Friends laughing while toasting with pastel pink and purple balloons and a cake labeled Galentines for Life

Galentine’s Day: How to Celebrate on a Budget

At a Glance

  • Galentine’s Day is celebrated on February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day.
  • The holiday honors female friendships through brunches, DIY activities, and gift exchanges.
  • A $25 budget can cover outfits, activities, and decorations for a memorable party.
  • Why it matters: It encourages women to celebrate solidarity and self-care without breaking the bank.

Galentine’s Day has become a popular way for women to honor their friendships. Celebrated every year on February 13, the holiday was inspired by a 2010 episode of Parks and Recreation. Whether you host a brunch, a movie night, or a cocktail party, the key is to keep things simple, thoughtful, and affordable.

What Is Galentine’s Day?

Galentine’s Day is an unofficial holiday that focuses on celebrating the women in your life. It encourages a gathering that can be a boozy brunch, a cozy movie night, a DIY spa day, or a cocktail gathering. The idea is to honor the friends who show up for you, without needing a big budget or elaborate planning.

How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Celebration

  1. Choose a Theme – Pick a simple, cohesive look that fits the occasion. A pajama party, brunch, or cocktail night each calls for a slightly different vibe.
  2. Send Invites Early – Use free online tools or a handwritten note to give guests a dress code and RSVP deadline.
  3. Shop Smart – Focus on three categories: outfits, activities, and gifts. Keep each under $25 to stay within budget.
  4. DIY Stations – A mock-tail bar or a nail-polish station saves money and adds a fun, interactive element.

### Outfit Ideas

Item Price Notes
Letsee XOXO Oversized Crewneck Sweatshirt $30 Cotton-blend, soft, oversized
Zeagoo Short-Sleeve Sweater with Hearts $25 (orig. $30) Lightweight, heart details
Swomog Pink Satin Pajama Set $22-$25 Silky, button-down top and pants
Sampeel Puff-Sleeve Dress $25 (orig. $30) Red, bow detail, high-quality fabric

Tips: Pair the sweatshirt with leggings for a laid-back night, or wear the sweater with jeans for brunch. The pajama set works well for a cozy movie night, while the puff-sleeve dress is perfect for daytime plans.

Fun Activities

  • Okarina Paint by Numbers Kit for Adults – $22 (coupon available) – 4 floral designs.
  • Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask – DIY spa activity.
  • Jodsone Gel Nail Polish Kit – $22 – all-in-one gel kit with lamp.
  • Lego Botanicals Flower Bouquet Building Set – build a forever-lasting bouquet.
  • SoftOwl Premium Soy Candle Making Kit – beginner-friendly candle kit.

Hosting pro tip: Set up a “Bring Your Own Board” station. Ask guests to bring a sweet or savory dish, then let everyone graze while they mingle.

Gift Ideas Under $25

Gift Price Why It Works
Crazy Lady Plush Memory Foam Slippers $10-$16 Cozy, memory foam, faux-fur lining
Astralux Affirmation Cards $18 (orig. $20) Daily confidence boost
Blriet Aromatherapy Shower Steamers $13 Spa-like shower experience
Bagsmart Puffy Travel Toiletry Bag $25 Four compartments, lightweight
Grace & Stella Moisturizing Eye Masks $22 Hydrating under-eye masks
Unboxme Cloud Socks $10-$16 Plush, cozy for lounging
La Jolie Muse Santal Rosé Scented Candle $25 Long burn, rose & sandalwood scent
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask $25 Overnight lip nourishment
Summer Fridays Tinted Lip Butter Balm $25 Moisture, shine, subtle scent
Benevolence LA Plush Velvet Travel Jewelry Box $25 Compact, organized travel case
Friends laughing around a table with a breakfast buffet and wine glasses in a cozy warm setting for Galentines Day.

These gifts are practical, pampering, and affordable, making them perfect for a thoughtful exchange.

Decorations

Item Price Use
Jobkoo Pink Balloons $9 36-piece set, heart-shaped & metallic
Heaeunk Pre-Strung XOXO & Pom Pom Garland $10 Three-piece garland, pre-strung
Zataye Glitter Pink Backdrop $25 Sparkly backdrop with double-sided tape

Pro tip: Focus on one main area, such as an entryway or mantel, to create an Instagram-ready photo spot.

Key Takeaways

  • Galentine’s Day is all about celebrating the women who support you.
  • A $25 budget can cover outfits, activities, and decorations.
  • Simple, DIY elements add personality without extra cost.
  • Thoughtful gifts and a cohesive theme keep the celebration memorable.

Planning a Galentine’s Day party doesn’t have to be complicated. With a clear theme, budget-friendly shopping, and a few DIY touches, you can create an event that feels luxurious, personal, and, most importantly, inclusive.

Author

  • My name is Olivia M. Hartwell, and I cover the world of politics and government here in Los Angeles.

    Olivia M. Hartwell covers housing, development, and neighborhood change for News of Los Angeles, focusing on who benefits from growth and who gets pushed out. A UCLA graduate, she’s known for data-driven investigations that follow money, zoning, and accountability across LA communities.

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