Looking for a list of Oprah’s Favorite Things 2018 but cheaper? We’ve got you covered!
Oprah’s Favorite Things 2018 was announced earlier this week and while we bow down to the original influencer we can’t help but exclaim WTAF! in response to some of her picks. This is why today we are sharing what we’re calling FAUX-prah’s Favorite Things 2018! What you can expect is a handful of gifts similar to Oprah’s Favorite Things 2018 but at a far more reasonable price.
Doing research for this post, I came across this article Ms. Winfrey wrote for O. I really admired her candor about how “cuckoo” things have gotten when it comes selecting what goes on the Favorite Things list. I’m sure brands far and wide, big and small send her team loads of products with the hopes of landing on that list.
She writes that the original idea was just to gift those whom she worked with a few of her favorite things – that first year it was pajamas and fleeced-lined boots. The sentiment is sweet and part of me feels sad for her that the spirit of giving is muddy with obligation these days.
And then comes the criticism. Comment after comment, readers expressed dissatisfaction that so many of the items chosen were too expensive. I get that. A $360 cosmetic brush set is excessive as is a $125 charcuterie board or a $700 juicer. But, in defense of the Favorite Things list there are at least 50 items coming in under $50. I guess even Oprah can’t please everyone.
Megan and I are Old Navy and Target shoppers to the core. Sure, we splurge on things from time to time but why spend your hard earned dollars on pajamas that cost $120 when Gilligan and O’Malley make an almost identical pair for $30? This is why we think you should ditch Oprah’s Favorite Things list for our carefully curated, very affordable yet still super on-trend FAUX-prah’s Favorite Things list!
Megan and Wendy Give You FAUX-prah’s Favorite Things 2018!
Megan and I have selected a few stand out items from most of Oprah’s “Favorite Things” categories. We’ll share with you the original item and a more affordable option. The following are affiliate links. Your click helps support our site but does not change your shopping experience.
From Oprah’s Cozy Things list of Favorite Things 2018
Oprah’s Choice: Eberjey Gisele Long Pajama Set $120
Our budget friendly option: Target’s Stars Above Notch Collar Pajama Set $29.99 – You get pajamas and you get pajamas and you get pajamas for this price!
Oprah’s choice: Kassatex Robe $110
Our budget friendly option: Target Stars Above Chenille Robe $37.99
From Oprah’s Family Gifts list of Favorite Things 2018
Oprah’s Choice: Set of 6 Yedi Siena Mugs $49.99
Our budget friendly choice: Target’s Hearth & Hand with Magnolia mugs $5.99/ea – The Yedi Siena mugs just aren’t doing it for us aesthetically. Target has a million mugs but I’m partial to these Hearth & Hand mugs and they make a great hostess gift.
From Oprah’s For Beauty Lovers list of Favorite Things 2018
Oprah’s Choice: Artis Elite Mirror 10-Piece Brush Set $360
Our budget friendly choice: Real Techniques Blend + Blur All Over Brush, Foundation Brush, Cheek Brush, Contour Brush, Crease Brush $12.99-$20 – Trust us, look on YouTube for Artis Dupe videos and you’ll see that Real Techniques is a quality brand equal to Artis that costs a fraction of the price.
From Oprah’s Travelers Treats list of Favorite Things 2018
Baekgaard Clark Backpack and Duffel $158 and $178
Target’s Backpacks – Starting at $19.99
From Oprah’s Fashionable Finds list of Favorite Things 2018
Oprah’s Choice: Magaschoni Women’s Silk Long Sleeve V-Neck Pullover Sweater $198
Our budget friendly choice: Target’s A New Day Women’s V-Neck Luxe Pullover Sweater $30 – Truth be told my entire winter wardrobe consists of Target sweaters and they are just as beautiful and luxe as any $200 sweater.
From Oprah’s For the Kitchen list of Favorite Things 2018
Oprah’s Choice: etuHome White Mode Charcuterie Board $105
Our budget friendly alternative: Round Acacia Wood Cutting Board – Hearth & Hand $39.99 – Your charcuterie should be the star, not the board it sits on.
From Oprah’s Tech Gadgets list of Favorite Things 2018
Oprah’s choice: Courant Wireless Charging Accessory Tray $175
Our budget friendly option: heyday Wireless Charging Puck $24.99 (Okay, this alternative doesn’t have the accessory tray, but how many of those do you already have lying around your house?)
From Oprah’s Gifts for the Home list of Favorite Things 2018
Oprah’s choice: Montes Doggett Pitcher
Our budget friendly option: Stoneware Pitcher $15
From Oprah’s Presents for Pets list of Favorite Things 2018
Oprah’s Choice: Pretty Rugged Faux Fur Pet Blanket $149 – Honestly, spending $150 on a blanket my dog is most definitely going to barf on seems like lighting money on fire. Target to the rescue on this one, yet again.
Our budget friendly choice: Heather Fleece Dog Blanket $14.99
From Oprah’s Food Gifts list of Favorite Things 2018
The Great Taster 20 Jar Preserve Sampler – $159 – For the sake of comparison, I’ll point out that this sampler includes 2-ounce jars where the budget-friendly sampler uses one ounce. However! Even if you double the price of the sampler below you’re still coming in at a true bargain.
Bonne Maman Preserves Advent Calendar – $29
What do you think about Oprah’s Favorite Things?
Hey, I would gladly accept any one of the gifts on her list but for this holiday season I want to give with meaning. Those on my list won’t care that I bought them a water pitcher because it was on Oprah’s list. Instead, I want them to feel like I really thought about what they would love.
I’m pretty sure that was Oprah’s original intention when she gifted those pajamas and Ugg boots that first year.
Want More Great Gift Ideas? Check out our collection of gift guides!
More Great Ideas from Megan and Wendy
We’re Your New Best Friends
Hi, we’re Megan and Wendy! Join us every Thursday on Long Story Short: The Podcast as we rediscover the things that bring us joy! Podcast topics cover everyday life, parenting, fashion, beauty, pop culture and more!
