Category Archives: Father’s Day

Father’s Day Relaxation: A Guide to Planning the Perfect Day In

Father’s Day is our chance to turn the tables and take care of the man who’s always been there for us. This year, let’s give Dad the gift of relaxation with a day that’s all about kicking back and enjoying the simple pleasures. Here’s how to plan a Father’s Day that’s sure to have him lounging in comfort and smiling from ear to ear.

Morning Bliss: Breakfast in Bed Begin Dad’s day of leisure with the ultimate classic: breakfast in bed. Imagine his surprise when he’s greeted not just by the aroma of coffee but by a full spread of his breakfast favorites. Whether it’s fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, a savory omelet filled with fresh veggies and cheese, or a hearty English breakfast, make sure it’s made with love. Add a personal touch with a handmade card from the kids or a simple flower on the tray to show him it’s his special day.

Family Fun: Activities for All After breakfast, it’s time for some family bonding. Why not pull out those board games that have been gathering dust or challenge Dad to a video game duel? If the weather’s nice, a family garden project can be both fun and rewarding. Or, for the more artistically inclined, a family art project where everyone contributes to a Father’s Day mural could be a blast. The key is to find activities that allow for laughter and togetherness.

Afternoon Siesta: The Art of Lounging As the afternoon rolls in, encourage Dad to embrace the art of doing nothing. Set up a lounge area with all his favorite comforts: a soft recliner, a stack of magazines, and of course, the perfect pair of pajamas. Choose a pair that’s not just soft, but also reflects his personality—be it the classic stripes, a quirky print, or even a custom pair with a fun message from the family. It’s all about making him feel like royalty in his own home.

Evening Wind Down: Dinner and Dessert Keep the evening meal fuss-free but full of flavor. A backyard BBQ is always a hit, or if Dad’s a fan of Italian, why not homemade pizzas where everyone can choose their own toppings? For dessert, get creative with a build-your-own sundae station or a chocolate fondue that’s sure to bring out everyone’s sweet tooth. It’s the perfect way to end a day of indulgence.

Nightcap: Cheers to Dad As the stars come out, raise a glass to the man of the hour. Whether it’s his favorite single malt or a mocktail crafted just for him, it’s the thought that counts. Share stories, reminisce about past Father’s Days, and maybe even plan the next family adventure. It’s these moments, these genuine connections, that make Father’s Day truly memorable.

So there you have it—a Father’s Day planned with care, filled with love, and wrapped in the comfort of the perfect pajamas. Here’s to a day as wonderful as the dads we’re celebrating!

Special Ways to Honor Dad on Father’s Day

Every year on the 3rd Sunday in June we celebrate Father’s Day to show dad just how important he is to us. That means putting a little effort into planning a day that will be memorable and all about him.

 

All dads are different when it comes to interests, hobbies, and activity levels so we’ve composed a variety of options that you can incorporate into Father’s Day as your way of saying “thank you dad for all you do.”

Sleep In

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Let him sleep in. Typically dad’s hectic schedule means he’s always on the go. On Father’s Day allow him to catch up on some zzz’s by keeping household activity to a minimum and asking everyone to use their inside voices.

Breakfast in bed

Serve up a tasty breakfast. Once he’s ready to rise and shine, a delicious breakfast made up of all his favorites will provide the fuel he’ll need to take on the day. If you can serve it to him in bed, that’s even better because everyone knows food tastes better when you’re in your pajamas!

Relax (1)

Let him relax. Dad’s like to go go go, so on Father’s Day it’s nice to try and move at a slower pace without all kinds of rushed plans. If he wants to watch the ball game or take a nap, you can use that time to do something extra special like wash his car, clean up the garage, or do one of the many chores he normally does, so he doesn’t have to.

Fishing

Give him choices. As we mentioned, all dads are different so thinking about what he loves will simplify your plans. If he’s an outdoorsman, take him out fishing, golfing, or for a hike. If he’s a homebody, consider a game day, movie marathon (think movies about dads), or just lounge in the yard. Whatever it is dad wants on his special day, dad gets.

FD Grilling

Feed him well. The number one way people celebrate Father’s Day is with a barbecue. Pull out all the stops and create a feast fit for a king. Dads like to be in control of the grill but just for today, make sure you do the cooking so he can sit back and relax with a nice cold beverage.

FD Gift

Surprise him with something unexpected. Do you remember dad saying he’d like to have this or do that? Father’s day is the perfect opportunity to show him you remember what he said way back when, and surprise him with just that. The little things we do for people have the greatest impact.

Thanks dad

Say ‘thank you’. Sometimes we forget what Father’s Day is really about. It’s the time to honor our dads and thank them for everything they have done, still do, and how they make a difference if our lives every day. Tell them how much they mean and how you wouldn’t be who you are today without them.
To all the amazing fathers out there we say thank you! Enjoy your special day!

 

If you’d like to share a picture of your dad, feel free to post on our Facebook page.

 

10 Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day in Pajamas!

It’s already June and that means Father’s Day is just a few short weeks away. Dad works hard for the family and deserves this special day dedicated to him! This year, plan a fun pajama-wearing day at home doing activities that you plan and execute so he can just sit back and enjoy the family time together.  Here are 10 great ideas to get your wheels spinning towards pulling off the most perfect Father’s Day ever.

BIB (1)

Breakfast in bed. It’s the most important meal of the day so do it up right with a homemade breakfast served up to dad in bed. You’ll want to make sure you make plenty of food because he’s going to need a lot of nutrition for the rest of the day’s festivities.

bagtoss

Have a Cornhole tournament.  Also known as Bags, Bean Bag Toss, and Tailgate Toss depending on what part of the country you are from, this fun game is perfect for Dad’s special day. You have 2 teams and 2 boards with holes in the middle where you want to toss the bean-filled bags through. The first team to 21 wins!

Birdhouse

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Watch a ballgame. Get some peanuts and Crackerjacks and plop yourselves in front of the TV for America’s favorite pastime. You’ll have the best seat for the game while you cheer on your favorite team dressed in your PJ’s!

Man Napping

Take a walk without Dad. Father’s Day is for spending with the kids and that’s why it lasts a whole day! But if only for an hour or two, Dad would probably really appreciate just a little peace, quiet, and alone time. He could read, nap, catch up on his favorite show, or just pad around the house in his pajamas!

Photo scrapbook dad

Scrapbooking. Dad probably has all his favorite pictures stored on Facebook or Instagram but there’s just nothing better than printing all those pictures up and putting them together in a real-life photo book. Have them all ready to go so he can reminisce, laugh, and enjoy his fondest of memories.

Kids Dress Up

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Have a Daddy spa day. Ladies love to get pampered but did you ever think Dad might like it too? Give Dad an at-home spa day complete with a home facial, manicure, and pedicure.

Grilling

Barbecue his favorite dinner. We know that it might be tough to keep Dad away from the grill but tell him that this is the one day of the year he doesn’t have to do anything. Give him a cold beverage, a relaxing chaise lounge, and let him watch while the family cooks all his favorites just for him!

Dad Movie

Have a backyard movie night. Set up a screen or TV in the back yard, fill the area with pillows and blankets, and roll Dad’s favorite movie under the stars. Don’t forget the popcorn!

However you decide to spoil Dad this year we know it’s going to be a hit! Head over to our Facebook page or leave your comments here and tell us about your big plans.

Happy Father’s Day to all you Dad’s out there!

Fun and Unique Ways to Celebrate Dad!

Father’s Day is just around the corner, but the 2020 version might not be quite the same for some families. With the country slowly emerging from quarantine, many usual Father’s Day hot spots may not be operating this year. Baseball games have been put on hold, and restaurants can’t serve the large crowds they are accustomed to.

None of this means however that you can’t have a fantastic day with the special dad in your life. With a little planning and some imagination, you can make this the best Father’s Day yet! We’ve got 5 unique ideas to help you get those creative juices flowing.

munki mensfurrymonster

Fuel for the day. Start the day with breakfast in bed. Let dad sleep in while you prepare a meal full of his favorite foods. He’ll need the extra energy for the exciting events you have planned for the day and he’ll appreciate a little extra time in his pajamas!Go Kart

Start your engines. Go Kart Racing is a super fun way for the whole family to get outside and let some of pent-up energy out. Go Kart racing is growing in popularity and tracks are opening up in many communities. Make sure before you go, that you call in advance to find out about age, height and weight restrictions, and other requirements. If you don’t have a track in your area, bumper cars are a fun alternative.

Mini Golf

Tee Up. Dad’s love to golf so give him what he wants – with a twist. Go mini-golfing so the whole family can enjoy one another’s company. You’ll find out how good dad really is on the course when he has to putt his way through castles, wild animals, and clowns! Make sure you let him win thought- after all, it is his day!

Balloons (1)

Up, up and away. One of the most unique ways to spend quality time with dad is by taking a hot air balloon ride. This activity isn’t for everyone, but for those that want to walk a little on the wild side, it’s something no one in your group will ever forget. There’s nothing like seeing the land below you from a bird’s eye view as you slowly drift through the sky. Keep in mind, this is a “weather permitting” activity, so make sure you have a plan-B ready to go in case Mother Nature decides not to cooperate.

Horseback Riding

Giddy-Up. For people who would rather keep both feet on the ground, a trail ride on horseback is a fun, relaxing way to spend the day. Many stables offer hour-long or half-day excursions through the countryside with either larger groups or private groups. Dad will love the experience, and it also allows kids to experience horses up close and personal, which they may otherwise not have the chance to do.

Fishing

Reel ‘em in. Fishing is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors as well as teach kids something new which could become a life-long passion. There’s nothing more exciting than casting your bait into a body of water and hooking your first fish. After you get some pictures for posterity, the release can be just as fun as you watch your new friend swim away. If you don’t have fishing rods and you don’t have anyone you can borrow some from, check into local trout farms. They have everything! Poles, bait, and even ponds full of fish!

 

Once your fun, activity day is over you can go home, fire up the grill and finish the day with a delicious family meal. Dad will always remember your amazing day together, and it will give you memories for years to come!

 

Tell us how you’re spending Father’s Day right here or on our Facebook page.

 

Happy Father’s Day!

 

Best Fun and Free Activites For Father’s Day at Home!

If the greatest gift is love, get ready to shower Dad in oodles of it this Father’s Day. Truth is, there’s nothing quite as simple and rewarding as having a meaningful Father’s Day celebration at home. Get ready to kick up your feet, lounge in your pajamas and enjoy fun activities that are perfect for family bonding and creating lifelong memories. Best part? They don’t cost a thing!

Father’s Day provides the opportunity to put the focus on Dad and make him feel like the king of the castle, all while gifting him quality time with the ones he loves. Can’t put a price on that!

You don’t have to break the bank to show Dad how much you love him. In fact, most of the following activities are all free! And if you’re looking for inexpensive Father’s Day gifts to show Dad how much you care, browse our collection of fun Father’s Day t-shirts!

If you’ve been wondering how to spend Father’s Day this year, read on for our tips for planning a memorable and meaningful Father’s Day celebration at home!

Father’s Day Activities At Home

First of all, you want to make sure Dad knows how important he is to your family, right? Then let’s set the stage for the ultimate day of fun this Father’s Day. The most important thing is to show Dad how much he means to you, and what better way to do that than give the gift of quality time?

Spend Time Together — No Distractions Allowed

The first thing on your list for celebrating Father’s Day at home is to put the focus on the man of the house. Eliminate any distractions that will take the spotlight off of Dad, and really set up the atmosphere to be conducive to bonding and spending quality time together.

Tuck away the laptops and cellphones, and don’t even think about turning on the TV until after you’ve enjoyed all of your fun Father’s Day activities.

Father’s Day Brunch at Home

Instead of shuffling through a crowded restaurant, make Dad the breakfast of champions: a delicious and bountiful home cooked Father’s Day brunch. Eggs benedict his favorite? Be sure to pick up special items from the grocery store ahead of time. If you’ve got several kids in the family, let each one cook their own special dish for Dad. This is a great way to include the kids and make Dad feel special.

While you’re around the table, it’s time to give Dad his Father’s Day gift. Still looking for the perfect one? Show him he’s the best Dad ever with a Father’s Day T-shirt!

tshirt dadfavoritepeople480 tshirt Favorite People Grandpa490

Have a Local Expedition

Instead of over-spending to visit a theme park or busy place that’ll take away from your quality time, have a local expedition! Take the bikes out for a neighborhood ride, head out back and throw the football. Local park nearby? Cart your bats and have a round of softball. A local outing is a free Father’s Day activity that’s easy to plan and most of all–fun! If you’ve got a big family, let Grandpa and Dad be team captains and have a schoolyard draw.

Make Time For His Favorite Things

Let’s face it, Dad is busy all year keeping up with the daily grind. This Father’s Day, let him savor some precious down time. This could involve watching a football game, reading a magazine or playing fantasy football. Maybe he loves to lounge in his favorite robe and read the paper with a cup of coffee in the morning? While Father’s Day is all about Dad and family bonding, let him have some quiet time to enjoy his favorite relaxing activities. To really get him in the chill zone, make sure he’s set up with the coziest lounging pajamas ever!

Work On A Project Together

Think about Dad’s favorite hobbies: Does he love gardening? Then get the gloves on and help him water the garden or add a new plant. Is he a golfer? Bring the golf clubs out back and practice your swing together. Or, you can try something new together like building a birdhouse or painting pictures to hang in the garage or man room.

Order Pizza or Have a Backyard Picnic

Does Dad love a classic grilled burger? Then fire up the grill. Maybe he cares more about spending time together and not cooking? Sounds like delivery is the best option. Order his favorite pizza or takeout, that way you can get back to all these fun Father’s Day activities. To turn lunch into a fun and free activity, pack up some sandwiches and snacks and have a picnic in the backyard. This is a great way of keeping the family bonding active and ongoing throughout the day.

Game Night

After a fulfilling day of Father’s Day activities, it’s time to unwind and enjoy some mellow and fun activities. Is your Dad a ringer at Monopoly? Maybe you guys bond over Jenga or cards? Either way, a game night is a fun and interactive way to do something Dad enjoys that includes the whole family. No sore losers, because dessert’s on the way!

Make Him His Favorite Dessert

Does Dad have a sweet tooth? Then Father’s Day is the perfect chance to bake him his favorite pie or fill up the house with the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies. Alternatively, if his favorite dessert is frozen yogurt, put on your pajamas and head out for ice cream. Or, make banana splits at home!

Stargazing

The celebration doesn’t end when the sun goes down, in fact it’s just getting started! Stargazing Is one of the creative things to do for Father’s Day that is interactive, free, fun and educational. Print out some star maps and take turns finding your favorite stars and constellations.

Have the Best Father’s Day Ever!

As you can see, there’s no shortage of fun and free things to do at home for Father’s Day. The most important thing is to spend quality time together. Whether lounging in your pajamas and playing cards, or enjoying an exciting softball game or playing catch in the backyard, we hope these Father’s Day activities help you bond and create unforgettable memories that’ll last a lifetime.

After all, Father’s Day is truly about celebrating the man whose unconditional love deserves more than one day of recognition, but hey–he’ll take it! Happy Father’s Day!

Don’t forget to grab your Dad the perfect Father’s Day gift to show him how much he means to you. Browse our collection of Father’s Day pajamas and T-shirts!

7 Father's Day Activities for the Whole Family

7 Father’s Day Activities for the ‘Fun Dad’

This Father’s Day, we’re celebrating Fun Dads! There are dads and then there are fun dads. Fun dads have an extra cheesy dad joke for every situation. They make matching family T-shirts, show off their dance moves when they chaperone prom, and get overly competitive on game night (especially during high-stakes Candyland). There’s no rope swing too high, no rollercoaster too fast, and no such thing as too much ice cream for these “big kids.”

Show the ‘fun dad’ in your life how much you appreciate his willingness to go the extra mile to bring a smile to his kid’s faces. On Father’s Day, tackle these activities with same childlike enthusiasm that he would.

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Munki Munki Dino Bikes Matching Pajama Set

Fun Father’s Day Activities for the Whole Family

1. Cornhole Tournament

For the competitive dad who likes to spend time outside, spice up your father’s day BBQ with a cornhole tournament. A cornhole set makes a great gift for the dad who likes to host friends and neighbors while he grills. Invite other dads in the neighborhood over to celebrate. If cornhole isn’t his jam, consider other classic lawn games like ladder toss, horseshoes, or croquet.

2. Roller Rink

Give him the gift he really wants: the chance to embarrass his kids in public. Take dad back to middle school and plan a family trip to a roller rink. Cheesy pop music, bright lights, and a disco ball are all a ‘fun dad’ needs to get his roller-groove on!

3. The World’s Largest…

Is dad the one who can’t go on a road trip without stopping at every advertised attraction? Whether it’s a national historic site or the largest ball of yarn, indulge his childlike curiosity by finding your nearest, weirdest, wildest roadside attraction and take the family on a mini road trip. Get dinner in the town or city you’re visiting and toast his adventurous side!

Father's Day Activities He'll Love

Show your love for Star Wars in this matching Munki Munki R2D2 Pajama Set.

4. ‘Dad Movie’ Marathon

What’s his poison? Spaghetti westerns? 80’s classics? Die Hard? Cheesy horror movies? Show your love for dad by enduring three of his absolute “worst” favorites. In addition to popping popcorn, have a selection of classic movie theater snacks on hand like Milk Duds, Raisinettes, and Dots. If you want to really knock his socks off, present the family with matching pajamas so you can lounge in style!

5. Trampoline Park

For the families with little ones, trampoline parks are guaranteed to tire them out! Trampoline parks are large indoor spaces covered in wall-to-wall trampolines. Many have separate areas for adults and older kids and little ones. Take the family for a day of jumping around. You’ll be surprised by how much fun you have!

6. Arcade

For the fun dad who is a gamer at heart, visit an arcade on Father’s Day. He’ll love getting competitive with his favorite little buddies. There are plenty of ‘Chuck-E-Cheese’ alternatives these days. For example, Dave and Buster’s is a chain restaurant and sports bar with a ‘Friday’s’ feel that also has arcade games. This way mom and dad can take a break from gaming and enjoy a drink while the kids keep themselves amused!

7. Outside-the-Box Mini Golf

Did you know that mini golf isn’t mini golf anymore? While the classic shoot-a-golfball-through-the-windmill is a blast, now there are a lot of variations on the family favorite. You can play indoor glow-golf, virtual golf, or go to a new kind of driving range called ‘Topgolf’ where you can rent a bay by the hour and enjoy cocktails, food, and games.

At the end of an exciting day of celebrating and family fun, dad’s going to want to relax. Surprise him with a new robe or a comfy pajama set before he settles in for the night. For more gift ideas or inspiration for family activities, visit us at thepajamacompany.com/blog.

Rainy Day BBQ Recipes for the Oven

Rain or Shine: BBQ Recipes for the Oven or Grill

Barbecue season has officially arrived! What’s more American than grilling up thick juicy cuts of meat in the great outdoors? The key to hosting a stress-free outdoor bash is to create a backup plan for a rainy day. Unexpected showers are frequent during these temperamental spring-to-summer days and sudden thunderstorms are common in the thick of summer. Rained out barbecues are stressful for a number of reasons, the primary concern being: what the heck are you going to do with all that food?!

Take the pressure off your party planning and have oven-friendly barbecue recipes on hand. If you can move your party indoors or safely tuck your crowd under a tent, you can “party on” even if your grill is out of play. These are our favorite oven-friendly barbecue recipes that can easily be thrown on a grill if the weather lets up!

6 Oven-Friendly Barbecue Recipes for a Rainy Day

Moist Oven BBQ Chicken for a Rainy Day

Super Moist Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken by Heather Likes Food

1. Super Moist Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken by Heather Likes Food

This recipe delivers as promised: chicken so tender you could cut it with a fork and all that smoky BBQ flavor your guests are craving — minus the grill. The secret to Heather’s recipe is the killer overnight marinade. Just be sure you don’t marinade for more than 24 hours! Chicken has a sweet spot and the meat could get a little funky. If the sun decides to make an appearance you can easily change course and throw this flavor-packed meat on the grill instead. Get the full recipe from Heather Likes Foodhere.

Oven-Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs by AllRecipes

2. Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs byAllRecipes

We’re talking fall-off-the-bone, melt-in-your-mouth delicious pork ribs straight from the oven. Rain shouldn’t mean that you let all that flavor go to waste! The ground chipotle pepper is the key ingredient in this keeper from AllRecipes. Chipotle peppers have a smoky taste, so even from the oven the meat will taste like it was served fresh off the grill. Get the full recipe from AllRecipes here.

Juicy Oven Steak for a Rainy Day

Juicy Oven Steak by Weary Chef

3. Juicy Oven Steak by Weary Chef

Making steak in an oven sound sacrilegious, but when you’re without a grill and you have to feed a crowd: a host’s gotta do what a host’s gotta do. You can’t go wrong with this tasty steak recipe from Weary Chef. The beef comes out far more tender than it would from a grill and you can easily knock out multiple servings at once. Keep in mind with all of these recipes that the meat needs to rest for a period of 30 minutes before serving, so that gives you plenty of time to move various dishes in and out of the oven. Get the full recipe from Weary Chef here.

Garlic Shrimp Kabobs for a Rainy Day

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Kabobs by Damn Delicious

4. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Kabobs by Damn Delicious

We are huge fans of Damn Delicious over here and you will probably find one Chungah’s recipes in practically every food post from Pajama Company! If your barbecue is rained out and you have an ungodly amount of expensive jumbo shrimp burning a hole in your fridge, fear not! These flavor-packed Lemon Garlic Shrimp Kabobs are roasted in the oven to perfection. The best part is that they can be served up in a flash in between other oven-barbecue dishes like chicken or steak. If the weather clears up, just throw them on the grill! This recipe is super versatile. Get the full recipe from Damn Delicious here.

BBQ Pulled Pork in the Oven for a Rainy Day

BBQ Pulled Pork in the Oven by Taste of Southern

5. BBQ Pulled Pork in the Oven by Taste of Southern

Were you planning on firing up the smoker this weekend only to have rain ruin your plans? Slow cook that Boston butt in your oven with this delicious pulled pork recipe from Taste of Southern. The recipe includes a homemade dry rub called “Steves Butt Rub” — and you if you can’t get behind that… What we love most about this recipe is that it pleases both sides of the BBQ fence by including a recipe for homemade “NC Eastern Style Vinegar-Based Sauce.” Pull out the sliders and keep the party going. Get the full recipe from Taste of Southern here.

Crunchy Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks for a rainy day

Crunchy Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks by Sweet C Designs

6. Crunchy Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks by Sweet C Designs

Arguably everyone’s favorite: smoky, juicy, crispy drumsticks fresh off the grill. If Mother Nature has other plans for your barbecue menu, don’t panic! This simple recipe from Sweet C Designs will give you the juicy flavor packed chicken with a to-die-for crunchy crust — fresh from the oven. This recipe is loaded with BBQ-in-the-oven pro tips (“Don’t rush the magic!”) that you can apply to the other dishes on this list. Get the full recipe from Sweet C Designs here.

We hope you enjoy these recipes! All of us at The Pajama Company wish you and your family a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend. Like many Americans, we look for opportunities to support the American worker and American entrepreneur. We’re proud to tell our customers about the brands we carry that produce 100% of their merchandise in the United States.

For more inspiration for family activities or gift ideas, visit us at thepajamacompany.com/blog.

Pajamas Made In America

Made in America: Grilling Ideas for 4th of July

Made in America: ‘American’ Marinades for The 4th of July

What’s more American than hot dogs, hamburgers, and ice cold beer? None of those things, actually. “Hot dogs” or frankfurters originated in Frankfurt, Germany, where a similar pork sausage was served. The hamburger is a deviant of a dish served in Hamburg, Germany in the 1800s. Beer? Originated in Egypt and Iran and was spread throughout Europe by German and Celtic tribes. Apple pie originated in the Netherlands in the 1500s. French fries… well, you get the idea.

This weekend, America will be 241 years young. Our traditions and our culinary history are defined by our immigrant culture. Even formalized barbeque started on the shores of the Caribbean. While these traditions may have started overseas, they are now woven into the tapestry of our nation. Key ingredients in a special sauce that makes America, America.

Given that a majority of our Independence Day traditions take place on the grill, we thought it would be fun to try these ‘Made in America’ marinades with that are inspired by various drops in our country’s melting pot. Marinate meat for a minimum of 30 minutes to as long as overnight. Happy 4th!

8 Traditional ‘American’ Marinades for Your Independence Day BBQ

1. Irish-American Whiskey Marinade

Irish immigrants first arrived in America around the year 1820 and the first Irish-American whiskey, The Emerald, was made in the U.S. in 1865. This whiskey marinade is fantastic on steak or hamburgers.

  • 1 oz. Irish whiskey
  • 1 – 1 ½ oz. soy sauce
  • S1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 2 dashes worcestershire sauce
  • a few grinds black pepper

2. Summer Italian-American Marinade

The first large rush of Italian immigrants to the U.S. was also in 1820. By the 1930s, Italian Americans were the leading producers of grapes in California. Many well-known wine brands such as Mondavi, Carlo Rossi, Petri, Sebastiani, and Gallo came from those early enterprises. The marinade below is excellent on grilled chicken or fish.

  • 1 ¾ c. dry white wine
  • ½ c. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. minced red onion
  • 2 tsp. minced garlic
  • 1 tsp. whole black peppercorns
  • 1 tbsp. crushed black peppercorns
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp. dried basil
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp. Kosher salt

3. Mexican-American Carne Asada Marinade

Mexican American history spans 400 years (yes, older than the United States!) and varies from region to region in the U.S. In 1900, there were more than 500,000 Mexican-Americans living in New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, California, and Texas. With the influx came chipotle (or smoke-dried jalapeno) peppers — the primary ingredient in adobo sauce. This marinade is fantastic for Carne Asada, or grilled flank steak.

  • ¾ c. orange juice
  • ½ c. lemon juice
  • ⅓ c. lime juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • ½ c. soy sauce
  • 1 tsp. finely chopped canned chipotle pepper
  • 1 tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 tbsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp. paprika
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp. black pepper
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro
  • ½ c. olive oil

4. Haitian-American Epis Marinade or Base

In the French colony of Saint-Domingue, France tried to reintroduce slavery in 1804 to a revolt by former slaves. Saint-Domingue was declared the Republic of Haiti. Many of the wealthy colonists fled and took their Haitian slaves with them to New Orleans. Wealthy Haitian freedmen also immigrated, seeking to cultivate their own plots of land in South Florida. “Epis” means “the all-soaked” is used as a base or marinade in most Haitian meats, in rice blends, soups, and stews. This incredibly flavorful marinade is so versatile it can be used on poultry, fish, or beef.

Blend:

  • 10 sprigs of parsley
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 2 celery stalks
  • 2 c. cilantro
  • 2 green bell peppers
  • 3 scallion stalks
  • 2 chicken bouillon cubes
  • 1 tsp. clove powder
  • 5 sprigs of thyme
  • 3 heads of garlic
  • 2 tbsp. lime juice (1 lime)
  • ¼ c. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. Vinegar

5. Greek-American Souvlaki Marinade

Greek immigrants have been colonizing in America since the late 1700s in Florida. By 1866, the community was so numerous that America had established its first Greek consulate in New Orleans. Souvlaki is a dish of skewered meat and vegetables, typically served with grilled bread or pita with various garnishes and sauces or as a dish with a side of fried potatoes. This marinade is a great on just about anything, but really pops on grilled chicken!

  • ⅓ c. extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ c. red wine vinegar
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp. dried oregano
  • 2 tsp. dried thyme
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. ground black pepper

6. Korean-American BBQ Marinade

In 1903, the first group of Korean laborers came to Hawaii on January 13 (now known annually as Korean American Day). Between 1904 and 1907, roughly 1,000 Korean immigrants entered the mainland from Hawaii through San Francisco. After the annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910, Korean migration to the U.S. came to a full stop. It wasn’t until 1952 that opportunities were more open to Asian Americans, enabling Korean Americans to move out of enclaves and into middle-class neighborhoods. With Korean immigration came Bulgogi or “Korean BBQ.” This tangy marinade is beautiful on grilled short ribs. The longer you marinate, the better!

  • ½ c. reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp. water
  • 1 ½ tbsp. raw or turbinado sugar
  • 1 tbsp. dark sesame oil
  • 1 tsp. grated peeled fresh ginger
  • ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ c. chopped scallions

7. Israeli-American Date Marinade

This recipe actually came from a collection of marinades suggested for Israeli Independence Day (Yom Ha’atzmaut), so it’s a fitting marinade for the 4th! Israelis began migrating to the United States shortly after the founding of the state of Israel in 1948. Date honey or date syrup (silan) was first brought to Israel by Iraqi Jews and is used similarly to molasses in a number of dishes. There are a number of recipes online for making your own or you can purchase silan online from websites like Amazon.com. This marinade pairs very well with a smoky grilled chicken and is best if left to marinate overnight.

  • 4 tbsp. silan (date syrup)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp. brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp. apple vinegar
  • salt and pepper to taste

8. Jamaican-American Jerk Chicken Marinade

Jamaicans were originally brought to the United States as slaves in 1838 with the explosion of the sugar plantations in European colonies in the Caribbean. That said, the first immigration wave for Jamaicans in America wasn’t until the 1960s. Presently, most Jamaican-Americans and immigrants reside in New York City. This dish might very well already be on your grilling menu. Grilled jerk chicken dates back to 1655, likely earlier, standing the test of time.

  • 3 scallions, chopped
  • 4 large garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 4 fresh Scotch bonnet or habanero chiles, stemmed and seeded
  • ¼ c. fresh lime juice
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 ½ tbsp. Salt
  • 1 tbsp. packed brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tsp. ground allspice
  • 2 tsp. ground black pepper
  • ¾ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • ½ tsp. cinnamon

We wish you and your family a safe and happy Independence Day! Like many Americans, we look for opportunities to support the American worker and American entrepreneur. We’re proud to tell our customers about the brands we carry that produce 100% of their merchandise in the United States.

For more inspiration for family activities or gift ideas, visit us at thepajamacompany.com/blog.

For Dad: How to Create a Pajama Day in a Box

Father’s Day is coming up, Sunday June 21st.  That means it’s time to treat Dad and how him just how much he’s appreciated!

Why not put together an awesome Pajama Day box just for him? Personalize it by filling it with treats Dad will love and use for his very own PJ Day.  A day where he can kick back, relax, and be cozy…

Here are some things you can gather to create his Pajama Day in a Box:

– Some craft beer
– A pair of cool PJ pants
– His favorite movie
– A magazine he loves: Car & Driver, Time, Sports Illustrated, etc
– A batch of yummy homemade cookies
A comfy robe
– Book of crossword puzzles
Hand dipped pretzles
– A new book from his favorite author or a classic he loves
– A set of happy socks
– A bag of donuts from the local shop
– Some fun boxers
– A copy of his newspaper of choice: The Wall St Journal, NT Times, etc

Gather it all together and wrap it up.  Present it on Father’s Day morning and let him know that this is his day to chill out and do whatever he wants all day long – no questions asked!