How to Create the Perfect Nostalgic Galentine

Are you a 90s kid who remembers the good old days of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and Lion King valentines? Did you love trading conversation hearts with your BFFs and maybe even your crush? 

There are some holidays that the 90s had just right, and if you’re craving a nostalgic return to the decade, then there isn’t a better time to celebrate than your upcoming Galentine’s Day party. 

Here’s how you can create the ideal 90s theme for your Galentine’s Day party. 

To set the mood, create your own 90s inspired playlist with music from the Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Celine Dion, etc. If you want to go all out, you could even make it on a CD or mixtape (provided you have somewhere to play it) because we all remember how big a part those played in the 90s.   

While the music will be best if it’s tailored to the party guests, here’s a link to a90s Valentine’s Day mix if you’re crunched for time. 

What’s a holiday party without a gift exchange? Some people love to spice up their party with a White Elephant Gift Exchange or a “Secret Sister” swap. If you go this route, make it all 90s themed gifts. Here are some examples: 

• Lisa Frank Stickers
• Mixtapes
• Movie posters
• Anything Simba and Nala

If you don’t want the gift exchange to be the main event at your Galentine’s Day party, then you may consider just ordering Small Packages for everyone (or using them as your prize for the costume contest in #5!). These boxes have a 90s nostalgia theme that’s perfect for your Galentine’s Day party.

We’ve included:

• A 90s Claw Hair Clip - The O.G. hair tool for pulling hair back and getting stuff done!
• Hurraw Watermelon Lip Balm - An elevated version of the LipSmackers we loved as kids. 
• Ooly Scented Glitter Gel Pens - Her to-do lists, notes and doodles will be cuter than ever
• Inked by Dani Nail Art Tattoos - Easy DIY nail art that will take her next spa night to the next level! 
• California Gummy Bears - An after-school snack with a Lisa Frank vibe

Simply add a personalized note, we’ll hand write it and take care of all the rest so that she's sure to feel celebrated and loved this Galentine's Day! Whether you've been friends for 2 weeks or 20 years, celebrate as though you're a kid again.

In the 90s, Pinterest didn’t exist, so don’t get too fancy with the food! If there’s one thing you need at your Galentine’s Day party, it’s conversation hearts and “Be My Valentine” Little Debbie cakes. 

You could also consider making the party a potluck. Have everyone make one food item that they grew up eating in the 90s on Valentine’s Day. Some people may make/bring heart-shaped pancakes, pizza, cookies, etc. The possibilities are endless!

90s TV? Iconic. Have everyone come to your Galentine’s Day party dressed as their favorite show. Here are some ideas of 90s shows to dress up as. The best costume gets a prize!

• Friends
• Boy Meets World
• Full House
• The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air 
• Sister Sister
• Family Matters
• Saved by the Bell
• Home Improvement
• The Nanny
• Seinfeld
• Dawson’s Creek
  

These rich and creamy red velvet cupcakes are the perfect festive treat, whether you’re hosting a party or leaving them on a doorstep! The recipe makes 16, but consider doubling it because everyone will want seconds of this delicious dessert. ( add from Inspired by preppykitchen.com on bottom of page)

Ingredients 

• For the Cupcakes:
• 1 ⅔ cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp baking soda 
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter
• 3 eggs
• 2 Tbsp vanilla extract 
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• Red food coloring

• For the frosting:
• 3 sticks unsalted butter
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 16 oz cream cheese
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch kosher salt

For the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place cupcake papers in a cupcake pan.
2. In a large bowl, sift the dry ingredients together. Give it a whisk to combine.
3. Cut the butter into tablespoon-sized pieces then add to the dry mixture then mix on low using a paddle attachment until a sandy mixture forms.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and food coloring.
5. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients while mixing on low. Mix until combined, scraping the bowl down as needed.
6. Distribute the batter evenly into cupcake papers.
7. Bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes or until springy to the touch.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Cream the butter. Sift confectioners sugar into a large bowl.
2. Add room temperature cream cheese to the creamed butter. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt. Beat together.
3. Add the confectioners sugar a cup at a time. Mix until combined. If you’re wanting a stiffer buttercream, keep adding more sifted confectioners sugar until it’s stiff or chill the buttercream a bit before piping.
4. Transfer buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe large dollops on top of each cupcake

Do you have fond memories of tying together cheesy friendship bracelets with your pals years ago? We’re bringing that back but this time with a classy touch! Head to a craft store, pick out your favorite beads and enjoy creating elegant and meaningful bracelets for each other. 

Final Thoughts

Your perfect nostalgic 90s-themed Galentine’s Day party is just around the corner! Get party planning today and make it the throwback event of 2022. You’ve got this.