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There's no love quite like the love between you and your closest friends. Whilst Valentine's Day celebrates the romantic love between you and that one special person, Galentine's Day, in contrast, is a celebration of all the special people in your life.
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Although the name suggests that it's a holiday reserved solely for women, since it's popularisation, Galentine's Day has evolved into a fun celebration for everyone. Some have even renamed it Palentine's Day to take this into consideration!
It may be a made up holiday, and some may find it a little silly or cheesy, but with all the stresses and negativity in life, it's important to find these light hearted moments. Moments where we can celebrate the love and appreciation we have for each other. Finding great friends isn't easy, so it's nice to take any opportunity to thank them and shower them with love.
As we get older, and our responsibilities pile up, it gets harder and harder to find the time to spend with your friends, so Galentine's Day is the perfect opportunity! This post lists some Galentine's ideas on how to celebrate and make the most of the day, plus, some ideas for Galentine's cards and Galentine's gift ideas if you choose to go all out!
Galentine's Day Meaning
If you've never heard of Galentine's Day, you're probably wondering 'what is galentine's and where did it come from?!'. So we included a little background about the newly popular and unique holiday.
Galentine’s Day is a holiday celebrated on the day before Valentine’s Day, February 13th, to honour platonic friendships and celebrate the love and appreciation we have for our friends. It is recognised as being created and popularised on the television show Parks and Recreation by the fictional character Leslie Knope.
Similar to Valentine's Day you can celebrate Galentine's Day by showing your love through sending someone special a card or some sort of gift to show that you care and with our blank cards you can also write why.
Galentine's Ideas
If you like the sound of this holiday and would like some inspiration on how to celebrate it this year, we have you covered!
Firstly, there is no wrong or right way to celebrate the day. From organising a beautiful themed brunch to throwing a cosy at-home movie night - the most important thing is that you create an opportunity to bond with your friends, make memories and enjoy yourself!
Image of Nuff Love greeting cards
Plan a Galentine's Day Party
If you want to go all out for your new favourite holiday, why not plan a Galentine's Day Party! You can make the party as big or small as you would like. It could be a fun brunch, lunch or dinner with your closest friends. Or, you could go big with a themed party. Whatever you choose to do, remember Galentine's Day is supposed to be fun, so don't plan anything too stressful.
Some ideas to make your Galentine's Day party special include:
- - Suggesting a dress code
- - Creating delicious signature cocktails and mocktails
- - A pretty tablescape with flowers & decorations
- - Playing fun games around the table
- - Organising 'Secret Galentine' (like Secret Santa but for Galentine's Day!)
Image from recipe for Caribbean Rum Punch
Have a Galentine's Day Sleepover
If you would prefer to keep it cosy and casual, why not plan a 'grown-up' sleepover with your closest friends - like the sleepovers you used to have when you were younger but with cocktails!
You could try some of the drinks recipes we have on our blog.
Check these out:
Watch your favourite movies with popcorn, play fun games, make your favourite drinks, paint each others nails and do face masks. And, if you really want to go all out, do it all in matching pyjamas!
Go to a class or workshop together
Book a class or workshop to go to with your friends and learn something new together. It could be an in-person or a virtual class (especially great for long-distance friendships).
Some ideas for classes you could book include:
- - my raffia embroidery workshop
- - cocktail making
- - flower arranging
- - fitness class
- - a sip and paint evening
Image of Tihara Smith's raffia embroidery kit
Galentine's Cards
On Valentine's Day you may send and receive love letters, so why not do the same for Galentine's Day? Write your friends an appreciation note to let them know how much you love them and how much they mean to you. Write it inside a Galentine's card that is perfect for them - see some ideas below:
Galentine's Presents
Pair your Galentine's card with a gift. It doesn't have to break the bank, it's just a small something to put a smile on their face and remind them how much you appreciate them. See below for some ideas:
A sweet treat
Send your friends their favourite sweet treat. Whether it's a pretty cupcake, doughnut, cookie or chocolate bar - who doesn't like being surprised with chocolate?!
Or you could try to make them something yourself, like our Homemade Tropical Chocolate Bars or our Caribbean Rum & Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Loved Themed Socks
Treat them to a pair of socks, so they'll always think of you when they wear them! Our socks are made with cotton-rich fabric, made in the UK and embroidered in our London studio with love 🧡
We offer bespoke embroidery and design services for those looking to commission meaningful, creative work with a personal touch. We're open to your ideas but if you need a starting point you could consider making a personalised:
- - wall hanging
- - denim jacket
- - or bag
These socks are part of our custom made products, so please do get in touch for a quote or to find out more about our custom range.
Colourful Stationery
Why not go for a super useful gift? Help your friends get organised for the year ahead with some colourful stationery including notebooks, planners and to-do list notepads.
A Tropical Houseplant or Flowers
Surprise them with a bunch of beautiful flowers with a handwritten note, or if you have friends that have a green thumb you could gift them a tropical houseplant that they can keep on their window ledge as a daily reminder of your friendship.
@tiharasmith Tropical houseplants to brighten up your home 🌴✨ #tropicalplants #homedecor #planttok #plantdecorideas #plantdecorideas #plantsaesthetic ♬ CARIBBEAN CRUISE - Intermede Music
A special accessory
Treat them with an enamel pin they'll love! We have lots of Caribbean-inspired and tropical pins to choose from:
Galentine's Day Checklist
Choose how you want to celebrate Galentines Day, whether that is a brunch, dinner, movie night or relaxed get together
Create a guest list and send invites early so everyone can plan ahead
Pick a theme or colour scheme to make your Galentine's Day feel more intentional
Plan fun Galentine's Day activities such as games, crafts, quizzes or a cocktail making session
Prepare food and drinks, either homemade, takeaway or as an activity you do.
Buy or make thoughtful Galentine's Day cards with personal messages for each friend
Choose small Galentine's Day gifts like candles, chocolates or personalised items
Create a special Galentine's Day playlist that suits the mood of your celebration
Plan time for photos or keepsakes to remember the day
Confirm final details for your Galentine's Day activity the day before, including timings and supplies
Most importantly, remember what Galentine's Day is all about. Focus on enjoying time together and celebrating friendship
FAQs about Galentines Day
What is Galentine's Day?
Galentine's Day is celebrated on 13 February and focuses on celebrating friendship, particularly among women. It is a day to show appreciation for friends through activities, cards and thoughtful gestures.
Whens Galentines Day?
Galentine's Day is celebrated on 13 February, the day before Valentine's Day.
What are some popular Galentine's Day ideas?
Popular Galentine's Day ideas include hosting a brunch, planning a movie night, organising a spa evening at home, attending a workshop together or enjoying a group dinner.
How can I celebrate Galentine's Day at home?
You can celebrate at home by cooking together, hosting a themed night, playing games, creating DIY crafts or exchanging Galentine's cards and small gifts.
What should I write in a Galentine's Day card?
A Galentine's Day card can include a personal message that thanks your friend for their support, shares a favourite memory or simply expresses how much they mean to you.
Are Galentine's Day cards different from Valentine's cards?
Yes, Galentine's Day cards focus on friendship rather than romance. They are often light-hearted, appreciative and centred on shared experiences and encouragement.
What are good Galentine's Day activities for a group of friends?
Group activities include brunch outings, cocktail making classes, craft sessions, quiz nights or planning a day trip together.
Do people exchange gifts on Galentine's Day?
Many people exchange small gifts such as candles, personalised items, chocolates or self-care products, though gifts are optional and not the main focus.
Who can celebrate Galentine's Day?
Anyone can celebrate Galentine's Day. While it is often associated with women celebrating female friendships, it can be enjoyed by any group of friends who want to mark the occasion.
Is Galentine's Day for singles?
Yes, Galentine's Day is for everyone, not just singles. It is about celebrating friendship and meaningful connections, regardless of relationship status.
About Tihara Smith
Tihara is a fashion designer and textile artist passionate about design, the Caribbean and sharing the Windrush story. She loves creating distinctive pieces that allow people to have a little piece of the Caribbean 🌴✨
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