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.