This is your sign to make a Galentine's Day Photo Book (+5 creative ideas)

First things first: What is Galentine's Day?

You’ve heard of Valentine’s Day, but what exactly is Galentine’s Day? It's a day dedicated to celebrating the most important people in your life: your friends! It's about honoring the ones who are there for you through thick and thin.

Typically celebrated on February 13th, it's the perfect pre-Valentine's warmup dedicated to your platonic soulmates. The biggest difference is the focus: while Valentine's Day is for romantic love, Galentine's is all about the history, inside jokes, and unwavering support you share with your besties. 

And while the name started with the "gals," the idea has grown to celebrate all friendships. So, Galentine's for guys? Absolutely!

It’s the perfect excuse to give a thoughtful, personal gift to show them just how much they mean to you.

The best Galentine's Day gift ideas (and why a Photo Book wins)

Do you give gifts for Galentine's Day? Absolutely! It’s the perfect chance to show your best friend how much you appreciate them. But what should you get? 

Here are some popular ideas and why a Photo Book might be the most special choice of all.

While all these gifts are wonderful, a friendship Photo Book is the only one that’s 100% unique to your bond. It's a gift that says, "I remember our story, and I cherish every moment."

5 fun ideas for your friendship Photo Book

So, what should you include in a friendship album? Here are five creative Photo Book ideas for your best friend.

1. The "Story of Our Friendship" Chronicle: The classic for a reason. Start with the earliest, cringiest photos you have together and tell the story of your friendship chronologically. Let Journi's AI instantly arrange them by date for a trip down memory lane.
2. The "Inside Joke Encyclopedia": This is pure gold. Dedicate pages to your most hilarious and iconic inside jokes. Pair a silly photo with a text caption that only the two of you will understand. It's a guaranteed laugh and a tribute to your unique bond.
3. "A Tribute to Their Best Qualities": Create a heartfelt book celebrating all the reasons they are amazing. Dedicate each page to a quality, like "Your infectious laugh," "Your brilliant advice," "Your adventurous spirit", and pair it with a photo that shows it in action.
4. The "Our Shared Adventures" Album: From that chaotic road trip to a relaxing beach getaway, a book of your travels is the perfect way to relive the fun. Journi's automatic map feature will beautifully trace your journeys, so you can remember all of your stops along the way. 
5. A 'Then & Now' Book: Perfect for long-term friendships! Dig up old, grainy photos from your school days or college years and place them next to modern-day recreations. It’s a hilarious and surprisingly emotional way to see how far you've both come.

How to make a Photo Book gift in minutes

Creating a beautiful, heartfelt gift for your bestie shouldn't feel like a chore. The Journi app is the easiest Photo Book maker because our AI takes over the hard work, letting you focus on the fun part: remembering all the good times.

1. Gather your memories

Open the Journi app and select your favorite photos from your phone.

✨ Pro Tip: Want to make a group gift from all your friends? Use our "shared album" feature to gather everyone's best photos!

2. Let the AI work its magic

In seconds, our AI sorts your photos chronologically and designs a beautiful first draft for you.

3. Become the storyteller

Now, make it yours! Add your favorite captions about Galentines, choose a fun theme like "Hearts" or “Lavender Field”, and write a dedication on the first page. Once you’ve personalized it to perfection, your gift is ready to order.

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Which kind of Photo Book is perfect for a Galentine’s gift?

The final format of your Photo Book is what turns it into a true, tangible keepsake. 

Our top recommendation: The Hardcover Photo Book

For a friendship that’s built to last, a Hardcover Photo Book is the ultimate choice. It's a timeless, durable, and classic keepsake that feels truly special to unwrap and hold. 

The sturdy cover provides the best protection for your precious memories, giving the book a "forever gift" feel that your friend can proudly display on their coffee table or bookshelf for decades to come.

A great budget-friendly option: The Softcover Photo Book

If you’re looking for a wonderfully affordable gift or want to start a new annual tradition, a Softcover Photo Book is a fantastic choice.

It has a modern, stylish, magazine-like feel that's perfect for capturing the fun, spontaneous energy of a friendship. It's the ideal format for recapping a single hilarious road trip or creating a new "best of" book every single year.

Your Galentine's Day questions, answered

Can Valentine's be between friends?

Absolutely! While Valentine's Day is traditionally romantic, Galentine's Day (on February 13th) is specifically for celebrating friendship. It's the perfect excuse to show your friends how much you love them.

What makes Journi the easiest Photo Book maker for a Galentine’s gift?

It's the AI-powered speed. Journi is designed to be a mobile-first Photo Book app, allowing you to create a stunning, complete draft right on your phone in minutes. It's perfect if you want to create something beautiful and personal without the hassle.

What are some good quotes I can write in a friendship Photo Book?

A quote is a meaningful touch to add to your Photo Book. Try something moving like "Here's to all the chaos we've survived and the memories we've made" or "A tribute to my chosen family." The most important thing is that it sounds like you.

Can guys have a Galentine's Day?

Yes! While the name originated from a show about female friendship, the idea of celebrating your platonic soulmates is for everyone. It's all about honoring the friends who are your biggest cheerleaders, no matter your gender.