There aren’t many things I enjoy more than girls’ night. Whether my closest friends and I are going to a fancy event, grabbing dinner and drinks, or enjoying a casual night in, spending time together is always a guaranteed good time. While it’s very normal for us to grab a bottle of wine and Trader Joe’s snacks and watch what’s new on streaming, we also love regularly trying new girls’ night ideas. We’ve done everything from learning how to needlepoint to quizzing each other through endless rounds of friendship trivia, and they’ve all been fun and memorable.
With that said, it’s hard to narrow down a list of the absolute best girls’ night ideas. My friends and I have tried so many over the years, and our group chat is still full of ones we can’t wait to plan next. But if you’re looking for inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. We’re sharing 18 girls’ night activities ahead.
1. Make a cocktail based on…
I love this theme for a girls’ night because it can go in so many different directions. For this night, everyone makes a signature cocktail based on a predetermined theme and serves it to the group. You can even vote on the best one with a prize for the winner. Some great themes I’ve seen are cocktails based on your ex, your favorite movie, your job, and your Zodiac sign.
2. Vision board night
Hear me out: Manifesting actually works. I’m very big into manifesting, lucky girl syndrome, the law of attraction—all of it. Every year, I cut up magazines, make a collage-style vision board, and hang it up where I see it daily. I’ve recruited many of my friends to create an annual vision board with me, and it always turns into such a fun girls’ night. All you need are some magazines, poster boards, and good energy to manifest what you want in life.
3. Permanent jewelry party
Permanent jewelry is the perfect glamorous girls’ night. While you could gather all the girls and head to a shop, many permanent jewelry merchants will also come right to your home and host a jewelry party. Put out some snacks, craft some cocktails, and get ready for some gorgeous forever friendship bracelets (or anklets) to celebrate your bond with your besties.
4. PowerPoint party
If you’re looking for girls’ night ideas that guarantee plenty of laughs, it’s hard to beat a PowerPoint party. While hot takes and friendly debates are always a hit, the presentations can be about just about anything—from ranking celebrity couples to pitching your next girls’ weekend destination. Choose a theme or leave it completely open-ended, then have everyone come prepared with a short presentation. Whether you vote for the funniest slide deck or simply enjoy seeing where everyone’s creativity takes them, this girls’ night idea is entertaining every single time.
5. DIY paint & sip
A paint-and-sip workshop is a classic girls’ night-out activity, but it’s even more fun when you DIY one at home. You can find virtual paint and sip classes online, or make it your own by simply painting and sipping simultaneously with no official direction, analog-style. All you need is some paint, canvases, paintbrushes, and some inspiration. In between painting sessions, serve snacks, cocktails, or wine, and enjoy your creative girls’ night.
6. Cookbook club
For a friend group that loves food, a cookbook club is the ultimate get-together. Pick a cookbook, assign yourselves different recipes, and host a dinner party where everyone brings their creation to share. It’s a fun way to try new foods, discover favorite recipes, and turn a simple meal into a memorable girls’ night tradition. Once you’ve worked your way through one cookbook, pick a new one for the following month.
READ: Everyone Is Talking About Wishbone Kitchen’s Cookbook, so We Put It to the Test
7. Bring a board night
If you’re a lover of classic wine and charcuterie board night, then you will definitely be a fan of this girls’ night idea, where everyone brings a different spread of food and shares it with the group. Cheese boards are a classic choice, of course, but you can also do a dessert board, pizza board, sushi board, butter board, or fruit and veggie board. Basically, anything can become a board theme. It’s essentially an elevated appetizer potluck that is as delicious as it is picture-perfect.
8. Closet swap party
This girls’ night idea is equal parts fun and practical. Have everyone clean out their closets and bring clothing, shoes, and accessories they no longer wear—whether it’s a dress that only made one appearance or a trendy purchase that never quite worked out. Then, rather than sell your clothes or donate these items, spend the evening “shopping” each other’s closets and giving pre-loved pieces a second life. You’ll leave with a few new-to-you finds, clear out some closet space, and enjoy all the fun of a shopping trip without spending a dime.
9. Outdoor movie night
When the weather is nice, outdoor movie nights are a must. All you need is a plain white sheet, a projector, and your favorite movies (Nancy Meyers movie marathon, anyone??). If you’re lucky enough to have a big backyard, you can create a spacious movie oasis with blankets, pillows, lawn chairs, and plenty of snacks. If you’re working with a smaller outdoor space, you can still create a cozy outdoor theater space with outdoor furniture, blankets, and pillows. Don’t forget the candles, twinkle lights, popcorn, candy, and cocktails.
READ: 10 Things You Need for a Nancy Meyers-Inspired Outdoor Space
10. Craft night
There’s never a bad time to get crafty. In addition to paint and sip nights, I’ve been seeing a lot of craft nights on my FYP and even in my personal feed. Some of the best ideas I’ve seen are glass painting, candle painting, and, of course, friendship bracelet making. Whether you get creative with paints, paper, beads, or some other medium, a craft night is a fun way to spend time together and let the creative juices flow on a girls’ night.
11. DIY flower arrangement party
Creating DIY flower arrangements is a fun, feminine activity that doesn’t have to cost a ton. All you have to do is buy some jars or vases from the dollar store and grab flowers from Trader Joe’s or your local grocery store. Then, spend the evening creating custom bouquets while you chat, sip your favorite drinks, and show off your creativity. Not only is it a fun and relaxing girls’ night activity, but everyone also gets to go home with a beautiful arrangement they’ll enjoy for days.
12. Slumber party
When it comes to classic girls’ night ideas, you can never go wrong with an adult slumber party. Transform your space with cozy decor, put on a nostalgic movie, indulge in tons of snacks, and stay up way too late catching up with your friends. To make the night feel even more special, choose a theme or dress code, coordinate matching pajamas, or put together simple goody bags with thoughtful treats. It’s a fun, whimsical thing to do to recreate a childhood favorite while making new memories with your closest friends.
13. Friendship trivia
Turn your girls’ night into a game show with friendship trivia! Before the night, have everyone answer a few fun questions about themselves, then see who knows their friends best. From favorite childhood toys to most embarrassing moments, the answers always spark stories, laughs, and a little friendly competition. It’s a fun way to learn new things about the people you’ve known forever (or new adult friends you’re getting to know)—and create some hilarious memories along the way.
14. TJ’s & PJs
There’s something so comforting about spending the evening in pajamas with a table full of Trader Joe’s favorites. Everyone can bring a snack, dessert, or drink to share, and together you can create the ultimate spread. Between trying new seasonal Trader Joe’s finds, ranking your favorites, and catching up on life, it’s the perfect way to spend time with your favorite people. Plus, who wouldn’t want to snack with their girlfriends in their coziest pajamas?
15. Spa night
A spa night may be a little cliché, but it’s a classic for a reason. Break out the face masks, cozy robes, nail polish, and your favorite calming playlist for an evening dedicated to self-care. Whether you go all out with DIY treatments or keep things simple, the focus is on unwinding, catching up with friends, and treating yourselves to a little well-deserved pampering. Sometimes, the most obvious girls’ night ideas are the best ones.
16. Favorite things swap
For a fun and low-effort girls’ night idea, try a favorite things swap. Each person brings a few of their current go-to items (think beauty products, snacks, books, or even a small home find) and takes a turn sharing why they love them. Then, swap so everyone leaves with a few new-to-them favorites. It’s an easy way to discover new products, exchange recommendations, and turn a simple girls’ night in into something a little more thoughtful and special. This idea is especially perfect for the holidays or a Galentine’s Day get-together.
17. “Bring your hobby” night
Why sit on your couch to enjoy your hobby alone when you could sit next to your friends while they’re enjoying theirs? For this unique girls’ night idea, everyone brings their hobby, whether it’s knitting, watercolor painting, baking, journaling, or puzzles, and does them side-by-side. You spend the night chatting or watching a show and making progress on your individual passion projects, all in one space. My friends and I did this recently, and it was such a fun way to see what each other are passionate about in action.
READ: 31 Hobbies You Can Start at Home Today
18. “Girl Dinner” potluck
What’s a girl’s night without “girl dinner”? This laid-back potluck is all about bringing whatever you’re craving—no theme or rules required. Think charcuterie boards, dips, truffle fries, Caesar salad, martinis, and a mix of random snacks that don’t necessarily go together but somehow work perfectly. Everyone contributes a little something, and the result is a fun, unfussy spread that’s perfect for grazing, chatting, and catching up all night long.
Emily Wise, Contributing Writer
Emily Wise is a Virginia-based content creator with over five years of experience creating content strategies for SaaS companies. Although she spends her days in the tech world, she has spent many years as a lifestyle writer for her personal site, as well as for several publications across the web.
Jenna Piotrowicz, Editorial Assistant
Jenna began working as an Editorial Assistant for The Everygirl in 2024. With her eye for detail, she assists the team with content creation, sourcing products and images, and works behind the scenes to support The Everygirl in uploading and updating content.
