Oprah’s annual – and final – “Favorite Things” episode aired live in her hometown of Chicago today, Friday, November 18. The talk show host made audience members jump to their feet and scream when she announced the gifts she’d be giving away this year. And how did she select the lucky winners? Oprah said they are deserving people she considers “heroes.”
“The audience was filled with local people and a lot of people from out of town who were handpicked because they were givers and believe in giving back.” One of the audience members was Bernadine Thomas, a school principal. Her former student wrote Oprah and shared the story about the impact that Thomas made on her life.
Oprah told ABC of the taping, “We had a couple of paramedics on standby because this audience – I’ve seen a lot over the years – but I’ve never seen people act like that.
Oprah’s “Favorite Things”
Phillip Stein limited-edition Oprah 25th anniversary watch with 58 handset diamonds ($2,475)
Flannel Tory Tote ($250) and Reva Ballerina Flat ($195) by Tory Burch
Nikon D3100 Digital SLR camera ($700)
Cashmere sweater by Ralph Lauren and throw ($498)
Judith Ripka eclipse earrings ($525)
Oprah’s hair stylist Andre Walker’s shampoo and hair kit ($65)
Lafco House candle set ($55 each)
Breville panini press from Williams-Sonoma ($100)
Kyocera ceramic knife ($75)
Beecher’s handmade mac and cheese
Baker’s Edge brownie and lasagna pans/Ghiradelli brownie mix
“A Course in Weight Loss” Book
“Decoded” by Jay-Z
5-year Netflix membership
52-inch 3D Bravia Sony television ($3,600)
Sony Blue-Ray player and movie collection
Kiva gift card courtesy Groupon
elfa custom-built Container Store closet ($1,000)
“O” Store long-sleeve v-neck T-shirt ($38)
Lululemon drawstring pant ($98)
Four pairs of Nike “Free run +” shoes ($85)
7-day United/Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas cruise
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