Times have changed since February was just a month for couples. Now, more and more people are showing love to the great friends in their life on February 13th in celebration of Palentines Day and Galentines Day. In this blog, we’ll outline 7 ways you can join in on the Galentines and Palentines Day fun and show your appreciation to the pals and gals who’ve been there for you through thick and thin.
What is Galentines and Palentine’s Day?
Galentine’s Day celebrates the bond between gal pals, typically on February 13th and is a day for women to appreciate their female friendships through activities like brunches, sending galentines day cards, gift exchanges, and empowering conversations.
Palentine’s Day, inspired by Galentine’s, extends the celebration to all genders, taking place on the same date. It’s about showing gratitude and affection for all platonic soulmates who’ve supported you. This day reminds us that deep friendships are as important as romantic relationships. In essence, Galentine’s and Palentine’s Days both celebrate friendship, with Galentine’s focused on female bonds and Palentine’s being gender-neutral and inclusive.
Where did Palentine’s and Galentine’s Day come from?
Palentine’s and Galentine’s Day originated from an episode of Parks and Recreation, a Netflix sitcom about Leslie Knope, a mid-level bureaucrat in Indiana. In this episode, Leslie and her girlfriends got together on February 13th, each prepared with Palentines gifts and a 5000-word essay on how wonderful they are. Ever since, people have been using this date as a way to give love to their platonic relationships and if you feel like joining in, keep reading, as we’ll unveil 7 fun ways to celebrate.
7 Fun Ways to Celebrate Galentines and Palentines Day 2024
1. Go for Dinner (with a Twist)
First on our list of fun Galentines and Palentines Day ideas is a dinner with friends. And before you say, ‘this isn’t original’, hear us out. Yes, it’s true that friends often enjoy meals together, but you can always make this time more memorable. For example, if you’ve been given one of our leisure vouchers, you could redeem it on:
- An electrifying River Gorge Dinner Cruise
- An overnight tour in wolf territory with a campfire dinner
- A Krabi Sunset Dinner Cruise
- A dinner-show at the Moulin Rouge
You see? With our leisure vouchers, you can take dinner with friends to a whole new level! Alternatively, you can always order a takeaway and watch a film as you exchange Palentine’s and Galentine’s Day Cards. Nothing beats a cosy night in with your besties.
2. Hit The Town
What better way to celebrate Galentine’s and Palentine’s than hitting the town? With our leisure vouchers, you can redeem your gift card on tons of exciting party options that will help you connect with your friends in a whole new environment. Our activity gift recipients can choose from tons of fun party activities like:
- a sunset party cruise in Saint Lucia
- Coco Bongo Beach Party Tickets
- Sunny Beach Paint Party tickets
- a private limo party in Gdansk
But if you’d rather stay closer to home, you can always find a lively bar or club nearby where you can raise a glass to your unbreakable bond. Who knows, you might even have a date for Valentine’s by the time you’re home.
3. Go Travelling
The best memories are made while travelling. How long has it been since you and your best friend travelled together? If the answer is, “I can’t remember”, you’re long overdue for a friend’s trip to spice up your friendship. Why not travel on Palentine’s Day or use the day to plan a UK staycation, European getaway or summer holiday. We recommend booking your tickets in advance, as you will get far cheaper rates.
4. Watch a Show
If you have friends who love art, you should get them tickets to some of the hottest shows in town. Are they huge fans of Broadway musicals? Treat them to timeless classics like Aladdin or The Lion King. Alternatively, try your luck with a performance you have not heard about. You might just have the time of your life! But the best Galentine’s Day gift has to be a ticket to your favourite artist. Have they always wanted to see Beyoncé? Here’s your chance to make their dream come true. Gift them the concert of their idol, and make heart-warming memories.
5. Host a Movie Night
Sometimes, the best way to celebrate Palentine’s Day is by staying in and having a cosy movie night with your besties. Pick out some of your all-time favourite films or explore new releases together. Create a comfy movie-watching area with blankets and pillows, and don’t forget the popcorn and snacks. You can even have a themed movie night based on your favourite genre or actor. Consider making it extra special by creating a movie marathon featuring all the classic buddy movies or films that celebrate friendship. Whether you’re into action, comedy, romance, or even horror, there’s a movie genre for every group of friends to enjoy. Make sure to have a great time discussing your favourite scenes and quotes throughout the night.
6. Plan a DIY Craft Day
Get your creative juices flowing by organising a DIY craft day with your pals. This is a fantastic opportunity to bond over art and creativity while making heartfelt Galentine’s gifts for each other. Gather supplies like paints, canvases, beads, or even knitting materials, depending on your interests. You can create personalised artwork, friendship bracelets, custom mugs, or any other crafty project that resonates with your group. Not only will you have fun crafting together, but you’ll also have unique mementos to remind you of your friendship. Plus, the process of making something with your own hands adds an extra layer of sentimentality to your Palentine’s Day celebration.
7. Volunteer Together
One of the most meaningful ways to celebrate Palentine’s Day is by giving back to your community together. Find a local charity or organisation that could use some extra hands and spend the day volunteering. Whether it’s helping out at a food bank, assisting with a community clean-up, or spending time at a local animal shelter, your collective efforts will make a positive impact on those in need. Volunteering together not only strengthens your friendship but also allows you to share the joy of helping others. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the spirit of Palentine’s Day by showing your love and appreciation for each other and the world around you.
How will you celebrate Palentine’s Day?
In conclusion, Palentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to cherish and celebrate the amazing friendships in your life. Whether you choose to go on an adventure, enjoy a delicious meal, or simply spend quality time together, the key is to show your appreciation and make lasting memories with your platonic soulmates. So, pick one or more of these fun ways to celebrate Palentine’s Day and let your friends know just how much they mean to you. Happy Palentine’s Day, pals!
This year, don’t worry if you aren’t in a romantic relationship when Valentine’s Day swings around. Get out there, and have the wildest, most fun Palentine’s Day of your life. Most importantly, remember to show that awesome friend how much they mean to you. Now go out there and create new memories with your BFFs!
Activity Vouchers: The Ultimate Palentine’s Day Gift!
When it comes to celebrating Palentine’s Day and showing your platonic soulmates just how much you appreciate them, there’s no better choice than our leisure vouchers. Why settle for the ordinary when you can gift your friends extraordinary experiences that they’ll cherish forever? Our activity vouchers unlock a world of thrilling adventures, delightful dining experiences, and cultural exploration. Here’s why they stand out as the best Palentine’s Day gift:
- Endless Choices: With our leisure vouchers, your gift recipient will be able to choose from over 50,000 incredible gift experiences worldwide. Whether your friends are adventure seekers, food enthusiasts, culture lovers, avid travellers or relaxation aficionados, we have a wide range of gift experiences to suit every taste.
- Memorable Moments: Palentine’s Day is all about creating lasting memories with your friends, and our activity vouchers are designed to do just that. These gift experiences go beyond material gifts, allowing you and your pals to bond, laugh, and share unforgettable moments together.
- Personalised Touch: We understand that every friendship is unique, and that’s why we offer personalised gift vouchers. You can personalise your Galentines cards exactly to your friends’ preferences.
- Convenience and Flexibility: Gifting activity vouchers is not only a fantastic way to celebrate Palentine’s Day, but it’s also convenient for you. No need to worry about sizes or preferences; our leisure vouchers offer the flexibility for your friends to choose the date and time that works best for them.
So, this Palentine’s Day, go the extra mile to show your platonic soulmates how much they mean to you. Buy activity vouchers as the best Palentine’s Day gift and let your friends embark on experiences that will create lasting memories.
