Tuesday, December 23, 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.

The primary focus of this years Oprah's Favorite Things 2008 was to show you how you can get through the holiday season without spending a ton of money. Oprah was very wise to do a show like this considering the financial state that the country is in and showing people some creative options to purchasing gifts and giving gifts that are more heartfelt.

First on the list of Oprah's Favorite Things 2008 was how to make your own Gratitude Box. Simple to make and what a heartfelt gift it makes to the receiver. You can buy a pretty box from your local craft store and some ribbon for as little as $2, or you may want to dress it up a bit more. Write some very special things about the person, times you remember, funny things that happened or things you enjoyed together and place them in the box. This is one gift that won't be forgotten.

One thing that Oprah did this year was to take her favorite artist's holiday songs including Brian McKnight, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year", Harry Connick Jr., "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas", Tony Bennett, "I'll be Home for Christmas", Il Divo, "O Holy Night" and many, many more of music's greatest Christmas songs available for download along with all of the CD's cover art at her website.

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.

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 also several other items on Oprah's Favorite Things 2008 that are broken down by price range starting at under $25 up to $100 and then there is Oprah's All Time Favorites list. So you can have a great holiday season and not empty your bank account. - 16651

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