Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to center on the dress, the dinner reservation, or the suspense of whether diamond studs might make an appearance. Whether you’re partnered or proudly unattached, it’s an opportunity to redirect the focus toward the women you love.

Enter Galentine’s: a reason to gather your closest friends and celebrate the friendships that have been there through it all. Go all in with a dress-up night and cocktails, or keep it low-key with DoorDash on the table and phones firmly face-down. However you mark the occasion, make it intentional — because love doesn’t have to be romantic, and you and the girls more than deserve some time together.

1. THEMED BAR HOP

Not to be like "have a night out," but come on...have a night out. Pick a theme – Disney villains, leather, angels and devils, dress as "your type" – and then map out a crawl for you and girls. Keep it interesting by implementing a game of bingo at one of your stops that relates to your evening.

2. DOORDASH POTLUCK  

It's exactly how it sounds. Everyone converges at a designated host's home, then leans pulls out their phones to order a dish or two for the group. The catch? You cannot share what it is that you're serving the group...it simply must arrive at the door. Word to the wise: don't get a salad. 

3. PHONE-FREE PAINT AND SIP

Whether you've got the supplies to do this at home, or need to find a local event, a paint and sip is always a good idea. The activity immediately breaks the ice, putting everyone at ease while keeping your hands busy — no phones allowed. Also, you have a gorgeous piece of art at the end.

4. PJ PARTY LITERARY SALON

I've been throwing PJ-themed literary salons in hotel penthouses for two years now, and trust me, the format works. Assign a text to your girls ahead of time (this could be a rom com, an article, even a YouTube video) and invite your gals over, PJs in tow. When they show up, invite them to get comfy, and discuss. 

5. 'YUMMY MUMMY' OUTING 

You know how you always see those empty-nesters with fresh blowouts in yoga pants enjoying a brunch? Recreate it with your girls this V-Day. Get the gang together for a group workout class (arial yoga, anyone?) then follow it up with french toast-smoothie situation. Healthy, and wholesome. 

6. LOVE LETTERS

Schedule a wine and cheese night with your friends and dole out some gorgeous stationary, then start composing. You can either select a name from a hat at random to write a love letter to, or write one to yourself and open it at the next Galentines. 

7. HIGH TEA

Don't say we're not fancy. A British tradition since way back, high tea is where you come together in a very civilized fashion to wear their finest garb and gossip over a tasty treats. You're going to work your way from the bottom (sandwiches, savory hors d'oeuvres) to top (scones with jam and cream, tarts), while drinking copious cups of coffee and tea. Look up high tea in your area, there may be one closer than you think. 

8. PRESENTS!

Set a $15 limit, book a dinner reservation, show up, and exchange. You'll be surprised how creative people can get within a budget, and you leave with a cute, sentimental something that always remind you of your girls.