Christmas is great, Halloween is fun, and New Year’s Eve is overrated (we said what we said). But there will never be a celebration quite like Galentine’s Day. You seriously can’t tell us that there’s anything better than getting all your besties together for a celebration filled with laughter - and a bit of tea-spilling, naturally?

Okay, so maybe, Galentine’s Day isn’t an ‘official’ holiday, but this pre-Valentine’s Day celebration is just as important as 14th February because it honours the people who are always there for you - often in ways your S.O. can’t be.

So, regardless of whether or not you’re coupled up, it’s time February becomes about more than just romantic love. And to make planning as easy as possible, we’re breaking down every single thing you need to know, so you can make the most of V-Day’s platonic better half.

WHAT IS GALENTINE’S DAY?

Taking place on 13th February, Galentine’s Day is an annual holiday dedicated entirely to female friendship and empowerment. To put it simply, it’s a day where you get together with your BFFs to shower them with more love and attention than you would on a normal day.

One of the most interesting things about Galentine’s Day is that it wasn't created by some card company or internet marketplace trying to take all your money. Instead, Galentine’s Day was founded by fictional character Leslie Knope of the TV Series Parks and Recreation. 

In season two, episode 16 - aptly named ‘Galentine’s Day’ - Leslie gathers a group of her closest gal pals for a brunch full of waffles and love. “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,” she says. “Ladies celebrating ladies.”

The result? Galentine’s Day was (un)officially added to everyone’s calendar. 

HOW TO CELEBRATE GALENTINE’S DAY?

The beauty of Galentine’s Day is there’s no right or wrong way to celebrate. You basically get to make your own rules. However, if you’re struggling for ideas on exactly how to show your girl gang just how much you care, here are some Galentine’s Day ideas from us, to you. You’re welcome.

1. HOST A BRUNCH

Besties + brunch? It’s the duo of dreams!

Gather round your best gal pals and pay tribute to Leslie Knope - the foremother of Galentine’s Day, if you will - by hosting a waffle and cocktail (or mocktail) brunch. This could be from the comfort of your own home or at a restaurant of your choice. 

While the sweet treats and bottomless mimosas are very much the main event, show some appreciation for your besties by reminding them exactly why they mean so much to you.  

2. GO FOR A WALK

If you’re the outdoorsy type, going for a walk can be a great way to kill two birds with one stone. We all lead busy lives between work, studying, the gym, the endless to-do list. Getting outside allows you to take a step back from the everyday busyness and to just be in the moment. It gives our eyes a rest from our screens and reconnects us to nature - not to mention, it’s a full-proof way to get your steps in.

Walking, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the serenity that surrounds us clears the mind of its frantic clutter while giving us the opportunity to make the most of spending time with friends without any distractions.

3. HOST A VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR

Sadly, we don’t all get the luxury of living down the road from our favourite people. If your bestie is long-distance - or maybe you just prefer to stay at home, no judgement here - you could celebrate by sending them a cute care package and catching up over a long FaceTime. 

Besides, if the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that we can still have fun without actually having to set foot outside the house. Tell your friends to block off an hour or two in their diaries and use the time to talk, drink, snack, and catch up. It’ll be like your very own happy hour - minus the overspending.

4. COOK TOGETHER

Let’s face it, food is enough to make anyone feel appreciated. 

Make it special by offering to cook for one another or for a more fun take on Galentine’s Day, you could cook together. With endless food apps and delicious recipes at our disposal, it’s never been easier to create a feast fit for your queens. 

Cooking together is even said to inspire conversation and relaxation. You could say it’s a recipe for success…

5. GET PAMPERED

If cooking isn’t your vibe, you could coordinate a group pamper day. Head to the shops and purchase bath bombs, face masks and candles galore! There’s no need to go overboard, you just want to make sure you have the right tools to create a relaxing environment for you and your best girl friends.

You know better than anyone how much your friends put everyone and everything before themselves; this is your way of insisting they give all that love back to themselves. 

So, pop the champagne, put on some feel-good music and bask in the brilliance of being in a room full of your favourite people. 

6. ATTEND A FITNESS CLASS

No one holds you accountable like your best friends!

Start Galentine’s Day off strong by crushing your workout together in a fitness class. Opt for your go-to session or try something new altogether - spin, barre, boxing, the sky’s the limit! Whatever you choose, it’ll be a fun way to get moving, and get after your goals! Plus, it’s the perfect excuse for a post-workout smoothie date. Are we right?

READ MORE: New Year, New Goals: Move Your Body 

In all honesty, however you choose to spend Galentine’s Day with your besties is guaranteed to bring you happiness. 

If you’re wondering whether you need to buy them anything, while there are no rules to say you have to, if you really want to show the love, gifting your pals something special will definitely hit them in the feels - and if you ask us, a new ‘fit is never a bad idea. Discover our favourite pink and red sets for the month of love here.