Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Oprah's List of Favorite Things 2008

By Tasha Miller

Every year Oprah's Favorite Things show is a big secret, but this year's 2008 show was not only a secret but a very special show. Airing on November 26th the show was done in a totally different way and reflected the financial climate of the country and how to give gifts, have a great holiday season without going broke.

Understanding the financial stress that people and the country is under; Oprah really addressed this in her show this year. The focal point of the show was to show her audience and the viewers at home that you can still have a great holiday season and give gifts that will touch the receivers' heart but not empty your wallet.

Oprah's Favorite Things 2008 was a combination of things such as Gratitude boxes, which Oprah says is one of her all time favorite things and she still, does it to this day. You can make or buy a Gratitude box for as little as $2 and place heartfelt notes inside to the person. These notes can be from just one person, friends or family. Words from the heart mean much more to people than something you buy them.

Holiday Music Hits, Oprah not only supplied you with a downloadable pdf to make a CD cover but you were able to download her personal holiday favorite songs from her website, that included Faith Hill, "Joy to the World", Tony Bennett, "I'll be Home for Christmas", Il Divo, "O Holy Night", Josh Groban, "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear", Brian McKnight, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year", Harry Connick Jr., "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" and Aretha Franklin, "Silent Night".

Another great gift idea from the Oprah's Favorite Things 2008 show was a Treasure Box. They cost about $12 and inside you can put numerous keepsakes for your family, friends and children. You can buy some file folders and put them in there and date or tag them however you like. Inside the folders place special photos, report card, awards, anything you can think of that would mean something to that person. Start one for your best friend and then maybe they will add to the box and on different occasions you can give them something else to add to their Treasure Box.

Chocolate in all shapes and sizes is always a popular item, but during the holidays hot chocolate becomes even more popular. Holiday Chocolate Cones is a very inexpensive gift to give to anyone, not just children. A quick search on the internet will give you plenty of recipe ideas to make your own hot chocolate mix that gets marshmallows and topped off with chocolate chips. Creative containers such as candy bags or piping bags can be found at a local craft store and top it off with a nice piece of ribbon or a bow.

How about a Swap party? Have a themed one, and set a price that will be spent, or even a cookie swap etc. Have everyone bring a dozen cookies for each person attending, so if there are 8 people that come you bring 8 dozen cookies and leave with 8 dozen cookies, but have 8 different kinds. That way you don't have to bake all those cookies. If you love to cook or have access to a garden you might want to make Gift Baskets of goodies that you prepared to give as gifts. How about some homemade blueberry jam, peanut brittle, cookies, add in some Holiday Chocolate cones, whatever you want to put in there I am sure your gift will be greatly appreciated and it's another idea from Oprah's Favorite Things 2008 that won't break the bank.

This year's Oprah's Favorite Things 2008 includes a book that she has fallen in love with. It is written by David Wroblewski, "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle". A wonderful novel about a boy who was born mute, speaking only in sign. This is a recommended read with Oprah's book club.

There are many more gifts on Oprah's Favorite Things 2008 list, starting at under $25 up to $100. Also there is Oprah's All Time Favorites list of items from the past that remain her favorites. All in all you can have a really great Holiday season and not empty your wallet. - 16039

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