My Pillow Pets {Review & Giveaway} Nothing compares to the real thing.

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Lolo @ Crazy About My Baybah!}

There are lots of items out there that I don't mind buying the generic version of because I just can't tell the difference. However, there are also those things that I find I have to stick with the brand that I know because... I don't know if it's real or imagined, but anything other than the original just isn't the same.

One item that this definitely applies to is the softest, most comfortable, cutest, extra-plush pal around, Pillow Pets.

Having been fortunate to host a Pillow Pets giveaway in time for last Easter and again to celebrate the 4th of July, I thought I knew everything there was to know about these adorable, lovable, animal/pillow friends that have managed to enamor kids all across the country. After all, we easily welcomed Puffy Duck and Patriotic Pup into our home, so I had no doubt that Perky Penguin would fit right in.

I was right. His high quality ultra-soft chenille and plush, cushioned body made Perky Penguin perfect for hugging and playtime as well as an extremely comfortable pillow after opening the Velcro tab and letting him pop into flat position. The durable strap that held him together was high quality and strong and the added fabric covering the scratchy Velcro when it wasn't in use was a classic added touch from My Pillow Pets.

As we had a great time playing with Perky Penguin, I couldn't help but think of what a difference it would make if he wasn't a genuine Pillow Pet but, instead, an impostor.

See, when you're out and about and see them at kiosks in the mall or sold on various e-commerce sites... there is a chance that they might be imitations. How sad would it be if that child who had been pining for Friendly Frog or Hungry Hippo opened up their package and found a cheap stuffed animal that doesn't hold together or loses its stringy fur when petted?

To avoid all possibility of that disheartening situation happening, consumers can order online directly from My Pillow Pets or, if they find these plush pals in person somewhere, simply turn them over and check for the sewn-in logo right on the leg.

Nothing compares to an authentic Pillow Pet! In fact, if you come across a fake, My Pillow Pets is encouraging people to call the local Consumer Fraud Division of their state's Department of Justice or their local consumer fraud organization. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but knock-off Pillow Pets are threatening the reputation of a company that cares about their customers and is proud of their quality products.

After all, only a genuine Pillow Pet can elicit a child to take one glance...

...And know that true friendship and cuddling awaits.

My Pillow Pets are more than popular, they're one of the most begged for, sought after, fight-the-crowds-while-you-shop hot items that are on an innumerable stack of wishlists this holiday season. Plus, having been named by Toys "R" Us as a part of their "Fabulous Fifteen" list of the best toys out there, I have not doubt that Pillow Pets will be flying off the shelves (and the internet) this holiday season.

With a variety of cute jungle animals, farm critters and sea creatures to choose from, these machine washable pals are great for traveling, naptime and playtime and make the perfect gift. And, thanks to the generosity of My Pillow Pets, one person won't have to scramble to find the child in their life an adorable gift this December, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of Pillow Pets! ARV $19.95!

To enter to win: Visit My Pillow Pets and tell me which cute pal is your (or your child's) favorite!

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry if you become a fan of My Pillow Pets on Facebook. 1 more Extra Entry if you leave the following message on their wall: Nothing compares to the authenticity of My Pillow Pets! I just entered to win my choice of plush pal at Thanks, Mail Carrier! http://bit.ly/9cIC89
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

It's a Pillow. It's a Pet. It's a Pillow Pet! WIN your choice of adorable and soft pal! http://bit.ly/9cIC89 #thxmailcarrier #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and My Pillow Pets. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on November 12th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to My Pillow Pets for providing a Perky Penguin for review as well as a Pillow Pet of choice for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.