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It’s that time of year again — holiday gift-giving. I’ve pulled some fun ideas that I personally love OR I love to give, in my 2020 Holiday Gift Guides below. There is a little bit of something for everyone!

A friendly note before you shop to try and shop local for these when you can! If there is a local bookstore that you love– be sure to check and see if they sell the books I recommended by some of my favorite Authors that I love to support.

I’ll be sharing some fun, local ideas later this week for all of you DFW folks!! But here is a round up of some great gifts in the meantime for all to enjoy.

  1. The Defined Dish: Healthy and Wholesome Weeknight Recipes– I’ve teamed up with one of my favorite local book stores to bring you copies of my book personally addressed to the ones you love most!!
  2. Minted Gold-Foil Recipe Card: This past year I scanned one of my grandmother’s old recipe cards and had it printed in gold-foil and framed from Minted. It sits in my office above my desk and her handwritten recipe always makes me smile.
  3. Salt & Pepper Grinders: I really want these!!!
  4. Sleek Measuring Spoons: Every time I use these on Instagram, people ask me about them! While they aren’t the cutest, they are nice and practical because they easily fit into the spice jars.
  5. The Honeysuckle Cookbook: This new book by Dzung Lewis is not only beautiful but delicious too! It is filled with Asian inspired dishes that you’ll love!
  6. One Pot Keto Cooking: If you are looking for easy, delicious, practical dinners, this book by Charlotte Smythe is FANTASTIC.
  7. Our Place Pan: The pan you are likely seeing everywhere you turn, ha!! Here is my two cents on it: as far as a nice non-toxic pan, goes it performs really well. My favorite part (other than how cute it is) is the steamer basket insert for quickly steaming veggies for my kiddos! It really is great!
  8. What’s Gaby Cooking: Eat What You Want: Everything Gaby does is just delicious!!! Perfect for the foodie!
  9. Muffin Pan: An adorable muffin pan for the baker in your life.
  10. Ballarini Non-Stick Skillet: This is my all-time favorite non-stick skillet. I have had mine for years and it performs so well!
  11. Pineapple Collaborative Olive Oils: This women-owned-and-made olive oil is chic and delicious!!!! The tins come in 5 colors and make such fun gifts!
  12. The Primal Gourmet Cookbook: If you love my cookbook, you are going to love Ronny’s! This book is fantastic, delicious and easy to follow!
  13. Immersion Blender: If you don’t already have an immersion blender, get one and change your life!!
  14. Amazon Echo Show 5: My favorite cooking ‘gadget.’ I love using Alexa as my sous chef in the kitchen, from setting timers, asking conversions, and setting the mood with good playlists!
  15. Simple Beautiful Food: This book is exactly what it says it is. Amanda Frederickson filled it with simple, beautiful food that EVERYONE will love! Such a great gift.
  16. Staub Cast-Iron Dutch Oven: My most prized possession in the kitchen. It’s an investment that I will love forever and I know you all will too.
For Her Gift Guide
  1. Z Supply Camo Weekender– This pullover top is my favorite!
  2. The Hunter Tassel Earring: This color! So cute.
  3. Fabletics High-Waisted Cold Weather Pocket Legging: My current favorite legging!
  4. All Birds Wool Lounger Fluffs: My mom recently got me these slippers and they are HEAVENLY.
  5. Cora Statement Earrings: Timeless and pretty!
  6. Tumi Voyageur Carson Laptop Backpack: I have two Tumi backpacks and they are essentials for me. The Dori, is the smaller one that I use daily as my purse. The Carson, pictured above, is a larger bag that is great to use as a briefcase/laptop case + the wonderful for travel! This is definitely an investment piece but one of my favorite things I own!
  7. Reuse Mask – Haze: The comfiest face masks!
  8. Hotel San Jose Robe: This one makes it to my list *every year* and that’s because it’s the best gift ever!
  9. Necessaire – The Body Ritual – Bergamot Scent is my personal favorite; however, they all rock! Use code ‘ALEX10′ for 10% off your order!
  10. Thryv Organics CBD Bath Bombs: Use code ‘DEFINEDDISH’ for 25% off your order of any of the Thryv products.
  11. Maison Storage Bath Caddy: For the bath lover in your life!!
  12. Branch Basics Premium Starter Kit: Use code ‘DEFINEDDISH’ for 20% off all kits!!! I recommend the Starter kit + Oxyboost!
  13. Truffle Co. Clarity Clutch: The best for travel and to keep your purse organized.
  14. Estelle Colored Champagne Coupe – Amber Smoke: I am asking for these!! So fabulous.
Gifts for Him
  1. Camp High Northern Lights Shorts: You may have seen clayton rocking these fun, tie dye shorts on my stories. He loves all things by Camp High but these are his favorite.
  2. Lava Lamp: My brother-in-law gave Clayton a lava lamp one year for Christmas as more of a gag gift, but, it’s seriously SUCH A MOOD in our lounge room. I love it and it’s the perfect gift for the funky, fun person in your life.
  3. Vinyl Me Please Record of the Month Club: Clayton has been a member of this for years! It’s a great way to discover new artists and a fantastic gift!
  4. Ranch Rider Snapback Hat: If you are a Ranch Rider fan (*we are proud investors*) they have shirts and hats on their website that rock!
  5. Agate Desk Clock
  6. Estelle Colored Decanter – Amber Smoke: I just love the color and how sleek this decanter is.
  7. Estelle Colored Rocks Glass – Amber Smoke
  8. Fly by Jing Triple Threat Trio: Clayton is in love with Sichuan food and Sichuan peppercorns. These sauces are INSANELY delicious.
  9. Crosley C6 Record Player: Clayton’s record playing set up today is very curated/intense; however, when he first started his record collection years ago he had a Crosley. It’s great quality, looks nice, and worked wonders until he upgraded to his very fancy stereo equipment that he has today.
  10. Vans Checkerboard Slip-On – Black + White: These slips are a staple in Clayton’s closet.
  11. Cashmere Hoodie: Clayton loves this sweater and the pants that go with it! Wears them both regularly.
  12. Echo Studio Smart Speaker with Alexa: This speaker is awesome. It’s easy to transport and has great sound. We even take it out to our pool (when the weather permits) and the quality of it always blows me away! Clayton loves it.
  1. Personalized Denim Jacket: I recently got my girls these and they are ADORABLE.
  2. Checkerboard Slip-On – Black + White
  3. Magna-Tiles: This is the gift that keeps on giving. We’ve had these since the kiddos were young, and they still play with them to this day!
  4. Women in Art Book Gift Set:
  5. Doll Closet: I just got this for the girls for Christmas 🙂 I thought they would love hanging up their dolls’ clothes!
  6. La Paloma Nightgown: *Use code ALEX15 for 15% off.
  7. Galaxycove Projector: Clayton found this and we purchased it for the girls for Christmas! It looks so fun!
  8. Ripple Reads Single Kit or Subscription: If conscious gifting is top of mind for you this season, I am loving the family book club that helps raise empowered kids called Ripple Reads. For the holidays you can gift single kits or a recurring subscription to Ripple Reads which includes: a picture book, sticker sheets, postcards and a workbook with family discussion guide and other activities to help you have meaningful conversations with elementary age kids about race, justice and empathy in a way that is not only approachable and honest, but also FUN! Everything Ripple Reads produces is crafted in partnership with leading experts and university professors in the field of race, teaching and curriculum. The organization is founded and run by parents themselves of different racial backgrounds, which I really appreciate! Ripple Reads is offering our readers 20% off their holiday orders with the code DEFINEDDISH20. They recommend ordering by December 14 to receive orders by Christmas. For every purchase made with this code or link, Ripple Reads will also donate a kit of Ripple Reads via their scholarship fund to mentors of Friends of the Children nonprofit organization. This 1:1 program is equivalent to a $25 donation plus the impact of helping Friends of the Children caregivers educate and empower the children they support to break cycles of generational poverty.
  9. Scooter Luggage: Sick of lugging your own luggage plus your kids’ luggage around? Well, this scooter bag is EVERYTHING!! My girls are obsessed.
  10. Leather Star Jacket: Another adorable gift!
  11. Yoga Cards
  12. Positive Vibes Yoga Mat
  13. Reuse Masks – Set of 5: My girls have to wear masks to school, and these fit the best by far!
  14. Tea Set: Because who doesn’t want to have a tea party?
Holiday Gift Guides 2020 (4)
  1. Fish Fixe: Y’all know how much I love Fish Fixe, and the gift of premium, frozen seafood is such a practical + thoughtful one! Use my code DEFINEDDISH for $15 off (orders over $100!)
  2. Cookie Society: If you are a DFW local, you can shop in person (it’s in Frisco!) but if you aren’t, check out the selection of holiday gift boxes. Delicious, small shop cookies delivered to your doorstep!
  3. What’s Gaby Cooking: Because who doesn’t love @whatsgabycookin and all of her goodies!? These seasoning mixtures are SO GOOD and perfect for making any meal delicious! 
  4. Cake Guts from Cake Y’all by Cades Cakes: I’ve shared these a few times on my Instagram and now you can get your own shipped to your door!
  5. Fix and Fogg Nut Butters: The Everything Butter MUST be included when you make your picks!
  6. Magic Spoon Holiday Bundle: My whole family is obsessed with Magic Spoon — the flavors are so nostalgic! The Holiday Bundle includes a special Gingerbread flavor and an adorable bowl and spoon.
  7. Magic Mind: I recently shared that we have become investors in Magic Mind after falling in love with their product. They are the cleanest of energy shots and so great for productivity! Use code ALEXMAGIC for 20% off!
  8. Assembly Kitchen Salsas: Get the Smoked Fresno, Salsa Habanero + Salsa Macha! SO GOOD. The smoked fresno is one of my favorite hot sauces I’ve ever eaten!
  9. Assembly Kitchen x Texas Food + Wine Alliance: Want to send a Taste of Texas to a friend? Brimming with gourmet snacks from some of the Lone Star State’s most acclaimed chefs and artisans, the boxes are the perfect surprise for friends, family, or anyone else who may need some holiday cheer. 
  10. Fly by Jing: The BEST sichuan sauces/elixirs ever!!
  11. Humble Salt Co: A fantastic seasoning blend to use on ANYTHING!
  12. LALO Tequila: If you have a tequila lover in your house, LALO Tequila is our new favorite. It’s clean, pure flavor is great for sipping and Clayton’s Margarita making! 
  13. Pineapple Collaborative Olive Oil: I love these cute (and tasty) women-owned and made olive oils from Pineapple Collaborative! They come in tons of colors + you can go big and get the entire set of 5 colors!
  14. Pasilla Chile Magic: A friend introduced this delicious, smokey seasoning to me recently and I fell in love. It’s spicy, smokey and so flavorful. Simply use it to rim your margarita or even sprinkle it on top of a hearty bowl of pozole!
  15. Miss Naughty Brownie: Another #shopsmall local Dallas delicious bite! Y’all these build your own “naughty brownie” bites are such a fun gift for the sweet lover in your life! Use code DefinedDish20 for 20% off.

If you want to give my cookbook as a gift, here are some other fun add-ins you can throw in there. All are very “on brand” that your loved ones might love!

  1. The Defined Dish: Healthy and Wholesome Weeknight Recipes
  2. Thro Ceramics Salt + Pepper Shakers: These salt + pepper shakers are one of my absolute favorites! Thank you Anna Mae Groves for introducing them to me! While the website is currently private, check Instagram for updates on when the shakers will be available to purchase for Christmas. I also promise these are worth the wait if you have to pre-order — you can always include a photo and gift once they arrive!
  3. Clayton’s Margarita Cups
  4. Pineapple Collaborative Olive Oil
  5. Fly by Jing Triple Threat Trio: Soooo good – they make my Sichuan pepper loving heart SING!
  6. Ranch Water Cups
  7. Anchovies Can Ornament


Welcome! I’m Alex.

I’m a food lover sharing healthy, simple, delicious, recipes from my kitchen to yours. Here you’ll find lots of Whole30, lots of healthy, and a little indulgence here and there because…it’s all about balance y’all!


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7 Comments

  1. Hey Alex! I know this may be a long shot as this is is an older post but wanted to at least try to ask, does your San Jose Hotel Robe have an “internal tie”, for lack of better terms? I have a summer robe made of a thinner material that I’m looking to replace bc it does not have a tie that helps keep it ‘together’ while wearing so I’m constantly having to adjust. I tried scouring the listing but couldn’t confirm! Thank you!

    1. it doesn’t have the smaller, internal tie like some robes have. But this material i find doesn’t gap or open up to flaunt the goodies haha. It’s not a super thin material (it’s not thick either)

  2. Love these lists! I did try to use the Miss Naughty Brownie code, and it doesn’t work. Just wanted to give you a heads up.

  3. You have such classic yet unique taste in gifts. Thank you for this thoughtful gift guide! By the way, last January I got your cookbook for Christmas in preparation for my first W30. I made it the whole month almost exclusively cooking dinner using your recipes!