Standout Tech Gadgets on Oprah’s “Favorite Things 2019” List
Oprah fans will never forget the halcyon days when the talk show host sprung her annual “Oprah’s Favorite Things” segment on her studio audience, giving them items from that year’s list for free. While the segment traditionally aired during Thanksgiving week, it was always filmed in advance, and producers never announced when the special episode would be taped. Lucky audience members won everything from luxury leather handbags and fancy cooking gadgets from Williams-Sonoma to brand new Volkswagen Beetles.
While The Oprah Winfrey Show stopped filming in 2011, Oprah still creates an annual gift inspiration list, either on her television network O.W.N., through Oprah Magazine, or on her website. Released in early November, Oprah’s Favorite Things 2019 features items split into the following categories: “beauty gifts,” “cozy gifts,” “foodie finds,” “online exclusives,” “stylish gifts,” “tech gadgets,” “for the kitchen,” “for the family” and “for the pets.”
Of course, it’s the tech here that’s really drawing attention, especially since Oprah has historically shied away from having too many gadgets on her list in any given year. Oprah’s picks for 2019 include a few interesting standouts:
The Apple Watch Series 5
As Oprah points out, a primary reason to invest in the latest $799 Apple Watch is to take advantage of its health-tracking features.
Beats Powerbeats Pro
These $250 high-performance wireless earbuds are sweatproof, waterproof, fit more securely than Apple’s Airpods, and get nine hours of play time per charge.
Echo Dot Kids Edition
The kid-friendly version of Amazon’s Echo Dot aims to get the next generation hooked on its Alexa virtual assistant early. It comes in a new limited edition rainbow pattern and costs $80.
Sony XB12 Extra Bass Portable Bluetooth Speaker
These lightweight $60 waterproof speakers offer “deep, punchy sound” and a battery life of up to 16 hours.
Flywheel Home Bike with Built-In Tablet
Why go to spin classes when you can get the same workout at home with this $1,999 tech-integrated stationary bike, which allows you to stream classes right to a built-in tablet?
De’Longhi Dynamica Fully Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine
While this one’s technically in the “kitchen” section of Oprah’s list, it still qualifies. The $899.99 machine lets you brew hot or iced coffee in seconds that’s said to be comparable to what you get at your favorite coffee shop.
“You know it’s Favorite Things time when the O team starts taste-testing — among many other treats —chocolate babka, tomato pie, gravlax, peanut butter cups, salami, caramels, and truffle mustard,” Oprah writes on the Oprah Magazine website. “Did I mention that was all in one sitting? I’m pleased to report we survived to touch, try on, sniff, fall in love with, and narrow down a vast array of goodies until we were left with what I believe are the perfect presents of 2019. Ahead, you’ll find 79 gifts, plus an online exclusive, I think are just great — from a makeup kit by Lady Gaga to the perfect pancake maker to the softest hoodie you’ll ever wear.”
Winfrey adds: “The holidays, of course, aren’t all about what’s wrapped in a bow, but also, the gift of time. Personally, I delight in Christmas Day, when we do a brunch buffet of everything from fresh blueberry muffins to shakshuka, which is sort of like huevos rancheros with a Tunisian passport. Our gathering is mellow and fun and exactly how I want to wind down the year. This holiday season, I wish you excellent health, genuine happiness, and joyful days.”
