Back to School with Hallmark (Giveaway)

The kids have been back to school for a couple of weeks now. They're both old pros at leaving me at this point (sniff!) but I still like to let them know I'm thinking about them while they're off being studious. The easiest way, aside from being a creepy stalker or room parent, is by slipping notes into their lunchboxes. 

Since I usually make their lunches under morning duress, I learned to rely on the convenience of Hallmark's Lunchbox Notes which come in a tear-off pad and feature confidence-boosting slogans that will make your kid laugh and have warm fuzzies all day. They also offer a wide selection of Kids' Collection greeting cards with encouraging messages, musical Justin Bieber cards and cute signature items like Bug'Em, a stuffed ladybug you can fill with tchotkes and leave beside their homework or tuck into their backpack. 

I love tucking cards in unexpected places for Roo to find. Would your kid like to find these stashed in their lunches or around the house? Enter to win your own set using the form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received the items pictured to facilitate this review. No compensation has been provided. As usual, all opinions are my own.

Hallmark: Life is a Special Occasion

Hallmark has been the, uh, hallmark of quality in the world of greeting cards since I can remember. Getting the mail and seeing the familiar gold crown seal was usually the precursor to something awesome, like a birthday or holiday, and it amplified the excitement.

Hallmark's kid encouragement products at the beginning of the school year but, to me, they're even more meaningful now that classes are in full swing. I love their motto: Life is a Special Occasion It's easy to get caught up in the grind of everyday life and everyone, even kids, can use a little pick-me-up. Roo has really loved finding a special note in her lunchbox every day. Sometimes I'll add a handwritten post script or silly doodle but it's ridiculously simple to tear one off of the pad on days we're running late. Several even have check-off boxes to personalize, which Roo finds hilarious. The current in-store version, If You Love 'Em, Bug 'Em - Fun Notes for Kids, features cute bugs and sweet sentiments to brighten up the lunchbox.

I'm also crazy about Hallmark's huge selection of recordable books and keepsakes, which take personalization to a whole new level. These are so sentimental without being syrupy sweet and are perfect for holidays when you can't be with far-away loved ones. I especially like the idea of new readers recording themselves reading the book as a keepsake for posterity. Wouldn't it be cool to hear yourself or your spouse, as a child, reading a favorite story?!

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that we received the lunchbox notes pictured in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are, as usual, strictly my own.

Hallmark Giveaway

***WINNER PICKED 12/27 WITH RANDOM.ORG***

***CONGRATULATIONS, #22 Julie !!!***

her comment...
Bastin Birds on Branch cards
thanks for the giveaway


Hallmark threw a heck of a Christmas party at BlogHer last summer, with a roaring fire and a sneak preview of all the good things they had in store for this holiday season. Leave it to me to still be running late on ordering holiday cards and ornaments, even though I had six months to prepare… sigh. If you're anything like me, you will be happy to know that you can still order Christmas cards and even have them personalized, addressed and sent for you. At this late date, though, perhaps New Year's cards would be a safer option since delivery won't be guaranteed for Saturday. Use promo code HOLIDAY30 through Christmas Day to get 30% off all online Hallmark purchases. You can also send e-cards all year for one flat fee of $9.99.

Of course, a big part of the Hallmark tradition is visiting your local Hallmark Gold Crown store to check out the latest in collectible keepsake ornaments, memory keeping supplies and gifts. Click here to find the location nearest you. Kids love the popular characters (Star Wars, Ben-10, Harry Potter…) and musical ornaments– the Jingle Jamboree ornament shown above plays a banjo rendition of Deck The Halls that is hard to resist.  Now through Christmas Eve, all of their recordable storybooks are on sale for $19.95- a $10 savings! We have the Frosty the Snowman recordable storybook and it's absolutely adorable, especially with Roo reading it aloud.

My favorite new discovery at Hallmark online is personalized paper plates. You put your own image and/or text onto a stock design for table settings you won't find at party supply stores. You can even mix and match with coordinating solid colored napkins, cups and utensils. I love this idea! And my kids are going to love the plates I've ordered for them: Star Wars for Jasper and Hannah Montana for Roo. I can't wait to see how they turn out!

For more information, like Hallmark on Facebook, follow Hallmark on Twitter, or download the free Hallmark iPhone app.

Disclosure: In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received product samples from Hallmark and they are also providing the prize for this giveaway. All opinions, however, are entirely my own.

To enter and win a $40 one-time use online gift code, please comment on this post with your favorite Hallmark memory or item from their website.


Entries will be accepted through December 26th and I'll pick the winner using Random.org. US readers are eligible.


For an additional entry, post my button on your blog (see code on sidebar), follow my blog, follow me on Twitter, fan me on Facebook, fave me on Technorati or subscribe via email or subscribe via reader. Leave an extra comment letting me know what you did for each additional entry.


Make sure you leave an email address in your comment or that you have one accessible on your blog so you can be contacted if you win!


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