I have always been a firm believer that Galentine’s is way better than Valentine’s Day. Seriously, what is more fun than having a girl’s night? Galentine’s is the perfect excuse to celebrate friendship, and make memories you’ll cherish with your favorite people. If you’re like me and my friends, you’ll be waiting for Feb. 14 all year long with the same hype as Christmas. Here is a list of the best ways to spend your Galentine’s this year!
Dressing nice and getting glammed up isn’t something most college students get much time to do with our hectic schedules. By the time we finally match up our schedules with our friends (which feels like it takes months), we’re ready for a change. No more staying in and wearing sweats everywhere, or eating at the Stu in between classes. A fun way to spend your Galentine’s this year could be by dressing up in something you never get to wear, like that new dress sitting in your closet just calling your name, and heading out with the girls. This has been one of my usual Galentine’s Day plans with my friends, Carolyn and Marilyn, and it’s always so nice to get out of our normal routine and get glammed! That way everyone gets to put on their best, do fun makeup, and enjoy a nice meal together. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about feeling confident and celebrating each other for being the best friends you could all have.
On the flip side, sometimes my favorite way to celebrate is the complete opposite. When life has already been way too busy and full, the right way to spend Galentine’s can be by staying in. Don’t worry—it won’t be a typical ‘rot’ day. This is the Galentine’s I’m doing this year with my best friend, Carolyn, and it’ll be far from boring. We have planned to wear some Valentine’s pajamas (I recommend looking at TJMaxx and Marshalls), some fun headbands and silly jewelry, as well as a bunch of festive decor. Why make it just one night? Turn it into a Galentine’s sleepover and you can be watching a rom-com marathon with takeout and sweet treats until the sun comes up or until one of you taps out!
Another great idea is turning Galentine’s into a craft day or night. Blanket making, sunglasses bejeweling, or scrapbooking are some of my favorite activities to include in a craft hang out. A quick trip to the nearest dollar store or craft store and you’ll find yourself leaving with a bunch of fun heart, pink, red, and candy themed items to put together something you can keep forever as a memory of the day. A popular trend I’ve seen on social media is decorating hair clips and brushes with rhinestones and pearls. All of these make for great ways to spend a few hours crafting and hanging out.
If you and your friends love to explore, the previous ideas might not be your thing—and that’s okay! That doesn’t mean you can’t have some Galentine’s Day fun, because there are a ton of neat ideas to spend the day outside or somewhere new. A day trip might be exactly what you need if you don’t want to be cooped up inside. Having New York so close to us has always felt like such a blessing; I’ve taken many train rides for a day that felt like I was on vacation! You and your girls might enjoy a museum or aquarium in the city, followed by a nice lunch or dinner at the end of the day. Another fun outdoor option is a food truck tour around NYC.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to just be for couples. Friends are what make our lives full of light and laughter, why not include them on a day that represents love? Galentine’s has been a tradition of mine since I’ve known my friend group, and every year we switch it up and keep it fun for everyone to enjoy. Whether it’s dinner, a movie, or a sleepover, the holidays are never boring when I’m with my girls. So don’t spend Valentine’s Day sitting at home alone. Call up your best girls and make a plan for a day that fits your vibe.
