Monday, December 29, 2008

Oprah's 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.

The 2008 Oprah's Favorite Things show was a mix of ideas for gifts, such as a Gratitude Box. Oprah says she started this tradition with her employees and friends years ago and to this day is something she still does. For as little as $2 you can make your own Gratitude box, depending on how simple or fancy you want to go and place heartfelt notes inside to the person you are giving it to. Can you imagine what a lovely gift this would be for someone to receive and reading words from the heart and how special that will make them feel.

Oprah made a list of her favorite holiday music hits and in the spirit of the season she made both the music and the CD cover art available for download at her site including artist Faith Hill singing "Joy to the World", Aretha Franklin singing "Silent Night", Josh Groban, "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear", Tony Bennett, "I'll be Home for Christmas" and many, many more of this season's hits sung by today's hottest artists.

Another one of Oprah's Favorite Things 2008 and a great gift idea is a Treasure Box and you can buy them for about $12. Inside you can place keepsakes for your children, friends or family. Give it to a friend and you start it off and let them continue to add to the treasure box. When a special occasion comes up such as their birthday you can give them something to add to it also. The Treasure Boxes become a collection of beautiful mementos that the receiver will hold near and dear to their hearts.

Hot Chocolate becomes more popular as the temperature goes down. For just a little bit of cash you can make people a gift they will truly enjoy...Hot Chocolate Cones. Simply take a few moments to find a recipe online to make your own hot chocolate, add marshmallows and chocolate chips and place it all into decorative candy bags or piping bags found locally at a craft store. Then just decorate simply with a bow or some added ribbon for an added extra touch.

Other ideas can be to have a Swap party which can be themed, such as for children's gifts, cookie swaps etc. Anything you can think of. Everyone brings a gift and leaves with a gift. Also if you are a person that loves to make homemade goodies you can make up Gift Baskets with things from your garden such as homemade tomato sauce, applesauce, or fill your Gift basket with a bunch of homemade goodies like cookies, peanut brittle and add in some of the Holiday Chocolate cones anything thing you want and this makes such a great gift. Just another great idea from Oprah's Favorite Things 2008 that won't cost you a lot of money.

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. - 16755

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