I love Oprah Winfrey and she has exquisite taste, but the majority of the 2011 Oprah's Favorite Things list is completely unrealistic for the average shopper. The list appeared in the last issue of O Magazine and although the selections look fantastic I don't know anyone who can afford to spend $17 on a luxury bar of soap,$20.25 for 2 tubes of cookies or $69.99 for a leather iPad cover. So this year I decided to post all of Oprah's Favorite Things for 2011 as well as some realistic gift alternatives because let's face it...most of aren't billionaires.
1) Cotton Pajamas and Matching Robe
Oprah Winfrey loves crisp cotton pajamas which is why she has chosen a comfy pair of PJ's with a coordinating cable-knit cashmere robe/sweater as one her favorite things. The pajamas cost $265 and the robe costs $458. Both pieces are available at MarigotCollection.com.
Affordable PJ Alternatives
People who are on a budget can get a great pair of holiday pajamas for only $29.99 at Amazon.com. The Roamans Plus Size 2-pc. cotton knit pajamas by Dreams & Co. are perfect for plus size women and are available in four great colors. Those who are willing to spend more money on an ultra luxurious pair of sateen pajamas might like the Bedhead Pink 3D Stripe Classic Cotton Sateen Pyjamas which are priced at $153.
Most women cannot afford to spend $458 on a luxury robe but that doesn't mean girls can't find a beautiful alternative for much less. The Life is good Women's Knit Robe Bathrobe in Red is available for $50 on Amazon.com.
The Woman Within Plus Size Cardigan Shaker Sweater is comfortable, stylish and available in eleven different colors. The cardigan would look super cute with a comfy pair of pajamas and it is priced at an affordable $27.49.
2) Yedi Houseware Classic Coffee and Tea Siena Tea For One with Saucer
Oprah has a cup of masala chai tea each day in the large luxurious teacup. The tea pot and cup costs around $20 but Barnes & Noble has lowered the price to $13.96 for a limited time. Oprah drinks the delicious Rishi Tea Organic Masala Chai tea which is priced at $10 on the Rishi website. This is one of Oprah's most affordable favorite things making it a great Christmas gift choice this season.
3) Chicken Pot Pie
Oprah and her best friend Gayle King discovered the yummy chicken pie while visiting Cape Cod. Oprah’s Magazine says the chicken pie is available for $22 but when you visit the Centerville Company website, you will find out that the company charges $30.95 for shipping and handling, which means the actual cost for one chicken pie is $52.95.
More Affordable Alternative
People can order a Fresh made Chicken Pot Pie (12oz)
4) Staub Mini-Cocottes
The mini cocottes are perfect for single servings of macaroni and cheese, cobbler and other great dishes. They are designed to go from the oven to the table and are priced at $50 each at Cooking.com. The matching stand costs $35.
The Staub brand is expensive and shoppers who like the mini cocottes can choose the Le Creuset Stoneware 8-Ounce Mini Round Cocotte for $19.95 on Amazon.com. The Straub Cocotte Stand is also available on Amazon.com for $34.95 but online shoppers should make sure that they order the mini cocottes size that will fit correctly into the stand they purchase.
5) Makeup Palettes
Oprah has chosen make up pallets that are available on EdwardBess.com for $75 as one of her favorite things for 2011. The make up pallets include eyeshadow, lip and cheek stain in beautiful colors.
Although Oprah's makeup pallette choice is fabulous people can find terrific makeup pallettes for much less. The NYX Makeup Artist Kit
Stay tuned for part two of Oprah's Favorite Things 2011 (and their affordable alternatives)...
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