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How to Host the Perfect Galentines Party on a Not-So-Perfect Budget

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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCF chapter.

So, you want to throw the ultimate Galentine’s Day party. Cute idea, right? There’s just one problem: you just checked your bank account, and apparently, those “treat yourself” moments at Foxtail went a little overboard this month. Oops.

Here’s the thing — you don’t need big bucks to host a killer party. Turns out, friendship and snacks don’t require maxing out your credit card.

Let’s set a budget of $50 and throw the perfect lowkey Galentines

Jackbox Games

Hosting a party is all about creating fun moments, and Jackbox is perfect for that. It’s hilarious and interactive, and you can purchase the Jackbox Party Starter — the best Jackbox game — for only $10. You can play it on your phone and cast it on your TV! This game is an instant party starter.

Rom-Com Marathon

After the games, queue up some rom-com classics. Chances are, everyone already has access to at least one streaming service. Netflix? Hulu? Amazon Prime? The options are endless, plus you already own it, so that’s free ninety-nine. #girlmath

Food & Snacks

Who doesn’t love pizza? You can get two frozen pizzas for $12. It’s cheaper and arguably way better than delivery. One brand that has never let me down is the Digiorno Rising Crust Supreme Pizza.

When it comes to drinks, mocktails are the way to go. Nobody can resist a pretty drink at an even prettier price. Some great budget-friendly options include the Minute Maid Pink Lemonade and Welch’s Sparkling Strawberry Juice.

For dessert, nothing says Galentine’s like pink and white frosting. Opting for some store-bought sugar cookies will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth! If cookies aren’t your thing, you can make some brownies instead! If you’re the kind of friend group that can handle baking together, making brownies is a fun and cheap dessert option. The Duncan Hines Brownie Mix is delicious and only $2, so you and your friends can enjoy baking on a budget.

trader joe\'s valentine\'s day 2025
Trader Joes
Decorations and Tableware

These are totally optional, but if you have some extra money and need help spending it, decorations are the way to go! A cute heart garland is simple and instantly curates the perfect vibe.

You can purchase some light pink platesred napkins, and gold cutlery for tableware for $6. Yay for not washing dishes! Finish setting the tone with plastic champagne flutes to elevate those sparkling mocktails.

Grand Total of $50

There you have it! For just $50, you’ve got games, movies, food, drinks, and decor to create a night full of laughs, snacks, and memories. Turns out, you don’t need a big budget to celebrate big with your favorite people. Now go and have the Galentine’s Day of your dreams — just maybe skip Foxtail for the rest of the month.

Taylor is a freshman at the University of Central Florida, working towards a BFA in Emerging Media with a concentration in Graphic Design. Taylor has always had a flair for the dramatics, performing since she was young, but her passion for journalism is a newer development. As a Staff Writer for Her Campus UCF, Taylor enjoys writing personal essays, reporting on the arts, and developing her unique voice as a journalist! Her dream is to merge her interests in theater and graphic design into a career in theatrical publicity. Outside of her writing duties, Taylor can often be found listening to oldies music, daydreaming about New York City, laughing with her Theta Alpha sisters, discussing the latest Broadway drama with hometown friends from SWFL, or binge-watching ‘New Girl.’