Virtual Galentine's Day Ideas for Long-Distance Friendships

Distance doesn't have to stop you from celebrating Galentine's Day with your besties. Whether you're in different cities, states, or countries, technology makes it possible to honor your friendships on February 13th—even when you can't be together in person.

Here's how to make virtual Galentine's Day feel just as special as the real thing.

Why Virtual Galentine's Day Matters

Distance Is Normal Now

Friends move for jobs, relationships, school, or adventure. Long-distance friendships are increasingly common—and they deserve celebration too.

Maintaining Connection

Virtual celebrations keep traditions alive and maintain connection despite physical distance.

Inclusivity

Virtual options mean no one gets left out because they can't travel or afford flights.

Practice for the Future

Learning to celebrate virtually means you'll always have ways to stay connected, no matter where life takes you.

Virtual Galentine's Day Party Ideas

1. Virtual Brunch or Dinner

How it works: Everyone joins a video call while eating brunch or dinner. Set a time that works across time zones.

How to make it special:

  • Agree on a menu everyone makes
  • Dress up like you would for in-person brunch
  • Set your table nicely and show it on camera
  • Send digital invitations
  • Create a shared Spotify playlist for background music

Apps to use: Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime (for smaller groups)

Cost: Whatever you spend on food

2. Netflix Party / Watch Party

How it works: Watch movies or shows together using synchronized streaming extensions.

What to watch:

  • Classic rom-coms (Galentine's Day themed episodes, romances, comedies)
  • Parks and Recreation Galentine's Day episode (where it all started)
  • Friendship movies (Bridesmaids, Booksmart, Girls Trip)
  • Cheesy Valentine's movies to mock together

Tools:

  • Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) - Chrome extension
  • Disney+ GroupWatch
  • Amazon Prime Video Watch Party
  • Hulu Watch Party

Cost: Streaming subscription (most people already have)

3. Virtual Game Night

How it works: Play games online together via video call.

Game options:

Free/Low-Cost:

  • Jackbox Games (one person buys, everyone plays on phones)
  • Skribbl.io (online Pictionary)
  • Codenames online
  • Among Us
  • Trivia via Kahoot
  • Cards Against Humanity online
  • 20 Questions

Paid but worth it:

  • Jackbox Party Packs ($15-30, reusable)
  • Board Game Arena (free and premium options)

Cost: $0-30

4. Virtual Wine or Cocktail Tasting

How it works: Everyone buys the same wine or makes the same cocktail, then tastes together on video call.

How to organize:

  • Pick 3-4 wines or cocktails in advance
  • Share the shopping list or recipes
  • Everyone purchases and prepares their own
  • Join video call and taste together
  • Discuss, rate, and laugh

Alternative: Use services like City Winery or local wineries that ship tasting kits.

Cost: $30-60 depending on drinks chosen

5. Virtual Cooking or Baking Class

How it works: Follow a cooking tutorial together, making the same recipe simultaneously.

Options:

Free:

  • Find a YouTube cooking tutorial
  • Follow a recipe together
  • Each person teaches their signature dish

Paid:

  • Book a virtual cooking class together
  • Cozymeal, Sur La Table, or Williams Sonoma offer virtual classes
  • Local chefs often offer virtual options

What to make:

  • Chocolate desserts (on-theme)
  • Fancy cocktails or mocktails
  • Pizza from scratch
  • Pasta-making
  • Decorated sugar cookies

Cost: $0-50 per person

6. Virtual Paint and Sip

How it works: Paint the same thing together via video call, wine optional (but encouraged).

How to organize:

Option A - Guided:

  • Book a virtual paint night through Paint Nite or similar
  • They ship supplies or you buy your own
  • Follow along together on video

Option B - DIY:

  • Everyone buys basic paint supplies ($15-30 at craft stores)
  • Pick a reference photo to paint
  • Join video call and paint together
  • Compare results at the end (prepare to laugh)

Cost: $15-60 depending on supplies

7. Virtual Spa Night

How it works: Everyone does self-care simultaneously on video call.

What to include:

  • Face masks
  • Nail painting
  • Hair masks or treatments
  • Relaxing music in background
  • Robes and comfy clothes
  • Candles and tea

How to make it special:

  • Mail each other small spa items in advance
  • Share product recommendations
  • Take turns leading relaxation exercises
  • End with affirmations or gratitude sharing

Cost: $20-50 for supplies

8. Virtual Book Club

How it works: Read the same book and discuss on Galentine's Day.

Book suggestions:

  • Friendship-themed fiction
  • Romance novels to discuss and dissect
  • Self-help books about relationships
  • Funny memoirs

Discussion format:

  • Structured questions
  • Casual conversation
  • Rate different aspects
  • Choose next book together

Cost: $10-20 for the book

Digital Gift Ideas for Long-Distance Friends

1. Digital Friendship Timeline

Create a personalized digital gift celebrating how long you've been friends with personal messages. They can access it anytime, anywhere.

Cost: Free

2. Food Delivery Surprise

Order delivery to their address during your virtual celebration—pizza, dessert, or their favorite meal.

Apps: DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub

Cost: $30-60

3. Digital Gift Cards

Send gift cards via email for:

  • Their favorite coffee shop
  • Bookstore
  • Spa or massage
  • Streaming service
  • Online retailers

Cost: Any amount

4. Flower Delivery

Order flowers delivered to their home on Galentine's Day morning.

Services: 1-800-Flowers, Bouqs, local florists

Cost: $30-80

5. Care Package

Mail a physical care package before February 13th:

  • Favorite snacks
  • Face masks and self-care items
  • Handwritten letter
  • Small gifts and treats
  • Inside joke items

Cost: $30-60 plus shipping

6. Custom Playlist

Create a Spotify playlist of songs that remind you of them, songs you've shared, or songs about friendship.

Cost: Free

7. Digital Photo Album

Compile photos of your friendship into a digital album or slideshow with captions and memories.

Tools: Google Photos, Canva, iMovie

Cost: Free

8. Subscription Service

Gift them a month or three of:

  • Netflix, Hulu, or streaming service
  • Audiobook subscription (Audible)
  • Meditation app (Calm, Headspace)
  • Music streaming (Spotify Premium)

Cost: $10-40

Virtual Activity Ideas

9. Virtual Escape Room

How it works: Many escape room companies offer virtual versions where you solve puzzles together online.

Companies offering virtual escape rooms:

  • The Escape Game
  • 60out
  • Enchambered

Cost: $10-30 per person

10. Virtual Museum or Art Gallery Tour

How it works: Many museums offer free virtual tours. "Visit" together on video call.

Free options:

  • The Louvre virtual tour
  • Smithsonian museums
  • British Museum
  • MoMA
  • Vatican Museums

Cost: Free

11. Virtual Karaoke

How it works: Use online karaoke platforms while on video call together.

Platforms:

  • Watch2gether for YouTube karaoke videos
  • Smule (karaoke app)
  • Singa (subscription karaoke service)

Cost: Free or $10/month

12. Virtual Vision Board Session

How it works: Create vision boards simultaneously while on video call.

Digital option: Use Canva or Pinterest to create digital vision boards

Physical option: Everyone gathers magazines, photos, and supplies, then creates physical boards together virtually

Cost: $10-30 for supplies

13. Virtual Photoshoot Challenge

How it works: Each person takes self-portraits in different themes, then shares and votes on favorites.

Themes:

  • "Most glamorous"
  • "Funniest face"
  • "Best outfit"
  • "Most creative angle"

Cost: Free

Making It Feel Special

1. Send Physical Invitations

Even though it's virtual, mail actual invitations. The tangible element makes it feel more special.

2. Dress Up

Treat it like an in-person event. Do your hair and makeup, wear a cute outfit, set the tone.

3. Set the Scene

Don't just join a video call in your bedroom. Set up a nice background, add decorations, light candles.

4. Create an Agenda

Structure keeps things flowing and ensures you fit in all planned activities.

Sample agenda:

  • 7:00 PM - Everyone joins, show off setup
  • 7:15 PM - Dinner or brunch together
  • 8:00 PM - Activity (game, painting, etc.)
  • 9:00 PM - Sharing session (favorite memories, gratitude)
  • 9:30 PM - Wrap up

5. Take Screenshots and Photos

Document the virtual celebration. Screenshots of everyone together become memories.

6. Use a Theme

Pick a theme (pink and red, pajamas, fancy dress) and have everyone follow it.

7. Send Advance Packages

Mail small items before the event so everyone has matching elements (candles, treats, small gifts).

Time Zone Management

When Friends Are Across Multiple Time Zones:

Strategy 1: Find the overlap Use World Time Buddy to find a time that works for everyone, even if it's not ideal for all.

Strategy 2: Split celebrations Do a shorter celebration at a time that works for most, then smaller follow-ups with different groups.

Strategy 3: Asynchronous celebration Create a shared video or photo album where everyone adds messages and memories throughout the day.

Strategy 4: Record it Record the celebration for anyone who can't make it live, so they can watch later and feel included.

Tech Tips for Smooth Virtual Celebrations

Before the Event:

✓ Test your video call setup ✓ Ensure good lighting (face a window or use a lamp) ✓ Check audio quality (use headphones if needed) ✓ Have backup platform ready (if Zoom fails, switch to Google Meet) ✓ Send everyone the link 24 hours in advance ✓ Create a group chat for coordination

During the Event:

✓ Mute when not speaking if it's a large group ✓ Use "raise hand" features for organized conversations ✓ Share screen for activities ✓ Use virtual backgrounds if desired ✓ Have good wifi (ethernet cable is even better)

Troubleshooting:

  • If someone has connection issues, have them turn off video and stay on audio
  • Keep a backup communication channel open (group text)
  • Be patient and flexible when tech fails

Conversation Prompts for Virtual Galentine's

Keep conversation flowing with structured questions:

  1. "Share your favorite memory of our friendship"
  2. "What's something you've learned from me?"
  3. "Describe me in three words"
  4. "What's your biggest goal for this year?"
  5. "Share one thing you're grateful for"
  6. "What's the funniest thing that's happened to you recently?"
  7. "If you could travel anywhere together, where would we go?"

Making It an Annual Tradition

Create Consistency:

  • Same virtual activity every year
  • Save screenshots/recordings to compare annually
  • Note inside jokes and callbacks
  • Plan next year's celebration together

Document It:

  • Create a shared photo album
  • Start a "Virtual Galentine's" folder
  • Share memories on social media (with permission)

The Bottom Line

Virtual Galentine's Day proves that physical distance doesn't diminish friendship. With effort, creativity, and technology, you can create meaningful celebrations that honor your connection—no matter how many miles separate you.

The best virtual Galentine's celebrations aren't about perfect planning or fancy activities. They're about showing up for each other, making time despite busy schedules, and maintaining traditions that keep your friendship strong.

Distance might keep you apart physically, but it can't keep you from celebrating the friendships that make life better.

Looking for a meaningful virtual gift? Create a digital friendship timeline celebrating how long you've been friends. It's free, personal, and something they can revisit whenever they miss you.

Happy Virtual Galentine's Day 2026!