What started off as a clever storyline on the hilarious NBC show, Parks and Recreation, has become an unofficial holiday that women love to celebrate. It’s Galentine’s Day (yay!) and if you want to send some girl power gifts to the women in your life, we’ve got some ideas for you!
How Galentine’s Day Got its Start
On Parks and Recreation, the main character and all-around superwoman is Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler). She is the creator of Galentine’s Day. And in the episode titled “Galentine’s Day,” the audience watches Leslie celebrate Galentine’s Day with her friends, co-workers, and her mom on February 13th. She hosts a brunch and hands out gifts to her loved ones, while the women share stories with each other. The scene was short, but it definitely had a big impact with the audience.
Since the episode of aired, women across the country have started celebrating this idea. If you would like to celebrate Galentine’s Day by sending your friends a gift, check out some of the suggestions listed below.
4 Galentine’s Day Gifts that Your Friends Will Love
Cards
A witty card is a sweet way to celebrate Galentine’s Day and there are a great variety of cards out there. This Galentine’s Day card features a picture of Leslie Knope, her favorite food (a waffle,) and one of her classic sayings, “Uteruses before ‘Duderuses’.” There are also feminist Galentine’s Day cards that can inspire you and your friends to “smash the patriarchy.” Or you can try this simple floral card for the holiday.
Candles
Everyone loves a good candle and there are tons of cool scents you can buy to celebrate your friendship. You can get a sweet berry Girl Power soy candle or a Chardonnay-scented Yas Queen soy candle. You can also get a Girl Boss vanilla candle with notes of lavender, fern leaves, and lime.
Mugs
Does your friend need another mug? Probably not, but, truly, who doesn’t enjoy a cute mug? There are tons of Etsy shops that offer Galentine’s Day themed mugs. This Park and Recreation mug features Leslie and her BFF Ann. And this “Good Morning Beautiful Bestie” mug will make a sweet gift for a friend.
Books
Galentine’s Day is also a great day to reach out to the young girls in your life—your nieces, goddaughters, or mentees. You can send them a card and a book to inspire them. One book to consider is Rad American Women A-Zby Kate Schatz, which tells the stories of some amazing women such as Zora Neale Hurston, Carol Burnett, and Sonia Sotomayor.
If you want to give books to your friends, there are some other options. Galentine’s Day is meant to celebrate the friendships and feminism, so why not give your friends a book about empowering women throughout history. Bad Girls Throughout History by Ann Shen, is filled with beautiful illustrations and bios of remarkable women such as Angela Davis, Norma Shearer, and Carmen Miranda. If you want to inspire your friends with current stories of amazing women, try In the Company of Women by Grace Bonney. This book features interviews with artists and businesswomen like Nikki Giovanni, Janet Mock, Roxane Gay, and Mary Lambert.
Bonus. Want to plan a Galentine’s Day celebration? Check out this Galentine’s Day article for more information. You’ll find lots of ideas for food, games, and DIY crafts.