Galentine's and Palentine's gift exchange
A Galentine's or Palentine's gift exchange is a friends swap on or around February 13 or 14, usually at brunch or dinner. Set a budget of about $15 to $25, draw names, and pick a format like a secret swap or a white elephant. Here are rules, budgets and ideas.
Galentine's and Palentine's, in short
Galentine's Day celebrates friendship among women and Palentine's Day is the same idea for any group of pals. Both are friendly, not romantic. Neither is an official holiday, so your group can make its own rules.
A gift exchange gives the evening a simple structure: everyone brings one wrapped gift and goes home with one.
Pick a format
- Secret swap: names are drawn ahead, each person buys for one friend. See Secret Cupid.
- White elephant: everyone brings a wrapped gift and the group steals from each other. See white elephant rules.
- Theme swap: every gift fits a theme, such as self-care, snacks or books.
- Mystery bag: gifts are in plain bags and numbered, no wrapping skill needed.
Pick names for your friend group in seconds. No app, account or email. Create your group, free
Budgets
Everyone should see the same number. See how much to spend for guidance on setting one.
| Budget | What it buys | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | A small treat and a card | Large groups, a casual brunch |
| $15 to $25 | A themed gift, a candle or a book | Most friend groups |
| $30 and up | A nicer item | Small, close groups that agree ahead |
Gift ideas
- A self-care kit with a face mask, lip balm and candle
- A mug with hot cocoa or tea
- A paperback and a bookmark
- A small plant
- Fun socks or a cozy scarf
- A snack box with sweet and salty options
- A framed photo of the two of you
Sample plan for the day
For more game ideas see gift exchange games.
- Three weeks out: invite everyone, set the budget and the date.
- Two weeks out: draw names or tell people to bring a wrapped gift for white elephant.
- Day of: brunch, then the swap. Use the guess-who game if you drew names.
- After: share photos only if everyone agrees.
Tips so nobody feels left out
Friend groups can have an inner circle and people on the edge. Invite the whole circle, keep the budget low enough that everyone can join, and never make the swap a test of who spent the most. If someone cannot make brunch, offer to deliver their gift or hold a short call. Ask about allergies and dietary needs before choosing food gifts, and keep alcohol optional.
Running the draw online
Create the group with the Secret Santa generator, rename it, and share one link. People type a first name. Add can't-draw rules for people who live together. Hollyhush shows who you got after the draw, and nobody else can see it. Anonymous chat is useful for asking about favorites. It is free for up to 50 people.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Galentine's gift exchange?
A friends gift swap held around February 13 or 14, usually at brunch or dinner.
What is Palentine's Day?
It is the same idea as Galentine's Day for any group of friends. It is not romantic.
How much should we spend?
Most friend groups use $15 to $25. A big group might use $10.
Can we do white elephant for Galentine's?
Yes. Everyone brings one wrapped gift and the group steals from each other with the usual rules.
Do we need an app to draw names?
No. Share one link and people type a first name to join.
Try it now
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