It's National Pi Day 2024! Here's what it is and how to celebrate
Grab a slice of 3.1415926535 for the occasion
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National Pi Day, March 14, is here! What is Pi Day and why is it so? It’s simple really—it’s because the date is 3/14, a.k.a the first three digits of the irrational number π (Pi). It’s a very punny day, if you can’t tell.
For those of us who aren’t mathematically minded, Pi Day is an excuse to eat and obsess over “pies,” both of the sweet and savory varieties. There are many restaurants that even offer deals on pie slices. If you’d like to partake in the tasty, geeky, and punny festivities, read on. Here’s everything to know about National Pi Day 2024, including ways to celebrate it.
What is Pi Day?
National Pi Day is a day created to celebrate the number π or “Pi” (3.1459…). Pi is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. Since “pie” and “Pi” are pronounced the same way, Pi Day is used as an excuse to eat pies of all varieties, including pizza.
When is Pi Day 2024?
Pi Day is observed annually on March 14 because 3, 1, and 4 are the first three digits of Pi.
Products to celebrate Pi Day 2024
1. A Pi Day shirt
An easy way to show your Pi Day spirit is by wearing a funny shirt that's related to the day. Pi Day is all about puns, so we think this cute snake shirt about a python (get it?) is the perfect way to express yourself. It comes in various colors and sizes to fit your preferences and needs.
It's a Pi-thon—get it?
2. A pie dish
Planning on baking a deliciously sweet pie for the occasion? You'll want to make sure you have a quality pie dish to ensure your crust comes out perfectly browned and crispy. We've tested several popular pie dishes and found the best to be the Emile Henry Modern Classics Pie Dish. This cute and deep pie dish comes in a variety of colors and makes it easy to flute your crust. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe.
Show off your baking skills with a homemade pie for the occasion.
3. A pizza cutter
There's nothing like removing the perfect pizza (“pie”) out of the oven only to butcher the whole thing by cutting it unevenly with a knife, watching in horror as the cheese and toppings slip and slide over the sauce-slicked dough. To prevent such a tragedy from befalling your pizza, we recommend using our favorite pizza cutter, the Progressive PL8 Artisan Pizza Wheel. We love this pizza cutter thanks to its efficient cutting, comfortable handle and blade guard for safety.
Don't let a cheesy pizza fall apart when you cut it.
4. A pizza oven
If you're serious about your pizza pie, we recommend taking your pizza game to the next level by getting a pizza oven. They give you professional-quality pies thanks to their searing heat. Our favorite pizza oven is the Solo Stove Pi Pizza Oven. Supporting both gas and wood fuel, this lightweight pizza oven heats quickly and cooks evenly.
Level up your pizza game with our favorite outdoor pizza oven.
5. A pizza stone
A pizza stone is a must-buy for making a quality ‘za. These slabs of steel, ceramic, iron or stone absorb the heat of your oven, cooking your pizza more efficiently. The best pizza stone on the market is the Lodge Cast Iron Baking Pan 14" thanks to its convenient handles, ease of cleaning, and its versatility.
Cook your pizza to perfection with this pizza stone.
6. A slow cooker
Pizza in a slow cooker? It may sound odd, but don't knock it until you try it. We did and we loved the result, so if you're looking for a convenient and fun way to make a thick, deep-dish pizza, you should give it a try. If you're in need of a slow cooker or simply want an upgrade, we've got just the one for you: the Cuisinart 6-Quart 3-in-1 Cook Central Multicooker. This is our favorite slow cooker because it keeps food at its optimal temperature whether you need to keep a dish warm or piping hot. Additionally, it’s dishwasher safe and its handles make it safe to carry it even when hot.
Don't knock cooking in a slow cooker until you try it.
7. A Goldbelly delivery
Enjoy a taste of home with Goldbelly. It’s a food delivery service that ships its products across the nation. Whether you're in Arkansas or Alaska, you'll be able to enjoy what Goldbelly has to offer. It operates by teaming up with local restaurants and stores to ship their products, meaning you can choose to eat locally or try exciting new pies from across the country. It's a great way to try the many regional pizza varieties such as those from New Haven, Detroit, St. Louis and Chicago. Pie isn't anything to sneeze at if you're looking for variety, either—key lime, apple, whoopie, and chicken pot pie are just a few of the kinds of pies you can get delivered using Goldbelly.
8. A Banza chickpea pizza
Whether you prefer your food gluten-free or you aren’t able to have gluten, you know all too well how difficult it can be to find a pizza you can enjoy. While hard, it's certainly not impossible if you know where to look. We've tried out Banza's frozen pizza and loved its cauliflower crust which we found to be crispy and flavorful.
You won't be able to tell it's gluten-free.
9. A cast iron skillet
For making thicker pizzas, such as deep-dish, consider picking up a cast-iron skillet. These will help shape your dough, leading to a thicker crust. The best cast-iron skillet we've tested is the Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast-Iron Skillet. It's affordable, lightweight, comfortable to use and non-stick.
Cast iron skillets can make a great deep-dish pizza.
10. A logic workbook
Let’s not forget the true meaning behind Pi Day while we’re busy eating pies. If you know a kid who loves puzzles and math, what better way to celebrate Pi Day than by gifting them a nifty logic workbook that's sure to keep them entertained for months to come? Reviewers love this book for the engaging challenges it includes, saying it's a great bonding experience for kids and parents alike.
Work out your brain during Pi Day with this exciting logic workbook for kids.
11. A calculator
Pi Day is at its core about mathematics, so why not have a little fun and celebrate by picking up a calculator for old-time's sake? If you're doing it just for a gag or photo, then a simple, 8-function calculator should suffice.
Get your math on for Pi Day.
If you're really committed to the bit or you find yourself doing more complex equations, you can opt for the much more advanced Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator. It supports many more functions than your basic calculator and can support basic apps and games, too.
For those who want a calculator with more bells and whistles.
12. A pie-scented candle
One of the best qualities of pies is their delightful smells. Thankfully, you don’t have to bake a pie to fill your home with a pleasant aroma. Candles by Village Candle will do the trick of treating your nose to all the pie scents you know and love. It doesn't get more classic than an apple pie and over 1,700 buyers agree that this one smells like the real deal.
Surround yourself with the smell of pie all day long.
13. Pizza socks
Looking for one more way to get into the Pi Day mood? Look no further than Pizza Socks Box by Rainbow Socks. These socks come in a unique package—a pizza box! You can either surprise a friend thanks to the unique shape or enjoy it for yourself. The box comes with a variety of "flavors" including pepperoni, veggie and mushroom.
Wear your favorite type of pie right on your feet.