This list previously included Bindle Bottle, but it has been removed as the product has been recalled due to a safety concern. If you purchased that product, we recommend you visit the Bindle Bottle recall page to learn more.
Once upon a time, during the Oprah show days, I discovered some very comfy red-checkered flannel pajamas and some unbelievably cozy shearling-lined boots that kept my feet warm on even the most chilling Chicago days. I adored those pajamas. And those Uggs. I wanted everyone I knew to experience and adore them, too. So I bought them for everyone I worked with, which at the time was about 490 people.
When I ran out of people I knew, I wanted to keep sharing–with everyone who knew me. Thus the idea of Favorite Things.
These days, choosing my Favorite Things makes me a little cuckoo. What started as an organic extension of wanting to treat people to some things I truly loved has turned into an annual list that takes a team to curate.
I then go through every item, picking my favorites and narrowing the selection to my own. It’s a process. Because it’s important for me to remain as true to my original inspiration as possible.
My guideline: Do I really like it enough to want to receive it myself?
You remember those Oprah shows when the audience went wild enough to become the subject of a Saturday Night Live skit? I’m telling you, they were as much LOL fun as they looked! Nights before the big giveaways, I couldn’t sleep from my own anticipated joy of giving. And this I came to realize: It wasn’t the gift itself that would be remembered. It was the spirit, energy, and excitement of being in that moment.
This is why, in my personal life, I give only when the spirit of the giving is right for me. I don’t like exchanging presents just because an occasion calls for it. And if I must give something other than flowers to acknowledge a birthday or a special accomplishment, I put a lot of thought into what would be meaningful and most appreciated. For me, the gift is a symbol of a feeling.
And it’s equally delightful for the giver and the receiver. Some of my best and most extravagant gifts have been vacations or spa trips for friends, because I know experiences make memories.
I’ve given Beats headphones to girls from my South African school. Makeup kits from Anastasia Beverly Hills. Tickets for Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s On the Run II Tour. In every case, the giftee’s joy has fueled my own. I’ve felt equally rewarded sharing a book of poetry or introducing a new author who inspired the recipient or elevated their thinking.
So what are your gifts to give? We’ve all heard it’s the thought that counts. True that. But it’s also the intention behind the thought. The greatest offering is letting someone know through your actions and your words that they matter.
For my 64th birthday, one of the girls from my school put into a small wooden box “64 Reasons Why I Love You.” Sixty-four folded strips of paper, each with handwritten words that seared my heart. Some of the most thoughtful observations and appreciations. I’ll cherish them forever. It’s the most perfect gift I’ve ever received. And other than the price of the little wooden box, the only cost was time. The time it takes to say “I love you.” That, I know for sure, is your most powerful gift to give.
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Softies Hooded Snuggle Loungers
Originally $95 each, now 20% off with code "OPRAH"
softiespjs.com
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Peace Love World Shag Throws with Pom-Poms
Originally $69 each, now $48.50 with code "OPRAH"
peaceloveworld.com
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LA Relaxed The Jumpsuit
Originally $168 each, now 20% off with code "OPRAH"
larelaxed.com
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Tory Sport Tracksuits
Color-blocked jackets, $165 each, and pants, $135 each
torysport.com
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Siena Mugs
$49.99 for set of six, now 20% off with code "OPRAH"
yedihouseware.com
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Burt's Bees Family Pajamas
Originally $10 to $45 each, now 20% off with code "OPRAH"
burtsbeesbaby.com
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Arts and Crafts Supply Library
Originally $40, now 20% off with code "OPRAH"
kidmademodern.com
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Love Bubby Tee and One-Piece
Originally $26 to $28 each, now 20% off with code "OPRAH"
shoplovebubby.com
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Three by Three Jotblock Watercolor Set
Originally $30, now 20% off with code "OPRAH"
threebythree.com
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Sunday Riley Game Changer Kit
Body Butter and Dry Body Oil Sets
Library of Flowers by Margot Elena Bubble Bath
Artis Elite Mirror 10-Piece Brush Set
Goat's Milk Bar Soap Gift Boxes
La Chatelaine Deluxe Hand-Cream Set
Guilty Pleasures Ultimate Nail Lacquer Stash
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Down-Alternative Jetsetter Mini Pillow
Paravel Fold-Up Bags
Clark Backpack and Duffel
Footnanny Travel Set With Green Buffer
K.Carroll Accessories Harper Crossbody Bags
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Floating Pearl Hoop Earrings
Faux-Fur Hooded Down Winter Coats
Peepers Shine On Polarized Sunglasses and Blue Light Filtering Readers
Travaux en Cours Felt Fedoras With Mohair Band
Magaschoni V-Neck Sweaters
No-Iron Cotton Contrast-Hem Tunic
High-Rise Straight-Leg Velveteen Pants in Curvy Fit
Justine Gregory Fingerless Gloves
Un Billion Lacy Totes
The Velvet Queen Head Wraps
Plush Teddy Pull-Through Scarves
LittBags by PurseN
APL TechLoom Bliss
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EtúHome White Mod Charcuterie Boards
Originally $105 for small and $125 for medium, now 20% off with code "OPRAH"
etuhome.com
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Philips Indoor Smoke-less Grill
Black + Decker Helix Performance Premium Hand Mixers
Originally $30 each, now 20% off
Canvas Home Abbesses Platters
Glitterville Studios Rainbow Tumblers
Axis Lever Corkscrews
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Mount Mansfield Organic-Coffee-Bean-Infused Vermont Maple Syrup
Originally $35, now 10% off with code "OPRAH"
vermontpuremaple.com
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Martin’s Bar-B-Que Sauce Bucket
Originally $49.95, now 15% off with code "OPRAH"
martinsbbqjoint.com
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The Great Taster 20-Jar Preserve Sampler
Originally $159, now 20% off with code "OPRAH"
josephinesfeast.com
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Hilliards Chocolates Hanukkah Bark and Peppermint Bark Boxes
$30 each
hilliardscandy.com
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Popinsanity Artisanal Popcorn Multi-Flavored Popcorn Tin
Originally $180, now 10% off with code "OPRAH"
popinsanity.com
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Antipasti Party in a Basket
Originally $150, now 20% off with code "OPRAH"
bellacucina.com
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Saint Nick Cookie Gift Set
Originally $19, now 20% off with code "OPRAH"
littlebelgians.com
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Lee Lee’s #RugelachByABrother
Originally $18 for a dozen, now 20% off with code "OPRAH"
leeleesrugelach.com
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Truffle Snack Tin
Sabatino Truffle Pasta Night
Originally $49.95, now 20% off with code "OPRAH"
sabatinotruffles.com
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Eli’s Cheesecake Holiday Dippers
Originally $36 for box of 7, now 20% off with code "OPRAH"
elicheesecake.com
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Lobster Truffle Mac and Cheese
Originally $62.45 for four 8 oz. ramekins, now $49.96 with code "OPRAH"
hancockgourmetlobster.com
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Shop Amazon
Chai Teas Private Reserve Trio
Originally $30, now 20% off with code "OPRAH"
vahdamteas.com
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Shop Amazon
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Courant Catch:3 Wireless Charging Accessory Trays
Apple Watch Series 4 Gold Stainless Steel Case With Gold Milanese Loop
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Bamboo Sheets and Duvet Cover Bundle
Originally from $498, now 20% off with code "OPRAH"
cozyearth.com
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Aura Wi-Fi Smart Frames
Originally $299 each, now 20% off with code "OPRAH"
auraframes.com
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Story Bikes Electric Step-Through Bike
Originally $1,850, now 10% off with code "OPRAH"
storybicycles.com
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Letters for a Year of Gratitude
Originally $20 each, now 20% off with code "OPRAH"
chroniclebooks.com
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Éccolo Desk Journals
Originally $24 each, now 20% off with code "OPRAH"
Face to Face Designs Napkins
Originally $48 for set of four, now 20% off with code "OPRAH"
facetofacehome.com
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Pretty Rugged Luxe Pet Blankets
Embark Dog DNA Test Kit
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Oprah Winfrey is a global media leader, producer, philanthropist, actress, and author. Over the course of her career, she has created an unparalleled connection with people and communities around the world. Oprah oversees Harpo Productions, serves as chairman and CEO of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, and is the founder of O, The Oprah Magazine and OprahDaily.com. In 1996, Oprah’s Book Club launched, serving as a catalyst for the creation of book clubs around the world and millions of books sold across genres. For 25 years, Oprah was the host and producer of the award-winning talk show The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Oprah is also a dedicated philanthropist and the founder of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. In 2013, she was awarded the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor. In 2018, Oprah became the first African American woman to be honored with the Golden Globes’ Cecil B. DeMille Award, and in 2022, she was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
