Galentine’s Day entered the cultural conversation in 2010 through an episode of Parks and Recreation. In the episode, Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, hosts a breakfast for the women in her life on February 13.

The scene was simple and memorable: friends gathered on a weekday morning for waffles, coffee, and conversation. After spending time together, everyone went on with their day.

What made the idea stick was how closely it matched how many friendships already functioned. Many women already had friendships built around routines, check-ins, and long-running conversations. Galentine’s Day offered a date on the calendar to recognize each other and the importance of those rituals.

Over time, the day moved from a TV reference into a real holiday. At first, it was informal and inspired by the show. Social media helped spread the idea, and eventually, retailers started treating it as a holiday alongside Valentine’s Day.

Today, Galentine’s Day is about celebrating friendships and the important role they play in our daily lives.

Ways to Celebrate Galentine’s Day

Galentine’s Day can be as simple or elaborate as the time you have to plan it. Thoughtfulness rates high, and details matter. For groups of single women, sometimes Galentine’s Day celebrations replace Valentine’s Day celebrations entirely.

Here are a few ideas for your celebration this year:

An Early Breakfast With a Compliments Jar

This works well before the workday begins.

At home, set out chocolate croissants, pastries, and an oatmeal bar with toppings. Include plenty of coffee options and add-ins. At a restaurant, limit the menu or the group size to keep the event under 90 minutes.

Place a decorated jar or envelope labeled with each attendee’s name at the center of the table. Give everyone a pen and a small stack of notecards with thoughtful prompts.

Throughout breakfast, everyone writes one positive note for each person attending, folds it, and places it in their named jar. Quick observations, appreciation, or something you admire all work. Each person can also write one note for themselves to include in their jar.

Each person leaves with their jar, which becomes something to return to on days that need perspective.

A Lunchtime Book Exchange With a Theme

Ask each person to bring three books they love and are ready to pass along.

To keep the event Galentine’s Day-focused, choose a theme in advance, such as Love, Friendship, Reinvention, or Women’s Health. Ask each person to include a note card inside each book with a sentence about why it mattered to them.

Assign each attendee a number to guide the exchange. Place three copies of each number into a bowl and pass them around until all books are distributed. If someone draws their own number, redraw. In the final round, allow one optional trade so everyone leaves with three books new to them.

A Dessert Happy Hour With a Signature Cocktail

This works well at home or at a restaurant known for desserts.

Meet after work for dessert and one signature cocktail. Chocolate-forward desserts work well, along with smaller bites that feel celebratory without being heavy.

Choose a single cocktail for the table and offer a non-alcoholic option alongside it. A chocolate espresso martini or a French 75 with a twist are good options. The goal is to choose something easy to order or prepare consistently.

Everyone arrives, has dessert, raises a glass, and catches up. Plan for under two hours so the evening stays easy and social.

I’ve done this with friends where dessert was the only plan, and it made the evening feel celebratory and decadent.

A Dinner at Home With a Flower Arranging

Host an easy, relaxed dinner at home and set up floral-arranging stations.

Provide buckets of mixed flowers, scissors, and a jar or small vase for each person attending. Let everyone create a small arrangement during the evening to take home at the end of the night. Choose flowers that are easy to work with, like tulips, ranunculus, or greenery, so the focus stays on enjoying the evening rather than getting it perfect.

Chocolate cake or decadent cupcakes fit the mood for dessert. Small boxes of chocolates or wrapped sweets to take home extend the hearts-and-flowers theme.

I’ve been to a version of this where the host added soft, fuzzy slippers for the evening, and it made the dinner feel especially memorable.

The Common Thread

Each of these ideas leans into the spirit of Galentine’s Day, where friendships and the love within them are the focus. It’s a holiday worth planning for, centered on celebrating the women in your life. Friendships belong on the calendar.