Over the last two years, I've browsed Oprah's Favorite Things List of holiday gifts so thoroughly that I started a tradition here of sharing my favorites from her favorites. And you liked them! So much so, it can even be hard to get your hands on some of these holiday gifts if you don't act quickly. Okay so I credit Oprah for that. Partially.
Cut to 2023 and hey, let's do it again! While these items are all sold on Amazon, they hail entirely from small businesses that happen to sell their gifts through their Amazon storefront. Some have even appeared here in the past. (Not saying Oprah is stealing our ideas, but you know. Great minds and all that.) Even better -- they're almost entirely woman-owned or BIPOC-owned. Often both. Happy shopping!
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- Harlem Candle Company Candles I first shared this woman-owned luxury candle company in our 2019 small business holiday gift guide after discovering them at a holiday maker fair in NYC. With respect to Ms. Winfrey, I am going to recommend slightly different scents -- the Holiday candle is wonderful, the smokey Langston is a favorite (and tends to sell out), while the Holiday Map Candle is all dressed-up for gifting.
- TRUFF White Truffle Gift Set I discovered the Black Truffle Sriracha from Trufflin a few years back, and remain a hard-cover fan. This year, I'm trying out a similar company called Truff--more specifically their white truffle oil and hot sauce duet, and I just may have a few at home for gifting already. (25% off right now with coupon for a limited time!)PS If you want something a little more classic, check out the EXAU Gourmet Italian Olive Oil gift set on Oprah's list (and mine).
- Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Sock Trio I once picked up a pair of what I thought were "cheesy airport gift shop socks" before a red-eye and my snottiness was completely misplaced. These are the absolute best cozy socks, and I think any woman on your list would adore this trio in shades of greys or plums. (Oprah has a thing for purple this year, evidently.) They always sell out, so grab them now!
- Beekman 1802 Goat Milk Soap Gift Set I'm so happy to see the guys from Beekman 1802 have something on Oprah's Favorite Things list! I met them a few years back and they are as delightful as their wonderfully scented, beautifully packaged soaps. This set comes with 8 bars, but for something a bit more affordable, peep the 3-piece soap gift set.
- My Art Book board books
Okay so Phaedon Publishing isn't quite a small business, but I adore this trio of board books that are great for new parents, cool babies and toddlers, or just adults who could use a pop of art on their desks.
- Sherpa Fleece Robe It is soooo hard to find the perfect robe and this one in three colors from House No.23 seems to fit the bill. Plus, it's 100% cotton so it's washable.
- Luxury Flake Sea Salt and Fleur De Sel Gift Set Once you've finished a dish with a really good gourmet salt, you'll be reluctant to go back to whatever is in your shaker. Try a tiny sprinkle over pasta, eggs, steak, grilled or roasted vegetables, even a simple salad... wow. (Pro tip: If you prefer shopping at Nordstrom, they have My Fabulous Food's Flake Sea Salt there in single packs too.
- Headlightz Beanie and Glove Set I've shared this beanie with a built-in headlamp for the past few holidays and it sells out, so grab one now! It's affordable, practical, and great for kids and adults. Plus,: It now comes in this set with gloves and a charger--check out all the fun colors.
- Chance Premium Design Basketballs Christina first wrote about Chance Basketballs a few years ago and now -- Oprah has too! Included in our list of favorite birthday gifts for tweens, they're really great for kids (or adults) of any age who want to show some personality on the court.
- Isle of Us Cookie Decorating Kits for Hanukkah or for Christmas
I really love food for kids that double as crafts or activities, and these cute sugar cookies from a NYC small business in require no baking -- skip right to the decorating with icings and gourmet sprinkles and decoratifs. Kids can eat them themselves at the end --or try one of these creative ideas for packaging holiday cookies and give them to grateful friends.
More holiday gift ideas this year: 20 special gifts that give back to great causes 24 perfect gifts for your mother-in-law (or stepmother or aunt or cool grandma) 60+ incredible gifts under $15 for adults 20 unique personalized gifts for kids from toddlers to teens 20 wonderful Hanukkah gifts for kids of all ages The best Taylor Swift gifts for your special Swiftie! Special small business gift ideas for cooks and foodies The best tech gifts for teens this year, according to actual teens The best Hanukkah food gifts to send -- even if you've never sent a Hanukkah gift before
