When the stresses of life really get to you, there is no one better to have by your side than your closest gal pals. And while Galentine’s day isn’t the only day to celebrate each other, it’s a perfect excuse for a mid-season pick me up. Especially when you’re finding it hard to escape the dreaded winter blues. That’s why we’ve curated a list of 14 budget-friendly Galentine’s Day ideas to help you and the squad de-stress, decompress and feel super refreshed.
You won’t need to break the bank for this, so take a deep breath and leave your wallet alone for now. In fact, having a creative mindset will really help you boost the wellness factor.
Galentine’s Day Ideas
February 13th is lurking around the corner. And with the way life is life-in’ these days, there’s not enough time to get super detailed with the plans.
But of course with some extra time to plan a little in advance, you can really dust off those event coordinating skills.
Let’s kick it off with our favorite Galentine’s day ideas, in no particular order:
#1. DIY A Salon/ Spa Sesh
Break out the wine bottles (and a cheese platter, too) because you and the girls deserve a day of ultimate relaxation.
Spending an actual day at the spa is a nice treat but turning your living room into an island spa oasis is one for the books. And you can go all out or keep it simple. Whichever you choose, have these items on deck for a successful at-home spa day:
- Face masks
- Nail polish & remover for mani/pedis
- Hair masks
- Playlist of fav songs
- Eye masks (cucumbers work just as well, tbh)
- Candles/ Incense/ Oil Diffuser for aroma therapeutic purposes
Once you’ve set the tone, kick back and relax during your spa day at home.
#2. DIY Self-Care Products
If you want to take your spa day experience to the next level, there’s no better way to do so than by creating your own self- care products.
This is a great activity to boost creativity amongst your friend group. And you’ll have something tangible in addition to the memories.
It probably sounds intimidating, right?
But- many ingredients that go into self care products can already be found in your home. Here’s a couple things that are easier to make for first timers:
Soaps
Melt and pour soaps are super easy and fun to make without the stress of intricate chemical processes. You can choose your base, add colors, scents, herbs, and shape them into fun molds.
Unlike the cold process soap method, melt and pours don’t require weeks to cure. After 2-3 hours, your soap will be ready to use. Craft stores like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby offer kits.
Hot Oil Treatments or Hair Masks
These are super fun to do especially if your girls care about their hair just like you. Plus, hair oiling is an ancient hair ritual proven to offer many benefits. .
For this, you’ll really only need a carrier oil ( most people already have coconut, avocado or olive oil) and a couple drops of your preferred essential oil.
Here’s what to do: On the stove, makeshift a double boiler. Massage the oil blend into the scalp and pull through to the ends. Then let it marinate for about 30 minutes to an hour. Once time is up, be sure to wash it out the right way.
Want something quicker? You’ll need a hair mask. Most only need to sit on the hair between 10-30 minutes.
Lotions & Body Scrubs
Sugar or salt scrubs are always a hit, plus they make for good gifts come the next holiday. These require very few ingredients and can be made super pretty. For lotions, I love to use raw shea butter for extra skin benefits!
Face Mask
Honey…lemon juice…coconut oil… all components of a great face mask. This is a must have for any spa day. And with so many recipes out there you’re sure to have a specialized face mask for the whole squad.
#3. Yoga
Are you gals an active bunch? Try yoga. Meditating and finding your inner zen is an absolute must at a time like now.
Find a yogi guide on YouTube or better yet, go to a wellness center. Maybe try out some goat yoga, ba-ha-ha.
#4. Painting Planters
It’s a great stress reliever, painting that is.
Perhaps you’ve been considering starting a beauty garden, or you just like fresh herbs to add to your meals.
Why not decorate a small plant pot. You can sign and date each others at the end. As your plant grows in your specially crafted pot, it’ll signify the love and nurturing bond of your friendship.
#5. Try A Boozey Brunch
I’m all for bottomless mimosas and a waffle bar. But it’s a lot more fun to get tipsy with your girls in the comfort of a familiar kitchen. Plus, I’m blessed to have a friend that likes to bake, so of course she’s in charge of bringing muffins and pastries.
What about you? Is there someone in your friend group who could do a fruit platter, make entrees, or fill in as the bartender?
#6. Book Trade
I thought this was an interesting and unique Galentine’s Day idea. That is, if you and your gals are readers like myself.
Ever had a book that may have reminded you of your partner in crime?
Besides reading being a top wellness activity, this is a sentimental way to strengthen the bonds of your friendship. Both of you gift books to each other that you’ve already read, but that remind you of the other.
You’ll gain some more insight on how they view your friendship and vice versa. It’s a great conversation starter that can open up a new avenue of your friendship! Make it more heartfelt by adding a friendly note that they might like to save in their memorabilia box.
#7. Rom-Com Movie Marathon
Okay, it doesn’t have to be a rom-com. But honestly, who else is going to watch 13 Going on 30 or Sweet Home Alabama with me?
At this point we’re taking it back to my middle and high school days. Wear comfy pajamas, make your own pizzas and ice cream sundaes. And hey, don’t forget about the popcorn and dollar store candies.
#8. Coffee or Tea Time, Anyone?
Whether you plan to do this at someone’s house, meet up at a cafe, or make a reservation at a tea room, this is a viable option if you guys just need a couple of hours to vent about life, work, or significant others.
#9. Create Vision Boards Together
Maybe you guys are at different points in your life and not at all where you had thought you’d be.
Time to bring out the old magazines, newspapers, photos, scrap book papers and whatever else. Or, you could do it digitally. Pinterest is a hub for some galentine’s day ideas.
Whether you call it a mood board or a vision board, either way this is a fun way to get crafty and creative. See how your goals align with each others and hold your girls accountable to achieving them this year!
#10. Nature Walks
Exercise is great, but it’s even better with a friend. Hit up a state park near you and find a trail that meets both of your skill levels.
Talking to trees can also help promote mindfulness, as they are known to absorb negative energies. Yes, it’s true. Nature is just as intricate as it is beautiful.
And while the trees, the water, the flora or the animals you’ll see along the way can’t respond in our spoken language, you’ll certainly improve the spiritual connection with the world around you.
#11. Themed Dinner Party
Between Door Dash, Uber Eats, and Postmates, cooking is becoming a lost skill. Some even consider it to be an inconvenience.
But cooking is fun. Well, it can be. Plus, it’s an essential part of a healthier diet to improve well being.
So, instead of going to a restaurant, bring the restaurant to your kitchen. Choose a menu based off of your cuisine preference: surf n’ turf, Italian, Chinese or soul food just to name a few.
You and your gals can cook up appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts for a well rounded Galentine’s day experience. Or if you’re more partial to baking, try breads, pastries and cookie decorating!
#12. Volunteering Together on Galentine’s Day
Unfortunately, not everyone has a supportive village surrounding them. That’s why it’s important to give back within your community.
You’ll not only feel good about the positive impact you guys made, but your surrounding area will benefit in more ways than you are able to see.
Between volunteering at community centers, soup kitchens, churches, or even donating gently used items like clothing and furniture- there are plenty of options for you guys to give back.
Personally, I think being giving of your time means far more than any amount of money spent.
#13. Scavenge For Nostalgia
It honestly feels like yesterday I was in high school hanging out with my core group of friends. The summer of 2011 was filled with adventures, bonfires, bowling, scavengers hunts and more. Everyone had just started driving. It was a simple time before bills, added responsibilities and the stresses of adulting.
First things first, create your playlist. This sets the tone for your afternoon or evening. Put your phones on do not disturb- ‘cause lord knows that us millennials were not glued to them during the 90s and early 2000s.
Since malls are kinda a thing of the past, explore your town with a creative scavenger hunt. Bring your Polaroid (or a disposable camera) and take a photo for each checkpoint.
If you have a big group of friends you can divide into teams. If not, compete against each other or just see how many point of interest you can check off.
You can design your own or check out already made ones like this.
#14. A Galentine’s ‘Day Trip’
Tell your girls to get their backpacks ready and head out on the road for a day trip! This is by far one of my favorite ways to reduce stress and reset. It’s important to get out of your normal environment and routine every once in a while.
And no, it doesn’t have to be extravagant. Literally, my bestie and I have no issue hanging out at IKEA all day long, stopping for Swedish meatballs in the food court while envisioning our dream homes.
Or head to your local winery for some flight specials.
Whatever you choose, make sure you’re spending some good ole quality time with your best gal pal. P.S. a road trip (or day trip) is never complete without snacks so don’t forget those!
We’ve officially made it to the end of our list of Galentine’s Day ideas. Each of these have been chosen specifically because they promote wellness as well as spark creativity amongst you and your closest friends.
Which of these Galentine’s Day ideas will you try this year? Make sure you comment below!