Galentine's Day Gift Guide
Galentine’s Day (noun): Only the best day of the year. February 13. The day lady friends leave their husbands and boyfriends at home and kick it breakfast style. A day reserved for ladies celebrating ladies.
(taken from an excerpt from Leslie Knoppe of NBC’s Parks & Recreation)
Ever since fictional TV heroine Leslie Knoppe coined the holiday in a 2010 episode of NBC’s Parks & Recreation, Galentine’s Day has exploded as a national phenomenon celebrated by women, girls, and gals everywhere.
Think “the Friendsgiving of Valentine’s Day.” Galentine’s Day is observed on February 13 and is all about celebrating female friendships of all ages, durations, walks of life — you name it.
This Galentine’s Day, we thought we would partner with our local gal-owned businesses to give you some great gift ideas for your gals. We’ve got something for every kind of gal in your life — the self-care sis, bookworm babe, earth-warrior, the gal who has it all, and the Gourmandise gal.
And friends, it’s totally acceptable to buy for the closest gal in your life, YOU!
For the Self-Care Sis
She delights in all things bath bombs, handmade soaps, and R&R. She’s the Self-Care Sis.
Let me introduce you to The Scientist Company. The Scientist Co. is not your average soapmaker — they are actual scientists.
Like, real-life scientists.
This local entity is run by a team of biomedical scientists whose day job consists of researching human disease. By night? They are producing some of the most gorgeous hand-crafted soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and candles your heart can dream of.
Their products are all-natural, sustainable, and locally made in small batches, giving the utmost care and attention to each individual item. And they are committed to only using the highest quality ingredients (they’re scientists, remember? They know what’s up). The best part about The Scientist Co.? Their mission. “Our mission is to create innovative products that inspire eco-consciousness while supporting human disease research.”
Shampoo bars, conditioner bars, soy wax candles, bath truffles (fancy bath bombs), and the most darling hand-crafted soaps. The Scientist Company has them, and they make for the perfect recipe for the gal in your life who loves to be pampered. They even have a beautiful assortment of items for the kitchen and home. Don’t forget the gentlemen here — The Scientist Co. has got them covered, also, with wonderfully-smelling 3-in-1 soaps.
Mix-and-match soaps, truffles, and candles to give that Self-care Sis of yours the gift of ultimate relaxation. And don’t forget yourself — it’s hard work being so dang great!
Here’s a breakdown of some of our favorite products:
What a flirt! Soy Wax Candle - $14
Love Letter Soy Wax Candle - $14
Pink Chocolate Salt Scrub Bar - $6
Snuggles and Cuddles Artisan Soap - $8
Palo Santo Bath Truffles - $4 each
Visit The Scientist Company here! Order online and keep in mind they have free shopping on all U.S. orders. Check out them out on Instagram at @thescientist_co.
For the Bookworm Babe
Salt Lake City is not Salt Lake City without The King’s English Bookshop. “Matching books to readers since 1977,” this local institution is an absolute favorite among Utahns & Salt Lakers alike. This gem started over 40 years ago by two aspiring writers, Betsy and Ann, who wanted to use the home as a place to write and sell their novels. They quickly realized the store had so much more to offer.
They aren’t your average bookstore. The King’s English specialties in matching books to readers and remembering their preferences, turning customers into customers for life.
This Galentine’s Day, they are doing what they do best and selling a “Valentine’s Day Box,” a bundle of curated picks totally customizable by you — and ordering couldn’t be easier. First, pick your price ($25, $50, $75, $100). Then, leave a few comments on the age and interests of the gift recipient (all ages welcome!). The experts at TKE will take care of the rest.
It truly couldn't be easier. And now you’ve got a unique, one-of-a-kind gift for that bookworm babe in your life.
Order your Valentine’s Day Box here! Or, swing by and give them a visit over on 15th and 15th.
For the Earth-Warrior
Animalia is a boutique right near Liberty Park that is here to remind us of “a slower life through reconnecting to the goods we buy and the people that make them.” You can’t help but feel at peace when walking in. It just feels — clean. And safe. And simple. In the very best way. There’s just something about it that makes you want to be better.
Animalia specializes in handmade goods from independent brands. One of their claims to fame is their bulk refill dispensary bar where they carry every product you can think of — dish soap, laundry detergent, hair products, body products, cleaning products, you name it. If your gal is passionate about reducing their plastic waste or passionate about living a Marie-Kondo-esque label-free life, this is right up her alley.
And it’s so much more. They’ve got jewelry. art, clothing, makeup, and other handmade products. There is really something for everyone, and you’ll feel great about supporting such a local-centric community.
Here are some great gift ideas that cover a variety of price ranges. We can guarantee you’ll find something you love and feel proud purchasing.
Incausa Sacred Plant Incense, hand-pressed palo santo with myrrh: $16
CLED Recycled Glass Earrings: $155
Reanimator Threadworks Notebook made from would-be-garbage (local!): $10
Juniperseed Mercantile Unpaper Towels, set of 12: $24
Paige's Candle Co. Candles (various scents): $24-$26
Meow Meow Tweet Conditioner Bar: $16
Meow Meow Tweet Shampoo Bar: $12
Annie's Alterations Utensil Holder w/ Bamboo Spork (local!) $15
Fat and the Moon Lip, Cheek, Eye Paint: $24
Mom's Stuff Protective Day Face Salve (local!) $34
Fat and the Moon Masa and Olive Face Paste: $14
Click here to learn more about Animalia, and visit their store at 900 S & 300 E. They also offer curbside pick-up and delivery options to those who apply.
For the Gal Who Has it All
We all have that friend. She’s got good taste, a strong affection for quality products, and has. it. ALL. And honestly, she’s kind of tricky to buy for.
Well, those days of endlessly searching for the perfect gift are over, thanks to our hip friends at Hip & Humble. They’ve got it all — literally something for everyone. We mean it, and we don’t think there’s something in there that wouldn’t wow your gal. Hip & Humble has three locations over the valley and just opened a fourth (!) at the brand-spankin’ new SLC Airport (kudos, friends)!
They have carefully put together a list of perfect Galentine’s gifts. From the most darling floral and lace butter jersey lounge cami & pant (jogger!) set, to an incredibly useful Wine & Cheese Pairing Swatchbook, to the sweetest pair of ceramic and hand-painted hugging dino pots for her plants, you can’t go wrong. They also have the cutest curated gift bundles for any kind of gal: the dog lover, cat lover, mom, coffee-lover, and tiny gals (moms — wouldn’t a Galentine’s Day be the best tradition to start with your little one?).
Check them out online or at any of their 3 locations. They are also currently offering free same-day delivery to the SLC metro area ($30 minimum). Next time you’re flying, make sure to stop by their brand new location at the SLC Airport.
For the Gourmandise Gal
And finally, there’s no gal like a Gourmandise gal. This is your friend that delights in sweet treats, quality time with her friends, scratch-made products, and supporting local businesses. We hope any of your besties fit this bill.
We specialize in quality time. One of the greatest privileges of our business endeavor is hosting you & your gals to dessert, brunches, coffee, and drinks. No joke — it fills our hearts with gratitude to see you beauties sitting around a table sharing laughs.
One great gift option is to treat your gal pal to brunch at Gourmandise! With our Euro-inspired breakfast dishes, pastries, or desserts, we can ensure a delicious time had by all. Don’t forget the mimosas & cocktails (or mocktails)!
For an easy & inexpensive gift that any gal would love, check out our wonderfully snarky retro motel keychains. We’ve got 4 different designs so you’re sure to find something your gal (or yourself) relates to. And for only $3.50, you might as well get one of each!
Many of our customers are gals-on-the-go. Whether they are running off to a PTA meeting, business consultation, or playing chauffeur for the day, these gals are always on the move — and they look good doing it. Why not send them off in style with our bougie white & ivory ceramic travel mug! It’s sleek, modern, and eye-catching. It’s got a sealable real wooden top. I mean, how much fancier can you get? This isn’t your average travel mug, friends.
And lastly, nothing says “friends for life” like a box of fresh, scratch-made pastries. Stick with her favorite, or mix-and-match with some of our favorites. We’ve got a plethora of heart-shaped Valentine’s Day products that would pair perfectly with a Kouign Amann or almond croissant.
Come in for dine-in or take-out. We’ve got curbside, also! Order in or online. We can’t wait to serve you.