Oprah's Favorite Things 2008: Recession-Friendly Gifts Cost "Next To Nothing"

Oprah's Favorite Things will be recession-friendly this year. After years of lavish giveaways — last year, for instance, she gave away an HDTV refrigerator, a camcorder, and many luxurious home products — the host will be scaling back her annual list of Christmas gift recommendations to reflect hard economic times, the show said in a statement:

"They're some of Oprah's favorite things, but this time there's a twist...they cost next to nothing! On [Wednesday's] show, viewers reveal their creative ways to spend less over the holiday season. You'll meet a mom who shows us how to create a one-of-a-kind treasure that comes straight from the heart Then, one family talks about their very own tradition that doesn't cost a cent. You'll also hear some great ideas to make your holiday party memorable and affordable. And, Oprah unveils a special gift that won't cost you a thing! Find out how to have the thriftiest holidays ever."

To prep for next week's episode, watch video of the always-over-the-top crowd reaction from last year's Favorite Things episode here, and video of the crowd reaction to Oprah's Favorite Things for Summer here.

Comments

[googie]

Even during an economic downturn viewers want to be entertained to some degree. Part of the fascination with Oprah has been learning the things she personally uses and loves.

Whether times are good or bad, viewers like to dream a little. My suggestion would have been to reveal the less expensive "favorites" - and you don't have to give them away, just share the information with the viewers. After all, it's only been the studio audience that gets the freebies.

It can't take long to put together a list of favorites or preferences and why they are special.

I'm not impressed by the substitution of favorite things this year, any more than I was impressed by the car give away.

Think harder Oprah people - surely you can come up with something better than the 11/26/2008 show.

[booker52]

For a mulit billionaire, define next to nothing.

[NotMcCain]

Why stop giving expensive gifts to "O" guests just because there's a recession?

People appreciate a little something "extra" that they can no longer easily afford for themselves.

"O" oven mitts and handmade candles don't really reinforce what we all know anyway--that it's the thought that counts.

[Pip1860]

Oprah is a fine host but I get turned off whenever I see people crying over a renovated house or receiving a TV moniter. Why do we propogate and encourage shallowness and immaturity?

[Jessegirl]

Most of the time , it's always a beautiful house and/or a well to do family that they do
the free work for. Mothers that have the luxury of staying -at-home complaining about their
"large, unused space" that needs Nate's magic touch.

[militarymomforobama]

I for one was pretty turned off by the favorite things shows.

THINGS do not make you happy. And the people, screaming and crying over I-pods and flat-screen TVs looked ridiculous.

I thought Oprah was being hypocritical by pushing things, things, things. You can't be all about spirituality one minute and then gushing over some $700 pair of slippers the next.

[booker52]

It's gotten to the point that most talk shows do it most everyday now. Look at the View. Everyday is a giveaway. It's disgusting. People expect it now. Dr Phil's Chistmas show. Give me a frigging break, same thing.

[StellaRay]

Stories on how to have a frugal Christmas are a dime a dozen this year. If Oprah really wanted to help she'd fill her favorite things audience with people who have lost their jobs and gift them with a year of groceries, gas cards, gift cards to movies and restaurants they can no longer afford. Over all the years of this holiday show Oprah has been generous when people needed it far less. Why quit now?

[militarymomforobama]

I would do a little research on how much O has done for people in need before I go giving her advice on how to be generous.

[indy87]

Wow, because if there were any year not to give people free,expensive stuff, this was the one.

[gemiwing]

Those poor people in the audience! You finally get tickets for the show and you're sitting there thinking 'well, I don't really care about carefree beetles and how they can show me happiness- but hey I'm going to enjoy myself'. Then the stage flips around and you're on the Favorite Things show!

Then she tells you that her favorite thing is making a cardboard heart and decorating it with macaroni?

She should have kept the premise of that show the same. If she wants to preach about how to keep Christmas cheap and 'wholesome' then that should be a separate show. The Favorite Things show is all about watching people have a great time and knowing that their families are getting some awesome gifts this year. When I see all the great stuff and the people screaming, it makes me feel happy and excited too. It's fun to watch other people win.

Watching people be devastated and told that raking someone's yard is a present? I'll pass, thanks.

[stayinsouth1981]

My elderly neighbor is very grateful my son and I care to help her out. She happens to like how the pots of bright flowers look on her porch. Bahhhh Humbug to you.

[gemiwing]

I'm sure she does, and I commend you on giving great gifts like that. Shows you really care.

I just want to watch Oprah give away some great things and watch the people scream and jump up and down. She should do a separate show on how to give from the heart and not the pocket book.

[stayinsouth1981]

What if the ticket holders were asked to write a summary of how they would like to pass on their good fortune? The best few ideas would be carried out through the donations of corporations who have supported her gift giving in the past. Viewers would get an idea of what is truly valued among her audience and the CLEAR message that some businesses care about giving back to those who support them.

[hrhkat]

I love watching Oprahs favorite things episode, its only about the 4th time of the year i will actually watch her show all the way through. I love how all the ladies go crazy and scream, and all the cool stuff she gives away (ok her advertisers give away, this doesn cost her a damn thing), ive actually bought some of the stuff she shows.....but....

I feel so bad for the audience this year, people dont want to be reminded about the crap economy, and they are getting cheap stuff when last year people were getting TVs and fridges, this is crappy. I loved it when she gave away the cars, and the fancy stuff. Dont remind people that its a tough year, when your a billionair­e.Everyone knows your rich, you might as well make it fun for the people watching. And when you give away the fancy tv, just say "I know the economy isnt great right now, but I love this TV, and I had to share it with you" somthing like that...dont give out freaking socks and paper cranes...

Oh I bet a million bucks she gives everyone in the audience tickets to Obamas inaguration on jan 20. that would be kinda fun, but I would rather have a tv...dont get all pious on us Oprah, you will look just as dead as i will in 100 years....

[qtpi410]

Instead of gift giving our family this year will be donating to our local food bank. Thank God we are all okay and still working.We all have to much stuff. I do not send out cards, use the money I would have spent on cards and postage and give that to Meals on Wheels.

[spartanmom]

Here here!

For the past couple of years all the adults in my family have been giving each other charitable contributions. We all find things that are appropriate to something special to either the giver or receiver and it really is fun to see what kinds of charities get our Christmas loot!

My sister the knitter buys a sheep through Heifer International
The teacher gives to literacy programs
One sponsors a child through Save the Children
I concentrate on Afghanistan (Women for Women International, Beyond the 11th, etc) because of my son's service there.

If your circle doesn't have financial need, try to get them over the emotional stroking that gift giving is and make the world a better place for Christmas

[peacegurl48]

Financial advice from a BILLIONAIRE? Thanks thanks but no thanks.
My favorite post : "Oprah's favorite thing is the physical manifestation of awesomeness (in her mind) that is Oprah."

Nothing she does is ever done without a photo op; truly selfless giving is anonymous.

[toocoldout]

These favorite things episodes are just fun ratings stunts and all the goodies come from sponsors who want the publicity for their products so of course it's a photo opt. But behind the scenes Oprah has given over THREE HUNDRED MILLION of her OWN hard earned money to charity; more than any Afircan American or performer ever according to Business Week.

And what's wrong with photo ops? I think people who give large amounts of money anonymously are idiots. If you're going to give that much money, at least enjoy the glory and serve as a role model for others.

[meede]

I lost my respect for Oprah when she did the car trip with Gayle. When they stopped at hotels, she made such a fuss that they were dreadful to stay in, she didn't like the sheets, she didn't like this and that. They were like a Holiday Inn but totally beneath her. Next they were checking into ritzy hotels. Oprah has forgotten where she comes from. As much as she acts and says she is like everyone else -- she showed her true colors -- her arrogance showed pretty clear.

She is also very ignorant when she does food segments. Watch -- she chews with her mouth open and talks while she is eating. Gag. On a recent show there was a question asked and one of the things she doesn't like is people talking with their mouth full -- hmmm.

All the money she has -- doesn't buy her class.

[SwingVoter]

Obama.

[Norak]

Huh?

[alicetilden]

My understanding of this story is not that Oprah is trying to keep people from spending at Christmas, but that she is trying to say to people with very little money they can still have a decent holiday. I am in that situation myself this year. Friends have told me they do not expect or want any presents from me this year. When I read the article above, I thought, "Great. I'll watch that and see if I can get any good ideas for inexpensive gifts without spending any serious money." I am not a giant fan of Oprah, but I do think this is a very good idea. Remember, there are a couple million people out of work this year.

[stayinsouth1981]

Good homemade cookies are a delight. NYTimes recently had a FANTASTIC recipe for chocolate chip cookies. Really, they were fairly easy to make and i cheated with the butter and used half crisco.

A lovely potted herb is thoughtful and gives throughout the year.

Write a letter showing your gratitude for your loved one. It will be treasured for years.

Offer your time to help someone with their housework, yard, children, etc.

Prepare a simple homemade casserole and freeze it with cooking directions.

[tbone99]

Could Oprah actually want anymore bought items?