Galentine’s Brunch is a classic, and I’m loath to hate on it. I love to eat and kiki as much as the next girl, but let’s be honest: between the Lagos traffic and the fact that we’ve all seen that same avocado toast on our feeds a thousand times, it’s time for some diversity!
For the Nigerian woman and our sisters across the continent, Galentine’s isn’t just about the food. It’s about celebrating the people who have your back when life or the economy tries to trip you up. There are myriad ways to do this that don’t involve the usual brunch routine or fighting for a reservation at the newest high-end spot in VI.
Here are some fresh, brunch-free Galentine’s ideas tailored just for us:
1. Cosy Rom-Com Movie Marathon
Throw on your best silk pyjamas and host a “throwback” night. Pick two or three 90s’ or early-2000s classics, whether they’re Hollywood favourites or iconic Nollywood movies we all grew up on, and just lounge. It’s about being cosy, making popcorn, and laughing at old-school tropes together.
2. Pottery Making
Getting your hands dirty and leaning into the slow life are sure ways to feel connected to yourself and your girlfriends. Visit a local studio like Alali or Clay of Lagos, or find one in your city, or attend a pottery pop-up to mould your own vases and bowls. You can also add charms to seal the moment and your bond.
3. A Spa Day Out
Book a full day of pampering at a serene spot like Oriki Spa or Tirta Ayu. It’s about the luxury of silence and professional treatments, massages, facials, and pedicures. It’s the ultimate way to recharge the tribe on Galentine’s, away from the noise of the city.
4. High-Stakes Games Night
Nigerians are naturally competitive, so lean into that energy with a night dedicated to board games and culture cards. Whether you’re playing Ayo, Ludo, or a round of any card game you’ll find in most stores these days, keep the stakes high. The loser buys the next round of drinks. It’s a low-cost, high-energy way to bond on Galentine’s without the formality of a restaurant.
5. The “Favourite Things” Gift Exchange
This is a sentimental way to show your girls you actually pay attention to their needs. Set a budget and have everyone bring three of their “holy grail” items, think a specific Zaron lip gloss, a locally made candle from brands like Abela, or a book that changed their life. Everyone leaves with a curated care package of tried-and-trusted gems.
6. Group Pilates or Yoga
For the squad in their wellness era, a group reformer session at Lo Studio, Oma the Spa, or a private yoga flow at The Dew Centre or Good Faith Yoga, is the ultimate reset. It’s a great way to prioritise your health together before heading to a green juice bar. It feels more intentional than a heavy meal, leaving everyone energised and connected rather than bloated.
7. Private Cinema Screening
For a truly main character experience on Galetine’s, skip the latest blockbusters and rent out a private VIP pod or screening room at EbonyLife Cinemas or Filmhouse Cinemas. You can arrange an archive session with their events team. This allows you to bring your own media and watch a nostalgic Nollywood throwback like Girls Cot or a global favourite like Waiting to Exhale. Since you’ve bought out the space, your tribe can talk back to the characters, rewind the best scenes, and laugh as loud as you want without bothering a single stranger.
8. Paint and Sip
This Galentine’s skip the generic floral or wine paintings and try something edgier, like a graffiti workshop or an Adire fabric painting session. Places like The Metaphor Lagos often host these themed nights. It’s less about being a perfect artist and more about the chaotic fun of seeing how your best friend interprets a “masterpiece” after two glasses of wine.
9. Sip and Scent Fragrance Lab
Fragrance is a huge part of African identity, so why not spend the day creating your own? Visit a scent bar like Scent Science in Lekki to blend your own oils, using notes of Oud, Ginger, and Sandalwood. You’ll leave with a custom signature scent that will serve as a lasting memory of the day.
10. Flower Arranging Workshop
There is something so soft and feminine about spending an afternoon with fresh flowers. You can host this at home by buying various bunches from a local florist and letting everyone create their own bouquets. It’s a peaceful, aesthetic activity that results in beautiful decor for everyone’s homes.
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11. A Picnic at the Park
Grab some blankets and head to Lufasi Nature Park or Muri Okunola Park for a relaxed afternoon outdoors. Pack a basket with small chops, wraps, and chilled spiked Zobo or your preferred drink. It’s a great way to enjoy the breeze and people-watch, and bond.
12. Nostalgia Karaoke
Rent a private room at a spot like Shaunz Bar in VI so you can sing your heart out without judgment. Build a playlist of strictly 2000s throwback hits, think Mo’Hits, early P-Square, and Rihanna. It’s the ultimate stress-reliever and usually ends in a full-blown dance party where everyone is a backup dancer.
13. DIY Spa Night In
If the city feels like too much, bring the spa to your living room. Everyone shows up in matching silk robes and spends the evening getting facials, pedicures, and deep-conditioning hair treatments. It’s the perfect environment for “spilling the tea” in a safe, comfortable space.
14. Thrift Shopping Challenge
Hit up a local market or a curated vintage store and set a challenge: find the most “main character” outfit for under a certain price. It’s a fun, active way to spend the day, and you might just find a hidden gem that becomes a staple in your wardrobe.
15. Candle Making Session
Making something from scratch is incredibly satisfying. Buy a DIY kit or attend a workshop to learn how to pour your own scented soy candles. It’s a quiet, creative way to bond, and your house will smell amazing for weeks afterwards.
16. Host a Book Swap
For the intellectual squad, a book swap is a great way to refresh your library. Everyone brings three books they’ve already read and loved, and you swap them over drinks. It’s a low-effort way to connect over shared interests and discover new favourite authors.
17. Themed PowerPoint Night
This is a global trend that works perfectly for a close-knit group. Everyone prepares a 5-minute, hilarious presentation on a random topic, like “Rating my friends’ exes as Nigerian soups” or “Which Nollywood character each of us would be.” It’s guaranteed to result in non-stop laughter.
18. Guided Museum or Gallery Tour
Take a cultural deep dive by visiting the Nike Art Gallery, J.Randle Centre or the Yemisi Shyllon Museum. Walking through the exhibits provides plenty of conversation starters and a sophisticated backdrop for your group photos. It’s an easy way to appreciate local talent while catching up.
19. ‘Indoor’ Rock Climbing
If your group wants an adrenaline rush, try rock climbing at the Landmark Centre. It’s a physical challenge that requires you to cheer each other on, making it a great team-building experience for a friendship group.
21. Beach Day Escape
If you can, take a boat to a private beach like Tarkwa Bay or one of the resorts at Ilase. Spending the day by the water, away from the noise of the city, is the ultimate way to decompress. Bring a portable speaker and plenty of snacks for a full day of sun and sea.
22. Volunteering Together
Sometimes the best way to celebrate your blessings is to give back. Spend the morning at a local charity, animal shelter, or food bank. Working toward a common goal for the community is a powerful way to strengthen your bond and put things into perspective.
23. Homemade Heart-Shaped Pizza Party
Host a Love You to Pizzas night. Set up a station with pre-made dough (you can even shape them into hearts) and a spread of toppings like suya chicken, caramelised onions, and different cheeses. It’s interactive, messy, and way more fun than just ordering a box from a delivery app.
24. Private Tea Party
Dearest gentle reader, it’s time to embody your inner Bridgerton. Dress up in your “frilliest” outfits and host an afternoon tea, either at home or in a quiet garden. Try coffee if you prefer or a variety of teas, finger sandwiches, and scones. It feels sophisticated and “posh” without the chaos and loud music of a typical Lagos restaurant.
25. DIY Juice & Smoothie Bar
If your squad is in their “soft life and wellness” era, host a morning of movement(You can go on a group walk or run) followed by a juice bar at home. Everyone brings a few fruits: mangoes, pineapples, watermelon, and you spend the morning blending fresh, healthy concoctions. It’s a great way to feel energised rather than sluggish.
26. Scrapbooking Night
Bring back the physical memories! Everyone brings a few printed photos of the group from the past year. Provide the notebooks, stickers, and tape and spend the evening building a friendship scrapbook. It’s a sentimental keepsake that you can add to every Galentine’s Day.
27. Arcade or Bowling Night
Channel your inner child at a place like Upbeat or Rufus & Bee. Whether it’s air hockey, bowling, or arcade games, a little friendly competition is a great way to let off steam and laugh at how bad (or surprisingly good) everyone is at Skee-Ball.
28. The “Open When” Letter Night
This is a low-cost, high-emotion activity perfect for Galentine’s. Everyone writes “Open When” letters for each other (e.g., Open when you’ve had a bad day at work or Open when you need a laugh). It’s a powerful way to show your friends you’re there for them even when you’re not physically together.
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Galentine’s is just the warmup, so click here to join the HERtitude 2026 waitlist and secure your spot for the ultimate celebration of the girlies.
