My mom adores Hallmark...and I mean ADORES Hallmark. Me? I've purchased the occasional Shoebox greeting card (I'm more humor than heartfelt) and sent more than my fair share of Hoops & Yoyo e-cards.
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If you're not familiar with Hoops & Yoyo, your life doesn't have nearly enough rainbows and sunshine.
With the holidays just a few days away (I do the Nordstrom thing and don't kick off Christmas until AFTER Thanksgiving), Hallmark should be one of the stops on your holiday shopping route. From their classic keepsake ornaments to festive cards and gifts, Hallmark knows better than anyone how to make the holidays more memorable.
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And they're not kidding about that "to life" part. Their Interactive Story Buddies feature two of the most adorable (seriously adorable) husky puppies , Jingle and Bell, who magically respond when they hear specific words in the story.
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Olivia and George were lucky enough to receive the Jingle Interactive Story Buddy to review and believe me when I say they were entranced from the moment Jingle uttered his first words bark. I'm pretty sure Jingle only left Livi's side when she had to go to school.*
Neither one was happy about it.
If you have loved ones who live far away or who won't be home for the holidays, Hallmark's Recordable Storybooks make a wonderful gift. Grandpa can add his voice to a holiday story complete with illustrations and music, and then your kids get to enjoy hearing Grandpa read them a bedtime story.
Hallmark has a huge library of Recordable Storybooks, but it IS "'tis the season" so I'd go with The Very First Christmas or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
A few of my other favorites from Hallmark this year:
- Interactive Greetings: I'm sure you've seen the commercial already, but I love the look on Santa's face when he opens an Interactive Greetings card and little Susie is letting him know exactly what he wants for Christmas.
...I think I'll send one to my parents.
- Personalized Greetings: Did you know you can visit Hallmark.com (and avoid long lines at the post office) to create and send personalized holiday greetings? Add photos and customized messages for that personal touch.
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I'm already planning on visiting my cute little Hallmark store during the holidays. I always have at least one or two Grinch-like moments and Hallmark has a way of fixing those the minute I walk through the door.
Disclosure: Hallmark provided me with an Interactive Story Buddies set, Recordable Storybook and signature greeting cards in exchange for this review. They also provided us with some early holiday cheer. All opinions and love of Jingle-like fluffy stuffed animals are mine.
Michelle B
Thank you for the opportunity. Have a great Thanksgiving!
Kelly D
I like the Until We Hug Again Bunny
Kathy H.
Hallmark has some great gifts! Love the interactive story buddies - so cute!
Shannon
I love the Baby's First Christmas Keepsake Ornament
Debbie
I love Hallmark's seasonal stuff! Their caramels are delish too.
evonne
My Mother in Law bought my kids those recordable story books and they are by far the favorite books in our house...also it makes it so I don't have to read to them. Oops, did I just really say that.
Stacie S-H
I like the ornaments and anything owl!
D Schmidt
I love the keepsake ornaments and Abigail the interactive story buddy
Lindsey (Cafe Johnsonia)
We love our story buddy, Nugget. I didn't know they had Christmas ones! Super cute!
Heidi
my kids love hallmark
Camille
My little ones would love these Hallmark goodies!
Taralyn @ Keep Moving Forward With Me
My little boy would LOVE the interactive dog & book. He loves reading :).
Amy Z.
I love the Night Before Christmas recordable storybook!
Valerie
I am a fan of the ornament series. My Grandmother would send one to use every Christmas. My sister has a series that is now on the 24th edition I believe. It has been a great tradition that my mom is continuing with my girls.
Jim Lipscomb
I have always liked hallmark Ornaments.
Tim
My favorite Hallmark product is the Christopher Bear Story Buddy, which we have.