Galentine’s Day Ideas, Party Plans, and Gifts

What is Galentine’s Day?

Galentine’s Day is rather recent holiday, so I’ll forgive you for not knowing how it started. The origin of Galentine’s isn’t as organic as other holidays of ancient origin, although it isn’t as contrived as greeting cards, or diamond jewelry.

Galentine’s Day comes from an episode from the second season of The Office spinoff, Parks and Recreation. The lead character, Leslie Knope, takes her friends out to brunch on February 13^th in a celebration of female friendship. The episode first aired in 2010, however, since that time, the popularity of Galentine’s Day has grown, and women all over the world celebrate their friendship in the month of February.

What are some common Galentine’s Day Traditions?

Celebrating Galentine’s is different for every group of friends. Some friends simply exchange gifts, and some like to celebrate a la Leslie Knope, with gifts,  frittatas and mimosas. Check out these fun Galentine’s Day Traditions that you and your friends can celebrate this year:

Sharing Galentine’s Day Quotes

This fun celebration of female friendship comes from an episode of Parks and Recreation, so it seems fitting that many women share some of Leslie Knope’s most famous uplifting lines with their close friends around the holiday. Here are some of my favorite Leslie Knope Galentine’s Day Quotes:

“You know my code: hoes before bros. Uteruses before duderuses…Ovaries before brovaries.”

“You shut your mouth, you have all the strengths.”

“We need to remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles, work. Or waffles, friends, work. Doesn’t matter, but work is third.”

Brunch

There is no more well known a method of female celebration than brunch! If you’re looking for a good brunch spot in Salt Lake City, check out some of my favorites: Oasis Café, Pig and a Jelly Jar, and The Park.  And remember, calories don’t count on holidays, weekends, birthdays, half-birthdays and full moons.

Give the Perfect Galentine’s Day Gifts

The right gift for Galentine’s doesn’t need to be ostentatious, it should be something heartfelt and genuine. If you’re asking me what I think the perfect gift is, I will tell you jeans. I’ve had some pairs of jeans for as long as I’ve had some of my friends. Another great gift idea is a top or an accessory that your friend would want but not want to buy for themselves. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for that friend you really maybe don’t deserve. Have a galentine that’s off to school? Here are some Valentine care package ideas for college students.

Drinks

What better way to flex your friendship than by taking your friend out for a drink after a long work week. Take a load off, complain about your horrible boss, your S.O., or whatever’s getting you down. Celebrate your friendship anyway you like, even if that means having a few too many in a friends living room.

Still in need of Galentine’s Day Ideas?

One big struggle of adulthood is putting together plans to get together with friends that work for everyone. It can be tough to get everyone’s schedules harmonized. If you’re friend group is like mine, maybe another gesture is the best way to show your friends you care. Sometimes the simple ways of sharing friendship are best.

If you don’t have the skill, creativity, or funds to put together something grandiose just remember that Galentine’s Day is an attitude. You could get together with your friends for new moon rituals and set intentions or goals. Send a text, DM, or sticky note to your friends to let them know why they matter to you. Share special memories that you have, and things that you would like to do together this coming year. Remembering and creating memories together is the basis of friendship and that’s what Galentine’s is all about.

If you’re also looking for Ideas for your Valentine’s Day check out this post with cheap date ideas.