The Ultimate Galentine's Day Guide
By: Jada Montgomery
The season of love is finally here! We tend to focus on romance this time of year. Valentine’s Day is everyone’s favorite February holiday. But, some may argue that there’s a more important reason behind the holiday: Galentine’s Day.
It’s usually our friends who we go to for almost anything. From support to quality time and new adventures, our friends show up for us consistently. Galentine’s Day; a day celebrating friendship and platonic love, originates from the television show, “Parks and Recreation.”
So, for anyone looking to show appreciation to their best gal-pals this Feb.13, here lies the ultimate guide.
Gift Ideas
Show your friends that you love them by surprising them with a small gift. Whether you want to “DIY” or go shopping, one of these gift ideas will have you covered.
Gift Basket
A gift basket is relatively easy to put together and can be inexpensive. Consider some of these ideas to make the surprise meaningful and cute.
First, find a box or basket of any kind. Then, fill it with chocolates, skincare, and makeup.You can also add bakery items, perfume, stuffed animals, and jewelry. All of these items can be purchased from stores such as CVS, Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
A thrifted item
Show your Galentine how much you admire their style by popping by a local thrift store. Look for a sweatshirt, pair of pants, hat, or even a purse. Be sure to keep their personal style in mind and be prepared to spend some time looking for a gem. Check out “Best Philly Thrift Stores: Vintage Shops Worth Visiting,” to find a thrift store near you.
mini photo album
If you want to give a more sentimental gift, this idea is for you. To make a mini photo album, compile candids of your friend or memories you share, upload them to the CVS app, and print them in the 4x6 size. Then, purchase a mini photo album, slide the pictures into the album, and you’re set! You can also decorate the inside and outside of the album for extra pizzazz. Learn more about photo printing at CVS here, and find a mini photo album on Amazon here.
girls day out: brunch edition
Brunch is the perfect way to celebrate and connect on this holiday if you have some time during the day. Here are two brunch spots in Philly I recommend trying:
Bud & Marylins is just a quick subway ride away on 1234 Locust St. The brunch menu is limited, but the options are affordable. There is also a good selection of savory and sweet options. You can look over the menu items here.
Cafe Lift, also not far, is located at 1124 Spring Garden St. It can be expensive, but they have a large menu with familiar and unique flavors, such as buttermilk pancakes, lemon ricotta pancakes, avocado toast, and breakfast poutine. This can also be a cute place for a photo-op if seated on the second floor. See Cafe Lifts menu here.
If you're looking for more options in different areas of the city, be sure to check out Philadelphia Magazine’s “Brunch in Philadelphia: The Ultimate Guide.”
galentine’s day party
If you want a laid-back, possibly less expensive option for a gathering this Galentine's Day, here are some ideas for hosting a fun party.
Once you get all your friends together, head to the Dollar Store or any other department store like Target or Walmart for themed supplies. Grab pink and white balloons, streamers, tablecloths, plates, plastic silverware, and any other supplies that match the Galentine’s Day theme. As for food, head to a grocery store to purchase treats like brownies, sugar cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries, pretzels, chips, and drinks.
Pick a few activities such as watching movies, singing karaoke, making bracelets or candles, playing board games, card games, or exchanging gifts. Don’t forget to create a playlist and choose a rom-com or two to watch as well.
Dressing up in Galentine’s attire will put the party over the top. For example, wear pink or clothing with heart designs. All, or a few of these ideas, can help you create the perfect party this Galentine's Day.
Whether you decide on brunch, a party, or a simple gift exchange to elevate your Galentine’s Day, I hope this guide gave you some inspiration. Remember to release your inner Leslie Knope, grab all your friends, and celebrate the power of platonic love.