Move over, Valentine’s Day

Love Valentine’s Day but find yourself single this year? Galentine’s Day is the day for you.

First coined in 2010 on Parks and Recreation, Galentine’s Day is officially a thing now, with Pinterest searches increasing by 1780 percent year-on-year. Of course, you don’t need to be single to take part—grab your girlfriends and make a plan for 13 February every year from now on. Here are five ideas to get you started.

Dinner and drinks

A classic, dinner and drinks is the way to get an authentic bromance (Galmance? Sismance?) experience. Go somewhere fancy and treat yourselves; try a new cuisine or the latest restaurant to open in your area; head down to an old favourite; wander food trucks or market halls; order all the nibbles at a wine bar. Therapeutic, fun and with options for every budget, it’s a classic for a reason.

Afternoon tea

Maybe not the most appropriate for a work day (unless you can take a long lunch break together), afternoon tea is a perfect Galentine’s date idea. Pick somewhere fancy and practice sticking out your pinkie fingers, somewhere themed (Alice in Wonderland tends to be popular), or no-frills for scrummy scones and tiny little sandwiches with the crusts cut off. Pair with all the tea or champagne you can drink.

Try something new

Hit up an indoor ski slope for a lesson; test your balance at a skating rink; bounce your heart out at trampolining; get competitive at mini golf; try your hand at darts or shuffleboard. If you can imagine it, there’s probably a place to try it. The more you laugh, the better.

Sleepover

Recreate the sleepovers you used to love as a child with your nearest and dearest now. Pyjama parties and wine might be the best new combination since avocado and toast. Make dinner together and choose a recipe you’re only pretty sure you can make; dig out the brownie pan or order pizza. Stick on a trashy rom-com and curl up under blankets; stay up late gossiping. Go to work the next day with indigestion and a mild hangover.

Flowers and cards

Who said romantic tropes were just for couples? Get as tacky a card as you can find and scribble a gushing message inside. Munch your way through a selection box together or splurge on fancy truffles and gorge yourselves on the tube. Order some flowers or better yet—head to a flower arrangement workshop and pair orange roses for friendship with peach roses for gratitude. ■