Galentine’s Day is my absolute favorite holiday that isn’t *actually* a holiday. For years, my girlfriends and I would default to brunch or a fancy dinner, which was lovely, but I always felt like we were missing a chance to truly connect and unleash our inner creativity. I craved something more personal, more hands-on, something that celebrated our unique bonds.
That’s when I had an epiphany: why not combine our love for good company and good sips with some fabulous crafting? This year, I’m thrilled to share my go-to list of DIY Galentine’s party activities that are perfect for creative women looking to make lasting memories and beautiful things together. Get ready to swap stories, sip on your favorite drinks, and craft your way to an unforgettable celebration of friendship!
1. Personalized Friendship Bracelets (Grown-Up Edition)
Remember making friendship bracelets in school? It’s time to bring that joy back, but with an elevated, chic twist. Think delicate beads, sophisticated color palettes, and perhaps even some tiny letter charms. This activity is wonderfully meditative and allows for plenty of conversation.
- Materials: Assorted glass beads, semi-precious stones, letter beads, elastic cord, jewelry pliers, crimp beads, clasps (if not using elastic), small trays for beads.
- The Craft: Each friend can design and create a bracelet for themselves, or for another friend, making it a truly thoughtful keepsake. You can even theme the colors to your favorite Galentine’s Day hues – think rose gold, blush pink, and subtle metallics!
2. DIY Gel Nail Art Bar
What’s a girls’ gathering without a little pampering? Set up a “nail art bar” where everyone can give each other adorable Galentine’s-themed manicures. From heart decals to glitter gradients, the possibilities are endless! It’s a fantastic way to bond over beauty and leave with a fabulous new look.
- Materials: Gel nail polish in various reds, pinks, and glitters, Valentine’s Day nail decals, dotting tools, fine liner brushes, nail files, cotton pads, rubbing alcohol, and a UV/LED nail lamp.
- The Craft: Friends can take turns being manicurist and client, experimenting with different designs. You could even challenge everyone to create a “Galentine’s Day Power Mani” for each other. For more inspiration, check out our guide on Irresistible 3D Nail Charms.
✨ TOP PICK FROM FASHIONAURA.BLOG
Valentine’s Day Gel Nail Polish Set (Reds & Pinks)
Why this fits: This set offers the perfect festive colors for creating beautiful, themed gel manicures at your Galentine’s DIY nail art bar.
3. Vision Board Collages for Friendship Goals
Galentine’s is all about celebrating your support system. Why not channel that energy into a vision board session focused on personal goals, shared dreams, or even future girls’ trips? It’s empowering, insightful, and incredibly fun.
- Materials: Poster boards, magazines, scissors, glue sticks, glitter, markers, inspiring quotes, and maybe some photos of your past adventures together.
- The Craft: Encourage everyone to cut out images and words that represent their aspirations for the coming year, or even a collective friendship vision. It’s a wonderful way to manifest good things and inspire each other.
4. Custom Scented Candle Making
Who doesn’t love a beautiful, custom-scented candle? This activity is surprisingly easy and allows everyone to take home a lovely, personalized favor. You can choose scents that remind you of friendship or create new blends together.
- Materials: Soy wax flakes, wicks, candle jars, fragrance oils (e.g., rose, lavender, vanilla, citrus), double boiler setup, pour pitchers, and optional dyes or dried botanicals.
- The Craft: Guide your friends through the process of melting wax, adding scents, and pouring into jars. Labeling the finished candles with witty “Galentine’s” names adds another layer of fun!
✨ TOP PICK FROM FASHIONAURA.BLOG
Portable UV/LED Nail Curing Lamp
Why this fits: Essential for setting gel manicures, this portable lamp makes DIY nail art at a Galentine’s party easy and professional, allowing for quick and flawless results.
5. Wine Glass Painting (or Mug Painting)
Combine the “sip” with the “craft” quite literally by painting your own wine glasses or coffee mugs. This is a fantastic way to personalize something you’ll use daily and remember your fun Galentine’s gathering.
- Materials: Plain wine glasses or ceramic mugs, non-toxic glass/ceramic paint, fine-tipped paintbrushes, stencils (optional), and rubbing alcohol for cleaning surfaces.
- The Craft: Before painting, clean your glasses thoroughly. Let everyone unleash their inner artist, creating designs, monograms, or funny friendship quotes. Once painted, follow paint instructions for baking or air-drying to set the designs.
6. Hand-Lettered Love Notes & Cards
In a digital world, a handwritten note is a true treasure. Dedicate some time to crafting beautiful, heartfelt cards for each other or for someone special in your lives. It’s a powerful way to express appreciation and love.
- Materials: Quality cardstock, various colored pens, brush pens, markers, watercolors, decorative stickers, wax seals (for an extra touch!), and envelopes.
- The Craft: Provide tutorials for simple hand-lettering styles or encourage freehand artistic expression. Write down all the things you love about your friends, or create cards for loved ones who might need a little extra cheer. This activity pairs perfectly with a calming cup of tea or a sparkling mimosa.
✨ TOP PICK FROM FASHIONAURA.BLOG
DIY Craft Kit
Why this fits: This versatile kit can be adapted for various craft projects, making it a fantastic base for any DIY Galentine’s party activity, from card making to personalized gifts.
7. Botanical Bath Bomb Creation
Give the gift of relaxation by making beautiful, fragrant bath bombs. This activity is a little more hands-on but incredibly rewarding, and everyone gets to take home a luxurious treat for a future self-care moment.
- Materials: Baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salts, cornstarch, carrier oil (like coconut or almond), essential oils (lavender, rose, eucalyptus), dried flowers (rose petals, lavender buds), bath bomb molds, and spray bottle with water.
- The Craft: Mix the dry ingredients, then slowly incorporate the wet ingredients until the mixture is the consistency of damp sand. Press into molds firmly. This is a wonderfully tactile experience and the scents will fill your space with a spa-like aroma. It’s a fantastic way to wind down a festive day.
Celebrate Your Sisters in Style!
Galentine’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s an opportunity to intentionally celebrate the incredible women who light up your life. These DIY sip and craft activities offer a unique blend of creativity, connection, and pure fun. Whether you’re painting, polishing, or planning, you’re building memories that will last far longer than any store-bought gift.
So gather your besties, pick your favorite craft, and get ready for a Galentine’s celebration that truly reflects your sparkling friendships. What are you waiting for? Your most memorable Galentine’s yet is just a craft session away!
FAQs
What is Galentine’s Day and why is it celebrated?
Galentine’s Day, typically celebrated on February 13th, is a day dedicated to celebrating friendships, particularly among women. It originated from the TV show Parks and Recreation and has since become a popular unofficial holiday for women to show appreciation for their “gal pals” before the more romantically focused Valentine’s Day. It’s all about platonic love, support, and fun!
How can I make my Galentine’s party budget-friendly?
Making your party budget-friendly is totally achievable! Focus on DIY decorations, ask guests to bring a dish or drink for a potluck style gathering, and choose craft activities that use inexpensive materials (like the DIY Craft Kit mentioned above, or using recycled magazines for vision boards). You can also send digital invitations to save on printing costs. The emphasis is on quality time, not extravagant spending!
What are some good food and drink pairings for a craft party?
For a “sip & craft” party, easy-to-eat finger foods are key to keep hands free for crafting! Think mini quiches, fruit platters, cheese and crackers, small desserts like cupcakes or cookies. For drinks, consider a signature “Galentine’s” cocktail (like a rosé spritzer), sparkling cider, iced tea, or a gourmet coffee bar. The goal is refreshing and convenient!







