We all know that Feb. 14 is Valentine’s Day—the date has ingrained itself in our routines. We fondly remember the experience of exchanging “Valentine's” with our classmates in preschool, and now we get to spend the time with our significant others—unless we're single. Then we're stuck using Twitter to keep us company on the holiday.
But in reality, we should all stop worrying so much about Feb. 14 and start focusing on the lesser–known holiday on Feb. 13: Galentine’s Day. Whether you're single or not, this fun holiday is the perfect way to show all the women in your life just how much you love and appreciate them.
So what exactly is Galentine's Day? The holiday is relatively new—it was created only a little over a decade ago. Galentine's Day came to existence in the second season of Parks and Recreation, when Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, announced the occasion to her friends.
Now that you know about this fun excuse to celebrate all the ladies in your life this Saturday, you might be wondering just how to do it. Don’t worry—Street's got you covered with some great ideas.
Food
The first way to celebrate Galentine’s is with a well–decorated, indulgent, booze–optional–but–recommended brunch. Go all out with your decorating for your closest girls: pink, red, and white tablecloths, napkins, plates, and whatever else you can think of.
Where you can get really creative and have fun here is with the food. Of course, you can include eggs, potatoes, and all the brunch classics, but why not go a step further and attempt some holiday–specific recipes? My favorite idea is red velvet pancakes or waffles topped with cream cheese and red berries—every sweet lover’s dream. Some other creative and festive recipes include strawberry muffins, bacon roses, red velvet cinnamon rolls, a themed fruit salad, lobster scrambled eggs, or baked apple roses. Use your saved work–from–home commute time to give one of these recipes a try.
If you're doing a boozy brunch (recommended), we have drink ideas, too. A straightforward classic that will look great is a bellini. The best part? It only requires two ingredients—pureed peaches and Prosecco. Another classic that fits the occasion is a blood orange mimosa. If you feel slightly more adventurous or want to test your cocktail–making skills, consider trying a Cupid’s Arrow or Lovebug Cocktail—you'll thank us later.
Activities
In addition to what you can eat and drink, we have some fun ideas for what you can do. Some other Galentine’s Day activities include a paint and sip night, karaoke event, a rom–com marathon, a bake–off, an at–home spa day, or organizing a Secret Cupid gift exchange. Whatever you decide to do to celebrate the day, some additional tips for making it perfect include making sure that you have themed balloons and goodie bags for your girls.
Are you considering the at–home spa day? You can incorporate face masks, paint nails, and set up essential oils and candles.
If you’re looking for a more night–time activity, consider planning a wine night. Even better, you can include a wine swap or make fun appetizers.
Movies
If you’re considering a rom–com marathon, we want to give you some movie ideas. You can always play it safe and watch everyone’s go–to's: The Notebook or When Harry Met Sally. Definitely, Maybe is the perfect intersection of romantic comedy and social satire. 10 Things I Hate About You is a classic adapted from Shakespeare, and it's definitely worth a watch. Southside With You is charming, romantic, and poignant—what else could you ask for?
If you’re looking for a feel–good movie, consider Gary Marshall’s Valentine’s Day. For students who might be missing their favorite city, watch this old but gold movie, The Philadelphia Story.
Gifts
Now for arguably the most important part of Galentine’s Day: the gifts. So you don’t break the bank, we’ve found great gifts for under $15.
If you’re celebrating your closest friends, you can customize a print for your group. For something that your friends can wear every day, take a look at Amazon’s adorable and stylish “sisters by heart” bracelet. For your friends who may live in a different state than you, you can customize these great wine glasses for your next Zoom wine night. You definitely can’t go wrong with a bottle of wine. It's also pink—very on–theme.
For only $8.99, you can personalize a make-up bag. If you want to help your friends alleviate some anxiety during this continually stressful time, take a look at this Meditative Affirmations book. And the last idea: Valentine’s Day Fortune Cookies are perfect if you have a lot—up to 50—ladies you want to make feel special.
Here's your complete guide to celebrating Galentine's Day—we hope it helps you prepare. Whatever ideas you decide to incorporate, and however you decide to celebrate, just make sure you take the opportunity to make all the incredible women in your life realize how much they mean to you.
