5 Galentine’s Day Celebration Ideas for 2023
While it still feels like yesterday that we were ringing in 2023, all of a sudden we're being faced with the next holiday beast: Valentine's Day.
Stores like Target had their shelves stocked with heart-shaped goods before we'd even had a chance to return all our unwanted Christmas presents, and you can hardly turn your head without seeing an ad for engagement rings or pink and red candies. Whether you're single or not, it's time we shine a light on a lesser-known yet arguably way-more-fun holiday: Galentine's Day.
Traditionally (and by "traditionally," we mean since 2010 when the term came about via the iconic Leslie Knope on Parks and Recreation) celebrated the day before Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day is all about celebrating the girls who are always there to shower you with love and support whether there's a holiday or not: Your friends. But how exactly should you celebrate your girls this February 13th? We've got a few ideas.
1. Have a Rom-Com Movie Marathon
Pull out all the stops for a good old-fashioned sleepover, complete with popcorn, candy and all the romantic comedies your heart can take. We'd recommend modern favorites like Crazy Rich Asians or the Too All the Boys I've Loved Before trilogy, but you can also click HERE to check out some of our top classic picks on Netflix.
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Also read about: 6 Sweet Valentine's Day Texts to Send to Your Galentines
2. Go Pottery Painting
Activity dates are the best, so why not take that concept into your friend dates too? Find a local spot that offers pottery painting (you'll usually pay for the piece you're painting as well as a firing fee for the kiln), gather your best friends and enjoy a creative spin on a classic date.
3. Get Your Nails Done
Galentine's Day is all about adopting a treat-yourself mentality, and what better way to do that than by getting a little mani/pedi session in? If you're trying to stick to a tighter budget, you could always do each other's nails at home, but we'd say you deserve a proper salon session.
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4. Do a Secret Santa-Style Gift Exchange
Buying each of your friends their own gift for a holiday that's technically made up might be a little too much for most of us, but you can still get the thrill of giving a great gift by doing a Secret Santa-style gift exchange. It doesn't need to be Christmas for you each to draw the name of a friend from a hat and get them the perfect gift, no romantic partner required.
Also read about: These Awesome Skincare and Makeup Goodies Make Perfect Galentine's Day Gifts
5. Go Thrifting
A little retail therapy, anyone? Shopping with your friends can be fun any day of the year, but it just feels extra special on a day like Galentine's Day. Bonus points if you decide to do something like go to Goodwill to each pick out a mug to commemorate the day.
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All in all, celebrating Galentine's Day is all about being with the people you love and who are there for you whether you're single or not. You can do so however you like, but we'd say the ideas above are a pretty good start for 2023. If you need more ideas, though, you can click HERE for a list of activities perfect for any Galentine's Day party.