Galentine’s Day is one of our favorite holidays, and it holds a special place in our hearts here at Happy Box! Celebrated on February 13th, the day before Valentine’s Day, it’s a day dedicated to honoring and celebrating friendships—especially those with your favorite gal pals.
Let us take you back to the origin of Galentine’s Day and why it’s so meaningful to us.
The Parks & Recreation Connection
For those who don’t know, Galentine’s Day was popularized by the beloved TV show Parks & Recreation. It first appeared in Season 2, when Leslie Knope throws her annual “Galentine’s Day” brunch to celebrate her girlfriends.
Fun fact: Parks & Rec is one of Ariel’s (co-founder of Happy Box) all-time favorite shows. Inspired by Leslie’s brunch, Ariel began hosting her own Galentine’s Day parties in Manhattan. Some years, it was a cozy dinner out, while other times, it was a night of epic karaoke. But Galentine’s Day wasn’t just an excuse for a fun night—it came to symbolize the power of showing up for your friends, no matter the distance.
A Sisterly Bond That Sparked an Idea
The real reason Galentine’s Day holds such deep meaning for us goes back to 2007 when Ariel experienced a tough breakup—just before Valentine’s Day. Hannah, her big sister, couldn’t stand the thought of Ariel feeling down. Determined to lift her spirits, Hannah set out to create a gift that felt like “a hug from 200 miles away.”
Hannah scoured seven stores and the local post office to curate the perfect care package, affectionately dubbed the first-ever Happy Box. Inside were cute, quirky, and thoughtful gifts, along with a heartfelt note. When Ariel opened the box, she immediately called Hannah in tears, overwhelmed by how loved and supported she felt.
This thoughtful gesture planted the seed for Happy Box. What if everyone could easily create a care package for their loved ones—a box full of fun, personalized gifts and a handwritten note—all in just a few clicks?
From an Idea to a Business
Though the idea lingered for years, life took the sisters in different directions. Hannah and Ariel worked corporate jobs in Manhattan until 2016, when they decided to bring the concept of Happy Box to life. What started as an Etsy shop quickly grew, and by 2017, they launched their own website, HappyBoxStore.com.
Today, Happy Box is the ultimate gifting solution, helping people stay connected through customizable care packages that are as fun to send as they are to receive.
Why Galentine’s Day Still Means Everything to Us
Galentine’s Day isn’t just a holiday for us—it’s woven into the very fabric of our founding story. It’s a celebration of the connections that keep us going, the friendships that lift us up, and the little moments of joy that make life sweeter.
Every February, we honor this special day with curated Galentine’s-themed gift boxes, playful cards, and new items on our Box Builder designed to make your gal pals smile. Whether you’re near or far, Happy Box makes it easy to stay close and share the love.
Celebrate Galentine’s Day with Happy Box
If Galentine’s Day taught us anything, it’s that friendships deserve to be celebrated—not just on February 13th but all year long. So, whether you’re hosting a brunch, hitting up karaoke, or simply sending a surprise care package, make this Galentine’s Day one to remember.
Here’s to friendship, sisterhood, and the little gestures that make all the difference.