51 Fun Galentine's Day Ideas Your Friends Will Love
It’s time to start thinking about Galentine’s Day ideas! That’s right, Leslie Knope’s favorite fictional holiday of Galentine's Day will be here before you know it.
February 13 is the day to gather your gals together to celebrate friendship with festive flair, but what should you do together exactly?
Well, the best Galentine’s Day ideas incorporate things your friends love into the day, like thoughtful Galentine's Day gifts, a delicious meal or an adventure.
Ready to learn how to host a Galentine's Day party for the ages? Here are 51 Galentine’s Day ideas your friends will love!
Jump to Section
- Foodie Galentine's Day Ideas
- Virtual Galentine’s Day Ideas
- Galentine's Day Gift Ideas
- Artsy Galentine’s Day Ideas
- Girly Galentine’s Day Ideas
- Adventurous Galentine’s Day Ideas
- Active Galentine’s Day Ideas
- Relaxing Galentine’s Day Ideas
Foodie Galentine’s Day Ideas
1. Take a Cooking Class
For food-loving gals (and isn’t that all of us?), taking a cooking class near you together is the perfect Galentine’s Day party idea. There are sessions hosted by the best chefs around the nation and beyond, from cooking classes in Baltimore to Austin.
After finding fun culinary experiences in your area, all that’s left to do is book a class! There are also online cooking classes if you’d rather gather your girls at home while still having the chance to learn to cook from an expert chef.
2. Book a Private Chef Experience
If you and your friends would rather sit back and enjoy a meal than take part in cooking it, booking a private chef for your Galentine’s Day celebration may be just the pampering experience you all need.
From professional chefs in San Diego to Chicago, there are many world-class private chefs near you to book for an elevated dining experience.
3. Explore on a Food Tour
Experience the unique flavors and hot restaurants hiding in your city on a food tour near you! When brainstorming Galentine’s Day ideas, do a quick search for excursions in your area to discover what tours are available.
Midwestern gal pals could explore food tours in Milwaukee, and northeastern girls can take a trip to the city for food tours in NYC.
4. Host a Cocktail Party
Gather your girls for an evening of making festive cocktails together! Load up on rosé, Champagne and plenty of mixers for an evening of fun drinks and even more fun memories.
Whether you're mixing up flavorful rum cocktails or more mellow vodka cocktails, there's no shortage of tasty beverages to try.
Need some more inspiration? Try these cocktail recipes!
- Pomegranate Martini
- Jungle Bird Cocktail
- Moscato Sangria
- Lychee Martini
- Campari Spritz
- Spicy Margarita
5. Challenge Your Friends to a Bake Off
Pick a dessert recipe (the more challenging, the better) and see which of your friends pulls it off the best. You could even join an online baking class as a group to give your skills a boost.
The most fun part about this Galentine’s Day idea? Enjoying the desserts together at the end of the evening!
If you need some inspiration, try these delicious recipes:
- Heart Shape Cake
- Red Velvet Brownies
- Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake
- Red Velvet Cupcakes
- White Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Champagne Cake
6. Have a Wine Swap
Pull together some snacks and grab your favorite bottle of wine for a wine swap with your girls. For this fun Galentine’s activity, ask each guest to bring her favorite bottle of wine, then spend the evening sipping on your friends’ favorites and chatting.
You could consider joining a virtual wine tasting session as well. Alternatively, simply read up on how to taste wine like an expert and have a mini tasting session as part of your Galentine’s party.
7. Plan a Charcuterie Night
Any respectable list of fun Galentine’s Day ideas needs a charcuterie night. Create a date night charcuterie board by adding different cheeses, jams, meats, and other accouterments to enjoy with appropriate wine pairings.
Alongside your favorite meats and cheeses, why not spruce up your spread with some of these extras?
8. Organize a Fondue Night
The options are endless when it comes to hosting a fondue night for Galentine's Day. Go savory with a pot of melty cheese and plenty of salty snacks for dipping.
Alternatively, if you and your girls have a sweet tooth, get a chocolate fountain with cakes, fruit and more for a sweet treat. Or, go all out with this Galentine’s Day party idea and get both types!
9. Indulge in Brunch
Treating yourselves to mimosas and waffles for a Galentine's Day brunch is always a good idea! You also have a few options when it comes to this cute Galentine’s Day idea.
You could head out to your favorite restaurant for a brunch that has everything catered, or host a brunch yourself. From adorable heart-shaped pancakes to prosecco mimosas and pink velvet macchiatos, there are lots of tasty treats to serve up. You could make it a potluck event as well, with everyone bringing their favorite dishes.
For extra inspiration, check out some more of our favorite brunch food ideas:
- Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Cinnamon Roll Casserole
- Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
- Asiago Bagels
- Chilaquiles Rojas
- Caramel Lattes
10. Sip and Chat on a Coffee Date
Who said coffee dates are just for couples? Take a girlfriend or two out for an intimate Galentine’s Day celebration over coffee.
This is the perfect time to take advantage of the cozy couches you’ve been eying at your local coffee shop and settle in to catch up for an hour or two.
If you and your girls want to meet up at someone's house instead, no problem!
Make this fun Galentine’s activity just as special by serving up some of these coffeehouse-inspired recipes:
- Irish Cream Cold Brew
- Pistachio Latte
- London Fog Latte
- Caramel Syrup for Coffee
- Coffee Cake Cookies
- Cranberry Orange Scones
11. Experience Afternoon Tea
For a truly special Galentine’s Day celebration, book a table at a local tea room for an elegant afternoon tea with your Galentines. You’ll get to don your classiest day dresses for an hour of refreshment and friendship.
You could also host an afternoon tea party at home. Put out your favorite types of tea, along with some Champagne or prosecco if the group drinks, and then serve up a range of finger sandwiches and sweets for an elegant but more laid-back Galentine's party.
Some great afternoon tea recipes to try include:
- Lavender Shortbread
- Mini Pecan Pies
- Lemon Shortbread
- Chocolate Macarons
- Lemon Curd Tarts
- Cotton Candy Champagne
12. Go Out to a Fancy Dinner
No need for couples to own the fancy dinner idea; gather a few girlfriends to go out for a fancy dinner together to celebrate Galentine’s Day!
13. Host a Cookie Swap
For a sweet Galentine’s Day idea, throw a cookie exchange party. Assign each member of the group their favorite cookie to bake, whether that's chocolate chip, meltaways or oatmeal raisin.
Then, have them bring enough to give every person a sampling of what they baked, letting the whole crew leave with a delicious assortment of treats.
You could also host a cookie decorating party if your group doesn't have time to bake cookies individually. For this cute Galentine’s idea, bake or buy sugar cookies and provide a range of decorations, from frostings to sprinkles, and let everyone create pretty designs as you chat and catch up.
Virtual Galentine’s Day Ideas
14. Book an Online Mixology Session
If you’re on the hunt for interesting virtual Galentine’s Day ideas, an online mixology class could be the perfect fit. You'll all gather over Zoom to learn to make unique cocktails.
Each live and interactive session is led by an expert mixologist, and there are mocktail options for those who don't drink.
Lots of these experiences also include food pairings, allowing you to learn how to create a range of delicious food and drink recipes.
15. Swap Galentines
This idea requires a little prep but has lots of sentimental impact. If your Galentines can’t be together this year, arrange a Galentine’s swap and ask every member of your friend group to send a sweet note for Galentine’s Day.
16. Send Them Lunch
What’s better than a surprise food delivery? Show your Galentines how much they mean to you by arranging lunch to be delivered to them at their home or office.
17. Deliver Flowers
Surprise your besties with flowers this Galentine’s Day. Use a flower delivery service, such as Urban Stems, to send a stunning bouquet right to their door. Alternatively, create an arrangement yourself and drop it on their porch with a personalized note.
18. Set Up Secret Cupid
Familiar with Secret Santa? Well, Secret Cupid is the same idea. For this Galentine’s Day idea, organize a gift swap between you and your friends. On Galentine’s Day, each Secret Cupid delivers a gift to her friend’s home!
Galentine's Day Gift Ideas
19. Nail Salon Certificate
Treat your girlfriends to an hour of pampering this Galentine’s Day with a gift certificate to their favorite nail salon.
This useful gift for women can be for one session or purchase a recurring gift, allowing them to go and get their nails done a few times.
20. Coffee Gift Card
For a simple Galentine's Day gift idea, feed your best friend’s cappuccino obsession with a gift card to her favorite coffee shop.
21. Valentine’s Cookies in a Jar
Gift your Galentine’s a sweet treat they can pull out at just the right moment! Fill a mason jar with all the ingredients she’d need to make sweet Valentine’s Day cookies. If you know she won't have time to bake, make cookies yourself and fill the jar with pre-baked goodies.
22. Personalized Goodie Bags
This Galentine's Day gift idea will make your girlfriends feel so special! It simply involves creating a personalized goodie bag full of her favorite things.
You could include a personalized mug, favorite candy, a book you think she’d like...whatever would make her day!
Artsy Galentine’s Day Ideas
23. Create at a Paint and Sip Party
Looking for artistic Galentine’s Day ideas? Then find a local paint-and-sip studio, such as Painting With a Twist, which has locations across the U.S., and spend the evening creating masterpieces while sipping on tasty beverages.
There are bound to be plenty of laughs as everyone's artistic talent is revealed! If painting doesn't sound quite right for your Galentine's Day party, there are many other creative options, like glassblowing classes or rug-making workshops.
24. Pour Candles
Have some candle-lovers in your group? Give candlemaking a go for a fun Galentine’s Day activity!
All you have to do to enjoy this cute Galentine’s Day idea is find a candle-making studio in your area and attend a workshop together. At the event, you’ll learn about the process of candle making and get to make your own custom-scented candles.
25. Get Crafty With a DIY Date
This Galentine’s Day idea is perfect for a group of friends who love crafting or getting their hands dirty. When you gather your girls for a DIY date, you'll get to work on your works-in-progress together.
Or, you could come up with a few crafts to try together as a group. Just don’t forget to provide plenty of snacks and beverages!
Girly Galentine’s Day Ideas
26. Get Your Nails Done
If you’re getting your nails done as a Galentine’s Day activity, really go all out. Book your appointments at a fancy boutique salon and enjoy the atmosphere, a special drink and your girlfriends.
Many salons also offer cute Valentine's themed designs around the holiday, so opt for heart designs and nail polishes in pinks and reds (plus some glitter if available) to really make the most of the occasion!
27. Relax With a Spa Day
If you all need to relax and unwind a little, invite your Galentines to a day at the spa! Book massages, facials and more for your crew at your favorite local spa and spend the day enjoying some pampering and one another’s company.
28. Treat Yourselves to a Hotel for a Sleepover
Why not have an elevated sleepover for Galentine’s Day? Book a hotel room and settle in for gossip, rom-coms and room service.
29. Organize a Clothing Swap
For a free Galentine’s Day idea, host a clothing swap with your girls. Invite everyone to bring some clothing items they would like to part with, then shop one another’s closets as you snack on Galentine’s treats while chit chatting.
30. Go Shopping
Indulge in some retail therapy this Galentine’s Day with your best friends and go on a shopping trip together. Whether you splurge or just window shop, it's a fun way to unwind and catch up.
31. Find Hidden Gems Thrifting
Hit up the local thrift store for a Galentine’s Day activity. Simply enjoy browsing the unique assortment of items, or challenge your friends to see who can score the best pieces at the lowest price.
Adventurous Galentine’s Day Ideas
32. Compete in a Game Night
Do your girlfriends love a friendly competition and a night in? Then hosting a board game night may be the best Galentine’s Day idea for them.
Have your Galentines over for a cozy evening in, competing to win board games, eating fun snacks and sipping on festive drinks.
If you need some ideas for snacks to serve at a game night Galentine's party, try some of these:
- Crunchy Shrimp Roll
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Green Goddess Dip
- Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
- S'mores Dip
- Frozen Lemonade
- Frosé
33. Sing Karaoke
Hit the town for a night out at a karaoke bar with your Galentines! This Galentine’s Day idea is perfect for friend groups who aren’t afraid of getting out there. Sing, have a drink or two and prepare for many laughs as you each take a turn bringing down the house!
34. Get Drinks on the Town
Enjoy a classic girls' night idea and go out for fancy drinks this Galentine’s Day! Gather your girls at your favorite bar, or try the new spot you’ve all been dying to visit.
35. Go Bar Hopping
Throwback to your college GNOs with a bar hop. Line up a list of bars and hit the town — or, go with the flow and see where the night takes you!
This Galentine’s Day idea is not complete without a few festive boas or at least coordinated outfits.
36. Explore on a Road Trip
Head out of town on a road trip with your best friends this Galentine’s Day. What better way to get in some quality time than cruising down the highway together?
You could road trip to a nearby hot spot, check out a great foodie city or head out to the country for a winter outdoor getaway.
Just don’t forget to pack snacks and coffee for the road, and read up on the best gas station snacks in case you need to stock up along the way.
37. Go Bowling
Bowling alleys have become all-inclusive night out spots, with full-service bars, great food and fun music. Being such a great location for a night out, we recommend finding a new bowling alley in your city to host this year’s Galentine’s Day party.
From Atlanta’s The Painted Pin to Nashville’s Pinewood Social, there are great options across the U.S. and beyond.
38. Visit the Aquarium
An afternoon at the aquarium is a unique way to spend Galentine’s Day that your friends will love. Stand in awe over nature’s amazing sea creatures, giggle at the penguins and feel spooked by the sharks as you wander the aquarium together.
39. Take a Swing at Topgolf
Play a round or two of golf-inspired games at Topgolf for a fun and competitive Galentine’s Day idea.
Enjoy elevated bar bites and drinks as you see who has the best swing. Make it festive by bringing some Valentine’s décor to decorate your booth!
40. Enjoy a Concert
Whether your Galentines live for screaming out lyrics at loud concerts or prefer more laid-back acoustic shows, attending a concert together is a Galentine’s Day party idea that's sure to be a hit. If you want something a little more laid-back, find a bar that has live music instead.
Active Galentine’s Day Ideas
41. Plan a Hike
Get some fresh winter air with this active Galentine’s Day idea. You’ll have clear views through the bare trees, and lower traffic on the trails because of the season. Cross your fingers for a sunny day, and plan for a picnic at the end of your hike.
42. Go Sledding
Take advantage of the wintry weather and go sledding for Galentine’s Day! After enjoying the rush of sledding down a snowy hill, head to a favorite local coffee shop to warm up with a hot drink.
43. Stroll Around the Neighborhood
This simple Galentine’s Day idea is perfect for busy friends. There’s no need to plan anything; just enjoy catching up while you stroll around the neighborhood together.
44. Try a Fun Exercise Class
For a Galentine’s Day party idea that doesn’t require sweet treats, try a fun exercise class with your Galentines. Whether you choose a dance class, barre workout or aquatic class, you’ll break a sweat and likely a few giggles, too.
45. Unwind With a Yoga Class
Help your girls relax and refresh themselves by attending a yoga class together for Galentine’s Day. After an hour of zen time, you’ll all leave class feeling loose, centered and ready for the day.
46. Challenge Yourselves to a Fun Run 5K
A fun run is a great way to get some exercise in a fun environment. Food, music and the energy of the crowd are the perfect combination for an adrenaline-boosting run with your girls.
47. Volunteer Together
Give back to your community with this Galentine’s Day idea. See if one of your friends has a cause close to her heart, then spend the day volunteering for that cause, or check out VolunteerMatch to find some great volunteering options in your area.
Relaxing Galentine’s Day Ideas
48. Snap Polaroids
A quick, relaxing way to celebrate Galentine’s Day is to snap a few Polaroid pictures with your girls. Have a few friends over for a drink and pull out the Polaroid camera to capture your relaxing evening, just enjoying one another’s company.
49. Create a Photo Backdrop
It’s so easy to forget to take pictures with friends. To capture some memories, have your Galentines over to take pictures in front of a festive photo backdrop (think pink balloons, sparkly streamers and fun props). Add a few simple snacks, drinks and some music, and you have yourself a low-key Galentine's Day party.
50. Watch a Movie
Galentine’s Day is the perfect time to break out the Hallmark Channel for a cheesy rom-com binge with your best girls. You could also choose some niche films connected to your interests, such as the best food movies or interesting wine movies.
51. Have a Sleepover at Home
The best Galentine’s Day ideas are the simplest — just have your Galentines over for an old-fashioned slumber party! Face masks, nail polish and sinful snacks are no-brainers.
Did a few of these Galentine’s Day ideas strike a chord? Now that you’re stocked up on Galentine’s Day party ideas, it’s time to get planning!
The day to celebrate the friendship of the ladies you love the best is just around the corner, so don't wait a second longer to choose one (or more) of these ideas for a Galentine’s party!
For even more special occasion ideas, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
