Top 5 Ways to Celebrate Your Friends on Galentine’s Day

Monday, February 13, 2023, is Galentine’s Day.

You can’t escape the flowers, chocolates and Mylar balloons that remind us Valentine’s Day is coming. But there’s another important day this week — and we should be making a big deal of it: Galentine’s Day.

It’s time to celebrate BFFs: the confidantes we share our greatest wins and deepest secrets with, the besties who play a part in making our most cherished memories, the soul mates who just get us.

BFFs are more than just fun to have around: Research shows that our girlfriends play an important role in our overall and mental health. And Galentines’ day is the perfect time to celebrate their special place in our hearts.

Here are five meaningful ways to celebrate the power of female friendship and express gratitude to girlfriends who make your life more beautiful simply by being in it.

1. Old-school sleepover

Sleepovers are proof-positive that women can talk to each other about anything and everything until the sun comes up. Having an adult sleepover means no one needs to beg their parents for rides or stay up past curfew, but you can order a pizza and plan a themed-movie marathon just like you used to — sans braces and sleeping on the floor. Grab your favorite face masks, a selection of cold-weather bevies and your comfiest PJs and invite your gal-pal(s) over for a night of silliness and self-care. Eating cookie dough out of the roll is optional.

2. Mixed tape memories

Popularized in the ‘80s, mixtapes remain one of the most thoughtful expressions of love that doesn’t cost a dime. Today, you can forgo the boombox and use a radio streaming app to create a heart-pumping playlist for your running friend, a Zen soundscape mix for the one who never sleeps or compile songs from your favorite memories together. Upload a photo of the two of you for the playlist cover, or if you’re feeling creative, make a design on Canva or VistaCreate.

3. Face your fears together

Does your friend want to try rock climbing or cold plunges or take a photography class but has yet to take the first step? Trying new things together is the magic elixir to facing our fears, and girlfriends who have supported us through heartbreaks, illnesses and job transitions are up for the challenge. You may have the same interest or take the opportunity to commit to something you want to experience. Then, do some online research, build a list of local resources and offer to join her or be an accountability buddy. Your check-ins may become as meaningful as the activity itself.

4. Elevate your selfies

How many selfies of you and your galentine are doing nothing but taking up storage space on your phone? Preserve your memories in a heartwarming photo album or modern desk calendar, have an Etsy artist create a unique portrait, or choose an image for a pair of custom photo socks that will make her smile every time she opens her dresser drawer. You can also make a free slideshow on your phone set to music in less than 15 minutes.

5. Be like Thelma and Louise (sort of)

We know you’d go to the edge of the earth for your best friend, but maybe without the cops and the dramatic cliff dive. Borrow or rent a vintage car for the day, throw the top down and enjoy the open road while belting “Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefani. Check out quirky landmarks and small-town diners, buy some oversized gas station sunglasses, and stock up on produce from roadside fruit and veggie stands. Don’t forget to grab a postcard and send it to your bestie on a day you feel extra grateful for her friendship.