Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
We all know that Valentine’s Day is a massive love fest – but you should meet its cousin, Galentines Day. It’s a day to celebrate the love you have for your friends and show them how much you care for them. Here at moneymagpie, we’ve put together 10 ways to save money this Galentines Day.
Galentine’s day was started by the fictional character Leslie Knope in Parks and Recreation. In a 2010 episode titled “Galentines Day,” she states that “Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it breakfast style. Ladies celebrating ladies.”
We’ve put together 10 great ideas for you to show your friends how much you appreciate them.
Host a book exchange with your besties, it’s a great way to find out what your friends like to read. You can all pick your favourite book (either a new copy or check your local charity shops), wrap them and place them in a gift bag. Each take turns picking out a book – just make sure it’s not the one you brought. This way you all get to read a new book and share your opinions.
The bottomless brunch has risen in popularity in recent years, so if it’s in your budget why not go out and have some fun! If not, why not have one at home. You can pick up premade waffles for relatively cheap and add a topping like chocolate spread and whipped cream. Grab a bottle of prosecco and some orange juice and make up some buck’s fizz.
Get all your girls over to your house for a DIY Dinner Party. You could each make a dish and hold a potluck dinner party. It’s cheaper than going out for a sit-down meal and will let you taste your friends’ favourites foods. Organise between who’ll bring a starter, main and dessert – you could have multiple of each depending on who is coming.
Spa days can be expensive, even with group discounts you’ll still be spending a lot. Why not have a DIY Spa Day at home? You can pick up facemask cheaply from Highstreet stores or even have a go at making your own – check out this article for more ideas.
Nothing feels better than reliving your youth, so why not break out the old board games. As a board game lover, I highly endorse this option! You can play anything from snakes and ladders to snap the choices are endless. There are a growing number of adult-themed games on the market now if you want to try something new. From What Do You Meme to For The Girls, there’s plenty to choose from.
If you’re looking for something a little more grown-up, why not organise an at-home wine tasting. You can each pick up a bottle of wine you like and share it between you. You can even google tasting notes if you’re feeling fancy. The great part is that if you dislike every other wine you can drink the bottle you brought.
If you’re a foodie like me, you’ve probably had your fair share of afternoon teas. To me, they feel like the epitome of luxury even if I’m making it myself. You could book yourself a day out for an afternoon tea and put on your posh frocks. Or you could DIY it at home, make some mini cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches, pick up a few fruit scones and a Victoria sponge cake and you’re good to go. You can still dress up but at least at home, no one is going to judge you for unbuttoning the top button of your jeans.
There’s nothing more relaxing than sticking on a boxset and chilling out on the sofa. So, grab your friends and your favourite snacks and chill out. It’s a very cheap night in and also a great way to spend time with your friends.
If your friends are crafty why not hold a DIY Day. Pick up some crafting materials and make them to your heart’s content. You can pick up some scrapbooks for relatively cheap, print off some of your favourite friendship pictures and spend the night reminiscing.
What’s better than wine and cheese? This Galentines why not settle down for an evening with a cheese board and a good bottle of wine. Ask your friends to bring around their favourite cheese (co-ordinate though, you don’t want 5 wheels of brie). Bring a bottle of wine or soft drink and have an evening of chatting in your comfies.
If you can’t see your friends this Galentines Day, why not send them a quick text just to check in with them or a card through the post it’s sure to put a smile on their face.
Also keep your eye’s peeled on our Instagram account here to see our special competitions and Giveaway especially for Galentine’s. Launching next Tuesday.