Great Galentine’s Day gifts & activities

By Photobox on 23 January 2026

Find out how to surprise your friends on Valentine’s Day with little gifts and a lot of love.

Turn friendship memories into stunning Photobox posters for Galentine's Day, a thoughtful way to wish a Happy Valentine's Day to friends.

Who says Valentine’s Day is just for the ‘coupled up’? Enter Galentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is also a great way to show your friends some love. We’ve rounded up the best way to celebrate your girls with Valentine’s Day gifts that are guaranteed to give them heart eyes.

What is Galentine’s Day, actually?

A fun group of three best friends taking a selfie for Photobox, showing that Valentine's Day is also for friends on Galentine's Day.

Galentine’s Day originated in the TV show Parks and Recreation and celebrates female friendships – with love, shared moments and little gifts. Think of it as Valentine’s Day for friends. There are no rules though, and everyone’s welcome to join in, regardless of gender.

And the best bit? It doesn’t matter whether you’re single or in a relationship. All that counts are good vibes and the people you love. We’ve rounded up a few tips and gift ideas to get you started. So: Happy Galentine’s Day.

Galentine’s Day gift ideas for your friends

Why should couples be the only ones to have all the fun? Explore our ideas for Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day gifts for friends – easy, personal and with a whole lot of heart.

Create a Galentine’s Day book for your girlfriends

Celebrating Galentine's Day with a Photobox photo book for best friends, the ultimate Valentine's Day greeting that stays on the coffee table forever.

The selfies, the school photos, the snaps that always make you laugh – gather your best shared moments and turn them into a photo book. It’s a lovely way to time-travel back in time and relive the highlights of your friendship (whether awkward or epic).

With our themed designs, you’ll nail the look. From minimalist to bold to hip – there’s something for everyone. Pick the style that suits your friendship, add little anecdotes and inside jokes and decorate it with stickers, backgrounds and more.

Matching mugs: a Galentine’s Day idea for best friends

Celebrate Happy Galentine's Day with custom Photobox mugs for girlfriends, the perfect way to show some love to your inner circle.

One for you, one for me – with matching mugs, you can toast to each other in spirit with every hot drink. Just pick your favourite photo (silly ones are welcome) and start the day with a smile. And when you gift it, don’t forget to add some chocolate, biscuits or tea.

Top tip: Our heart mugs make especially sweet Valentine’s Day gifts for friends.

Surprise them on Galentine’s Day with wall decor

Turn friendship memories into stunning Photobox posters for Galentine's Day, a thoughtful way to wish a Happy Valentine's Day to friends.

You probably have that one picture in your camera roll that just sums it all up – your friendship, your humour, your vibe. Give it the spotlight it deserves and turn it into a piece of wall art. Whether mini or XL, it’s a beautiful keepsake of your friendship. A framed canvas is particularly stunning and makes your photo look like a little work of art.

Top tip: Why not create a collage full of highlights as your personal Best of?

Send your greetings with a Galentine’s Day card

It doesn’t have to be anything big. A few personal words are all it takes to send a smile from afar. Choose from a range of creative designs and personalise them with your own photos and text. Simply write down in your own words what you appreciate about this friendship. Because let’s be honest, everyone loves a thoughtful note.

Top tip: Big friendship group? Perfect. With our card sets, you can send Valentine’s greetings to all your friends at once.

The best Galentine’s Day activities to enjoy with friends

Sometimes the best gift is simply time spent together. Here are a few ideas to spend a happy Galentine’s Day with your friends.

Host a Galentine’s movie night

Two best friends sharing popcorn for a cozy Galentine's Day movie night, proving that Valentine's Day is also for friends to enjoy together with Photobox.

Cinema vibes guaranteed. Grab some blankets, popcorn, prosecco and snacks, then settle in for a cosy movie marathon. Whether action or romcom, we won’t judge. Let everyone pick their favourite film and enjoy them all together.

Top tip: A photo cushion is a funny gift to bring and will remind you of the good times long after the credits roll.

Spend Galentine’s Day playing games

Three best friends enjoying a board game for Galentine's Day, a fun way to spend Valentine's Day with friends and make Photobox memories.

A game night is a perfect way to spend quality time with friends, laugh and create new memories. Board games, karaoke or quiz rounds – choose whatever you love most. And don’t forget to take plenty of pictures. They’ll make great photo gifts later on.

Top tip: If you’re after something more relaxing, you could piece together your own personalised puzzle.

Get creative with DIY projects

Two best friends getting creative and painting together for Galentine's Day, a wonderful way to celebrate Valentine's Day with friends and turn art into Photobox gifts.

If you’re the creative type, use this day to craft something together. You’ll enjoy quality time and end up with a keepsake to remember it by. Win-win. Here are some ideas:

  • Jewellery: Whether pearl necklaces, friendship bracelets or glittery earrings – unleash your creativity.
  • Crafting kits: candle making, crocheting or mosaics – grab a kit and get started.
  • Collages: print some photos (with retro vibes) and turn them into leporellos, décor or collages.

Did you get inspired to plan a Galentine’s Day party or surprise your friends with some personal gifts? Time to get started. We wish you a very happy Galentine’s Day.

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