Galentine’s Day “Date” Ideas

Who needs a partner on Valentines day when you have your besties?

Photo Ashlyn Miller

A fun photo collage of things you can do with your friends.

Ashlyn Miller, Staff Writer
February 10, 2023

As we enter February of the new year, Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. Many singles are stressed, as they do not have a partner to celebrate the heart-studded holiday with. However, love doesn’t have to be romantic all the time. You can show your friends (single or not) how much you love them this Feb. 14 with these affordable ‘Gal’entines Day date ideas.

 1. Baking Heart Shaped Pizzas

Pizzas are something that can be made simply and customized to your liking, which makes them perfect for sharing. Even if you and your friends are not seasoned chefs, the memory of attempting to make something halfway edible will be super sweet to hold onto.

Recipe via. Kristen Merkley

Ingredients

  • 1 ball of pizza dough homemade or store-bought
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil, divided
  • 30 pepperoni
  • 1/4 c. pizza sauce
  • 1 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella
  • 3 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tsp. chopped parsley or basil *optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°Fs. Line a pizza pan with parchment paper, set aside.
  2. Fold each pepperoni in half and cut it into heart shapes using kitchen shears. Place on a paper towel-lined plate and microwave for 15 seconds on high. Dab any excess grease off, set aside.
  3. Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough into a heart shape, about 16 inches tall. Fold edges over and press to create the crust.
  4. Transfer the pizza dough to a prepared baking sheet. Brush with olive oil, then dock the crust with a fork to prevent bubbles from forming.
  5. Place in the oven and bake for 6 minutes. Remove and spread sauce over top, then add cheese and pepperoni.
  6. Return to the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the pepperoni is crispy. Remove from the oven and top with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting.

2. Thrifted Outfits Challenge

For this idea, you and your friends can go to your local thrift store and choose outfits for each other. Not only is playing dress up with human Bratz dolls fun, but you are also supporting a thrift/ secondhand store in the process. The challenge is to keep your full outfit under $15 dollars and it must include bottoms, a top, shoes, and one accessory. These are some of the best Tampa thrifts to try this challenge at:

Sunshine Thrift Store: 4304 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, Fla., 33611

The Vine Thrift Store: 5807 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, Fla.,33611

Goodwill St. Pete: 10596 Gandy Blvd N suite a, St. Petersburg, Fla., 33702

Revolve Clothing Exchange: 2000 4th St N, St. Petersburg, Fla., 33704

3. Barbie Movie Marathon

Barbie movies are the only true classics of modern cinema. Watching these movies may be a nostalgia trip or a first-time experience. Either way, you will be moved and your life will be changed. With their Happy-Go-Lucky plots and near-perfect soundtracks, Barbie movies are enjoyed by all who watch them. The best ones have a focus on friendship over romance, which only adds to your and your friend’s special day.

  • “Barbie and the 12 Dancing Princesses”- 1 hour, 26 minutes
  • “Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper”- 1 hour, 25 minutes
  • “Barbie and the Diamond Castle”- 1 hour, 19 minutes
  • “Barbie Fairy Topia: Magic of the Rainbow”- 1 hour, 15 minutes
  • “Barbie: A Fairy Secret”- 1 hour, 30 minutes
  • “Barbie: Princess Charm School”- 1 hour, 21 minutes
  • “Barbie: A Fashion Fairy Tale”-1 hour, 19 minutes
  • “Barbie in A Mermaid Tale” – 1 hour, 15 minutes
  • “Barbie as the Island Princess” – 1 hour, 26 minutes

4. Making Collages

After your baking fiasco, shopping spree and 12-hour life-altering experience, you will likely have lots of cute photos of you and your friends. Instead of just keeping those pictures in your phone, print them out and make something special. You can also use scraps of paper, ticket stubs and receipts from days spent with your friends to make it more personal. Writing small captions of what is happening in every photo will help you remember all of those little moments years later.

While these are big ideas, something as small as hand-written notes or cards will have the same heartwarming effects. Sometimes it really is the thought that counts. With this mindset, you can make what may otherwise be a sad lonely day something to be remembered fondly by the people you love and care about the most.