You count your lucky stars for your squad daily (shout out to the gal pals who will point out you have lipstick on your teeth, every time), but there aren’t many official opportunities (outside of birthdays) to shower them with all the gratitude they deserve.
That’s why we teamed up with JUSTIN'S®—creators of insanely delicious chocolate nut butter cups—to pull together a Galentine’s Day guide to help you sweeten someone’s day. And to put a healthy twist on the typically candy-laden Valentine's season, we consultedMay Zhu, RDN and founder of Nutrition Happens, for her advice on wholesome, heartfelt gestures.
On February 13, you’re invited to pull out all the stops for the spectacular women in your life—AKA the roomie who never forgets to water your succulents and thework wife who knows your entire dating history but has never judged you once.
Scroll down for three small, thoughtful ways to celebrate every woman in your inner circle this Galentine's Day.
For the besties who still know your IM screen name by heart: Brunch with dessert
If you had unlimited time and buckets of money, a priority would be spoiling your ride-or-dies with vacays, pups (or kittens), and avocado toast for life. But here’s a budget-friendly move that’s equally as thoughtful: whip up a home-cooked meal.
Prior to Galentine's Day, write out a formal invitation (read: extra special), asking your besties to come over and enjoy a DIY brunch. “It’s an intentional way to carve out the time and space in our packed schedules to honor current friendships and welcome new ones,” Zhu says.
At the end of the meal, surprise your crew with handwritten notes, telling them exactly how much they mean to you, as entertainment for the road. Stick a packet of JUSTIN'S® Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups—a crazy-delicious classic made with only high-quality organic and non-GMO ingredients—on the envelope, elementary school-style, for extra pizazz. Nostalgia, FTW.
For your cubicle mate who’s always down for a matcha break: Sweet treat
It’s said that doing what you love for a living is the secret to happiness, but if you work in an office setting, you know having a partner-in-productivity (whose IRL Bachelor recaps make slow mornings zoom by) makes all the difference to your weekday joy.
Show your work wife how much you appreciate her by bringing her a day-making treat out of the blue. Zhu suggests grabbing an extra latte for her on your mid-day coffee run and bringing a bag ofJUSTIN'S® Mini Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupsto share as a snack—because who doesn't love an afternoon pick-me-up featuring coffee and a better-for-you treat?
"[They]are a very sharable treat, which makes it an even better gift because it creates opportunity to share a moment together!" she says. Bonus points if you throw in items like pens in her favorite color or dog-shaped paper clips that'll make her smile.
For the women who are always available for an over-the-phone heart-to-heart: Snail mail
These are the leading ladies in your life whom you dial any time you want company while walking home from yoga or when you’re searching for an ace healthy-ish recipe. To show her how thankful you are for her always-there loyalty, stamp and send off your gratitude in the mail prior to Galentine's Day.
"Surprise them with a care package with a candle, chocolate, and a card," Zhu says. “There’s so much value in even the smallest gestures because they make us feel cared about and supported. In the digital era, it’s easy to take for granted how communication happens these days.”
These extra-mile touches will remind you and your squad how much you appreciate each other—and help elevate your bond. “Any act of appreciation, no matter how small, affirms our connections with each other and help us individually grow too,” Zhu says. After all, supportive ladies are the secret sauce to your success.
Heart the snail mail idea, but no time to design a custom Valentine? We got you. Click here to download a sweet note you can print out and send to all your friends (with a pack of JUSTIN'S® Peanut Butter Cups, of course)!
In partnership with The JUSTIN'S® Brand
Photos: Hannah Schweiss
Tags: Healthy Mind, Healthy Snack Ideas, Relationship Tips, Self-Care Tips
FAQs
This day, as the name suggests, is usually dedicated to honoring friendships between women. You get to spend it however you like with your galentines—by going out, taking a trip, enjoying a cozy night at home, or simply showering each other with gifts and affection the same way you would a partner.
How do you celebrate Galentines Day? ›
This day, as the name suggests, is usually dedicated to honoring friendships between women. You get to spend it however you like with your galentines—by going out, taking a trip, enjoying a cozy night at home, or simply showering each other with gifts and affection the same way you would a partner.
What are some fun facts about Galentines Day? ›
Fun Fact: Galentine's Day was created by Leslie Knope, the Parks and Recreation fictional main character. She invented the holiday as a tribute to her close girlfriends.
What is Galentine's day quote? ›
In a 2010 episode of the TV show “Parks and Recreation,” Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) introduces her coworker to what she says is “the best day of the year,” aka Galentine's Day. “Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style.
What to do at a Galentines sleepover? ›
A perfect occasion for a girls-only sleepover, the checklist includes pajamas, pillow, and blanket, an overnight bag, and a sleep mask. Activities like floral arranging, vision boards, board games, and spa night add to the fun.
How do you throw the best Galentines? ›
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.
Instead, Galentine's Day was founded by a badass fictional character: Leslie Knope of Parks and Recreation. The friend-filled holiday dates back over a decade to season two, episode 16 of Parks and Rec.
What is a Galentine slang? ›
Just as one can be someone's valentine on Valentine's Day, so one can be a galentine on Galentine's Day, e.g., “Will you be my galentine?” As such, a galentine is a playful, affectionate term for a close friend.
What show made Galentines day? ›
We have the cult-favorite sitcom "Parks & Recreation" to thank for the unofficial holiday. Protagonist and feminist icon Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, invented the holiday in Season 2, episode 16 of the series, aptly titled 'Galentine's Day.
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.
Galentines messages
- To my gal pal, who's more fabulous than any Valentine.
- Here's to the laughs, the gossip, and all our good times together.
- Galentine's Day is all about you, my amazing friend.
- Roses are red, violets are blue, our friendship is everything, and so are you.
- You're the sister I chose.
Red is definitely the go to color for this day of love. If red is not your gam, don't worry, because I have something for everyone.
How to wish Galentine? ›
Galentine's Day: A day to appreciate the fierce and fabulous women who make life extraordinary! Wishing all my gal pals a day filled with love, laughter, and endless memories. Happy Galentine's Day! On this Galentine's Day, celebrate the beauty of friendship that knows no bounds.
What to wear to galentines? ›
There's obviously no strict dress code for Galentine's Day— it's all about however dressed up or casual your friends want it to be. So whether you're looking for the best pair of sweatpants, or a fun sparkly-skirt outfit, we have some ideas for you.
What are the rules for Galentines day? ›
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 bring to Galentines? ›
It is the greatest day of the year, after all!
- Red Velvet Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls (pictured above)
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Bars.
- Red Velvet Sugar Cookies.
- Chocolate Strawberry Jelly Roll.
- Grand Champagne co*cktail.
- Red Velvet Whoopie Pies.
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries.
- Strawberry Macarons.
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."
Do you give gifts on Galentines day? ›
Whether you have a sweetheart or not, Galentine's Day is a great occasion to celebrate the female friendships in your life. The best Galentine's Day gifts will show how much you care and make each of your friends feel appreciated. Best of all, you don't have to spend big to treat your gals to something sweet.
Is Galentines day for singles? ›
It doesn't matter if you're in a committed relationship, happily single or in a complicated "situationship," you're free to celebrate Galentine's Day with your friends. But as the name would suggest, it is meant to celebrate women and their friendships with each other.
