If the Barbie movie taught us anything, it’s that “Every night is girls' night!” Thankfully, there’s a pink heart-studded holiday to celebrate that very sentiment coming up—and no, it’s not on February 14th. Galentine’s Day, which is the day before Valentine’s Day, may share some traditions with the centuries-old celebration of love, but that’s about it. Apart from the common denominator of Valentine’s Day gifts like flower deliveries, candies, and cards, this sweet holiday celebrates a different kind of love. But for those of you who need a little more info before getting into the Galentine's spirit, keep reading for everything you need to know.
What is Galentine's Day?
Simply put, Galentine's Day is like Valentine's Day, but for the gals! And though unofficial, in the eyes of girls everywhere, it's totally a thing. The holiday falls on February 13 each year (which is a Tuesday this time around) and is geared towards celebrating the women in your life. Best friends, sisters, moms, grandmas—you name it, it's your chance to show them just how much they mean to you. Which, of course, you can and should do every other day of the year, too, but it's extra fun when there's a day dedicated to it. Not to mention, the beloved aesthetic of heart-shaped-everything and all things pink!
How did Galentine's Day start?
Believe it or not, we actually have Amy Poehler to thank for this day of celebration. Well, kinda. Her fictional character, Leslie Knope, from the comedy show Parks and Recreation, coined the term during the second season of the show in 2010. She explains in the episode, “What is Galentine’s Day? Oh, it's only the best day of the year. Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it... ladies celebrating ladies." So, basically, it's the greatest fake holiday ever!
Is Galentine's Day only for singles?
Galentine's Day is basically the antithesis of Valentine's Day (which is historically anti-single,) which means it's all about positive, empowering vibes and female friendship. Given that, it's only natural that the holiday is inclusive of everyone, whether you're 'Single,' 'Taken,' 'Complicated,' or anything in between. So yes, anyone is more than welcome to join in on the female friendship festivities, no matter what their relationship status may be.
How is Galentine's Day celebrated?
Since that trend-setting episode aired, Galentine's Day has evolved into really, whatever each friend group wants it to be! In the show, Leslie and her friends commemorate the day with a festive brunch, but that's just one of many ways to do it. Why not gather your gals and have a sleepover? Complete with heart-print pajamas, wine, and lots of chocolates, too. You could also enjoy a day of pampering at the nail salon or go for dinner and drinks then hit the dance floor for a girls' night out-Galentine's style. We also love the idea of a Galentine's Day party! There are so many Valentine's Day games, Valentine's Day co*cktails, and Valentine's Day desserts that can easily be tweaked to fit your friend festivities.
It's also pretty common to share the love on Galentine's Day with some goodies for your besties. We've found several gifts for her that are perfect for the occasion, including cozy gifts for self-care, beauty items, and more! Browse below and don't forget to grab some for yourself while you're at it, because it's just as important to celebrate self-love, too!
Shop Galentine's Day Gifts for Your Friends
The Pioneer Woman Embroidered Floral Decorative Pillow
Valentine Print Pajamas
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Sugar Crush Bath Bomb 4-Pack
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Be My Galentine Socks
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Zoya Polish, Spreading Cheer
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
Nitya Rao is the editorial assistant at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, news, and more.
FAQs
Friends are like wine: the first thing you look for at the end of a long day. Love, kisses, and Galentine's wishes! Roses are red, violets are blue, I'd rather spend Galentine's Day with you.
How to host a Galentines day Party? ›
35 Galentine's Day Party Ideas Your Girls Will Absolutely Obsess Over
- Get excited about a theme. ...
- Arrange your own flowers.
- Make fondue.
- Plan a "my favorite things" product swap. ...
- Pick a signature co*cktail.
- Invest in (themed, duh) balloons.
- Make personalized goodie bags.
- Host an at-home mani-pedi night.
Friends are like wine: the first thing you look for at the end of a long day. Love, kisses, and Galentine's wishes! Roses are red, violets are blue, I'd rather spend Galentine's Day with you.
How is Galentine's day celebrated? ›
Since the episode, Galentine's Day has expanded into the broader popular culture. Some actual Galentine's Day celebrations involve getting together with friends to exchange small gifts and eat brunch, especially waffles, a favorite of Knope's character on Parks and Recreation.
What are the rules of Galentine's? ›
There are no strict rules when it comes to Galentine's Day festivities. Some choose to go the original path that is based on the television show. This consists of eating breakfast, sharing Valentine's Day goodies, exchanging gifts and an overall celebration of female friendship.
What to wear to a galentine party? ›
If you're going out for a nice girls night dinner for Galentine's day and you want to dress up a bit but want to keep it more neutral, try a feminine blouse and nice jeans. I added a pair of festive earrings for just a nod to Valentine's, without being over the top.
What do you bring to a Galentines party? ›
Pack your picnic basket with enough food and refreshments. To make the occasion more special, you can prepare themed snacks such as pink lemonade, a charcuterie board, a fruit platter, and of course, anything pink, red, heart-shaped or chocolate-covered.
What holiday is Galentine's day? ›
Galentine's Day is a global holiday that celebrates women's friendship. Galentine's Day is typically marked as February 13, but can be observed any day. Galentine's Day events are typically all-female occasions of mutual "empowerment...a reminder for women to support and uplift one another."
What is the meaning of Galentine Party? ›
So glad you did. Falling each year on February 13th—yes, the day before Valentine's Day—Galentine's Day is basically the friendship version of V-Day. It's an unofficially-official holiday that's all about celebrating platonic love and sisterhood between the women (and friends of all genders, really) in your life.
What is a Galentine slang? ›
That's right: Galentine's Day—a day for women to celebrate their friendships with their lady friends. It's Valentine's Day with your gals.
Galentine's Day is a play on Valentine's Day dedicated to celebrating a different kind of love - friendship. The unofficial holiday falls on Feb. 13, the day before Valentine's, and specifically encourages women to get together with their female friends and honor the power of female friendship.
Why is everyone saying Galentine? ›
It's one of those things that has just embedded itself in popular culture, and it actually goes back to the Feb. 11, 2010, episode of "Parks and Rec" where Leslie Nope, Amy Poehler's character, is introducing Galentine's Day. It's this wonderful day where, you know, women celebrate women. They go out to brunch.
How do you throw a Galentines party? ›
Since Galentine's Day is all about showing your friends some love, your party can mimic classic Valentine's Day party decorations. Red, white, pink, and gold are 4 must-have colors in your decoration pallette. Balloons, streamers, and banners can add tons of cheer to your party space.
What are the colors for Galentines day? ›
Imagine all the fun they'll have hunting for clothes and accessories in vibrant shades of red, pink and white.
What is the guy version of Galentine's day? ›
Malentine's day is a day for men to meet up and celebrate their amazing friendship.
What do you put in a Galentines box? ›
You can thank us later!
- Stanley Tumbler.
- Hydro Flask 40-Ounce Wide Mouth Cap Bottle.
- Vitamasques Lip Sheet Mask.
- Essie Nail Polish Valentine's Day Collection.
- Herbivore Pink Cloud Rosewater Jelly Cleanser.
- Rare Beauty Positive Light Luminizer.
- Galentine's Day Gift Box.
- I Dew Care Let's Get Sheet Faced Sheet Mask Set.
Galentine's Day is a global holiday that celebrates women's friendship. Galentine's Day is typically marked as February 13, but can be observed any day. Galentine's Day events are typically all-female occasions of mutual "empowerment...a reminder for women to support and uplift one another."
Who is involved in Galentines day? ›
Falling each year on February 13th—yes, the day before Valentine's Day—Galentine's Day is basically the friendship version of V-Day. It's an unofficially-official holiday that's all about celebrating platonic love and sisterhood between the women (and friends of all genders, really) in your life.
What is the make version of Galentine's day? ›
Malentine's day is a day for men to meet up and celebrate their amazing friendship. It is a happy, celebratory day, the male equivalent of Galentine's day.
