The Interactive Stuffed Animal That Does It All: Teddy Tank {Review & Giveaway}

I often think that life would be so much more simple if products were all so much more multifunctional. After all, it's convenient for me that my printer also scans and faxes, so doesn't it make sense that it would also be helpful if my refrigerator could mop the floor and my television could iron my clothes?

When it comes to children's products, I think that nearly all parents would agree that anytime three individual items can be replaced with a single one, that it is a great invention. Not only would it save time and money, wouldn't you pick a pair of shoes that could also be boots and slippers over those that couldn't?

Which is why when I was introduced to Teddy Tanks, the unique concept caught my attention right away. When it comes to fun, interactive, innovative, multitasking must-haves for kids, these cuddly pals are the way to go!

A combination of a plush animal, Betta Fish tank, nightlight and so much more, Teddy Tanks are able to provide comfort, security and friendship all in one. When was the last time you saw a stuffed animal that could be customized to your child's liking while housing a fish and speaking words of encouragement?

As much as I was interested in seeing Teddy Tanks on their website, as soon as Big Sister E and Little Sister B caught sight of them, they were instantly hooked. After looking over all of the adorable animal options, we were equally as impressed with the cute bows, colorful gravel and more. I love that Teddy Tanks allows kids to really personalize their new friend to their liking!

Every day after having seen Teddy Tanks online, my girls asked about their arrival. Every. Day. When the box showed up, they were over the moon to see their Elephant and Penguin (and surprise Chocolate Brown Teddy Bear) in person.

These couldn't be cuter! Each Premium 8pc Package comes with everything you need to put these Teddy Tanks to use right out of the box: the 18" plush animal body, voice recorder, 1 gallon plastic bowl, LED nightlight with AAA batteries, acrylic gravel, Original Teddy Tank Bow, fish net and a decorative plant.

As a bonus, for a limited time you can take advantage of the coupon on TeddyTank.com and also receive a free bow package, acrylic gravel, fish food and dechlorinator!

Set up for the Teddy Tank couldn't be much easier. The bowl is easily removed from the animal body (it is recommended to fill it ¾ full with room temperature water and use dechlorinator when using as a fish tank) and can just as easily be reinserted by using two hands to stretch the head into place on top.

When it comes time for your child to use their Teddy Tank, the sky is the limit and their imagination can turn this comforting pal into just about anything. Fill it with coins as a piggy bank, jewelry as a jewelry box, gumballs as a candy bowl, artificial flowers as a vase, art supplies as a craft container, small stones to house a rock collection... and, of course, fish as a unique fish tank.

The company includes clear instructions, great tips and an informative video for how to prepare your tank and care for a fish (I love that you can feed your fish right through your Teddy Tank's mouth!), an experience that children of all ages are sure to enjoy while learning all about responsibility.

Along with the practical uses of Teddy Tanks, I love the small details that have been included to make these even more special.

First, the fun accessories. The acrylic gravel comes in a rainbow of fun colors and a package of four bows can be purchased in solid colors, flowers, polka dots, sports images and more. While the gravel is perfect for livening up the inside of the tank, the bows can be used interchangeably on the front of the animal as a bow tie or by both ears as hair bows.

Second, the nightlight. This small, unassuming LED light sits in its own designated pocket on the bottom of the animal's head, so it is easily reachable through the back to turn on and off and gives a great glow to the tank.

While it is recommended to turn the light off during the day (both to conserve batteries and to let the fish inside get some sleep), the soft light is just right for a nightlight to make a child feel secure and sleep soundly.

Third, the voice recorder. My girls have gotten a HUGE kick out of being able to press on one ear to record a 10 second message and then on the other ear to play it back. They record themselves, each other, me, my husband, the television — pretty much anything and everything! And each time they giggle over hearing the voice played back!

As well as for fun, the voice recorder could also be used to send a special message to your child or record an "I love you" for when you will be out of town. Just hearing a familiar voice and a sweet sentiment is sure to make any child even happier to have their Teddy Tank nearby.

While we have yet to bring home a Betta Fish to truly give our Teddy Tanks the full effect, they have still been a big hit since they arrived. The ability to turn separate product concepts into one cute, lovable, safe, decorative buddy is unique and fun and my girls are constantly coming up with new ways to interact, care for, and play with their Teddy Tanks.

If and when we do decide to include a pet in the future, I have no doubt that these animals will turn the responsibility and learning into an even better experience that won't soon be forgotten.

A Teddy Tank Premium 8pc Package retails for $39.99 (plus shipping) and extra accessories can be purchased separately. The company even offers the ability to purchase interchangeable plush animal bodies (which come with the voice recorder) for only $19.99, so kids can take turns switching their plush pal from one to the next!

Be sure to visit TeddyTank.com to find out much more about these innovative stuffed friends and to make a purchase (select items are also available on Amazon). You can also connect with Teddy Tanks on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for the latest news, updates and information.

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon bring home a fun and unique pal as well, because...

One lucky person will win a Premium 8pc Package from Teddy Tank!

(Enter with the Rafflecopter form below. If you have any questions or problems entering, there is a video tutorial found here that can help.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A big thank you to Teddy Tank for providing Teddy Tanks and accessories for me to review as well as a Premium 8pc Package 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.