What is Galentine’s Day and How Do I Celebrate It?
I keep hearing the term ‘Galentine’s Day’ but, until recently, I didn’t actually know what it was. So, I thought I’d do a little research of my own and share what I found out with you lovely lot in case you too have been wondering what it is and where it came from.
What Is Galentine’s Day?
Galentine’s Day was first introduced in 2010 in an episode of the TV show Parks and Recreation. The character Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler (one of my favourite comedy actors), celebrated the day on February 13th as a way to honour and appreciate her closest girlfriends over brunch, waffles, and heartfelt gifts.
This fictional event quickly gained traction with lots of women (and businesses) jumping on the bandwagon. Since 2010, February 13th - Galentine’s Day has become more and more popular both as an opportunity to show love and appreciation for the important friends in your life and as an alternative to those who don't want to celebrate Valentine's Day.
To Galentine or Valentine (or Neither)
So, now you know what Galentine's Day is, what do you think about it? Do you love the idea of celebrating friendships, or do you think we already have enough seasonal holidays to keep up with? Ironically Valentine's Day, the 'Love' holiday can be one of those love/hate events; with those who are not a fan, feeling that it is an overcomercialised waste of time - do you think Galentine's Day is just another opportunity for retailers to make money?
One of the issues I've always had with Valentines Day is that it can make those not in a romantic relationship feel left out of the celebrations, so I for one quite like the idea that Galentines Day is a day to celebrate friendships and not just romantic relationships.
I also believe that there is a way to celebrate either or both without getting dragged into buying unnecessary tat. Below are a few ideas from the byFoke team of ways to celebrate that don't involve panic buying tat that is destined for landfill a day or two later.
Sustainable and Memorable Ideas for Celebrating Galentine’s Day
Galentine’s Day is all about friendship, fun, and making memories. Here are a few ways to mark the occasion in a sustainable and meaningful way:
- Get in touch – This is a day all about love, so why not take a minute to see if you could spread a little joy this year. Maybe an opportunity to reach out to a friend you haven't seen for ages, pop over to see a family member that you've been meaning to visit or even just pick up the phone to have a chat.
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Brunch with Friends – Just like Leslie Knope, you could use this as the perfect opportunity to get together for brunch with your best Gal Pals. If you don't want to spend lots of money (everyone is feeling the pinch this year), host at home and ask everyone to bring a different dish.
- Host a Home Workshop - What about getting together with your besties to chat, laugh and try something new. There are so many projects and workshop kits that have been designed to do at home either on your own or with friends. One of our most popular kits is our Kintsugi Kit.
- Choose a gift they actually want – If you do decide to buy a gift, remember it doesn't have to be bright pink or heart themed. It makes far more sense to give a gift that will be treasured and kept rather than something that will be thrown in the bin the following day! Looking for gift inspiration? Browse our Ready Made Gift Boxes or Create Your Own Gift Box
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Treat Yourself – If you don't have any plans to celebrate with anyone, this could be the perfect opportunity to indulge yourself - I firmly believe that self-gifting is very underrated, after all you know yourself best, so who better to treat you to the perfect present or self-indulgent activity.
