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2020 Holiday Gift Guide: Unique Ideas for Everyone

It’s that time of year again: holiday gift-giving. Below I’ve gathered my favorite ideas—things I love to give or to receive—for my 2020 Holiday Gift Guides. There’s a little bit of something for everyone, from kitchen tools and cookbooks to cozy accessories and gifts for kids.

A friendly request before you shop: when possible, try to buy local. If you have a favorite independent bookstore, check whether they carry the books I recommend. I’ll also share some local DFW picks later this week, but here’s a curated roundup of great gifts to inspire your holiday shopping now.

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Kitchen & Cooking Gifts

  1. The Defined Dish: Healthy and Wholesome Weeknight Recipes – I’ve partnered with a favorite local bookstore to offer signed and unsigned copies. Consider gifting a signed copy for a personal touch.

    • Unsigned copy
    • Signature-only copy
    • Custom signed copy
  2. Minted gold-foil recipe card – I had one of my grandmother’s handwritten recipes printed in gold foil and framed; it’s a sentimental, beautiful gift.
  3. Salt & pepper grinders – Stylish and practical for the home cook.
  4. Sleek measuring spoons – Compact and practical; they fit neatly into spice jars.
  5. The Honeysuckle Cookbook by Dzung Lewis – A beautiful, Asian-inspired cookbook full of delicious ideas.
  6. One Pot Keto Cooking by Charlotte Smythe – Great for anyone seeking easy, practical dinners.
  7. Our Place pan – A popular non-toxic pan that performs well; I especially like the included steamer basket for quick veggies.
  8. What’s Gaby Cooking: Eat What You Want – A perfect gift for food lovers.
  9. Muffin pan – Cute and useful for bakers.
  10. Ballarini non-stick skillet – My go-to non-stick skillet; durable and reliable.
  11. Pineapple Collaborative olive oils – Women-owned, attractive tins in several colors—great for gifting.
  12. The Primal Gourmet Cookbook – A tasty, approachable cookbook that complements mine well.
  13. Immersion blender – A kitchen must-have if you don’t already own one.
  14. Amazon Echo Show 5 – A useful kitchen assistant for timers, conversions, and playing music while you cook.
  15. Simple Beautiful Food by Amanda Frederickson – A lovely book filled with straightforward, elegant recipes.
  16. Staub cast-iron Dutch oven – An investment piece I treasure; perfect for slow-cooked meals and gifting to a serious home cook.
For Her Gift Guide

For Her

  1. Z Supply camo weekender pullover – A cozy, go-to top I love.
  2. Hunter tassel earrings – A fun statement accessory.
  3. Fabletics high-waisted cold-weather leggings – Comfortable and flattering.
  4. Allbirds wool lounger fluffs – Super soft slippers that feel heavenly.
  5. Cora statement earrings – Timeless and elegant.
  6. Tumi Voyageur Carson laptop backpack – A practical, stylish investment for travel and everyday use.
  7. Reuse mask – Haze – Comfortable, wearable face masks.
  8. Hotel San Jose robe – A consistently popular and luxurious-feeling gift.
  9. Necessaire – The Body Ritual – Bergamot is my favorite scent; they’re all excellent. (Use code ALEX10 for 10% off.)
  10. Thryv Organics CBD bath bombs – A relaxing present (use code DEFINEDDISH for 25% off).
  11. Maison storage bath caddy – Perfect for someone who loves long baths.
  12. Branch Basics premium starter kit – Great for clean home care; I recommend the starter kit plus OxyBoost (use code DEFINEDDISH for 20% off).
  13. Truffle Co. Clarity clutch – Compact and excellent for organizing essentials while traveling.
  14. Estelle colored champagne coupe – Amber Smoke – A chic, stylish stemware that makes a statement.
Gifts for Him

For Him

  1. Camp High Northern Lights shorts – A fun staple; great for someone who enjoys playful, comfortable clothing.
  2. Lava lamp – A quirky, nostalgic gift that adds personality to a room.
  3. Vinyl Me, Please record club – A thoughtful gift for music lovers who enjoy discovering new records.
  4. Ranch Rider snapback hat – Stylish caps and tees for fans of the brand.
  5. Agate desk clock – A unique, decorative timepiece.
  6. Estelle colored decanter – Amber Smoke – Sleek and modern glassware for spirits.
  7. Estelle colored rocks glasses – Amber Smoke
  8. Fly by Jing Triple Threat Trio – Exceptional Sichuan sauces that add bold flavor.
  9. Crosley C6 record player – A great starter turntable that looks stylish and plays well.
  10. Vans checkerboard slip-on – A casual classic that fits many wardrobes.
  11. Cashmere hoodie – Soft, comfortable loungewear that’s easy to love.
  12. Echo Studio smart speaker – Powerful sound in a portable package for music lovers.
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Gifts for Kids

  1. Personalized denim jacket – Adorable and unique for little ones.
  2. Checkerboard slip-on – A cute mini version of an adult favorite.
  3. Magna-Tiles – A long-lasting, creative toy my kids still love.
  4. Women in Art book gift set – Inspiring, educational reading for young minds.
  5. Doll closet – A sweet, organizational gift for doll play.
  6. La Paloma nightgown – Comfortable and charming (use code ALEX15 for 15% off).
  7. Galaxycove projector – A fun nightlight/gadget that creates a starry ceiling.
  8. Ripple Reads – Family book kits and subscriptions that spark conversations about race, justice, and empathy; use code DEFINEDDISH20 for 20% off holiday orders. Ripple Reads also donates a kit to mentors in the Friends of the Children program for every purchase with this code.
  9. Scooter luggage – A ride-on suitcase kids adore, great for travel.
  10. Leather star jacket – A playful, stylish piece.
  11. Yoga cards and positive vibes yoga mat – Active, mindful gifts for kids.
  12. Reuse masks – set of 5 – Comfortable, well-fitting masks for school.
  13. Tea set – A classic gift for imaginative play.
Holiday Gift Guides 2020 (4)

Food Gifts & Small Businesses

  1. Fish Fixe – Premium frozen seafood makes a practical, thoughtful gift. Use code DEFINEDDISH for $15 off orders over $100.
  2. Cookie Society – Local DFW bakery with holiday boxes; ships nationwide.
  3. What’s Gaby Cooking seasonings – Flavorful mixes that elevate everyday meals.
  4. Cake Y’all by Cades Cakes – Decadent cakes and treats you can ship to loved ones.
  5. Fix and Fogg nut butters – Unique flavors perfect for gift boxes.
  6. Magic Spoon holiday bundle – Nostalgic cereal flavors and a festive bowl set.
  7. Magic Mind – A clean energy shot we’ve backed and enjoy (use code ALEXMAGIC for 20% off).
  8. Assembly Kitchen salsas – Smoked Fresno and other spicy favorites that make great stocking stuffers.
  9. Assembly Kitchen x Texas Food + Wine Alliance boxes – A Taste of Texas gift box filled with local gourmet treats.
  10. Fly by Jing sauces – Outstanding Sichuan sauces for spice lovers.
  11. Humble Salt Co. – Versatile finishing salts for cooks.
  12. LALO Tequila – A smooth, sippable tequila for cocktail enthusiasts.
  13. Pineapple Collaborative olive oils – Colorful tins make cheerful gifts.
  14. Pasilla Chile Magic – Smoky, spicy seasoning that’s great on margarita rims or as a finishing touch.
  15. Miss Naughty Brownie – Locally made brownie samplers; use code DefinedDish20 for 20% off.
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Gift Add-Ons & Pairings

If you’re giving my cookbook, here are a few curated add-ins that pair beautifully and stay true to the book’s spirit.

  1. Cookbook plus options

    • Unsigned copy
    • Signature-only copy
    • Custom signed copy
  2. Thro Ceramics salt + pepper shakers – Beautiful, handmade shakers worth the wait if you need to pre-order.
  3. Clayton’s margarita cups and Ranch Water cups – Fun, branded glassware for cocktail lovers.
  4. Pineapple Collaborative olive oil – A small-batch, stylish addition to a cookbook gift.
  5. Fly by Jing Triple Threat Trio – An irresistible pairing for anyone who loves bold flavors.
  6. Anchovies can ornament – A playful stocking stuffer for the culinary-minded.