There aren’t many voices more trusted than Oprah Winfrey’s, especially when it comes to consumer products. When Oprah tells people something is worth buying, they tend to listen, as evidenced by the annual Oprah’s Favorite Things List, eagerly awaited every year as holiday shopping considerations are made.
Launched in 1996 on her daytime talk show, the list drives major sales boosts for the products she spotlights. This year, as is the case most years, products available from promo suppliers made the cut, showcasing the branding opportunities with products that benefit from the coveted “Oprah Effect.”
Therabody and The Book Company featured prominently into the 2024 list and are becoming perennial honorees by Oprah. Both were featured last year, and this was Therabody’s third straight year being named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things.
“Being recognized by Oprah’s Favorite Things three years in a row – especially knowing that Oprah herself makes the final picks – feels like true validation of the science, engineering and heart that goes into making every Therabody product,” says Andrew Spellman, CAS, the company’s vice president of corporate markets and PPAI Board Chair.
The Therabody Theragun Prime Plus is heated and intended to alleviate deep tissue and back and leg pain, as well as for pre- and post-workouts. It’s designed and shaped for self-use and its quiet nature allows it to be used in public or while watching TV without causing any disruption.
What Oprah says: “Who couldn’t use a massage? Thanks to four different attachments – including one that heats up – this tool can help with aches, pains, tightness, and soreness. Let the de-stressing begin.”
Therabody / PPAI 794574, Standard-Base
The Book Company is the supplier of two items on Oprah’s Favorite Things list, showing an impressive sense for tasteful items. The first of which is the debut of author Mellody Hobson, who attempts to make sense of the complicated financial world for children by compiling some of its odd and interesting facts.
Oprah says: “Financial expert Mellody Hobson wrote this children’s book to encourage financial literacy, but I bet, like me, many adults will learn fun facts about money – such as where the word greenbacks came from.”
“We’re thrilled to see two of our products featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things list again this year. It’s a great reminder that promotional products distributors can offer these standout items to their customers,” says Roni Wright, vice president of The Book Company. “With more than 3 million book titles and thousands of retail gift items, we’re proud to provide access to products that are not only thoughtful and smart but also resonate strongly with recipients.”
Oprah was also touched by The Book Company’s Grandmother’s Journal, a unique and thoughtful way for grandmothers to preserve the memories they’ve collected over the years.
“Oprah’s recognition highlights these books’ broad appeal, making this an ideal time for distributors to reach out to clients interested in offering popular, well-loved items as promotional gifts,” Wright says.
Oprah says: “These journals, which focus on treasured relationships, feature specific prompts so you can sit with your beloved family member to capture old stories and new memories alike.”
The Book Company / PPAI 218850, Silver
Bose says that it “reinvented earbuds with OpenAudio technology,” and HPG supplies the sounds giant’s Ultra Open Earbuds as a promotional product. Already an enticing branding possibility, Oprah’s recommendation gives it even more sway. “Beacon’s Bose Ultra Open Earbuds have become a favorite of our customers,” says Trina Bicknell, chief revenue officer at HPG. “Imagine the incredible sound you have come to know from Bose speakers but in a light-as-air earbud.”
Oprah says: “Know someone who’s yet to find earbuds that don’t fall out? Send them Bose’s ‘open’ style. They’re worn like an ear cuff – folks can still hear the world around them while never losing these. Genius!”
HPG / PPAI 110772, Platinum
Below are a few promo offerings that are very similar corollaries to products on Oprah’s list.
Oprah’s first entry in her “Cozy Gifts” section is a faux throw blanket. A promo stand-in for this blanket can be found in Terry Town’s Chunky Fur Blanket. As Oprah says, it “looks great, whether it’s draped over a sofa, a bed – or your favorite person who’s always cold.”
Terry Town / PPAI 230911, Gold
Oprah prominently features a bottle of extra virgin olive oil. As far as gift ideas, A+ Wine Designs takes the gifting and promo possibility up a notch with its laser-engraved wood box with custom etched olive oil.
A+ Wine Designs / PPAI 173549, Standard-Plus
Any list of favorite things should have some goodies on it, and Oprah includes a cheese spread and a chocolate bark collection. Both Maple Ridge Farms and Midnite Snax, respectively, are two promo suppliers experienced in providing similar offerings to great reviews.
“Cheese is more than just an ingredient – it’s the centerpiece that brings people together,” says Joelle Stahlecker, CAS, marketing coordinator at Maple Ridge Farms. “It gives the host the chance to play chef for the evening, creating the perfect pairing of flavors and turning every gathering into a truly unforgettable experience.”
Maple Ridge Farms / PPAI 114165, Gold
Midnite Snax / PPAI 113793, Standard-Plus
If your company was featured in Oprah’s Favorite Things list, and was not included in this article please contact JonnyA@PPAI.org so that you can be included.
