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.
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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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Pudus Socks
PudusCozychic Ultra Lite Caftans
Barefoot DreamsSofties Hooded Snuggle Loungers
Softies PJsPeace Love World Shag Throws with Pom-Poms
Peace Love World LA Relaxed The Jumpsuit
The Jumpsuit Tory Sport Tracksuits
Tory Sport TrüMedic IS-4000 InstaShiatsu+ Foot Massager
TruMedic Kassatex Robes
Kassatex Eberjey Gisele Long Pajama Sets
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Jeanne Simmons Animal Hats
AmazonSiena Mugs
Yedi Houseware Inc.Burt's Bees Family Pajamas
Burt's Bees BabyArts and Crafts Supply Library
Kid Made ModernChildren's Custom Artwork Gift Set
Cece DuprazOlli Ella See-Ya Suitcases
Olli EllaLove Bubby Tee and One-Piece
Love BubbyThree by Three Jotblock Watercolor Set
Three by Three
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Sunday Riley Game Changer Kit
Sunday RileyBody Butter and Dry Body Oil Sets
Margot ElenaLibrary of Flowers by Margot Elena Bubble Bath
Margot ElenaArtis Elite Mirror 10-Piece Brush Set
ArtísJulep Beauty Divine Shine Lip Gloss Collection
JulepClarisonic Mia Smart Luxe
AmazonGoat's Milk Bar Soap Gift Boxes
Beekman 1802La Chatelaine Deluxe Hand-Cream Set
La ChatelaineGuilty Pleasures Ultimate Nail Lacquer Stash
Butter London
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Down-Alternative Jetsetter Mini Pillow
The Pillow BarParavel Fold-Up Bags
Tour ParavelClark Backpack and Duffel
BaekgaardusaFootnanny Travel Set With Green Buffer
FootnannyK.Carroll Accessories Harper Crossbody Bags
K-Carroll
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Echo Faux Fur Vests
Echo DesignFloating Pearl Hoop Earrings
Janis SavittFaux-Fur Hooded Down Winter Coats
Lands EndPeepers Shine On Polarized Sunglasses and Blue Light Filtering Readers
PeepersSpecsVionic Gemma Plush Slippers
Gregor Halenda//Hearst OwnedFaux Fur Mittens
GlamourpussTravaux en Cours Felt Fedoras With Mohair Band
Christophe PournyMagaschoni V-Neck Sweaters
MagaschoniNo-Iron Cotton Contrast-Hem Tunic
ChicosHigh-Rise Straight-Leg Velveteen Pants in Curvy Fit
TalbotsJustine Gregory Fingerless Gloves
Justin GregoryUn Billion Lacy Totes
FFC New YorkThe Velvet Queen Head Wraps
The Regal WrapPlush Teddy Pull-Through Scarves
House of FluffCore 10 Fleece Peplum Full-Zip Hoodie Jackets
AmazonLittBags by PurseN
PurseNAPL TechLoom Bliss
Athletic Propulsion LabsEmpowered by Maya J Bracelets
Maya J. NYC
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EtúHome White Mod Charcuterie Boards
EtúHomeChicago Metallic Professional Lasagna Trio Pans
Chicago MetallicPhilips Indoor Smoke-less Grill
PhillipsBlack + Decker Helix Performance Premium Hand Mixers
Black + DeckerCanvas Home Abbesses Platters
Canvas HomeLattissima One
NespressoH-AI Slow Juicer
HuromGlitterville Studios Rainbow Tumblers
Glitterville StudiosFleischer & Wolf Portland Ash 8 Piece Knife-Block Set
Fleischer & WolfAxis Lever Corkscrews
Rabbit WineAarke Carbonator II
Aarke
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Mount Mansfield Organic-Coffee-Bean-Infused Vermont Maple Syrup
Mount Mansfield Maple ProductsTruff Hot Sauce
Truff Hot SauceMartin’s Bar-B-Que Sauce Bucket
Martin's Bar-B-Que JointThe Great Taster 20-Jar Preserve Sampler
Josephine's FeastUrbani Truffle Burger Kit
UrbaniHilliards Chocolates Hanukkah Bark and Peppermint Bark Boxes
Hilliards CandyPopinsanity Artisanal Popcorn Multi-Flavored Popcorn Tin
PopinsanityAntipasti Party in a Basket
Bella CucinaCarl the Drinking Chocolate Snowman
Kate Weiser ChocolateSaint Nick Cookie Gift Set
Little BelgiansLee Lee’s #RugelachByABrother
Lee Lee's RugelachTruffle Snack Tin
Chelsea Market BasketsSabatino Truffle Pasta Night
Sabatino TrufflesEli’s Cheesecake Holiday Dippers
Eli CheesecakeRoy Banana-Caramel Panettone
This Is From RoyRuss & Daughters New York Brunch
Russ and DaughtersCasa Dragones Tequila Blanco Mini
Casa DragonesLobster Truffle Mac and Cheese
Hancock Gourmet LobsterGourmet Bundt Cakes
We Take The CakeChai Teas Private Reserve Trio
Vahdam Teas
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Echo Spot
AmazonCourant Catch:3 Wireless Charging Accessory Trays
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Apple2018 Q7FN QLED TV
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AppleApple Watch Series 4 Gold Stainless Steel Case With Gold Milanese Loop
AppleX5 Car Chargers
X5Lumos Kickstart Helmets
Lumos HelmetRicoh Theta SC
RicohKatana Arc
Katana
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Bamboo Sheets and Duvet Cover Bundle
Cozy EarthAura Wi-Fi Smart Frames
Aura FramesPitcher No. Nine Hundred Seventy One
Montes DoggettGrow Your Own Christmas Tree Kit
Urban Agriculture Co.
Izola Cocktail Straws
Izola P.F. Candle Co. Terra Candles
P.F. Candle Co Story Bikes Electric Step-Through Bike
StorybikesBurgon & Ball Flora & Fauna Gardening Gift Set
Burgon & Ball
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Pretty Rugged Luxe Pet Blankets
Pretty Rugged GearEmbark Dog DNA Test Kit
Embark VetSpa Day Bucket
Harry Barker