Fun and Festive Galentine's Day Party Ideas to Try
Galentine’s Day History and Meaning
What started as a storyline on the TV show Parks and Recreation in 2010 has become a global celebration of female friendship. Celebrated on February 13th, the day before Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day is all about platonic relationships between women. Unlike Valentine’s Day, it’s about celebrating sisterhood not romance. And it’s growing in popularity as women get together to celebrate their meaningful friendships and support networks.
Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a big bash, this pre-Valentine’s Day celebration has endless ways to celebrate the women in your life.
17 Fun Galentine’s Day Party Ideas
1. Heart-Shaped Waffles and Mimosas Brunch
A heart-shaped waffle station is the perfect focal point for a Galentine’s Day celebration. Set up a buffet with fresh strawberries, whipped cream and chocolate chips for toppings. Serve individual bottles of bubbly with pink straws for custom mimosas. Keep it casual with stemless wine glasses so friends can mingle and snack on their brunch goodies.
2. DIY Spa Night with Face Masks and Manicures
Turn your living room into a home spa for a night with friends. Stock up on face masks, nail polish and essential oils. Set up stations for different activities - one for manicures, one for mixing custom face treatments. Dim the lights and play soft music. Have skin care products on hand to match different skin types so each friend can get their own personalized treatment during the pampering sesh.
3. Wine and Cheese Tasting Night
Wine and Cheese Tasting Night
Make your Galentine’s gathering fancy with a wine and cheese tasting. Set up a tasting station with labeled wines and matching cheese on wooden boards. Include tasting cards with flavor notes and pairing suggestions for each pairing. Add fresh fruit, nuts and crackers to the spread. For friends who don’t drink, offer sparkling juices and creative mocktails.
4. Cooking or Baking Class
Cooking or Baking Class
Unleash your creativity in the kitchen by organizing an interactive baking event. Arrange individual workstations equipped with mixing bowls, measuring utensils, and decorating supplies. Begin with simple recipes for cupcakes or chocolate truffles that allow for individual flair. Provide each station with sprinkles, food coloring, and piping bags for embellishment. Ensure that everyone has ample counter space to work comfortably while exchanging stories and advice with their fellow bakers.
5. Dance Class Celebration
A group dance lesson adds movement and laughter to your Galentine's Day gathering. Pick an accessible style like salsa or hip-hop that works for all skill levels. Book a professional instructor who can teach basic steps while keeping the mood light and fun. Set up a mini dance contest where friends show off their new moves. For long-distance friends, organize an online class where everyone can join from home via video chat.
6. Karaoke Night with Empowering Songs by Female Artists
Karaoke Night
Set up a karaoke station with songs from artists like Adele, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Whitney Houston. Create categories like "Girl Power Anthems" and "Best Friends Forever" tracks. Give out simple awards like "Most Animated Performance" or "Best Duet." Add pink and gold streamers, balloons, and a mini stage area with a sparkly backdrop. Keep microphones sanitized between singers and print song lyrics for backup vocals.
7. Movie Marathon Featuring Female-Centric Films
Create a cozy home theater setup with soft blankets, floor pillows, and string lights for your film festival. Fill large bowls with buttery popcorn and set up a snack station with nachos and candy. Mix movie-themed drinks named after the main characters. Before starting each film, hold quick discussions about what makes the movie special. Include trivia breaks between features to keep the energy high.
8. Photoshoot with Props and Costumes
Create a photo station with a simple backdrop using white sheets or colorful paper. Set out a table filled with party props like feather boas, oversized sunglasses, and paper crowns. Add letter boards for personalized messages and sparkly signs. Make space for a walkway where friends can strike poses and show off their outfits. Consider asking a photography-loving friend to take shots, or set up a tripod with a timer for group photos.
9. Flower Arranging Workshop
Flower Arranging Workshop
A flower arranging session adds a hands-on creative element to your Galentine's celebration. Set up workstations with fresh blooms in pink, red, and white tones. Stock each area with clean vases, floral tape, and sharp scissors. Teach basic techniques like creating focal points and balancing flower heights. Share tips on extending flower life with proper water temperature and stem cutting methods. Pass out care instruction cards so friends can keep their arrangements fresh at home.
10. Book Club Meeting - Discussing a Female Author's Work
Pick a thought-provoking book by a female writer to start meaningful conversations with friends. Create a cozy reading nook with soft cushions, warm lighting, and coffee shop sounds playing softly. Print discussion cards with open-ended questions about characters and themes. Match snacks to the book's setting - serve French pastries for Paris-based stories or tea sandwiches for British classics. Share reading lists and book recommendations through a shared online document for future meetings.
11. Fitness Class or Yoga Session
Fitness Class or Yoga Session
Convert your living room into a calming workout space with yoga mats and dim lighting. Pick gentle routines suitable for all fitness levels, focusing on stretching and strength-building poses. Play soothing music with positive messages from women artists. Suggest comfortable workout clothes like leggings and supportive tops. Set up a video call for friends joining remotely, placing the camera where everyone stays visible throughout the session.
12. Painting and Sipping Party
Create an artistic evening by setting up individual painting stations with canvases, acrylic paints, and brushes. Each guest gets their own easel, paint palette, and water cup. Stock both red and white wines, or mix up signature mocktails in mason jars. Pick a simple painting subject that friends can complete in 2-3 hours, like a sunset or floral scene. Keep paper towels and aprons handy to catch any spills. Consider displaying the finished pieces together as a friendship gallery wall that commemorates your Galentine's celebration.
13. Board Game or Trivia Night
Set out classic board games like Monopoly and Scrabble alongside trivia cards about notable women in history. Create teams of 2-3 friends for competitive rounds. Stock snacks that match game themes - Monopoly money-shaped cookies or Scrabble letter crackers. Hand out small trophies or gift cards as prizes. For online sessions, use video calls and virtual game platforms so distant friends can join the fun.
14. Volunteer Activity or Charity Event
Turn Galentine's Day into a chance to help others by organizing a group volunteer project. Contact local women's shelters to arrange donation drives for clothing, toiletries, or books. Put together care packages with personal items and handwritten notes of support. Create small teams to work at food banks or community centers. Take photos to share on social media and inspire other groups to start their own giving traditions.
15. Outdoor Picnic or Nature Hike
6 Friends on a Nature Hike
Pack your baskets and head outdoors for a refreshing Galentine's Day celebration in nature. Pick a scenic spot like a local park or botanical garden with comfortable seating areas. Bring cozy blankets, portable speakers for music, and insulated containers to keep drinks cold.
Create mini charcuterie boxes for each friend with cheese, crackers, and fruit. Pack reusable plates, cups, and utensils to reduce waste. Set up a photo scavenger hunt with nature-themed items to spot and document during your gathering.
16. Tea Party with Finger Sandwiches and Pastries
A classic tea party brings old-world charm to your Galentine's celebration. Stock both caffeinated and herbal teas, serving them in vintage teacups with matching saucers. Set out cucumber sandwiches, smoked salmon bites, and egg salad triangles on tiered serving plates.
Create a dessert table with scones, petit fours, and macarons in pink and red shades. Add fresh flowers in small vases and lace doilies under serving plates. Invite friends to wear fancy hats and gloves for photos, making the afternoon feel extra special.
17. Clothing Swap Party
Host a sustainable fashion party where friends trade gently used clothes and accessories. Set up sections for different types of items - dresses, tops, pants, and shoes - with clear signs and clothing racks. Create a changing area with full-length mirrors and good lighting. Add measuring tapes and size charts to help friends find the right fits.
Stage clothing like a boutique, with coordinated outfits on mannequins and jewelry displayed on velvet trays. After swapping, put on an impromptu fashion show where everyone models their new finds. Keep spare shopping bags ready for friends to carry home their selections.
Making Your Galentine's Day Celebration Extra Special
Send each friend home with personalized gift bags containing small treats and handwritten notes. Take plenty of photos throughout the event and create a shared online album where everyone can add their pictures. Start a group chat to collect ideas for next year's gathering.
Consider starting annual traditions like exchanging small gifts or voting on the following year's theme. These shared experiences strengthen bonds between friends and create lasting memories to look back on together.
Keep the focus on genuine connection and quality time spent supporting each other. After all, celebrating female friendship is what makes Galentine's Day truly special.
Essential Party Supplies for Your Galentine's Day Celebration
Make shopping simple with these party must-haves for each celebration style:
All items below are linked to my favorite Amazon products. Please note that the prices listed below are for reference only and may change at any time.
For Brunch Parties
Pink & Gold paper straws 100-pack
Crystal wine glasses set of 6
Disposable champagne flutes pack of 50, 150ml / 5oz
Brunch buffet serving platters set of 4 reusable trays
For Spa Nights:
Hamper Skin Care Set: 9 Face masks & 1 Hair Mask
4-Piece Nail Polish Set
4-Piece Plush Spa Headbands
For Craft Sessions:
6-Piece Craft Tools Set
24-Piece Funny Photo booth props pack
290 -Piece Decorative paper supplies
Shop smart by getting party packs that include multiple items. Check online reviews before purchasing larger items like waffle makers or diffusers.
Celebrating the Spirit of Female Friendship
The beauty of Galentine's Day lies in its flexibility to accommodate any group's interests and preferences. Whether you choose to host a sophisticated wine tasting, an energetic dance class, or a cozy movie marathon, the key is creating an environment where meaningful connections can flourish.
Remember, the most successful Galentine's Day celebrations aren't about perfect decorations or elaborate activities – they're about creating spaces where women can celebrate their friendships, share their stories, and strengthen their bonds. After all, these are the relationships that often form the backbone of our support systems throughout life.
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