Love doesn’t have to be romantic. Even in its purest and most christened form, it can still be platonic. What better way to celebrate the love and connection you have with your closest friends than by playing some fun and entertaining games this Galentine’s Day?
When February rolls around we will likely still be neck deep in the COVID-19 pandemic, so I can only really offer suggestions of virtual gatherings (in good conscience). It’s worth noting how the pandemic thwarted many festivities this past December. In doing so, COVID has certainly taken a toll on everyone’s mental health. This fact emphasizes the importance of taking care of yourself during these crazy times. What better time to remind yourself and others of how much you are collectively cared for than Galentine’s Day? Despite the necessary safety precautions that should be implemented right now, these games that you can play with your friends are made to be fun!
- Have a virtual picnic with real food
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Order food as a group, but stay in your own home! Some apps like DoorDash will even allow you to start a group order so you can all get your food from the same place. Once your individual orders arrive, you and your friends can jump on a video call and just chat as if you’re all eating together. I mean, technically, you are! All made possible by our constantly evolving technology.
- Test your drawing skills with Pictionary
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All you have to do is create a Zoom meeting for your gals and have one person share their screen. That screen should show some sort of drawing app, like Windows Paint or online websites like Skribbl. Skribbl gives you suggestions for what words to draw and even has a timer to help the game progress and stay organized. Everyone else will watch that person draw on their own screen and try to guess what the drawing is a picture of!
- Have a laugh with Cards Against Humanity
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I strongly feel that Cards Against Humanity game has quickly become the face of all modern card games. It is such a loved and respected game at things like group retreats, club meetings, brunches, boba-runs, house parties, and more. It comes as no surprise that Cards Against Humanity is as well-loved online as it is in person. And despite the name, no actual cards are needed — their website has a download option so you can play the game for free.
- Race each other in Mario Kart
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Early last year, Nintendo released an iOS app version of the iconic Mario Kart game that could be played on phones. One of the new features was that you could race other users who also had the app downloaded on their mobile devices. So, what does this mean for your quarantined Galentine’s Day? Well, you can connect with your friends and play Mario Kart together! It allows up to eight players at one time and offers multiple courses. You can rematch them every time you get rudely bombed by a Blue Shell as first place is just centimeters out of reach.
- Stream a show together
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Streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video already offer group streams with other users of these platforms. If you and your friends all have Netflix, you can all hop on, start a Netflix party, and binge-watch Peaky Blinders, The Crown, and more for hours on end. It’s a great way to feel like you’re back in pre-pandemic life. Sort of like you’re just chilling with friends at a slumber party.
- Send each other care packages
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Although we all have to be socially distanced, it is still possible to feel the presence of your loved ones by receiving and giving gifts! If you want it to be a surprise, you can purchase something you think your friends will enjoy. Then, send it to their mailing address. Alternatively, you could purchase items or make them at home, wrap the gift, and then set it on your friend’s doorstep like a delivery! It’s a kind and heart-warming gesture that really reminds others how much you are thinking about them!
Staying connected during this pandemic is so important. Isolation and quarantine can get restless and negatively affect one’s mental health. By playing these games and interacting with your gals, it might help alleviate the stress you feel from the world’s current ordeal. You aren’t alone and these games are a great way to remind yourself of how much people care about you!