Father’s Day is a time to celebrate and appreciate the special men in our lives. It’s a day to slow down, be mindful, and truly savor the moments spent with family. Father’s Day holds an extra special place in our hearts because it also marks our wedding anniversary. Seventeen years ago, we said our vows surrounded by family and friends, creating beautiful memories that we cherish to this day. Each year, we strive to recreate that sense of togetherness, taking the time to be thoughtful and present.
Staying Home and Cooking: A Heartfelt Tradition
One of my husband’s favorite way to celebrate fathers day is by staying home and cooking together. I love that each of our family members contributes a unique touch to the meal. This tradition allows us to connect, share stories, and create new memories. One of our favorite cooking traditions is making pizzas with our propane pizza oven, which is the best fathers day gift idea. It’s a fun, interactive activity that everyone enjoys. We all pick our toppings and then go outside and watch our pizzas bake in the pizza oven.
The pizza-making process is a cherished memory for our family. We love experimenting with different ingredients, from classic pepperoni to more adventurous options like arugula and prosciutto. This simple yet meaningful activity brings us closer and reminds us of the importance of family bonding and mindfulness.
Thoughtful Gift: Creating Lasting Memories
This year, I’ve decided to gift my husband, father, and father-in-law the perfect gift of a memory keepsake book titled “Tell Me Your Life Story, Dad.” This book is a treasure trove of prompts and questions designed to capture the essence of their lives, their experiences, and their wisdom. The inspiration for this gift came from a deeply personal experience with my grandmother. Before she passed away, I gave her a similar book, but she never returned it. After her funeral, I was sorting through her belongings, and I found the book filled with her memories, stories, and personal information. It was like having a final conversation with her, and it became the most precious personalized gift I could have ever received. Now, I can pass this down to my kids and what a great gift this is for everyone. They can learn about their great-grandma and our family history.
This memory book is more than just a gift; it’s a way to preserve the legacy of the special men in our lives, ensuring that their stories and lessons are never forgotten. It’s a heartfelt gesture that shows how much we value their experiences and wisdom. I think it is the perfect fathers day gift. However, if it is not your thing, some other great gifts are in the gift guide below.
The Ultimate Father’s Day Gift Guide
To help you create your memorable Father’s Day celebration, I’ve compiled a gift guide featuring some of our family’s favorite items. These gifts are not only practical but also add a touch of thoughtfulness to your celebration. Here are some of the best fathers day gift ideas for dad:
Pizza Oven | Keepsake Book | Meat Thermometer | BBQ Tongs | Traeger Grill | Ugg Slippers | Steak Knives | Portable Speaker | Leather Backpack
1. Propane Pizza Oven
The propane pizza oven is our go-to for family pizza nights, perfect for creating delicious, customizable pizzas. It’s easy to use and brings a fun, interactive element to your meal.
2. “Tell Me Your Life Story, Dad” Memory Keepsake Book
Encourage the fathers in your life to share their stories and experiences with this beautifully crafted keepsake book. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, preserving precious memories for generations to come.
3. Meater Plus Meat Thermometer
The Meater Plus meat thermometer is a game-changer for the dad who loves to grill. Its wireless design allows him to monitor the temperature from another room, ensuring perfectly cooked meat without lifting the lid and losing heat. My husband swears by it, especially when smoking his famous pulled pork on the Traeger.
4. Smoking Tongs or Claws
Pair the Meater Plus with some high-quality smoking tongs or claws. These tools make handling and shredding meat a breeze, adding convenience and efficiency to grilling.
5. Traeger Grill
If you’re looking for an awesome gift that any dad would love, then a Traeger grill is an excellent choice. Its versatility and precision make it a favorite for smoking, grilling, and baking. There are so many different ways you can use the Traeger. My favorite is cooking chicken Fajata’s. Oh my gosh, you guys… They are so good! However, my husband’s favorite thing to cook on the Traeger is pulled pork. See the recipe below.
Recipe: Pulled Pork on the Traeger
No Father’s Day celebration is complete without a delicious meal. Here is my husband’s favorite recipe, perfect for any festive gathering.
Ingredients:
1 pork shoulder (6-8 pounds)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup paprika
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 tablespoons black pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup apple juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Rub: In a bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Let it sit for at least an hour or overnight for the best flavor.
- Preheat the Traeger: Set your Traeger grill to 225°F and allow it to preheat.
- Smoke the Pork: Place the pork shoulder on the grill grates, fat side up. Insert the Meater Plus meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. Smoke for 4-6 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Spritz with Apple Juice: Combine apple juice, apple cider vinegar, and water in a spray bottle. Spritz the pork every hour to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Wrap and Continue Cooking: Once the pork reaches 160°F, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 203°F, about 2-3 more hours.
- Rest and Shred: Let the pork rest for at least 30 minutes before shredding. Use smoking claws or forks to pull the meat apart. Serve with your favorite barbecue sauce and sides.
Small Gestures, Big Impact
As I was thinking about Father’s Day and my childhood, some of my fondest memories are the small, seemingly insignificant moments. My best memories were when my dad used to tie my soccer cleats for me right before my game. Despite working long hours at a blue-collar job and often needing to put in overtime to make ends meet, he always found time for those little acts of love and mindfulness.These small gestures left a lasting impression on me. These moments remind me that the simple, mindful actions often mean the most. They teach us to appreciate the everyday gestures of love and care that make life truly special. Gifting people physical gifts is an amazing way to show your appreciation, but our gift of love is also a thoughtful gift and sometimes is the best gift of all.
Join the Celebration
I love seeing how you guys celebrate Father’s Day! Share your favorite moments and traditions by using the hashtag #FathersDayWithBrooke and tag me on Instagram. Whether it’s a photo of your homemade pizzas, a memory shared from the keepsake book, or a snapshot of your delicious pulled pork, we can’t wait to see how you’re making this day special.
To make things even more exciting, we’re hosting a giveaway! Submit your photos or stories using the hashtag for a chance to win a special gift. Let’s come together and celebrate the amazing fathers in our lives, building bonds and cherishing memories that will last a lifetime.
Father’s Day is more than just a holiday; it’s an opportunity to reflect on the importance of family, mindfulness, and the small moments that make life meaningful. Whether you’re cooking up a storm at home, sharing stories from the past, or simply spending quality time together, let’s make this Father’s Day one to remember!
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