The 14th of February is a day some look forward to, while others dread. The thing most people don’t realize is that you don’t need a romantic partner to have a good Valentine’s Day — all you really need is your besties. So forget Valentine’s Day and think Galentine’s Day instead. 

Celebrated on Feb. 13, Galentine’s was originally created by Leslie Knope from the show “Parks and Recreation,” played by Amy Poehler. It is not intended to be anti-Valentine’s Day, but rather to show that love comes in more forms than one. If you want to celebrate Galentine’s Day, here are some fun activities to do with friends:

1. Scrapbooking

Materials you will need include a scrapbook or blank notebook, printed photos, construction paper, glue or tape and scissors. You could also go through magazines and cut out cute designs. Whether you’re writing captions below your favorite memories, people you love or exes and situationships, get creative with your DIY-ing. Think crooked photos and inside jokes.

2. Charcuterie board picnic 

Bring a fuzzy blanket to sit on, wear cute outfits and have everyone contribute something to the charcuterie board. Think cheese, crackers, prosciutto, pretzels, fruit, dark chocolate, cookies and jam. Feel free to shape your food with designs like a heart or a star if you’re feeling extra fancy. Bonus points if you bring a disposable camera.

3. Spa night

Face masks, under-eye patches, lip masks, nail polish and hair masks are all fair game. Do each other’s nails and enjoy girl power songs like “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyonce and “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus. There’s nothing like a little self-care surrounded by the people you love. 

4. Plan a gift exchange 

Set a price cap and randomly assign who is getting gifts for who. Consider candles, fuzzy socks, handwritten notes or something that holds meaning. This is less about the price and more about showing appreciation for one another in a way that feels personal.

5. Movie night

Bake some brownies, set up a popcorn bar, wear matching pajamas and then put on a good chick flick. “Mean Girls”, “Legally Blonde” and “Clueless” are all acceptable watches. Romance movies like “27 Dresses” and “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” are also great options. If you want to go the extra mile, set up a projector and put up some fairy lights.

6. Make friendship bracelets 

Buy beads and string, and then have names in a jar and decide who makes who a bracelet. Use colors or charms that are personal to the person or your friendship with the person. Then your friend will always have a cute physical reminder of you and the effort you put into making a bracelet just for them. Think of it like a friendship souvenir — no matter where you go, you can always be together.

7. Karaoke night 

You may not be professional singers, but the point is to have a good time. Make a joint playlist beforehand with any songs you like — whether it’s throwback hits, pop anthems, R&B songs, the more variety the better! Some recommendations I have are “Love Story” by Taylor Swift, “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield and “Irreplaceable” by Beyonce. Have a machine ready to go, put the lyrics on a TV, grab a partner and sing and dance it out together.

For those who do not have a romantic partner, Galentine’s Day is just as heartfelt of an occasion to celebrate love. We all deserve to sing and dance around, even if it’s just with friends.