31 Fun Galentine’s Day Ideas To Celebrate Your Besties

February is almost here, which means it’s time to gather your favorite gals and pals to share a Galentine’s Day celebration. Galentine’s Day is your chance to shower your friends with love, laughter and fun. Whether you’re planning a brunch or a night on the town, we’ll dive into our top Galentine’s Day ideas for an unforgettable day you and your friends will cherish forever.

Table of contents:

• Galentine’s Day activities
• Galentine’s Day celebration ideas
• Galentine’s Day gift ideas

What is Galentine's Day?

Valentine’s Day may steal the spotlight, but Galentine’s Day is all about celebrating the amazing women in your life. Celebrated on February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day, it's a special opportunity to show love, gratitude and appreciation for the meaningful platonic friendships that keep us going. 

The concept of Galentine’s Day was originally introduced on the TV show “Parks and Recreation,” and has since grown into a cherished tradition, reminding us of the importance of celebrating our friendships.

Galentine’s Day activities

Grab your girls and plan an unforgettable experience with these Galentine’s Day activities. 

1. Spa day

If you’re looking for a day full of relaxation, a spa day is the perfect treat. Filled with manicures and pedicures or facials and massages, it’s the perfect way to unwind and recharge with your best girls. Keep an eye out for group discounts and Galentine’s Day specials in your area to pamper yourselves without breaking the bank. 

2. Paint and sip

A paint-and-sip night is perfect for friends who want to enjoy a drink while engaging in a fun and creative activity. Paint-and-sip classes often provide all the supplies you need while walking you through step-by-step painting instructions so you can focus on letting your creativity flow while sipping on your favorite wine, cocktail or mocktail. It’s a great way to laugh, connect and create an artistic masterpiece to cherish forever.  

3. Picnic

Head to the beach, a nearby park or even your own backyard and transform it into the perfect picnic spot for quality time with your besties. Pack a basket with finger foods, drinks and sweet treats, or grab your favorite takeout like sandwiches or different types of sushi. To keep the vibes high, bring portable speakers for music and cozy up with plenty of pillows and blankets.

4. Host a tea party

Who said tea parties are only for little girls? Whether you’re setting up your own tea party at home or going to a tea house, dress up in your frilliest ‘fits and share sips and sandwiches with your friends for an unforgettable day. Pinkies up!

5. Take a pottery class

Get creative with your besties by trying a pottery class. Whether you’re sculpting a vase, mug or bowl, this unique and therapeutic activity is the perfect way to bond. For an extra special experience, look for local studios offering private group lessons to make the day more intimate. 

6. Thrift shopping

A good bargain is always a good idea. Head to local thrift stores to hunt for unique antiques, knickknacks or other hidden treasures. Even if you don’t buy anything, exploring and seeing what gems you can find is always a blast. 

Want to add a fun twist? Pick out outfits for each other from the thrift shop, then hit the town in your new looks. Don’t forget to snap plenty of pictures to capture the laughs and memories to look back on for years!

7. Karaoke

Belt out your favorite tunes at a karaoke bar or private karaoke room. Reminisce on memories with a playlist full of nostalgic songs from high school or college, or jam out to the most recent hits everyone loves. Switch things up by hosting a themed karaoke night. Make sure to dress the part and bring fun props for the full experience. 

8. Pub trivia

Check out local pub trivia nights and team up with your friends to put your knowledge to the test. Some trivia nights feature themes like "The Office" or "Friends," giving you the perfect chance to showcase your expertise on your favorite TV shows or topics. Pair the fun with pub bites and drinks for a memorable night out with your girls.

9. Arcade, bowling or mini golf

Looking for some friendly competition? Hit up an arcade and challenge your besties to a game of air hockey, Skee-Ball, Pac-Man or Dance Dance Revolution. 

If you’re in the mood for something more laid back, try bowling and split into teams or go head-to-head to see who can land that strike. For a more lighthearted outdoor option, mini golf is the way to go. Don’t forget to look for group combo packages to enjoy multiple activities during your outing.

10. Take a cooking class

Swap out your usual dinner friend date for an interactive cooking class instead. Many local cooking schools or restaurants offer private group classes where you can master a recipe you want to try — like homemade pasta, cake decorating or authentic sushi making. This Galentine’s Day idea can inspire you to start experimenting in the kitchen and offers a hands-on way to connect and bond over something we all love: food! 

11. Volunteering

Make your Galentine’s Day meaningful by giving back together. Research organizations that align with your group’s interests and passions, or host an event independently. Whether you’re volunteering at a local animal shelter, donating items to a women’s shelter or doing a beach cleanup, giving back can make a positive impact and strengthen your friendships. 

12. Host a clothing or book swap 

For thrifty friends, a clothing or book swap is a great opportunity to refresh their wardrobes or “to read” piles without spending a bunch of money. This idea works best for larger groups; prepare guests ahead of time by sending out an invitation with instructions for the swap. Accompany your swap with some easy finger foods, and consider donating any leftover items at the end. 

13. Group fitness and homemade juice bar 

Come up with a fun, active experience that the group can enjoy, such as a hike, bike ride, yoga video, Zumba class or dance class. Follow it up with DIY fresh juices or smoothie recipes to supercharge the day.

14. Host an at-home escape room or mystery dinner 

Home-based experiences can provide a memorable evening of entertainment, even on a low budget. Prepare for Galentine’s games by purchasing an escape room or mystery dinner kit and following the instructions. Serve up some easy party food ideas and get ready for some mystery-solving fun!

Galentine’s Day celebration ideas

Looking to host a celebration with your favorite gal pals? Whether you’re envisioning a cozy night in or dreaming up a decadent feast, these Galentine’s Day ideas have you covered. 

15. Make friendship bracelets

Nothing says friendship quite like making friendship bracelets. Transport yourself back to simpler days by gathering chains, beads and charms to make personalized bracelets that symbolize the special women in your life. Make it a tradition to craft these together each year and exchange them every Galentine’s Day.

16. Build your own bouquet

Create a flower bar with fresh cut flowers so you and your girls can make a seasonal bouquet. Include statement flowers like roses or peonies and filler like baby’s breath or eucalyptus. Don’t forget the ribbon, twine and paper for wrapping to create the perfect arrangement each friend can take home. 

17. Make scrapbooks

Host a scrapbooking night to look back on your memories. Use a Polaroid camera to snap instant pictures together or print out photos that capture previous hangouts and special moments. 

Gather supplies like notebooks, craft paper, stickers and glue, and have each friend decorate a unique spread. Add new pages each year, creating a beautiful Galentine’s Day keepsake you can look back on for years to come. 

18. Play card games and board games

Host a game night with a mix of classic board games and new favorites like Cards Against Humanity or What Do You Meme? Create tournament-style brackets or set up different game stations so everyone has a chance to play each game. Don’t forget your favorite game night snacks and drinks to fuel the competition! 

Need to stock up on card and board games? Instacart can connect you to stores that deliver favorites like UNO, Jenga or Connect Four right to your door. 

19. Bake personal pizzas

A pizza-making party is a fun way for everyone to connect over a delicious meal. Start with a homemade pizza dough recipe, then set up a topping bar with classic toppings and unique ingredients like truffle oil or prosciutto, perfect for making a decadent prosciutto pizza. For an extra special touch, form your pizzas into heart shapes to add to the Galentine’s Day theme.

20. Decorate cookies

Transform your cookies into edible art with a cookie-decorating party. Look at Valentine's Day cookie recipes for different ideas and design inspo, and make sure to grab supplies like icing, piping bags, sprinkles and edible glitter. Don’t forget cute to-go boxes so everyone can take their cookies home.

21. Collaborate on a cookbook

Create a lasting keepsake of your friendship through shared recipes. Ask each person to prepare a dish and bring a recipe card with all the details. Then, gather the recipes and put them into a scrapbook for a recipe collection you can continue to add to. This Galentine’s Day idea is a meaningful tradition that you can continue year after year while enjoying each other's delicious meals.

22. Feast on fondue

Break away from the traditional sit-down dinner and create an interactive feast with a fun fondue spread, the perfect Galentine’s Day food idea. To ensure everyone participates, have each person bring a different type of fondue and items to go along with it. 

For example, strawberries, bananas and cake cubes are perfect for chocolate fondue, while bread cubes, meat and veggies go well with cheese fondue. Remember to order small plates and forks and label each fondue with cute cards so everyone knows what they’re picking from.

23. Share a Galentine’s Day charcuterie board

Is a girls' night even complete without a charcuterie board? Create an Instagram-worthy cheese board that’s beautiful and tasty, or mix it up with other board options like a sweet and savory board or dessert-only board. Make it fun by having everyone bring a board to share with the group. Try incorporating heart-shaped elements or flowers to stay on theme. 

24. Host breakfast or brunch at home

Host a cozy morning at home with an intimate Galentine’s Day breakfast or brunch. Set up a waffle or pancake station and a drink and beverage bar with DIY mimosa or latte options. Complete the spread with a savory corner featuring options like eggs, bacon, sausage and potatoes. 

Preparing these Galentine’s Day brunch ideas is easier when you use Instacart, which delivers breakfast or brunch essentials like coffee and fresh fruit right to your door.

25. Set up a DIY gourmet hot chocolate and dessert bar 

For a sweet Galentine’s celebration, set up a mouth-watering gourmet hot chocolate and dessert bar. Include specialty marshmallows, flavored syrups, peppermint sticks, whipped cream and liquor for an adult twist. Add some cute mini desserts for a decadent experience.

26. Host a themed adult slumber party 

Remember when blanket forts and movie marathons were eagerly anticipated weekend sleepover experiences? Lean into nostalgia by creating an adult sleepover for your Galentine’s celebration. With movies, late-night snacks and beverage favorites, tap into the excitement of your youth. 

Galentine’s Day gift ideas

Here are some ways to show your girls you appreciate them with a thoughtful gift, no matter your budget.

27. Spa day basket

Create a luxurious spa basket to give your bestie the ultimate at-home spa retreat. Fill the basket with face masks, mani and pedi supplies, bath bombs, lotions, sugar scrubs, candles and other essentials. For an added touch, use a reusable basket or toiletry bag so they can continue to stock it with their self-care must-haves.

28. Bookworm basket

Curate the perfect gift basket for your book-loving bestie with all their reading essentials. Include a few books tailored to their taste, bookmarks, a book light for late-night reading and some fuzzy socks for the nights they want to cozy up with a book.

29. Cozy care package

Design the ultimate gift for a cozy day at home that’s better than a warm hug. Fill the basket with pajamas, fuzzy socks or slippers, a satin pillowcase and a cute mug with their favorite tea, hot chocolate or coffee. Add a blanket or candle for an extra touch of warmth and comfort.

30. Astrology-themed gifts

If your friends love checking their daily horoscope or exploring the meaning behind zodiac signs, create personalized gifts that reflect the unique traits of their signs. For example, Leos are known for their confidence, so a bold statement necklace could embody their personality, while a warm and vibrant-smelling candle could highlight their fiery nature. Make sure to include a card explaining the significance of each item so your friends can see the thought that went into it.

 31. “Open when” letter collection

This highly sentimental yet low-cost gift is the sort of pick-me-up your besties will love. Write a few letters and gather photos or memories to seal in envelopes labeled “open when you’re sad,” “open when you need a laugh” or other “open when” ideas. They’re a great mood booster to save for when they’re needed.

Start planning an unforgettable Galentine’s Day 

Galentine’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate the amazing friendships that bring joy to our lives. Whether you’re exchanging gifts or hosting a get-together at home, these Galentine’s Day ideas ensure a day filled with laughter, connection and appreciation for the women who make life sweet. 

Ready to start planning your Galentine’s Day celebration? Order your essentials through Instacart to make planning the perfect Galentine's Day stress-free.