It’s no secret around The Everygirl office that Leslie Knope is our ultimate friendship role model. I mean, this Knope quote says it all: “You know my code. Hoes before bros. Ovaries before brovaries. Uteruses before duderuses.” On top of all that great friendship inspiration, we also have her to thank for Galentine’s Day. What’s Galentine’s Day? I’m glad you asked. According to Knope, “Oh it’s only the best day of the year. 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. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas.”
Could she be any more loveable? Probably not. So, in honor of all of our Galentines, we wanted to share our favorite 15 ways to show our friends we love and appreciate them on Galentine’s Day.
1. Send a Card
This may feel like a no-brainer, but receiving a sweet card in the mail is the easiest way to brighten anyone’s day. A cute card with an inside joke or kind message inside is all you need to put a smile on her face — even better if you send it to their office for a work week pick-me-up!
2. Give Them a Call
Not the snail mail type? Go ahead and pick up the phone! If you talk to your bestie on the phone every day, then this gesture might not be as appreciated by her. Try calling a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while just to ask how she’s doing. Knowing someone is looking out for you is the best feeling, so she might even pass it onto another friend.
Source: Lauren Volo for The Kitchn
3. Host a Movie Night
If your friends are like mine, they don’t care much about what you’re doing, but rather the fact that you’re making an effort to spend time together. My best friend and I are planning a Galentine’s movie night to watch Crazy Rich Asians and are using it as an excuse to indulge in plenty of candy and wine.
4. Bake Some Treats
When was the last time you showed up at a friend’s door with a fresh batch of cookies? Honestly, it’s been about 10 years since I’ve done this, so it’s time I get cooking and treat my friends to some of their favorite treats.
Source: Wallflower Kitchen
5. Plan Alone Time
There’s nothing like a good group hang or double date to squeeze in seeing as many of your friends as possible on a regular basis, but it’s time you plan some quality one-on-one time with your favorite girlfriends. Take her out for a cup of coffee for an hour or two so you can focus on catching up with just each other — no distractions.
6. Celebrate their Singleness
Being in a relationship is great! So is being single! If you’re coupled up and your best friends aren’t, it’s easy to get swept up in your romantic Valentine’s Day plans. When you’re with your single friends, instead of asking about their dating life, inquire about their jobs, families, or travel plans. Make them feel like the non-romantic areas of their lives are just as important as their dating life. Actually, can we do this every day?
7. Solve a Problem
Is one of your girlfriends stressed about finding an affordable florist for her wedding? Do some research and send her a list of great options. Does she feel like her apartment is a mess even though she moved in three months ago? Offer to help her Marie Kondo her home while sipping on your favorite cocktails. Taking even one thing off her plate will help her feel like she has the support she needs to tackle all of her challenges.
Source: M Loves M
8. Write a Love Letter
There’s no rule that says a love letter has to be romantic! Let your nearest and dearest know how you feel about them and put it in writing. It will feel less awkward to share your gratitude for their friendship on paper and they will love feeling so appreciated. Hey, even a love email will do.
9. Give Them a Gift
You don’t have to spend a lot to give your girlfriends sweet Galentine’s Day gifts. I love the idea of creating little gift bags of fun Valentine’s Day themed items like a luxurious lip mask, a book they won’t want to put down, or cheeky stationery. Splitting up a gift set, like this pretty candle set, is an affordable way to give multiple friends a token of appreciation.
Source: Alexandria Monette
10. Pump Them Up
We all need a pep talk now and again! Of course, you already do this in conversation, that’s what friends are for, but how about taking it up a notch? Take a dozen or so index cards or small pieces of stationery and write little notes about how awesome your friend is. Next time you’re at her place hide a few around her home, handbag, etc. Be sneaky, you want her to find these compliments when she’s least expecting them!
11. Help Their Significant Other Step It Up
Sometimes in a couple, one half seriously lacks the romance gene. If you know your best gal pal dreams of Nicholas-Sparks-level romance, but that her partner doesn’t have a clue who Allie and Noah are, then help point them in the right direction. She never even needs to know you helped her partner set up a romantic surprise or picked out the perfect gift, her happiness will be thank you enough.
12. Nail It
Treat the girl who’s too busy for self-care (we’re looking at you moms!) to a little R&R. Surprise her with a mani or pedi appointment for two and spend an hour catching up while getting polished to perfection. Bonus points if you take her to a salon that offers free wine.
Source: With Love from Kat
13. Get Everyone Together
Want to know what one of the best parts of Galentine’s Day is? It’s the perfect excuse to get all of your favorite girlfriends together. Why wait until the next birthday or bridal shower to make it happen? Host a potluck at your place, plan a hike, or set up a happy hour. You can’t get all those girl power vibes if you don’t actually see your girls.
14. Green Thumb
Give the gift that keeps on giving. Why pay for overpriced flowers the week of Valentine’s Day when you can gift her a beautiful plant that will live on? Did you know you can order live plants off Amazon with their typical free and fast shipping? I wouldn’t mind finding this pretty potted orchid at my doorstep! For someone with a real green thumb, this cocktail themed herb garden kit would be perfect for the mixologist in your life!
15. Create a Photo Album
You know all those great photos you’ve taken of your friends for Instagram? How about actually printing some for once. I like to use Amazon Photo to send actual printed copies of my favorite memories to friends, but this year I might step up my game and create a photo album of our best photos!
What are your Galentine’s Day plans this year? Share them with us in the comments so we don’t miss out on any great ideas!
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