custom bouquet filled with blooms in her favorite colors.
• Or, if you have a special talent or hobby – maybe making jewelry or cards or candles or soaps – leverage your skills to craft a personalized gift from the heart.
And hey, what if your special talent is cooking? Wanna whip up a little Galentine’s Day DIY gift in food form? Well then, you’ve come to the right place (you know … because food is what we do here)!
Decadent 3-Ingredient Fudge
This is so, so quick and simple ... but wonderfully indulgent. Truly a special treat! (And we've even got a bunch of ideas for different flavor combos to try, too!)
Easy Candied Pecans (Just 5 Minutes and 4 Ingredients)
Send your besties home with a little jar of homemade snackies. These are super simple to make and have been a runaway hit with our readers!
Cherry-Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Deeply, darkly chocolate-y with sweet-tart bits of cherries. This is a homemade gift anyone would love to receive!
Galentine’s Day When You Can’t Be Together
Whether it’s because this is 2021 and a lot of us still can’t be together. Or, because some of your most special friends are too far away for brunching. No matter! Be creative! How about:
• A phone call. A really good, long call where you don’t simultaneously do laundry or empty the dishwasher. Where you 100% listen and truly, truly connect.
• Host that rom-com party or Parks and Rec watch-a-thon virtually. We’ve all gotten pretty good at the whole virtual thing now – this one’s easy!
• Cook together! Again … virtually, of course! Make those waffles, and then eat them together, from across the miles. They’ll still taste wonderful, and your heart will still be happy!
• Plan ahead a little and mail out cards, or “Why You’re Awesome” essays, or your homemade candles … anything that reminds your friends how very much you value them.
• Surprise your gal pals by sending a fruit bouquet. (Since they might be receiving flowers for Valentine’s Day, fingers crossed.)
Bottom line: it doesn’t have to be complicated or fancy. It just has to be YOU. You telling all those wonderful women in your life that they truly are WONDERFUL. Reminding them that they make a difference, that they’re cherished …
… and that friendship is always worth celebrating!
P.S. In the spirit of Galentine’s Day, I can’t write this article without sending a shoutout and a hug to my pal Gretchen. If you hang around THK a lot, you know she’s the one who started this site with me, all those years ago. She’s the bestedy-bestest. xoxo
