We all know about Valentine’s Day – the day of love, romance, and grand gestures. Every year, the shops fill with heart-shaped chocolates, florists double their prices, and candlelit dinners are booked out weeks in advance. But did you know there’s another celebration of love that deserves just as much attention? Enter Galentine’s Day – the ultimate day to celebrate the incredible women in your life.
While Valentine’s Day is traditionally about romantic relationships, Galentine’s Day is all about friendship, empowerment, and showing appreciation for the women who lift you up. Whether it’s your best friend, your sister, your mum, or a colleague who’s always there for you, this is the perfect opportunity to remind them how much they mean to you.
Women and their stories are at the heart of what we do in our 10 Bylines Network publications. Research carried out by Reuters in 2024 found that only 40% of senior editors in UK media and news were female. At the Bylines Network, 85% of editors-in-chief are women, and we’re delighted to have a special date in our diary to celebrate them.
So, if you’ve never celebrated Galentine’s Day before, now is the time to start. Here’s why you should be marking 13 February in your calendar – and why your best female friend deserves a little love this year.
The origins of Galentine’s Day
Galentine’s Day started as a fictional holiday in the TV comedy Parks and Recreation, created by the brilliant mind of Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler). In the show, Leslie gathers her closest female friends on 13 February, the day before Valentine’s, for a brunch filled with waffles, mimosas, and heartfelt tributes to their friendships.
What started as a funny, feel-good moment in a sitcom has grown into a global movement celebrating female friendships. Today, women all over the world use Galentine’s Day as an excuse to get together, swap gifts, and remind each other how incredible they are.
Why you should celebrate your best friend
Life moves fast, and in between work, family, and responsibilities, it’s easy to take friendships for granted. But the women who stand by us – through heartbreaks, job changes, and late-night meltdowns – deserve to be celebrated.
Your best friend is the one who:
- Picks up the phone when you’re having a bad day
- Tells you the truth, even when you don’t want to hear it
- Hypes you up when you doubt yourself
- Reminds you of your worth when you forget it
- Celebrates your wins as if they were her own.
Galentine’s Day is about showing up for the women who show up for you. It’s about recognising the power of female friendships – the bonds that help us navigate life’s highs and lows.
The importance of women uplifting women
Women supporting women is one of the most powerful forces in the world. In a time when stories of women are being erased from the narrative, it’s more important than ever to champion and celebrate each other.
At the Bylines Network, we’re incredibly proud to be leading the way in giving women a voice. From our talented editorial teams to our inspiring writers, exceptional women are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that when women tell their own stories, when they amplify each other’s voices, they create change, they inspire, and they lead.
Women’s voices matter. Their experiences, perspectives, and ideas matter. And when women come together – whether in media, business, activism, or friendship – they create a future where all women are seen, heard, and valued.
That’s what Galentine’s Day is really about. Not just brunch and gifts, but recognising that when we lift each other up, we all rise together.
How to celebrate Galentine’s Day
You don’t have to go all out (unless you want to!). Galentine’s Day is all about celebrating each other in a way that feels right for you.
Here are some ideas to make the day special:
Plan a girls’ night in
Gather your besties for a cosy night in. Think face masks, a cheesy rom-com, a bottle of wine, and all the snacks. It’s the perfect excuse to catch up and just enjoy each other’s company.
Treat your bestie to a thoughtful gift
A small, meaningful gift can go a long way. It could be a book she’s been wanting to read, a framed photo of a special memory, or something personalised. It’s not about the price tag – it’s about the thought behind it.
Write a heartfelt letter
When was the last time you told your best friend how much she means to you? A handwritten letter or even a heartfelt text can be the best gift of all.
Have a brunch date
Channel your inner Leslie Knope and treat your bestie to **a brunch filled with waffles, pancakes, and mimosas**. Bonus points if you make it yourself!
Do something empowering together
Sign up for a workshop, take a dance class, go for a run, or even start a new creative project together.
Support a female-owned business
Whether it’s a local café, an independent shop, or an online brand, spending your money with women-owned businesses is a great way to spread the love.
Raise money for a good cause while you shop
If you’re planning on buying gifts for Valentine’s or Galentine’s, why not make your shopping go further? By using Easyfundraising, you can raise free donations for Bylines Network, supporting independent journalism and underrepresented voices.
How does it work? It’s simple:
- Sign up to Easyfundraising (it’s completely free)
- Choose Bylines Network as your cause
- Shop at your favourite retailers as normal (including big brands like Liz Earle, Boots, John Lewis, and M&S)
- The retailer donates a percentage of your purchase to Bylines Network – at no extra cost to you!
So, whether you’re buying flowers for your partner or a thoughtful gift for your best friend, you can spread the love while supporting a good cause.
The power of female friendships
Female friendships are nothing short of magic. They are the deep, unbreakable bonds that carry us through life. They heal, inspire, and remind us of our strength.
Galentine’s Day is a celebration of that magic. It’s a reminder that romantic love is wonderful, but the love of a best friend? That’s something truly extraordinary.
So, this year, whether you’re in a relationship or single, take the time to appreciate your best friends. Send them a message, plan a get-together, or simply remind them how amazing they are.
Because when women celebrate each other, the whole world shines a little brighter.
Happy Galentine’s Day!
