‘Tis the season when Oprah Winfrey announces her Favorite Things. The icon’s annual list is a major platform for a plethora of products — including this year’s 112 picks — and has the ability to turn many of them into bestsellers. Returning favorites include Corkcicle, Beekman 1802, Barefoot Dreams, Bella Cucina and Musee, but the list includes a variety of gifts, from initial necklaces and hoop earrings to luxurious bubble bath and baby-friendly body balm.
Of particular note is this year’s focus on the makers behind the gifts, especially those that are BIPOC-, women- or veteran-founded.
“You’re not only discovering great gifts here, you are going to be supporting the people that stepped out on a dream to make it happen,” Winfrey said in an Oprah Daily video announcing the list.
“This year, the majority of the items have been selected from inspiring small businesses around the country (and world), women-owned brands or companies owned by people of color,” added Adam Glassman, creative director of Oprah Daily. “Eighty-two percent of the items selected are from small businesses and there are more than 50 women-owned brands.”
Check out just a few of Winfrey’s favorite things below. Want to know which trade shows served as inspiration and other insights into the list? Check out GDA’s Q&A with Adam Glassman.
Gifts for Staying Cozy
Any avid Oprah follower knows that she likes to be comfy. Her 2023 list of favorite things includes several cozy options, from soft apparel to warm and inviting bath products, like Lollia bubble bath, available through Margot Elena.
“I chose a Lollia bubble bath — my absolute favorite — two decades ago, and I still have the original bottle by my tub,” Winfrey said in the published list. “This year’s White Amber & Mirabelle offering is just as luxurious — and comes in bath salts, too.”
Harlem Candle Co, a Black-founded company that makes candles inspired by the Harlem Renaissance era, made the list with a custom scent for Oprah Daily. Called “Purple Love,” the luxury candle in an elegant purple vessel gives off warm and romantic vibes.
“This hand-poured candle was created just for us and gives off a lush rose scent, with elements of sandalwood and clove,” Winfrey wrote about why she chose the candle for the list.
Barefoot Dreams’ unbelievably soft socks round out the cozy section of the list with its CozyChic 3 Pair Sock Set. “I have these blissfully soft socks in a basket by my front door so people don’t have to wear shoes,” Winfrey wrote. “Trust me, the homebodies in your life will want a pair, or in this case, three!”
Finds for the Little Ones
Both cute and functional, the Musee Dollhouse Bath Balm Set is the first item in the list’s kids’ section.
“This delightful dollhouse bath bomb set for kids has dreamy scents and tiny surprises inside, and needs only a bow to be put under a tree,” Winfrey wrote. “I also admire that the company hires those who need a helping hand.”
The set includes four 8oz bath bombs that come in a box that resembles a dollhouse. The box is separated into four sections that represent a kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom. Each bath bomb includes a peg doll nestled inside for an added magical surprise.
Of, course, there are several other sections to the list, including a Kitchen Gifts section and even an Engaging Gifts section, which features such items as Paintable Pictures Pet Edition kits that allow users to turn pictures of their pets into a paint-by-numbers canvas.
Other fun finds on the list include Sophistiplate’s Maple Leaf at Home x Meg Quinn Charcuterie Map Board that helps consumers properly layout a meat and cheese spread.
“We’ve got another serving board — I say that with glee, because I love charcuterie. The family behind this wood board partnered with a food stylist to create a ‘map’ of where to put everything.”
To see the rest of Winfrey’s Favorite Things, visit Oprah Daily online.
