Books

Galentine's Day Gifts For Your Book-Loving BFF

by Julia Seales

If you don’t know what Galentine’s Day is, you’re missing out on the best day of the year. In the words of Parks and Recreation’s Leslie Knope, “February 14th, Valentine’s Day, is about romance. But Feb. 13, Galentine's Day, is all about celebrating lady friends. It’s wonderful and it should be a national holiday.”

Though Galentine's Day was invented by a fictional character, it has become a very real celebration of the women in our lives who share their love daily. Is there honestly a better way to celebrate a holiday about love than by hosting a ladies-celebrating-ladies event?

Leslie Knope celebrates Galentine's Day with an elaborate breakfast, but she also gifts each of her girlfriends something special and heartfelt. For example, one year, she gives each of her friends “a bouquet of hand-crocheted flower pens, a mosaic portrait of each of [them] made from the crushed bottles of [their] favorite diet soda, and a personalized 5,000 word essay of why [they're] all so awesome.” I mean, that's a pretty tough gift to top, but if you’re trying to channel Leslie Knope's energetic, thoughtful spirit this Galentine’s Day, you can buy them one of these literary Galentine's Day gifts:

1Book-Inspired Friendship Bracelets

The Marauders of Harry Potter had a special friendship, which you can share with your gal pals — these stamped bracelets will remind you to solemnly swear that you're up to no good.

Friendship Bracelets, $24.95, bewareofninja on Etsy

2Parabatai Nail Decals

Fans of Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series know that the parabatai bond is strong (it's described as a "precious bond," after all). These decals have the parabatai symbol on them, perfect for Mortal Instrument BFFs.

Parabatai Nail Decals, $2.95, DecalGirlUSA on Etsy

3Jane Austen Card

If you loved your best friend less, you might be able to talk about it more... but it's always good to tell people how much you appreciate them. Write some kind words in this Jane Austen-inspired greeting card.

Jane Austen Card, $5, hairbrainedschemes on Etsy

4Sam And Frodo Rings

Because "Frodo wouldn't have got far without Sam."

Sam and Frodo Rings, $20, TrueStoryStudio

5Kindred Spirits Keychain

In Anne of Green Gables, Anne meets her best friend Diana, whom she calls her "kindred spirit." Celebrate your kindred spirit with this delicate keychain (it's a better gift than raspberry cordial, right?).

Kindred Spirits Keychain, $15, JennsHandmadeJewelry on Etsy

6Sherlock And Watson Print

Fans of Sherlock Holmes know that he isn't really Sherlock without Watson. This print celebrates that great friendship, so it's the perfect gift for your roommate at 221b.

Sherlock and Watson Print, $15.51, andsmile on Etsy

7Best Friend Bookmark

Best friends who read together are never really apart.

Best Friend Bookmark, $6.28, 1107Studio on Etsy

8Golden Trio Candles

Harry, Ron, and Hermione were the ultimate literary friendship goals. If you're lucky enough to have a squad as magical as the golden trio, give them these lovely candles for Galentine's Day.

Golden Trio Candles, $27, TheFragranceLibrary on Etsy

9Customized Penguin Mug

Give your literary-obsessed BFF the gift of seeing her name on a Penguin cover with this customizable mug — perfect for filling with coffee and pairing with a great book.

Customized Penguin Mug, $12.91, LoveMugsUK on Etsy

10Literary Cookie Cutters

You could give your book-and-baking-loving friend these adorable cookie cutters. Or you could bake them cookies in the shape of famous authors. Both great options.

Literary Cookie Cutters, $22, BoeTechLLC