If you’re a “Parks and Recreation” fan, you’re probably a fan of the beloved character Leslie Knope. It’s the comedy’s lead character that made Galentine’s Day another February holiday to celebrate.
The idea behind Galentine’s Day is for women to celebrate the women in their lives. It takes place on Feb. 13 and is all about sharing ideas, activities and gifts that are geared toward honoring women.
From food to gifts, there are essential items available to help you make the most of this pre-Valentine’s Day event. Our guide includes tips and products to help you celebrate, Leslie Knope-style.
What to eat
Feb. 13 falls on a Monday this year, which has us thinking: breakfast for dinner. Waffles are an absolute must in the spirit of Leslie and her beloved JJ’s Diner.
Heart-shaped waffles for a DIY waffle bar
Waffles count as dinner food, right? A waffle bar is obligatory at any worthwhile Galentine’s gathering. If you’re really committed, get this affordable heart-shaped waffle maker from Dash for thematic breakfast food. As for toppings, provide plenty of whipped cream (of course), fresh strawberries and chocolate syrup.
Champagne-flavored gummy bears
Set these gummy bears all around your hosting area so they’re always in easy reach. They’re seriously addicting and a fun, “adult” take on the universally loved gummy bear.
Chocolate is perfect for Galentine’s Day. After all, it’s just one day away from Valentine’s Day when chocolate is a must. Melt some chocolate in this well-made fondue pot, pop some strawberries on the forks, dip and indulge with your girlfriends in a delicacy that’s worth sharing.
What to drink
The beverages are just as important as the food for your Galentine’s get-together — here are a couple of Knope-worthy ideas.
A whipped cream-focused, boozy hot chocolate
Hot chocolate and waffles — why not? This drink idea is really just an excuse to add more whipped cream to the menu. Grab some fancy Ghirardelli cocoa mix, a bottle of Kahlua or chocolate liqueur and serve this signature Galentine’s cocktail in these perfectly on-theme red mugs.
What to do
What would Leslie do? That’s the only answer to the question of what to do to celebrate Galentine’s Day. Here are a few Knope-approved suggestions.
There’s no better way to get everyone engaged than with a board game or two. To make things interesting, check out For The Girls, an adult party game meant specifically and exclusively for women (just like Galentine’s Day). If you really want to embrace the “Parks and Rec” theme, get this “Parks and Recreation” Party Game.
A female authors-only book exchange
What’s more Leslie Knope than a book exchange, especially a book exchange where each person brings a book by a woman who inspires them? Think Amy Poehler’s “Yes Please,” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “We Should All Be Feminists,” or another book by a strong femme. Stage it as you would a game of White Elephant, where everyone brings an anonymously wrapped book to contribute, and you take turns opening and stealing until everyone has a book to take home.
Listen to music
Set your celebration to music with a portable Bluetooth speaker like the Echo Studio. Our testers love it for its awesome sound, which we think will impress the ladies at your Galentine’s Day celebration.
Binge-watch “Parks and Recreation”
This is a no-brainer. “Parks and Recreation” should be playing in the background during the entirety of any Galentine’s party.
How to decorate
You’ll obviously need the appropriate decor to match your Leslie Knope attitude. Here are some quick suggestions that your guests (and Leslie herself) will love.
Balloon banners are appropriate for any occasion, and especially for an occasion celebrating the women who matter most in your life. This rose-gold Galentine’s banner is the perfect decorative item to honor them.
Coffee table books are great conversation starters, and since every conversation on Feb. 13 should revolve around women and women only, leave this “Bad Girls Throughout History” book in a place where your friends will see it and be able to flip through.
What to wear
The key to any Leslie Knope party is to think about every last detail — including what you wear.
A tee featuring a female trailblazer
In addition to celebrating the women in your life who mean something to you, celebrate all the women who have come before you to pave the way for opportunity and access. Leslie would approve of this Notorious R.B.G. tee, both for the pun and for the woman it honors.
If anyone sees the world through rose-colored glasses, it’s certainly Leslie Knope. Get a pair of these kitschy heart-shaped glasses for yourself and all your friends.
What to gift
Channel Leslie’s knack for giving perfectly personalized gifts this Galentine’s Day. Here’s how.
What’s important isn’t the card itself — though these Hallmark Galentine’s Day cards are undeniably great — it’s about what you write in them. Leave a thoughtful, personal, Knope-worthy note within each card to tell your friends what makes them worth celebrating.
How to Love Yourself Cards: A Deck of 64 Affirmations
Make sure your friends remember to love and affirm themselves even when you aren’t around. This deck of affirmational cards might be a little corny, but it’s a nice gesture, and that’s what Galentine’s Day is all about.
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