Why Galentine’s Day is Actually the Best

Single or in a very committed relationship, Galentine’s is easily better than Valentine’s — hands down. With Valentine’s, there is some sort of obligated pressure that falls over the day to make it perfect. You have to get a reservation, find a gift that somehow falls in the same price range as your significant other (even though you never actually discussed it) and there is the stress of always making it the best day of your life, every year.

On the other hand, Galentine’s Day (Feb. 13 as declared by Leslie Knope) is pressure-free. You get to hang out with your besties all day long and get to treat yourselves by doing whatever the heck you guys feel like doing. So this year, make it a priority to celebrate those lovely ladies you have in your life (or guy pals too, A.K.A. Palentine’s Day) and set aside Feb. 13 as a friend-appreciation day (no significant others allowed!)

Here are somethings you can do to make a fun-filled and stress free day of friend-fun:

Go ice-skating at Pegula

From 1-3 p.m. at Pegula Ice Arena, there is a free skate available for you and your besties to goof around, take cute pictures and show off any sweet moves. It’s cheap, there are rentals available and you’ll have lasting memories of your friends slipping around and falling on their butts. What more could you ask for?

Make (or buy) some cheap face masks

Give yourselves a mini spa day! Pamper yourselves, talk about crushes and  reconnect without the thought of any school work or drama anywhere near your minds. You can find some cool face mask recipes, or try some of the cheap, one-use packets from Target.

Instead of gifts, do a fun grab bag or exchangeable craft

While Valentine’s Day is bogged down with the expectation of the perfect gift, Galentine’s is all about exchanging gifts from the heart. These absolutely don’t have to be store-bought. In fact the more hand-made they are, the more sentimental they’ll be! Have fun by either making/getting a fun gift you know anyone of your gals (or pals) would love and have a fun grab-bag. Or have a cute crafting time where you make fun vases or picture frames that you can hang on to as a memento of your Galentine’s.