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
-Another way to celebrate the day can be by giving them small presents or leaving an appreciation note for them. -Girls can also plan their night out with DIY drinks or booze, delicious food, etc. -Spending time on a movie date can also make the day memorable.
How to make Galentine's Day special? ›
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.
Grown out of the success of Galentine's Day to include everybody, there are no rules or particular customs, it's just a day to appreciate platonic love and the friends in your life by spending time together and doing things you like.
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.
How do you celebrate Galentine's? ›
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.
Who made up Galentine's day? ›
What are the origins of Galentine's 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. It is a happy, celebratory day, the male equivalent of Galentine's day.
What color do you wear on Galentines day? ›
A pink and red printed dress is the perfect choice for a Galentine's Day celebration. The playful combination of pink and red is both feminine and fun, making it the perfect choice for a day spent with your besties.
What is Galentine's day quote? ›
You'll always be my Galentine. There's nothing better than best friends. Except best friends with chocolate and wine.
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.
Galentine's Day is about so much more. It's a day to celebrate the incredible women in your life who support you, make you laugh, and lift you up. It's a chance to express your gratitude for their unwavering presence, goofy adventures, and endless cups of emotional support.
What show started Galentines? ›
Galentine's Day is dedicated to celebrating sisterhood, friendship and platonic love, and was originally introduced by the fictional character Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, in a “Parks and Recreation” episode airing in 2010.
Why is everyone saying Galentine? ›
It's one of those things that has just embedded itself in popular culture, and it actually goes back to the Feb. 11, 2010, episode of "Parks and Rec" where Leslie Nope, Amy Poehler's character, is introducing Galentine's Day. It's this wonderful day where, you know, women celebrate women.
What is the dress code for Galentine's day? ›
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 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.
What is the secret Cupid for Galentines day? ›
Secret Valentine or Secret Cupid is just like Secret Santa. You and your friends write down your names and throw all the papers into a hat, a basket, a pan, whatever. Then each of you draws a name and gets a gift for that person. It's important that no one knows who drew who.
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.
