Five Star Gift Ideas

For your grandpa who loves baking bread from scratch, there are several meaningful and personal gift ideas that would complement his passion for baking and make his Father's Day special.

1. Bread Baking Kit: Consider gifting your grandpa a complete bread baking kit that includes all the essential tools and ingredients needed for bread making. This can include high-quality bread pans, a bread knife, a dough scraper, a bread lame, and a selection of specialty flours. Additionally, you could include a homemade recipe book with your family's favorite bread recipes, or even a voucher for a baking class or workshop to further enhance his skills.

2. Artisan Bread Cookbook: Help inspire your grandpa's creativity with a collection of artisan bread recipes. Look for a cookbook with diverse recipes and techniques, including sourdough bread, baguettes, whole-grain loaves, and more. This gift can provide him with new and exciting baking projects, allowing him to experiment with different flavors and textures.

3. Bread Proofing Basket: Professional bakers often use bread proofing baskets, also called bannetons, to shape their loaves and create beautiful patterns on the bread crust. These baskets are made of natural materials like cane or rattan and give the bread its distinct shape. Gifting your grandpa a set of these baskets will make his homemade bread look even more professional and aesthetically pleasing.

4. Local Flours and Ingredients: Find a local mill or specialty store that sells unique and high-quality flours and grains. Many regions offer specialty flours like spelt, einkorn, or rye that can add incredible flavor and texture to homemade bread. Include a selection of these specialty flours along with a note explaining their origin and unique characteristics. This will not only broaden your grandpa's bread-making repertoire but also give him a taste of something new and interesting.

5. Bread Scoring Stencils: Scoring the bread dough before baking not only enhances the appearance but also helps control the growth of the loaf. Consider gifting your grandpa a set of bread scoring stencils that will enable him to create intricate and beautiful designs on his bread. These stencils come in various shapes and sizes, allowing for endless creativity in his baking.

6. Bread Subscription Service: If you want to surprise your grandpa throughout the year, consider subscribing him to a bread delivery service. Several artisan bakeries offer monthly subscription boxes that include handcrafted bread made from high-quality ingredients. This gift will not only bring him fresh, delicious bread regularly but also expose him to different bread styles from around the world.

Remember, the most important aspect of a meaningful gift is the thought and love behind it. Whatever you choose for your grandpa, make sure to add a heartfelt message or personal note expressing your appreciation for his baking and the joy it brings to your family.

Or you can get him a star map with an important date you share.