Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Hallmark Makes Back to School a Special Occasion {Interactive Story Buddy Review & Giveaway}

Hallmark logo{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, mummytotwoboys!}

There are a lot of things that my girls enjoy - everything from dress up to board games to sports to nearly everything in between (with a special nod to anything that might include food).

But if I were to name the top few very special, never-get-tired-of-this activities, reading books would always be a member of that select group. I can't think of a day that has gone by when books haven't been read, whether before nap time, at bedtime or just pulled off the shelf for a quick read on the couch.

There's no doubt about it, we love books.

The story, the imagination, the adventure, it's just all there. So, really, how can they be made any better?

Thanks to Hallmark, that has now happened. Because a book is just a book until it becomes an experience with the Hallmark Interactive Storybook & Story Buddy.

Hallmark Story BuddyAlthough they are best known for greeting cards, ornaments and television programming, at the heart of Hallmark is what they're really about: relationships and the emotional connections their products and experiences represent. More than just being there to celebrate the happy moments and provide sympathy through the difficult ones, Hallmark wants us to focus on the simplicity of what their motto so clearly points out: Life is a Special Occasion.

Hallmark was even able to make a recent event more special, when they gave BlogHer attendees a chance to fill out a ______ is a Special Occasion t-shirt to be a part of their VisibleMash (an interactive, online mosaic of moments). Coming up with something meaningful enough to write on my shirt at a moment's notice was hard, but I'm pretty happy with the end result:

VisibleMashLet's hear it: awwwwww!

To see the effect of a huge number of moments put together into this cool mosaic, simply visit Hallmark's VisibleMash... even better, if you would like to add something new, just go to the "Add Yourself" button and join in!

Along with everyday occasions, back-to-school time is special for children and families across the country and Hallmark’s Back-to-School Confidence Checklist is great for helping parents encourage and build confidence in their kids to last throughout the entire year. They suggest:
  • Let them hold onto your words. Kids often get embarrassed when parents say "I love you" in front of their friends. Think about sticking a card in their backpack or inside a textbook, so they can find it later and hold onto it all day. Hallmark's Kids Collection features cards addressing topics for young kids, including nerves about school and positive reinforcement for hard work, as well as topics for tweens/teens, such as peer pressure and choosing friends wisely.

  • I love this idea, because it allows you to communicate a sweet message to your child but in a personal, private manner. That way, if you happen to have an older child who is in the stage where they are embarrassed to give Mom a hug, they can still enjoy these sweet cards!
Hallmark Kids Collection
  • Surprise your child with a lunchtime delight. Fruits and veggies will help a kid be physically fit, but don’t forget about a child’s emotional wellness. Surprise your child with a serving of love and pride with Hallmark’s new bite-sized Lunchbox Notes. The unexpected "I love you" or "good luck" will let your child know you’re by their side, even after they get on the school bus.
    What a fun way to brighten their day with something small enough that they can then carry around in their pocket to extend the feeling of love!
Hallmark Lunchbox Notes
  • Story time is an opportunity to develop reading skills, but it’s also a time for parents and kids to bond. For young readers, use a Hallmark Interactive Story Buddy and Storybook to encourage clear pronunciation. When a child clearly reads key phrases from the book, the Story Buddy responds!
Truly innovative and unique, I knew that Big Sister E and Little Sister B would be thrilled with an Interactive Story Buddy and the entertainment that it could provide. After all, cuddling up to read a book with a stuffed animal is pretty great on its own... but having the animal join in? Well, that's just magic!

Hallmark Interactive Story BuddyI immediately appreciated that Cooper the Bear came fully prepared and ready to go right out of the box. There was no setup or installation required, simply remove the packaging tags and press the power button on his ear and he lets you know that he is ready to hear a story.

Cooper the BearAs we opened Cooper's Big Bear Hug, the bright colors and cute illustrations had already caught our attention and we marveled for a minute on just how sweet Cooper looked and how fun it was that he was in the book while also being here with us.

Story Buddy reviewHaving not told the girls that Cooper would interact during the story, I began to read normally... and when I came to the first specially-marked sentence ("Cooper, I love you!"), he chimed right in ("I love you, too)!

Adorable! Both girls (as well as all adults that have since met Cooper) agree that the concept of the Interactive Story Buddy is such a great one. These soft, high quality pals have a way of turning a regular book into something so much more... and everything is better with a plush pal to cuddle with, right?

Hallmark talking bearInteractive Story Buddies retail for $29.95 and come with one free storybook (more can be purchased for $9.95). Look for them in your local Hallmark store for a unique gift idea that is sure to be treasured for quite some time to come!

Through moments big and small, Hallmark is there to help you share your feelings. I've always been impressed with the quality and innovation of their products in the past and their collection for back-to-school is no exception. Now is the time to show your child that you love them and are thinking of them with a note, a card or a cuddly friend!

And, thanks to the generosity of Hallmark, one person will be able to provide a new story time companion that will surely bring a smile to their child's face, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of
Hallmark Interactive Story Buddy and Storybook!

Hallmark giveawayTo enter to win: Visit the Hallmark and tell me which of their Interactive Story Buddies you think the child in your life would love the most.

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 follow Hallmark on Twitter and/or Like them on Facebook.
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!

WIN a Hallmark Interactive Story Buddy and Storybook and make reading come alive! http://bit.ly/nJIXIN @thxmailcarrier #giveaway #win

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, become a fan on Facebook or add Thanks, Mail Carrier to your blogroll.
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 this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on October 4th 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 Hallmark for providing Kids Collection cards, Lunchbox Notes and an Interactive Story Buddy and Storybook for me to review as well as a Story Buddy and Storybook 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.

829 comments:

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Anonymous said...

i like you on fb

careym13 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

i entered visa

careym13 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I entered havairanas

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Anonymous said...

I entered lalaloopsy

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Anonymous said...

I entered 1800 baskets

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Anonymous said...

I entered bubber bucket

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Anonymous said...

I entered purse to go

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Anonymous said...

I entered haba

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Anonymous said...

I entered spafinder

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Anonymous said...

I entered daisy

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Anonymous said...

I entered scramble bug

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Anonymous said...

I entered walmart

careym13 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I entered freckle box

careym13 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I entered lite sprites

careym13 at yahoo dot com

Madelyn Sue said...

Watson the Raccoon!

madelyn (dot) nygren (at) gmail

jcwega27 said...

watson the raccoon
jessicawedwards@gmail.com

Amy and Luke said...

I think Gage would love Watson the Raccoon, he adores books!

itnyreax@pwcs.edu

Amy and Luke said...

I follow you #1.

Amy and Luke said...

I follow you #2.

itnyreax@pwcs.edu

Amy and Luke said...

You're on my blog roll!#1

Amy and Luke said...

You're on my blog roll#2.

Amy and Luke said...

You're on my blog role#3.

Amy and Luke said...

entered Spa Finder

itnyreax@pwcs.edu

Peggy said...

Oh it has to be the Abigail and the Tea Party book. We have just started having parties when I visit.

mogrill said...

The Racoon for sure.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com

Aimee said...

Watson the Raccoon! aimeeeldon at hotmail dot com

Aimee said...

I follow via GFC. aimeeeldon at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

email: LesGalloway //at// hotmail //dot// com

Entered: Halloween Express

sherylssg said...

My niece would love Abigail the Bunny.

sflickinger at rocketmail dot com

sherylssg said...

Email Subscriber.

sflickinger at rocketmail dot com

sherylssg said...

I like Hallmark on FB.

sflickinger at rocketmail dot com

sherylssg said...

I follow Hallmark on twitter @ssgwkramer.

sflickinger at rocketmail dot com

sherylssg said...

I follow you on GFC.

sflickinger at rocketmail dot com

sherylssg said...

I entered the 1-800-Baskets All Smiles Gourmet Basket Giveaway.

sflickinger at rocketmail dot com

Peggy said...

http://twitter.com/#!/mycraftingworld/status/114276781871206400

Telynn said...

I think he'd like Bigsby when he is available.
Telynn
tlparrish@gmail.com

Unknown said...

http://twitter.com/#!/mama2kaylabug/status/114389124651298816

mama2kaylabug at aol dot com

Wendi said...

tweet

https://twitter.com/#!/sasiegirl/status/114402923588497408

sasie9@gmail.com

Kristen said...

She'd love Watson the Raccoon.

Amy V said...

entered glow doodler giveaway

annae07@aol.com

Yolanda said...

tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/skyrob69/status/114426052264210432

skyrobinson@yahoo.com

Kristen said...

entered Lite Sprites

Kristen said...

entered Walmart

Kristen said...

entered Daisy

Kristen said...

entered Ragu

Kim Barnes said...

I also entered the Glow Crazy giveaway

Kimmie Barnes
shawnandkim@suddenlink.net
jakeremom--twitter and GFC

sherylssg said...

Tweeted.
http://twitter.com/#!/ssgwkramer/status/114455601127489537

sflickinger at rocketmail dot com

Mommy said...

Right now, Abigail the bunny would be our choice...although I think they have a dog coming out near Christmas time and my littlest would flip over that!
rebeccaericson at gmail.com

Mommy said...

Follow via GFC #1
rebeccaericson at gmail.com

Mommy said...

follow via GFC #2
rebeccaericson at gmail.com

Mommy said...

subscribe by email #1
rebeccaericson at gmail.com

Mommy said...

Follow via email #2
rebeccaericson at gmail.com

Mommy said...

Button on my blog #1:
http://memsinthemaking.blogspot.com/
rebeccaericson at gmail.com

Mommy said...

Button on my blog #2:
http://memsinthemaking.blogspot.com/
rebeccaericson at gmail.com

Mommy said...

Button on my blog #3:
http://memsinthemaking.blogspot.com/
rebeccaericson at gmail.com

Mommy said...

entered halloween express giveaway
rebeccaericson at gmail.com

Melissa said...

abigail the bunny and the balance beams book!\she would soooooooooooo love it!

Melissa said...

gfc

Melissa said...

gfc

Melissa said...

your button is on my blog
snickersncream.blogspot.com/

Melissa said...

your button is on my blog
snickersncream.blogspot.com/

Melissa said...

rss feed

Melissa said...

rss feed

Melissa said...

i like hallmark on fb

Melissa said...

i follow hallmark on twitter
@butterflyz01234

Candie L said...

I love Watson the raccoon. Thank you

candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com

Peggy said...

http://twitter.com/#!/mycraftingworld/status/114642558524723201

Yolanda said...

tweet

http://twitter.com/#!/skyrob69/status/114677856113655809

skyrobinson@yahoo.com

Brittney said...

watson the raccoon
brittneydejajason at gmail dot com

Brittney said...

gfc 2
brittneydejajason at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

http://twitter.com/#!/mama2kaylabug/status/114723315834290176

mama2kaylabug at aol dot com

Yolanda said...

I entered the Final Touch giveaway

skyrobinson@yahoo.com

Wendi said...

tweet

https://twitter.com/#!/sasiegirl/status/114774002144247809

sasie9@gmail.com

Jennifer H said...

cooper the bear-Jenprincess88 at aol dot com

Jennifer H said...

email sub

Jennifer H said...

email 2

Jennifer H said...

gfc

Jennifer H said...

gfc2

Jennifer H said...

google reader

Jennifer H said...

reader2

Jennifer H said...

ur fb fan (J Cochrane)

Jennifer H said...

fb fan 2

Jennifer H said...

ent 800 baskets

Jennifer H said...

ent spafinder

Jennifer H said...

ent walmart

Jennifer H said...

ent frecklebox

Jennifer H said...

ent pure pearls

Jennifer H said...

fb fan of hallmark (J Cochrane)

Jennifer H said...

twitter follower of theirs (lovesmytwoboys)

Jennifer H said...

https://twitter.com/#!/Lovesmytwoboys/status/114825896317296641

Unknown said...

We want the wolf. I can't see his name in the picture.
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I follow Hallmark on twitter as @kainshottie
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I like hallmark on FB as Phaedra S.
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I am entered in the 1-800-baskets.com giveaway
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I am entered in the HABA giveaway
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I am entered in the QuickSmart giveaway
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I follow you on twitter as @kainshottie
tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/kainshottie/status/114878711513350145
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Entry 1 - I am a GFC follower
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Entry 2 - I am a GFC follower
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Entry 1 - I am an email subscriber
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Entry 2 - I am an email subscriber
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Entry 1 - I like you on FB as Phaedra S.
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Entry 2 - I like you on FB as Phaedra S.
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Entry 1 - I blogged about this giveaway at http://identitydiscovery.blogspot.com/2011/09/so-its-time-for-another-giveaway-post.html
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I am entered in the Halloween Express Giveaway
phaedracamille@gmail.com

Laurel said...

Watson the Raccoon!

alwaysneedhim4evr@yahoo.com

Laurel said...

I'm an email subscriber 1

alwaysneedhim4evr@yahoo.com

Laurel said...

I'm an email subscriber 2

alwaysneedhim4evr@yahoo.com

Laurel said...

I'm a fan of you on fb 1

alwaysneedhim4evr@yahoo.com

Laurel said...

I'm a fan of you on fb 2

alwaysneedhim4evr@yahoo.com

Giveaway Hound said...

Watson the Raccoon! giveawayhound at gmail dot com

Peggy said...

http://twitter.com/#!/mycraftingworld/status/114990409666674689

AStarrA said...

Aww my daughter would adore the dog one, too bad they don't have it yet also like Watson

disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

AStarrA said...

follow Hallmark on Twitter

disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

AStarrA said...

Like Hallmark on Facebook

disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

AStarrA said...

follow with Google Friend Connect
disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

AStarrA said...

subscribe to RSS feed

disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

AStarrA said...

subscribe by email

disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

AStarrA said...

fan on Facebook

disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

AStarrA said...

follow with Google Friend Connect 2

disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

AStarrA said...

subscribe to RSS feed 2

disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

AStarrA said...

subscribe by email 2

disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

AStarrA said...

fan on Facebook 2

disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

AStarrA said...

Entered Jenlinn.com

disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

AStarrA said...

Entered Halloween Express

disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

AStarrA said...

Entered Walmart giveaway
disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

AStarrA said...

http://twitter.com/#!/AStarrAMama/status/115064322559975425

Wendi said...

tweet

https://twitter.com/#!/sasiegirl/status/115128856310067201

sasie9@gmail.com

sherylssg said...

Tweeted.
http://twitter.com/#!/ssgwkramer/status/115148514429906944

sflickinger at rocketmail dot com

Yolanda said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/skyrob69/status/115152383482396673

skyrobinson@yahoo.com

Megan Earley said...

My daughter would love Abigail the Bunny
mearley1979 at gmail dot com

Nicole C. said...

My daughter would love Abigail.

choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

Nicole C. said...

I follow on gfc.

choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

Nicole C. said...

I follow on gfc #2.

choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

Nicole C. said...

I follow you on facebook.

choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

Nicole C. said...

I follow you on facebook #2.

choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

Jennifer Marie said...

My son would love Watson the raccoon.

Jennifer Marie said...

Like Hallmark on Facebook.

encyclopedia@live.com

Jennifer Marie said...

Follow on Twitter.
@skulltulla

encyclopedia@live.com

Anonymous said...

email: LesGalloway //at// hotmail //dot// com

Entered Glow Crazy Distance Doodler

Peggy said...

http://twitter.com/#!/mycraftingworld/status/115365065082929152

shawn said...

I think they would love Cooper

shawn said...

Entered your walmart giveaway

shawn said...

tweet...http://twitter.com/#!/shawnmh/status/115446963297718272

shawn said...

GFC-entry 1

shawn said...

GFC- entry 2

shawn said...

facebook fan-shawn harrington
1

shawn said...

facebook fan -shawn harrington
2

shawn said...

entered the halloween express gc giveaway

Yolanda said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/skyrob69/status/115476674866454528

skyrobinson@yahoo.com

yuukiimi said...

entered the karen kane giveaway
yuukiimi(at)gmail(dot)com

yuukiimi said...

entered the mitchum giveaway
yuukiimi(at)gmail(dot)com

yuukiimi said...

entered the quick smart giveaway
yuukiimi(at)gmail(dot)com

Maura said...

Bigsby character and book would be exciting to win! Hallmark entry. FB too

Jamie Adkins said...

Abigail the bunny!


jamieadkins@mail.com

Jamie Adkins said...

entered Jennlinn giveaway.


jamieadkins@mail.com

Jamie Adkins said...

entered litesprites giveaway!

jamieadkins@mail.com

Jamie Adkins said...

Entered Gratitude day gift basket giveaway.


jamieadkins@mail.com

Jamie Adkins said...

Entered Scramble bug giveaway.


jamieadkins@mail.com

Jamie Adkins said...

entered glow crazy.

Jamie Adkins said...

entered karen kane.


jamieadkins@mail.com

Deborah said...

I think CJ would like Cooper the Bear best. asthenight at gmail dot com

Deborah said...

I follow HallmarkPR on Twitter @AsTheNight.

Deborah said...

I like Hallmark on Facebook (Deborah Rosen).

Deborah said...

I entered your Walmart Gift Card Giveaway.

Deborah said...

I follow you and shared on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/AsTheNight/status/115517277339787264.

Deborah said...

I follow with Google Friend.

Deborah said...

I like you on Facebook.

yuukiimi said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/yuukiimi/status/115527421343694849

AStarrA said...

https://twitter.com/#!/AStarrAMama/status/115444232596103169

Unknown said...

http://twitter.com/#!/mama2kaylabug/status/115605452309540864

mama2kaylabug at aol dot com

Peggy said...

http://twitter.com/#!/mycraftingworld/status/115729257602367488

Wendi said...

tweet

https://twitter.com/#!/sasiegirl/status/115786253814870017

sasie9@gmail.com

Unknown said...

http://twitter.com/#!/mama2kaylabug/status/115819320168288256

mama2kaylabug at aol dot com

wigget said...

entered The Children's Place giveaway

Yolanda said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/skyrob69/status/115872232793845762

skyrobinson@yahoo.com

Lloyd Family said...

i think my boys would love watson the racoon
reljsw at gmail dot com

Lloyd Family said...

i follow hallmark on twitter (@jlloyd9105)
reljsw at gmail dot com

Lloyd Family said...

i like hallmark on facebook (jenny lloyd)
reljsw at gmail dot com

Lloyd Family said...

i entered the scramble bug giveaway
reljsw at gmail dot com

Lloyd Family said...

i entered the freckle box giveaway
reljsw at gmail dot com

Lloyd Family said...

i entered the walmart gift card giveaway
reljsw at gmail dot com

Lloyd Family said...

i entered the haba blocks giveaway
reljsw at gmail dot com

Lloyd Family said...

i entered the halloween express giveaway
reljsw at gmail dot com

Lloyd Family said...

i entered the children's place gift card giveaway
reljsw at gmail dot com

Lloyd Family said...

i follow you on twitter (@jlloyd9105)
tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/jlloyd9105/status/115942079733039105
reljsw at gmail dot com

Kathryn said...

I think Cooper's Big bear hug would be a favorite.

kathrynbaby2004@yahoo.com

AStarrA said...

https://twitter.com/#!/AStarrAMama/status/115832049348247552

Kathy Davis said...

I love Bigsby (if he is available yet). I would give him to Paul, mu home bound autistic student.

kdavis1@centurytel.com

Thanks, Kathy

Kathy Davis said...

I followed Hallmark on Face book.

kdavis1@centurytel.net

Kathy Davis said...

I have already liked Thanks, Mail Carrier on FB.

kdavis1@centurytel.com

yuukiimi said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/yuukiimi/status/115971916652748800

Christine said...

My daughter would love Abigail the bunny!

Christine said...

I entered the TCP giveaway.

Christine said...

GFC follower entry #1.

Christine said...

GFC follower entry #2.

Amy V said...

entered children's place giveaway

annae07 at aol dot com

Peggy said...

http://twitter.com/#!/mycraftingworld/status/116082915330359296

Amy V said...

enter bright starts roadster giveaway

annae07 at aol dot com

sherylssg said...

Tweeted.
http://twitter.com/#!/ssgwkramer/status/116198158836568064

sflickinger at rocketmail dot com

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