Valentine’s Day Ideas for Tween and Teen Girls

Feb 11, 2026

Whether your daughter is celebrating with her closest friends, her family, or enjoying some well-deserved time to herself, Valentine’s (and Galentine’s!) Day can be such a lovely opportunity to slow down and share a bit of joy.

This holiday has grown and changed so much over the years, and traditions vary so widely from country to country.

Did you know:

  • Finns celebrate Ystävänpäivä (pronounced YOUS-ta-van-PIE-vah) on February 14th, and give little gifts to friends to show how much they are loved and appreciated
  • Pigs are the most common symbol of V’s Day in Germany
  • In some parts of England, children singing is a popular V’s Day tradition – and in exchange, they receive seeded and fruity traditional buns called plum shuttles
  • Every year in the Philippines, the government hosts a large-scale mass wedding ceremony that allows hundreds of couples to marry at the same time.

All of these little traditions, whether sweet, quirky, or meaningful, remind us that Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance. At its heart, it’s about connection, friendship, and taking a moment to make someone feel seen — including ourselves.

That’s exactly why this day can be such a wonderful festive moment for tweens and teens, no matter how they choose to celebrate.

Wait, What’s Galentine’s Day?

Galentine’s Day is all about celebrating friendship – the kind of love that shows up in group chats, shared snacks, inside jokes, and the friends who make everyday life brighter.

While it originally started as a storyline on the TV show Parks and Recreation, it’s taken on a life of its own once people realized how much it fulfilled a need – a day honouring platonic love in all its forms.

For tweens and teens, Galentine’s Day can feel especially meaningful. It shifts the focus away from couples and romantic pressure, and instead centers on connection, confidence, and fun. Whether it’s a big sleepover or a quiet afternoon crafting together, it’s a reminder that good, healthy friendships are worth celebrating.

Here are a few wholesome, creative ways to make the day memorable.

Fun Group Activities for Galentine’s Day

  • DIY Spa Day: A manicure or facemask session can feel indulgent and fun, especially when paired with music, snacks, and friends. Doing each other’s nails may require a bit more focus, but simple face masks and hand scrubs are easier and very relaxing.
  • PJ Party & Movie Night: A cozy night in with a favourite film, popcorn, and themed treats always goes down well. For added fun, you could include a cake decorating or dessert challenge – the messier, the better!
  • Friendship Bracelet Bar: Set out colourful threads, beads, and charms, and let everyone make bracelets for each other. It’s calming, creative, and results in a keepsake they can wear every day.
  • Photo Booth Fun: Create a DIY photo booth with props, fairy lights, and a backdrop. The photos make lovely keepsakes and capture the joy of the day perfectly.

Solo Activities for Valentine’s Day

  • Art & Creativity: Encourage a moment of reflection and expression with something like the charming Me, Myself and I Art Box for Young Adults from Holly & Co. It’s all about self-expression and creativity, which is ideal for a quiet afternoon of drawing or doodling solo.
  • Handwritten Love Notes: Invite your tween or teen to write little notes of appreciation for friends or family, or even a message to herself. I especially love the idea of displaying them in a lovely personalized frame like this one, as a reminder of all the kindness and love in her life.
  • Memory Scrapbook or Collage: Using Polaroids or printed photos, encourage your teen or tween to create a collage or scrapbook celebrating happy memories with friends or family. Doing this every year makes for a heartfelt and meaningful way to reflect on the connections in her life.
  • Candy Heart Décor: For a creative twist, try using this customizable candy heart stamp to create little biscuits or cookies with a personal message. It’s such a playful and thoughtful way to share affection with friends and loved ones.

A Final Thought

Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day don’t need to be big, flashy, or perfect to be meaningful. For tweens and teens especially, the most lasting memories come from feeling accepted, valued, and free to be themselves.

However they choose to celebrate, these little moments of connection and creativity are what truly make the day special.

For more resources on emotional intelligence, friendship, and other essential aspects of girlhood, check out our blog.