38 Of Oprah’s All-Time Favorite Things You Never Knew You Needed Until Now, All Under $50

It’s almost time for Oprah to reveal her favorite things for 2018! Here’s a look back at some of her choices from years past, all under $50!

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Thanksgiving is the unofficial beginning to the holiday season; between stuffing ourselves Joey Tribbiani–style and spending time with loved ones, it truly is a wonderful time of year. But one of the things we look forward to the most at Thanksgiving? Oprah’s annual list of her favorite products. From the 1990s to the mid-2000s, you could find us, along with most of America, glued to our televisions at 4 p.m. during the week of Thanksgiving, waiting anxiously on Oprah to unveil her list of favorite things to a very lucky audience, who received all of the items on her list. Even after the show ended in 2011, Oprah has continued to publish her annual list of favorite products. It’s not quite the same as being in the studio audience as Oprah gleefully screams, “YOU GET A CAR,” but there are still some primo products on the list each year. The 2018 list hasn’t yet been published, but here’s a look back at a few of Oprah’s all-time favorite things from years past. You’re going to want every single one, and at under $50 each, they won’t break the bank.

1. Never break your sunnies again with this travel case.

These padded zipper bags are a perfect way to give fragile items, like glasses and compacts, a little extra protection when traveling. In a punchy pink color with navy trim and a printed interior, this puffy, lined bag is machine-washable, super lightweight, and ultra durable.

Throw the CORROON Women’s Sungkay Puffy Kit into your suitcase when traveling, and you’ll never have to worry about airlines breaking your expensive bronzer or favorite sunglasses again.

2. You had me at Zendaya.

The Greatest Showman, featuring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, and our girl Zendaya, wasn’t a box office smash when it opened in theaters last year, but it’s quickly become a favorite among musical lovers, and for good reason. The catchy lyrics of tunes like “A Million Dreams” will stay in your head for days.

Get the original motion picture soundtrack on Amazon and relive the true story of P.T. Barnum, the man who invented show business, through song. After all, there’s no business like show business, especially when you’re belting out show tunes in the shower.

3. Look like a lumberjack with these cozy socks—no wood-chopping required.

Winter is coming, people! Cozy up in style with these Pudus Classic Slipper Socks that come in sizes for the whole family.

Lined with soft sherpa fleece and non-slip grippers on the sole, these socks are the perfect accessory for cold days spent in front of the fireplace with a good book and a mug of hot cocoa in hand. And, if you’re not into the lumberjack look, there are multiple style options from which to choose.

4. Treat your pupper to some gourmet snacks this holiday season.

It’s no secret that Oprah loves her dog, Luke—just check out her Instagram feed. Oprah regularly treats her pupper to gourmet snacks and toys from Harry Barker, which has been a regular on her favorite things list for several years.

This Harry Barker Gift Set features a durable gingham rope chew toy and a box of country bacon dog treats, all in a cute-as-a-button decorative tin that can be used to store more treats in later.

5. Relax like Oprah with this bath-time treat.

Okay, Oprah is probably not trying to take a bath in an apartment-sized tub, but you can still relax like a queen with this LoLLIA Dream Bubble Bath. Not only does it come in a gorgeous, totally display-worth bottle, but the white tea and honeysuckle scent is divine.

This bubble bath is best enjoyed with a good book (may we suggest Oprah’s own The Wisdom of Sundays: Life-Changing Insights From Super Soul Conversations?), scented candles, and a cup of hot tea to set the mood.

6. Say bye-bye to chilly fingers with this tech-friendly product.

Every year, winter gloves seem to disappear to the same mysterious place where lost socks and hair ties end up, never to be heard from again. But with Verloop Trio gloves, you’ll never have to worry about finding a spare, because each set comes with a pair of gloves and a spare, just in case—pure genius.

Plus, each set of Verloop gloves is touchscreen capable, meaning no more chilly hands every time you need to check a text or hail a ride share.

7. This handy gadget always knows where to find your keys, even if you don’t.

You hit snooze one too many times in the morning and barely have time to grab a cup of coffee before running out the door, much less take 20 minutes to find your keys, which you could have sworn were hanging on their special hook by the door. Never lose your keys again with the Orbit Bluetooth key tracker; simply attach the tracker to your keyring and download the app.

With just one tap, the Orbit tracker will play a loud tune until you locate your keys. If you’re not sure where you lost your keys, the app can also tell you the tracker’s last known GPS location. You’ll never be late because you were looking for your keys again. The only downside to the Orbit Bluetooth Key Finder? It can’t stop you from hitting snooze (again).

8. Oprah, how does your garden grow?

Eating veggies you grew yourself is extra delicious, but if you live in a city, garden spots are hard to come by. Featured on Oprah’s favorite hings in 2016, the Urban Agriculture Vegetable Garden Grow Kit has everything you need—a container, soil, and seeds—to grow your own lettuce year round.  

For delicious salad greens all year long, all you need to provide is a sunny window and water to watch your garden grow.

9. Take selfies that rival Kylie Jenner’s.

Kylie might be the queen of selfies, but you don’t need your own specially lit selfie station to take glam photos; all you need is this Oprah-approved LuMee Selfie Case. Designed to fit most iPhones, this pretty rose gold case features warm LED lights that highlight your face for the perfect selfie every time.

Each case is durable, with shock-absorbing corners for when you inevitably drop your phone looking for the perfect angle. The lights have up to 30 minutes of battery life, and this product includes a charging cable for selfies on the go.

10. Faux furs for your dog? Why not?

Featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2015, this totally adorable, totally over-the-top faux fur jacket is just what your pup needs for cold-weather outings.

Sized to fit even the smallest of pooches, this eye-catching faux-mink garment will ensure you have the best-dressed dog on the block, even though you may still be schlepping around in the snow in your trusty old puffer coat.

11. You’ll want to stock up on these ultra-soft baby basics.

Organic baby clothes are good for the environment, and these come in oh-so-sweet colors and sizes for little ones. Burt’s Bees organic clothing has been a favorite of Oprah’s for years, and way back in 2013, she featured the Bee Essentials Bibs as must-haves for every mom.

They’re snap- and velcro-free, and they slide gently over baby’s head for no-fuss drool protection. We also love the terry cloth backing, which can easily be swiped over baby’s mouth and hands for post-meal cleanup.

12. This stuff is better than butter.

You know, $25 seems like a lot to spend on butter—but this is no ordinary breakfast spread. Back in 2012, Oprah raved about Urbani Truffle Butter, saying, “How do I love truffle butter? Let me count the ways. On a baked potato, on grilled steak, on a sourdough baguette.”

According to Amazon reviewers, the trick to using Urbani White Truffle Butter is adding a small sliver of the butter to dishes right before serving to ensure the rich, velvety truffle flavor comes through.

13. Sip on a cup of chai, just like Oprah.

Oprah loves chai tea so much that Teavana and Starbucks teamed up to name a special blend of chai after her. Masala chai makes Oprah’s list of favorite things year after year.

With milk, this sweetened, spicy tea is delicious to enjoy on cool fall mornings, or really any time you need a quick pick-me-up. Use this loose leaf blend with your favorite diffuser, or learn how to make masala chai the Oprah way.

14. La petite cocotte, s’il vous plaît.

Oprah loves to serve mashed potatoes and other casserole-type dishes in mini cast iron cocottes so much that she listed them as one of her favorite things in 2011, 2014, and 2017.

While she favors Le Creuset and Staub for her cocottes, those brands aren’t so budget-friendly. Instead, serve individual casseroles just like Oprah with these affordable Nordic Ware Mini Cocottes. Made of cast aluminum with a nonstick surface inside, these cocottes ensure even cooking and easy cleanup, making them an ideal choice for your next dinner party.

15. We hate to tell you this, but 2004 called, and it wants its boots back.

If there’s one thing Oprah absolutely loves, it’s Josh Groban Christmas albums—but Ugg boots are a close second. Both have been featured on her lists throughout the years, proving that they’re perennial favorites.

Love them or hate them, you can’t deny that Ugg boots are warm, cozy, and downright comfortable. Whether you’re lounging around the house or glamming it up at a ski resort in Tahoe, you’ll be right at home in the Alida Slouch Boot, an Ugg classic that comes in either black or chestnut with Ugg’s trademarked Treadlite outsole for cushiony comfort all day long.

16. Yes, this is the best facial moisturizer of all time.

Put down the coconut oil you were about to dab all over your face, and back away slowly. Instead of a product that’s sure to leave you disappointed (and covered in zits), try Oprah’s (and our) favorite facial moisturizer, Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar.

Beloved for years, this lightweight, award-winning moisturizer delivers on its promise to hydrate and improve overall skin texture. And, as an added bonus, it smells absolutely heavenly.

17. Here’s the secret to making the best brownies ever.

Everyone knows that the best brownies are the corner pieces; warm and gooey, with crispy, delicious edges on two sides. With a regular brownie pan, you really have to duke it out over who gets the coveted four corners. But with the Baker’s Edge Brownie Pan, everyone gets an edge piece.

This unique pan features a design that guarantees every piece has two crispy edges. It’s the perfect size for convenient box brownie mixes, and features one continuous chamber for easier filling.

18. It’s a triple word score for the win!

Okay, so technically Oprah’s favorite thing is Hasbro’s Scrabble Premier Wood Edition, which is, with its wooden cabinet, rotating game board, and brass toned tile racks, pretty amazing. Not so amazing? The hefty $199 price tag. Yikes.

If you love the tactile dynamic of playing Scrabble with your friends rather than cheating on Words with Friends (you know you do), then pick up a regular version of Oprah’s favorite game instead. The board may not rotate, but the game is still just as fun.

19. This is so much better than your average holiday popcorn tin.

After filming her show in Chicago for 25 years, it makes sense that Oprah would include Chicago’s own world-famous Garrett Popcorn on her list of favorite things. And she’s absolutely right; Garrett’s special blend of cheddar and caramel popcorn is delicious, and tastes freshly made right out of the tin.

If, for some reason, you don’t love the cheddar and caramel blend, Garrett’s has several other tasty options from which to choose, including Almond and Pecan Caramel Crisp.

20. Guests will love every variety of this scented soap.

Step it up a notch in your spare bathroom—offer guests the luxurious experience of using LAFCO House and Home Bar Soap in scents like Sea and Dune, Sage and Walnut, and Redwood.

Each creamy soap is handmade in Italy and features an ultra-moisturizing blend of olive oil, almond oil, and rice protein. Not just for washing hands, this soap can also be used as a shaving bar and is suitable for sensitive skin.

21. Come on baby, light my fire (with these scented lovelies).

The holidays are just around the corner, and there’s no better way to get into a festive mood than with a fire crackling on a chilly night. Not exactly a Boy Scout? No need to worry, because these scented fire starters make starting a blaze easy.

Simply place a fire starter beneath the logs in your fireplace or grate and light the wick. In a few moments, you’ll have a merry, crackling fire going with a pleasant pine scent. They’re also perfect for getting charcoal grills started and outdoor firepits. Technically these don’t meet our $50 limit, but they’re close enough, so we’re including them.

22. Just roll with it.

There are few things as maddening as painstakingly wrapping your power cords for travel, only to have them unravel and become a tangled mess in your carry-on.

Brouk and Co. solves this problem brilliantly with their travel cord roll, designed to keep up to eight cords firmly in place. Each roll is made of vegan leather and features interior button closures to secure cords and an outer strap to keep the roll tightly closed.

23. Take care of your hair with this must-have brush.

These gorgeous green brushes made Oprah’s list of favorite things back in 2016. This versatile detangling brush can be used on wet or dry hair, and works for almost every hair type. (Read this if you’re not sure what type of hair you have.)

The soft bristles ensure damage-free detangling, and the ball tip at the end of each bristle gives your scalp an invigorating massage with each brush stroke. It’s like a trip to the salon every time you use this brush.

24. This little crossbody is perfect for on-the-go.

Finally! K.Carroll Accessories has created a functional, stylish, and perfectly sized crossbody bag, just big enough to fit most iPhones and a couple of credit cards. With its gray and black design, this little crossbody can be worn anywhere you need to be hands-free, from your neighborhood block party or the airport to a grocery store run with the kiddos.

Plus, you can feel secure knowing your important credit card information is safe with the bag’s RFID-blocking technology.

25. Spaghetti night just got so much easier.

Oprah raved about the Bialetti Pasta Pot on her 2016 list, saying, “I took a look at this aluminum cookware with a lock-on lid and built-in strainer and had just one question: Where have you been all my life?” And we have to say, we agree with her.

This pasta pot is a must-have for any home chef who’s been dangerously close to hot steam while straining pasta in a regular colander. The Bialetti comes in a variety of colors, and features stay-cool handles and a locking lid to safely drain pasta every time.

26. Get a load of those peepers!

Swipe on some red lipstick, throw on these shades, and channel your inner Elizabeth Taylor. Peepers’ sunnies and reading glasses have made the list of Oprah’s Favorite Things for the past four years.

We love that the retro, oversized style is flattering on any face, and is perfect for days when your concealer just isn’t cutting it. While Peepers look like expensive designer sunglasses, the price point makes them affordable in almost any budget.

27. Keep the tissues handy.

The Letters to Open series has the perfect gift for every occasion. We love this edition because it can be gifted to anyone: a parent, a child, or your bestie. Write a letter for a range of emotions the recipient might be feeling, tuck it into the corresponding envelope in the book, and seal it up.

When your loved one is feeling blue, there’s a letter for that. If they’re celebrating a milestone, there’s a letter for that too. When you can’t be there for life’s big moments, the Letters to Open series is the next best thing to show someone how much you care.

28. Stay positive with this sweet gift.

Whether you use this journal to write down your own daily affirmations or simply to jot out a grocery list, you’ll love reading the inspirational quote at the top of each page. They’re designed to inspire, encourage, and uplift, no matter what your notes and doodles entail.

This neat journal features 365 bound, lined pages with a flexible spine for easy opening, and comes in pretty colors, like seafoam, ombre, and marble for a chic addition to any desk.

29. Get a precise measurement in the kitchen every time.

Anyone who’s ever seen a Weight Watchers commercial knows it’s no secret that Oprah is very precise about her food, which is why the Taylor Digital Kitchen Scale made the 2017 favorite things list.

If you’re trying to eat healthy, but you’re not sure what a four-ounce serving of chicken really looks like, then you’ll love the digital scale. The bowl can be removed from the scale for easier weighing, and its compact size means it won’t take up a ton of valuable counter space.

30. No need to have a green thumb with these indoor herbs.

Technically, this Modern Sprout herb kit comes in a little over our $50 limit, but it’s just so cute and functional, we had to include it. Featuring mint, parsley, and basil, this kitchen grow kit comes with everything you need to grow your own fresh herbs in your windowsill—no garden required.

If your track record of keeping plants alive isn’t great, you’ll love that the containers are self-watering, so herbs will thrive, even if you forget to water them before you go on vacay. Plus, the kit contains reusable containers as well as instructions for replanting so you can enjoy fresh herbs for years to come!

31. This luxe hand cream is perfect as a gift…or to keep for yourself.

Keep a stash of these four-ounce luxury hand creams on hand for when you need a last-minute, inexpensive gift for Teacher Appreciation Day or your coworker’s birthday.

With a light citrus scent and ultra-moisturizing shea extracts, this hand cream will leave hands silky-soft all day long without feeling greasy. This size is perfect for throwing into a purse or leaving in a desk drawer for easy access.

32. Keep drinks cold as ice, literally.

Oprah loves the Corkcicle Stemless Glass, and we do too. With triple-insulated stainless steel technology, the Corkcicle keeps cold beverages cold for up to nine hours, and hot beverages warm up to three.

A silicone bottom and non-slip sides ensure that you’ll be able to easily keep your glass in your grasp no matter where you’re sipping. In fun color schemes like sparkle pixie dust, the Corkcicle Stemless Glass is the ultimate accessory for gameday tailgates, poolside parties, or just lounging at home.

33. Stay golden with these cute studs.

Apparently, Oprah didn’t get her ears pierced until she was 51 years old! Now that her ears are pierced, she loves earrings, and this affordable gift set of gold-plated studs was featured in last year’s favorite things gift guide.

These dainty studs come in a velvet pouch for safekeeping and easy storage. With crystal and faux pearl, these feminine earrings are the perfect way to add a little sparkle to an otherwise ho-hum weekday outfit.

34. Two scoops, please.

Not sure what you get your bestie for her upcoming baby shower? Look no further than these oh-so-cute baby bodysuits from Rock Scissor Paper.

Made of super-soft cotton in bright, confection-inspired colors, these little bodysuits come packaged in pint-sized ice cream cartons! Simply add a ribbon on top for a finishing touch—no wrapping required. Pair with a box of diapers for a gift that’s both darling and functional.

35. Add something special to your breakfast rotation.

Hands down, the best thing about Amazon is being able to order gourmet food items and have them delivered fresh right to your door.

Featuring 12 hand-griddled English muffins in original and organic spelt, and tied with a jaunty ribbon that’s perfect for gifting (or keeping all to yourself), you can have a Model Bakery English Muffin with your morning chai, just like Oprah.

36. Who’s the fairest of them all?

These little mirrors in bold, punchy colors will have you daydreaming of Havana nights! While you may not have time for a Cuban vacation, a folding mirror is a must-have item to keep stashed in your desk drawer or purse for post-lunch makeup touch-ups or checking to see if you have food in your teeth before a big meeting.

This mirror props upright when needed, but folds flat for easy, on-the-go storage, and the shimmery exterior adds a pop of glam wherever you go.

37. Maple syrup is one of the four food groups.

Most people go gaga over pumpkin spice in the fall, but we’ll follow Oprah’s lead and indulge in the goodness that is pure Vermont maple syrup. Shipped directly from a farm in Vermont to your table, Mount Mansfield syrup is the perfect topping for pancakes, waffles, and as the secret ingredient in this maple walnut muffin recipe.

We recommend purchasing one for yourself and one to gift, because maple syrup this yummy should be shared.

38. Treat your feet with this gift set.

If you don’t have time for weekly spa treatments, treat yourself and your guests to this Footnanny gift set in a heavenly fresh linen scent instead. Featuring a hand soap, shower gel, and body lotion, this unisex set is perfect for adding a little luxury to your guest room.

As an added bonus, Footnanny products are paraben and cruelty-free, so you can feel extra-good about pampering yourself and your guests with this gift set.

 

Katie Martin
Katie Raye Martin is a freelance writer, navy wife, new mom, and chocoholic. In addition to HealthyWay, she has contributed to NextGenMilSpouse, a blog for the millennial military spouse, and Pregnant Chicken, a pregnancy blog. Since welcoming her first son a few months ago, Katie has become a pregnancy expert and cloth diapering connoisseur. When she’s not writing (or changing diapers) Katie is training for her first half-marathon.