Every year, right before Thanksgiving, Oprah does a show that showcases a wonderful variety of good Christmas ideas.

This year, Oprah still shared her favorite things, but with a twist – they cost next to nothing! She felt that because many people are struggling financially this year, it would be wrong to recommend items that cost hundreds of dollars, so she focused on gifts from the heart – that don’t break the bank. From music to books to memorabilia, her ideas are unique and inspiring.

To add to your ideas, this year Oprah highlighted some additional items – all under $100 – in her “O” Magazine. We’ve posted some of our favorites at our Favorite Things 2008 Store, and further down on this page. Enjoy, shop, and don’t go broke doing it!

Treasure boxes

Oprah invited a woman named Connie to be on the show and share her idea about creating Treasure Boxes for her kids. She bought inexpensive treasure chests and finished them herself. Then, she collected up her children’s “treasures” that she had been saving for years. It might have been report cards, an Eagle Scout badge, or a piece of carpet from their first room – anything special and memorable for the child.

Connie’s desire was for the treasure box to be a piece of furniture – not just a cardboard box. That way they could put it on their shelf and keep it forever. That’s why she chose to go with treasure boxes. Her idea was that once you have your keepsakes collected together, that you organize them by year using folders and plastic sleeves from an office supply store.

We’ve done a little snooping around and found a box that looks like it would work very well for this gift – but you can always check out the craft stores like Connie did, and you might really be able to save some money. If the box you find is unfinished that’s no problem – all you need to do is get down to your local hardward store and pick up some wood stain and a can of polyurethane finish. Put a coat of the stain on with a rag, then apply several coats of the polyurethane finish. The more you can put on, the better. Personally, I like to use a satin, or semi-gloss finish for the polyurethane. Then, you can buy a little decorative lock, and your treasure box is ready to give and get huge smiles on Christmas morning!

This is a fantastic idea for a gift from the heart, and one that’s inexpensive and timeless!

Holiday Hits 2008

Another inexpensive idea is to give the gift of music. This year Oprah has picked out eight new Christmas CD’s by some of her favorite artists. From artists like Aretha Franklin, Harry Connick, Jr., Josh Groban, and Tony Bennett, you’re friend or relative is sure to be pleased. Oprah has also included titles from Faith Hill, Il Divo, Brian McKnight, and Amy Grant.

With a selection of artists like that, you’re sure to find a CD that will satisfy just about anyone on your Christmas list – unless, of course, they’re a major Grinch! These tunes might even warm the heart of that guy, too!

Plus, why let everyone else enjoy the sounds of Christmas. Pick up a couple for yourself, too!

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

One of the gifts that Oprah loves to give and receive the most is a great book. She says “And if it’s a book you loved reading, then you’ll be sharing something special.”

This year, Oprah has fallen in love with The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski. “It’s an epic tale about the magical bond that this mute boy shares with his dog,” Oprah says. “But it’s so much more than a dog story.”

Do you have someone on your list that is impossible to buy for? Maybe the gift of a book is just the ticket.

Amazon Kindle

Here’s an item that wasn’t on her show, but she was raving about anyway a couple of months ago.

It’s called the Amazon Kindle, and it’s a portable ebook reader available from Amazon.com. At the time, Oprah said it was her ”new favorite thing”. We’ve checked out the Kindle and written a review and also an article about how to use your Kindle.

This is a really cool device, and it’s getting more and more popular all the time. Basically, what you do is download books, magazines, newspapers, and whatever right onto your device through a wireless service. Then, you can read it at your convenience. It’s amazing!

Once again, this will make a great gift for that hard-to-shop-for person on your list.

Sold out at Amazon? You can always find it at , sometimes at an even better price!

Amazon Kindle 2

NEW Amazon Kindle 3 WIFI eBook Reader in stock

New Amazon Kindle 3

The Panasonic BL-C1A Wired Network Camera handles your digital photography needs at a price that won’t hurt your wallet! This color surveillance camera allows remote video monitoring of a home or business. You can program it to send you an e-mail image when the Panasonic BL-C1A detects motion–you’ll always know what’s going on at home or at your business. The camera features 10X digital zoom and color night viewing, so you never miss anything that’s going on. It’s easy to install, easy to operate and requires no additional software for viewing on your PC. Indoor use only.

See There When You Can’t Be There

It’s pretty cool. Each camera comes with it’s own free web address which can track the camera automatically. What this means is that you can view and control the Panasonic BL-C1A from a standard web browser, or even from your PDA or compatible cell phone. You can place it anywhere – home,office, vacation home, or anywhere else you need to keep an eye on. Plus, you don’t need to have a PC on location!

Also, you don’t need any additional software, everything you need including file transfer software and email software is built right into the camera!

Just Plug It In and Play

This network camera is super easy to install and use. With industry standard automatic configuration , the camera and PC will automatically decide the best settings, allowing you to access your camera without any complicated setup. Once connected, using a simple web browser, just enter in your free, permanent web address and you’re done! Simple.

Sensor Recording and Email Alerts

Another great feature – it has a built-in motion sensor, which allows camera to record and/or notify you by email when someone enters the room.

And Now You Can Watch Your Pets!

Here’s the best part for some people! You can always feel close to your animals, whether at work or on vacation. Did the walker show up as promised? Is the dog sleeping on the sofa? Is the cat scratching your new leather chair? You’ll know instantly with this webcam.

The Panasonic BL-C1A would make a great gift for that person on your list that has everything!