The festive season officially begins with two key events: Mariah Carey’s yearly video announcement and Oprah’s unveiling of her Favorite Things list. The former takes place on November 1, followed by the latter on November 5, signaling the commencement of the holiday period.
If you’re eager to get a jump start on your holiday shopping but don’t know where to start, Oprah’s Favorite Things 2025 list acts as the perfect gift guide. “Every year, I hunt for gifts that feel just right — small luxuries, cozy comforts, and clever finds for friends, family, and everyone in between,” Oprah mentions in this year’s guide introduction. With more than 100 items featured, there’s something suited for everyone. The gifts are categorized diversely, priced from under $50 to above $500.
We suggest exploring the complete list, but we’ve highlighted some of our top selections to kick off your shopping. Many of Mashable’s preferred products are included. Take a look at them below.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Why we like it: Unveiled in September, Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 have quickly climbed onto our list of the top headphones of 2025. A reviewer from Mashable described them as “one of the most outstanding products of the year” and “a notable enhancement in functionality compared to their predecessors.” Priced at $249, like the previous model, we are optimistic about a price reduction on Black Friday.
Samsung The Frame Pro
Why we like it: We have a strong admiration for the Samsung The Frame TVs, and the latest Frame Pro is remarkable. It boasts a nearly wireless design, an upgraded Neo QLED 4K display, a new NQ4 AI Gen3 processor, artificial intelligence features, and a 144Hz refresh rate. The price is steep even with a $300 discount, so we’re looking forward to a new record-low price on Black Friday.
Ninja Creami Swirl
Why we like it: One of our favorite Ninja gadgets, the Creami Swirl, enables novices to create creamy ice cream, froyo, or fruit whip at home. The Swirl comes with a soft serve dispenser for serving airy cones. A recipient of the Mashable Choice Award, our reviewer states it’s “the most impressive Creami for those hosting gatherings, but it’s also just incredibly fun.”
Apple Watch Series 11
Why we like it: Launched at Apple’s September event, the Apple Watch Series 11 introduces enhancements in battery longevity, hardware, and connectivity. It includes an S11 chip, a more durable design, 5G capability, and a tool for identifying chronic high blood pressure. Starting at $399, it has already dropped by $10 on Amazon. Expect a better price shortly.
Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x
Why we like it: Dyson’s latest hair multi-styler, the Airwrap Co-anda 2x, incorporates a new motor for quicker drying and styling along with two new attachments that automatically adjust speed and heat settings. It’s luxurious and effective, but it comes with a high price tag. We’ll be on the lookout for discounts this holiday season.
Ooni Volt 2 electric pizza oven
Why we like it: Although we haven’t tried the Ooni Volt 2 indoor electric pizza oven, the brand’s wood pellet Fyra oven is among our favorites. The Volt 2 enables indoor pizza cooking with a countertop design that reaches 850 degrees for restaurant-quality pizza in just 90 seconds. It has presets for Neapolitan, thin crust, and pan pizza. Priced at $699, it’s an investment, so keep an eye out for price reductions later this month.
ASUS Zenbook A14
Why we like it: Mashable’s laptop expert, Haley Henschel, designated the ASUS Zenbook A14 as her top budget Windows laptop, the best ultraportable laptop of 2025, and “an incredible MacBook Air alternative.” She commends its all-day battery life, OLED display, and lightweight design, which Oprah also highlights in her Favorite Things list. It achieved a Geekbench 6 multi-core score of 11,256, making it the fastest Windows laptop under $1,000 in our records. Henschel mentions the price has previously dropped to $579.99, so we’re anticipating a fantastic Black Friday deal.