Friendship and Hand Made Crafts 

Technology is not the only factor that has profoundly affected the way people interact with one other in our times. The media, education, developments in global politics and movements of people all lead to a change in attitudes, behaviours and what is considered to be “normal”. New generations coming through experience life differently to how it used to be and as experiences differ, so do values, ie. what is most important to each generation.   

It’s hardly surprising then that traditions change with the people who practice them. Some traditions are even becoming less of a ‘thing’ in our Celebration Economy where consumers are increasingly creating their own special occasions rather than waiting for life’s traditional milestones. 

One such is Galentine’s Day, celebrated on February 13th, as an addition or alternative to Valentine’s Day. It evolved out of a fictional television series and became a major global phenomenon. Created in an episode of Parks and Recreation, the day is dedicated to “ladies celebrating ladies”—a time for women to honor their friendships, often with brunches, gifts, and heartfelt tributes.  

In the TV programme Parks and Recreation, Leslie Knope hosted a brunch for her friends, leaving husbands and boyfriends behind. Then, over the next 15 years, it shifted from a niche, fan-driven event to a mainstream cultural touchstone, particularly favored by Gen Z and Millennials. In the US, searches for “Galentine’s Day” have surged over 554% since 2019. Now it has been added to the dictionary, defined as a “day for women to celebrate their friendships with their lady friends”.  

Why is Galentine’s Day so popular among the younger generations? 

It certainly provides a pressure-free alternative to the romantic expectations of February 14th, allowing people to celebrate love regardless of relationship status. Amidst a rising tide of isolation in society, Galentine’s addresses a fundamental human need for connection and appreciation and emphasises the crucial contribution of friendships to our mental and physical well-being. The day has even been extended further into “Palentine’s Day” where anyone can get involved! 

How is Galentine’s Day celebrated? 

Celebrations might include brunch, exchanging of thoughtful gifts such as handwritten notes, chocolates or flowers, spa days and themed parties (often red, pink, and white) whilst other groups go for activity-based outings like pottery classes or cooking workshops. But whether it’s a cosy brunch or a climbing session, laughter and heartfelt chats are going to take centre stage. It’s a wonderful excuse to pause from the hustle of everyday life and make lasting memories with your closest friends. 

Galentine’s Day and hand made crafts 

There is a wealth of opportunity for crafters surrounding Galentine’s Day. For starters, people are searching for meaningful gifts and cards to give and many retailers stock dedicated Galentine’s Day merchandise. There’s also the fact that many groups of friends will be seeking crafting activities to do together on Galentine’s Day and crafters have the ingenuity to kit people out with ideas and resources to create some fabulous memories and crafts that will keep.  

Here are a few ideas for Galentine’s Day activity packs and resources to provide for time-poor customers looking to enjoy some quality time crafting with their friends! 

Friendship bracelets  

Probably one of the most appropriate activities for a day celebrating friendship! Packs of embroidery thread cut to the appropriate lengths and bagged could make a simple but effective activity pack for a Galentine’s Day party.  

Canvas tote bags 

You could also offer sets of inexpensive plain canvas tote bags with acrylic paint – these would even be useful afterwards and everyone can make their own design.  

Card decorating  

Provide a set of plain cards and resources to decorate them with. The group could then present them to each other with heartfelt messages inside to treasure.  

Photo frame decorating  

Why not provide a set of inexpensive photo frames and resources to decorate and personalise them. The group could even take a group pic to put inside! 

Crafters and Galentine’s Day 

As crafters, we can help inspire people to make the most of this relatively recent tradition. After all, working on hand made crafts together is itself a time-honoured tradition that has always provided an opportunity for conversation and relationship-building. 

Our gifts, cards, ideas and resources will help those either planning a big event or a quiet catch-up over coffee, also helping those women who work hard and struggle to “fit it all in” to show their friends how much they mean to them. It’s not about grand gestures or expensive plans but the thought and effort put into making the time to connect. 

Galentine’s Day is about celebrating the people who make life brighter. It’s a reminder that friendship deserves just as much recognition as romantic relationships. So this 13th of February, take a moment to raise a toast to the women in your life. Whether near or far, their support, laughter and love make all the difference. Let’s keep celebrating these bonds in ways that are as unique and wonderful as the friendships themselves.