If Valentine’s Day is for soulmates, Galentine’s Day is for your ride-or-dies. And honestly, what’s better than a night spent creating cute, handmade stuff with your favourite people?
This year, skip the shop-bought presents and make the activity the gift. You could try your hand at candle-making, whip up some bath bombs that rival LUSH or get artsy with pottery painting. Whatever takes your fancy, memories and laughs are guaranteed (especially if your creativity is wine-fuelled).
Looking for inspo? The Galentine’s gifts below are an excuse to hang out and honour the people who’ve been there through it all.
8 Galentine’s gifts to make this year
Whether you’re making these creations solo ahead of gifting, or making it a group activity, here are some ideas that celebrate your platonic loves.
Scented candles
Candle-making strikes that perfect balance between a gift someone actually wants and creative therapy. Maybe you’re surprising your friends with personalised scents or turning it into a group Galentine’s activity to mark the occasion. Either way, handmade candles are always guaranteed to be a hit.
First, stock up on wax and all of the other important candle-making supplies. Then, the more personal part: fragrance and colour. Think dreamy fragrances like rose, amber or vanilla, and go bold with pinks and reds. You could even pick scents that remind you of your friends (espresso for the caffeine addict, perhaps?).
Want to make your candles extra personal? Take out a leaf out of Mischief Candles’ playbook and add cheeky labels, like "Warning: This candle may outlast your ex", or something more relatable for your gals. Or if you want to go down the more traditional route, let some of these romantic candle ideas inspire you.
Luxe soaps
If candles are the therapy, soaps are the spa day. The “clean girl” aesthetic—summed up as simple, fresh and natural—is driving trends in soap-making, with luxe yet minimal designs in demand. For your creations, start with a goat’s milk soap base for its nourishing properties, ideal for keeping winter skin soft and hydrated. Add natural extras like dried petals, coffee grounds or even gold leaf for an opulent touch.
Making these together? It’s as simple as melting the base, mixing in your favourite fragrance oil, and pouring the blend into moulds of your choice: hearts, flowers or even initials for a signature finish. For added flair, swirl in some mica powder for a shimmer effect or layer colours for a gradient look.
If gifting, go the extra mile with thoughtful packaging: clear boxes tied with silk ribbons, kraft paper with handwritten tags or even small muslin bags for a rustic feel. Bonus idea: Add a pressed flower or sprig of lavender on the label for a finish that’s as Instagrammable as it is thoughtful.
Paint by numbers
Sip and paint is having a moment, and it’s easy to see why. Imagine your girls gathered around the table, cocktails in hand, laughter echoing as you wonder why your “art” looks more like a toddler’s finger painting. Jokes aside, painting by numbers is the ultimate low-pressure activity as it comes with everything you need and guarantees polished(-ish) results, even if you’re not exactly Picasso. You can find templates and kits on Etsy, but if you’re feeling extra creative, why not design your own using Canva?
Custom scrapbooks
Scrapbooks are the ultimate throwback and a sweet way to relive old memories. Fill them with photos, inside jokes, ticket stubs and doodles—whatever helps you create a time capsule of your friendship. Or if scrapbooking feels a bit too old-school for you, why not create vision boards instead? They’re like a scrapbook but for your future; a collage of images, quotes and ideas that inspire the life you want to build. It could represent dream holidays, career goals or even a mood board for your ideal home.
How it’s done for a Galentine’s night in:
- Pick up some A3 cards or canvases.
- Stock up on magazines.
- Print out some Pinterest-worthy ideas.
- Lay out the scissors and glue sticks.
- Cut and stick wherever your heart pulls you.
Handmade jewellery
Friendship bracelets are the obvious choice here, but who says you have to stop there? Get crafty with more intricate DIY jewellery like clay earrings in funky shapes (check out this croissant-shaped pair), beaded chokers in your favourite colours or wire rings that look waaay harder to make than they are.
Want to take the quality up a notch? Take a peek at Cahve’s bespoke jewellery-making kit—it’s packed with everything you need to create boutique-worthy pieces. This would make a super-special gift, or maybe you’d prefer to sit down with your bestie and craft matching pieces you’ll both treasure.
Cute wax melts
Wax melts are the low-effort, high-reward DIY project for your Galentines’ gifts. They’re simpler to make than candles, but just as thoughtful and personal. When it comes to melts, it’s all about nailing the perfect fragrance, and we recommend scents that spark memories or moods. Maybe calming lavender for the one who’s always burning the candle at both ends or a zingy citrus blend for the early riser in the 5AM club.
Get creative with colours, shapes, and scents—heart-shaped clamshells scream Valentine’s, or go bold with glittery pastels for a playful twist. The best part? They’re a sure-fire crowd-pleaser and make cute gifts.
DIY face masks
Pamper night, anyone? DIY face masks are a Galentine’s classic, doubling as the ultimate self-care moment or thoughtful gift. The best part? You likely have the ingredients already. Oats and honey work wonders for soothing skin, while yogurt and turmeric add a glow. Got avocado? Mash it up with olive oil for intense hydration. Lay out a spread of ingredients and let everyone mix their own concoctions—it’s fun, creative, and super relaxing. Package any leftovers in mini jars with handwritten labels, and you’ve got a cute, functional gift to keep the spa vibes going.
Simple pottery
Pottery is giving DIY a glow-up, and Sculp’d kits make it ridiculously fun to try. Think trinket dishes for jewellery, quirky plant pots, or even a handmade vessel for your candles—talk about elevating your gift game. With air-dry clay, there’s no need for a kiln, just paint and a bit of sealant. It’s the kind of Galentine’s activity that’s part craft, part chaos (in the best way). Be it gifting your creations or keeping them as a memento of the night, pottery is the perfect mix of meaningful and Instagram-worthy. Plus, it’s pretty hard to mess up!
Crafting is the new love language
If Galentine’s Day has taught us anything, it’s that the best gifts are thoughtfully handmade. From candles to pottery, these DIY ideas aren’t just about the giving; they’re about making, which includes making memories with your besties while adding a personal touch that shop-bought gifts can’t match.
So, whether you’re crafting as a group or surprising your friends with your creations, let these ideas spark your imagination. For even more DIY inspo, check out the NI Candle Supplies blog. Your next great idea is just a click away!