Gift List: The Defined Dish’s Alex Snodgrass on the Art of Gifting

Rip & Tan: How do you tend to approach holiday gifting? Do you have a strategy?

Alex Snodgrass: My strategy is to make a list of everyone to whom I want to give gifts on my iPhone as a checklist in my notes app. Then I work my way through it and write down everything that I purchased for each person so I remember what I’ve done. It’s hard to keep up with it all and this works for me!

Rip & Tan: What are some culinary-minded gifts anyone—regardless of skill or comfort level—are sure to love? 

Alex Snodgrass: A good non-stick skillet is hard to come by, but this Non Stick Frying Pan is my favorite non-stick by far! I also love the Material Kitchen cutting boards. They are so cute with all of their fun colors and great to gift any level of home cook. Last but not least, these kitchen tweezers are a game changer for me and make any home chef feel super professional. 

Rip & Tan: In the spirit of an entertaining-focused season, what are your go-to host’s gifts? 

Alex Snodgrass: I mean, I love a good cookbook so I do gift my own cookbook, The Comfortable Kitchen, with a little candle to a lot of hosts! Another great gift is the Graza Olive Oil Duo.

Rip & Tan: What are you most looking forward to this holiday season?

Alex Snodgrass: Spending mostly uninterrupted time with family during the holiday season is always a treat. I love being present and spending time with them. This year, we are taking the kids to NYC to experience the magic of Christmas in the city. I absolutely cannot wait!

From the Jenni Kayne Collection

Pacific Soup Bowl—I love what I like to call a “blate”, which is a bowl and plate combined. It works to serve essentially everything and makes your plating more gorgeous.

Universal Low Glass Set of 4—These low glasses are so simple but stunning. They would be gorgeous on any table, dressed up or down!

Santo Wood Candle—I am a sucker for a good candle, and this Santo Wood is such a luxe, beautiful scent for the home. 

Shearling Moroccan Slipper—I am definitely asking for these slippers for myself for Christmas!!

Staub Oval Gratin Dish—This is absolutely stunning and would be so fun for holiday side dishes, casseroles and more—so chic! 

Other Curated Favorites

Maya Brenner Asymmetrical Custom Initial Necklace—I’ve had this dainty-beautiful necklace with my kids’ initials on it for years. I want to get it for my Mother-in-law with all her grandkids’ initials on it! 

Maison Storage Bath Caddy—I also have this bath caddy and love it! It’s perfect for the bath lover.

Cryo De-Puffing Facial Mask—These are my favorite de-puff eye masks- great for a bestie, sister, or mom. 

Madeline Cosmetic—I am a very dialed-in packer when it comes to traveling. This cosmetic case is the best and a great gift for an avid traveler.

Special Experience—I also love to gift an experience. We are surprising the girls with tickets to see Wicked on Broadway!