Oprah's Favorite Things: Grab the Items or the Affordable Alternatives
We all knew Oprah would go out with a bang for her final round of "Oprah's Favorite Things." C'mon it's Oprah! The TV host aired her infamous episode today, which she called her "Ultimate Favorite Things" and she certainly had her audience jumping in excitement (and crying too!) over all the items they were going to be theirs. Most of us were sitting at home, green with envy. If you're wondering where you can get some of Oprah's coveted items, we've got that info below. We've also added cheaper finds for each, for the budget-conscious out there. Hey if you're not getting the items for free, you'd probably think twice about spending more than half of her picks. Before we get into some of her favorite things from today's show, here's a reminder to tune into the Oprah Show on Monday as well for part two of "Oprah's Favorite Things." AOL Shopping will have coverage too, so if you miss the show, just come back here.
Oprah's Favorite Thing: Baker's Edge Baking Pan ($34.50). Did you know Oprah is an edge lover? This unique pan creates two delicious, chewy edges on every individual serving. The patented sidewalls circulate heat evenly throughout the pan and produce better brownies.Affordable Alternative: Chewy Brownie Pan ($14.98). This pan looks slightly different, but it also adds two chewy edges to brownie and for more than half the price of the Baker's Edge pan. This pan may even make for faster cleaning.
Oprah's Favorite Thing: Breville Panini Press from Williams-Sonoma ($99.95). Make gourmet sandwiches just like that! This is one of Oprah's favorite gifts to give.
Affordable Alternative: Breville Panini Duo ($59.95). Oprah's pick is the newer panini maker and as so, it's got more cooking surface. It can make up to four sandwiches at a time. If you don't mind having this older model which cooks two sandwiches instead, you can keep $40 in your wallet.
Oprah's Favorite Thing: Elfa Customizable Closet System from the Container Store (up to $1,000 value). Oprah said "One of the most exciting dates she's ever been on was when Stedman took her to the Container Store." The Elfa System beats clutter with closet solutions.Affordable Alternative: Rubbermaid Custom Closet Kits (from $88): With less than $100, you too can get organized! These kits come with rods, expandable, adjustable shelves and all the hardware you need for easy installation.
Oprah's Favorite Thing: Sony BRAVIA 52" LX900 HDTV with 3D ($3,600). Oprah said, "This is one of the highest-rated 3D TV on the market right now." This slim LCD television displays a full HD 1080p picture. It's also got a built-in Wi-Fi and a 3D sync transmitter. 3D active glasses are also included.
Affordable Alternative: Panasonic TC-P58VT25 58" 3D VIERA HDTV (currently on sale for $2,599). $1000 less than the Sony TV, this Panasonic Plasma TV also delivers a 1080p picture quality. It's also received 5 stars from customers on Amazon.com.
Oprah's Favorite Thing: Judith Ripka Eclipse Earrings ($525). Judith Ripka is one of Oprah's favorite jewelers. These are sterling silver earrings with two prong-set faceted canary crystal stones and pave white sapphires.Affordable Alternative: Double Round Checkerboard Canary CZ Drop Earrings ($69). Sure, these are cubic zirconia, but they've got a similar look and are pretty! It's a good choice for those of us who can't drop big bucks on jewels or just refuse to.
Oprah's Favorite Thing: Kyocera Ceramic Cutlery Set by Ming Knives ($66.95). Oprah swears by these knives. Ceramic retains its original sharpness for more than 10 times longer than steel knives. This set include a 3-inch ceramic paring knife and a 5.5 ceramic Santoku knife.
Affordable Alternative: YoshiBlade Knife ($19.99). For only $20, why not try this As Seen on TV knife first? It has the Santoko design, which is ideal for precision cutting and thin slicing. It also claims to not rust or peel. As an added bonus, it comes with a ceramic peeler for free.
Oprah's Favorite Thing: Ralph Lauren Long Sleeve Open Placket Cashmere Sweater ($498). This is a limited-edition sweater. Oprah chose the soft, gold color because she says "it reminds her of a golden sandy beach and her cocker spaniel Sadie." This comes with a custom label that says "Ralph Lauren for Oprah."Affordable Alternative: JCrew Cambridge Cable Shawl-Collar Cardigan ($88). For a lot less money, grab this super soft cashmere blend that's also has the collar detail.
Oprah's Favorite Thing: Lafco House and Home Collection Candles ($55). What makes these candles different? The scents of these candles are made for a particular room in the room. In fact, the candles are named after the room. There's the Lafco Living Room Candle (which has scents of Euphoric gardenia), the Lafco Kitchen Candle (with fruity notes) and the Lafco Powder Room Candle (with fragrances of a peony in full bloom) for example.
Affordable Alternative: Yankee Candle Large Jar Candles ($25). I'm a huge fan of Yankee Candle. The candles are strong and can fill up a room. You'll have to choose your own scent (vs. having advised scents for each room), but you'll also spend $30 less.
Oprah also chose these items on her list this year: Tory Burch Flannel Tote ($250), Nike "Free Run+" Shoes (from $70), Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera ($609), Baker's Edge Lasagna Pan (from $40) and Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownie Mix ($5). For a complete list of today's favorite items, go to Oprah.com. Don't forget to come back to AOL Shopping for our coverage of Part 2 of the show.
This afternoon (11/22), Oprah did Part 2 of her "Favorite Things" episode. Of course, the products were as fantastic as the first. Here's a look at some of the items from Part 2.
Oprah's Favorite Thing: Sophia Satchel by Coach ($398). Oprah called this the "it" bag of the season. It's got a vintage shape, high shine and gorgeous details. This Coach bag comes in 3 different colors: crimson, camel and cobalt.Affordable Alternative: Ted Baker 'Ted Letter' Patent Shopper ($195). Arm candy for less! This high-gloss tote features a front flap pocket, side zips and a structured silhouette.
Oprah's Favorite Thing: Sophie Jewelry Box from Pottery Barn
($179). Choose from two sizes. The large is designed after a haute couture handbag and the small after an evening clutch.
Oprah calls it "gorgeous!"
Affordable Alternative: Stacking Jewelry Box from RedEnvelope ($39.95). This is also a unique way to store your accessories. It uses flat trays to show each of your pieces.
Also on Oprah's Part 2 show were these items: Philosophy Hope in a Jar (from $38), Prepara Herb Savor (from $18), Apple iPad (from $499), Josh Groban 'Illuminations' ($19), Miraclebody Jeans by Miraclesuit (from $98). For a complete list of Oprah's favorites, go to Oprah.com.
Want to see some of AOL Shopping's favorite things for the Holidays?
Christmas Traditions for Kids
Holiday 2010's Hottest Gifts
9 Quirky Toys For Children
What's #1 On Your Wish List?
Toys By Age: Holiday Shopping Made Easier
Comments page 1 of 2
Highest Rank
Robert said 11-21-2010 @11:26AM
Kyocera vs. Yoshi? There's no contest in my mind. Kyocera IS quality...they're what, a 50 year old company? It's like comparing a Yugo to a Lamborghini. Ms. Cruz, you should do more research before recommending an item. The complaint boards on Yoshi are overwhelming on poor quality and zero customer service. Kyocera guarantees their product for life. If you want to throw $20 away, buy Yoshi. Kyocera is amazing. There's a reason Oprah's recommending it!
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Chaney said 11-22-2010 @4:05PM
I found that although Oprah likes some cool stuff, she has a few cool million more than me to say the least. I think that if I had unlimited marketing potential. That everything I touched turned to gold I would have to recommend Http://bit.ly/dailysample . Just good honest samples and coupons.
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Misty Gillette said 11-23-2010 @4:55PM
Oh Robert....We LOVE the Yoshiblade knife! It's one of the best we have used and we have tried many knives. These are a great price and great quality. Have you tried them? Unfortunately, not everyone can spend hundreds on kitchen utensils and this is an affordable way to have something comparable to the Kyocera.
Happy Holidays!
Lowest Ranked
bob said 11-22-2010 @3:27PM
Oprah gets a kick back thats why she sells her picks. price dont matter to her as long as she gets her share!!!!
replyLowest Ranked
S.Harris said 11-22-2010 @3:53PM
Please, Oprah can I get one of your favorite things? Just anyone of them
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jon said 11-22-2010 @4:19PM
Oprah looks like she needs a brownie
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Pat said 11-22-2010 @5:42PM
yep jon, she sure does need a brownie! you made me laugh. and why does she feel the need to let the whole world know she is a billionare? i don't really care!! do you??
Highest Rank
amoz said 11-22-2010 @4:50PM
oparh and her favorite things is she some sort of special person she should have spent the money she built a school in africa on America doesn't she call herself an American? we give give and give to other countries it's time Americans recieve
replyHighest Rank
Amehtyst said 11-22-2010 @5:05PM
Yeah, I'll buy them after she gives them away for nothing? sure
replyNeutral
TrBilbo said 11-22-2010 @5:30PM
Why...does...ANYONE... care for even a second... what this overpaid talentless self anointed TV void has to say about ANYTHING? It simply defies reason.
replyHave a brain.. and show more taste... express YOURSELF in YOUR choices...
Love who you are...not what someone says you 'must be'...or must buy.
Highest Rank
lola said 11-22-2010 @5:55PM
FAKE is FAKE CARDIGAN instead of Cashmere???
replyCZ instead of Saphires from Judith Ripka?
There is a reason they are OPRAHS favorite things - THEY ARE NICER than the usual crap......which youy are suggesting
And what about the Cruise? Perhaps your suggestion is to watch the travel channel
LOL
Lowest Ranked
Bob said 11-22-2010 @5:58PM
Looking at Oprah, she must love eating! LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
replyNeutral
GB said 11-22-2010 @7:11PM
The reason it's the last season, is because she wants to get out of the camera's eye, so she can eat all she wants. Five years from now she will look like Jabba the Hut...
replyHighest Rank
K. said 11-22-2010 @7:37PM
Am I the only one that does not like brownie edges? They are tough and smell of cooked oil (non stick spray). I like a soft center piece that smells like chocolate.
replyThe only time I was disapointed was when the Mrs. Fields at my local mall closed and reopened as a Nestle Cafe and I bought a slice of brownie that pretty much undercooked and runny in the center!
Neutral
memaw said 11-22-2010 @8:03PM
Don't see the attraction in that brownie pan cuz I don't like the edges and it looks like these pans they are advertising would create more edges than a regular pan.
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Julie said 11-23-2010 @8:02AM
I don't happen to be ga ga over anything to do with Oprah so forget it!
replyNeutral
Erica said 11-23-2010 @8:19AM
Why would anyone want to?
replyHighest Rank
Kerry Marie said 11-27-2010 @10:32AM
OMG, I can not believe all you people. What in the world is wrong with you? OK if you don't like Oprah, but your comments about her weight , getting kickbacks and not being good to Americans (or what ever you said) PLEASE. and you memaw how stupid are you? The whole idea of the pan (even though you do not like the edges) IS
replyTO HAVE ALL EDGES! And you Trbilbo how about getting your head out of your ass
OK don't watch her, but to say all that crap about her, you must be nuts. This woman started out with nothing and was even abused as a child and she brought her self up out of all that abuse and degradation to be one of Americas most powerful woman. She has a heart of gold, unlike YOUR NFL player who abuses dogs or your boxer who is a convicted rapist. You think there worth MILLIONS ? Again get your head out of your ass. I'M not as good as OPRAH but I aspire to be, and I'm very proud of her. All you nay sayers don't have your facts. We need more people like her, not like michael vick or mike tyson ( or even half the nfl for that matter) there all dirt bags.
Highest Rank
magknicksfan said 11-23-2010 @3:52PM
You are so right, I'm reading these posts thinking what is going on?? I'm so glad I ran across a good post. Oprah is a good person and she gives back a lot.
Highest Rank
Jan said 11-23-2010 @12:57PM
You missed the whole point of the baking pan. She was also using it as the perfect lasagna pan. The lasagna noodles fit perfectly - something I'm looking for. Your cheap brownie pan is just that - a brownie pan. Lasagna noodles do not fit perfectly, in fact if you try it you'll see what a mess it makes. Pay attention!
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