25 things to do for girls’ night

It’s always been important and needed in my life, but it’s really only been since my little guy was born that I’ve really appreciated the significance of some great girl time. I guess that’s because before baby, it was always easier to come by.

Now being a mom, I have to work harder to make it happen – coordinate schedules with James, get a babysitter, how many hours can I actually spend, and oh yeah, planning an event. And I’m kind of an introvert (actually I think I’m an ambivert, but that’s a post for another time), so it can be easier to just take the night in and chill by myself or with my family.

But I NEED GIRL TIME. Without it, I’m more insecure, more worried about what people think about me, not connected to the girls in my life, and I even get socially awkward (or maybe more so than I normally am).

For those of you who need a bit more of a push, like me, here are 50 things to do for girls’ night, just in case you need some ideas and inspiration! Pick what works best for you and your girls.

Beauty/Style

1. Jewelry Exchange – Everyone brings a gift-wrapped piece of costume jewelry (bought or used in great condition), and you do a “White Elephant/Dirty Santa” style swap: everyone gets a number 1 through the number of people you have. The person with number 1 opens the first gift. The person with number 2 can either open another gift, or take the first person’s, and so on. The first person gets to decide at the end whether she wants to keep the jewelry she has or steal someone else’s.
2. Go Thrifting – It’s a treasure hunt, but it is always more fun with friends, who can tell you what looks good, and find you something on another rack.
3. Spa Night – Pamper yourselves with a spa party.
4. DIY Spa Goodies – make your own pampering items to take home.
5. Clothing Exchange – I’ve never done this, but I believe the way it works is that everyone brings a few used but great-condition items of clothing, and leaves with the same number they brought. Everything is displayed on tables by category or size, and people can browse; or make it more organized and have people go by number.

Adventure

1. Workout Video – It can be one of the most bonding experiences – for better or worse! Here’s yoga, circuit training, and a Bollywood dance video to get you started.
2. Hike – Find a local trail and hit the road! You can make it as long or short as you want, and make sure to take some great pictures at the top. (This hike might not be for amateurs.)
3. Paintball – Also something I’ve never done. But if you’re in for a good adventure, I’ve heard it’s fun with friends.
4. Go Somewhere New – Get dressed up and head out, but don’t Google anywhere or go to a familiar place. Drive to a different town or part of town, and find a place you’ve never been!
5. Arcade Night – For something unexpected, bring a few bucks and go play games at the arcade. See who can earn the most tickets and win the coolest prize. An alternative would be bowling or laser tag!

Art

1. Paint Night – Buy tickets here (or book through Living Social for a discount).
2. DIY Paint Night – Get your own canvases and wine and figure it out on your own – like these pretty birch trees, or this simple watercolor concept with any phrase, and this technique.
3. Sharpie Mugs – Mugs are cheap, and customizing them with Sharpies is super easy and fun. Ceramic dishes are also a cool idea.
4. Sewing Party – Have everyone bring their sewing machines and pick a simple project to make. This dress is simple and cute; share a pack of fat quarters to make these travel pouches; kimonos are easier than they look!
5. Jewelry Design – Jewelry is easy to make and can involve materials you already have. There are lots of things you can make by up-cycling t-shirts; these marble necklaces almost seem to easy to be real; these multi-material necklaces would be cute as bracelets too.

Food

1. Tea Party – Learn the history and customs, or just wing it. Take out the china, dress up, have mini sandwiches and cakes.
2. Pizza Party – Come up with your own pizza and have everyone vote on the winner! Here’s one way to do it.
3. DIY Wine Tasting – Everyone can be in charge of a different type of wine, plus an appetizer or dessert to complement it!
4. Local Brewery or Vineyard – If you’d rather make it easier, try a tasting locally – craft beer or wine, whatever is your thing.
5. Cooking Challenge – Give the ladies a different portion of a meal to cook, and add in special ingredients – from surprising to crazy!

Random

1. Game Night – Pick a couple games – board games, card games, even video games like Wii or Xbox that you can move to – and play them together.
2. Random Acts of Kindness – Go out and do random acts of kindness for strangers. Buy someone coffee, hand out gift cards for restaurants to the hungry, leave kind notes in public places for people to find. Or leave funny, encouraging pranks for friends.
3. Bonfire – Have a mini-camp night! Make s’mores, tell secrets or scary stories, look at the stars. Don’t have a bonfire? Make your own indoor s’more station instead.
4. Dance Party – Crank up some music and shake it off.
5. Favorite Things Party – Bring some of your favorite things, and give them out to your friends! Here’s an example of how to do it.

What’s your favorite thing to do for girls’ night in or out?