Hallmark Kids Collection cards {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to those who entered!}

As I've been reading more and more about the USPS preparing to drop down to a five-day delivery schedule (which will have me sitting around depressed on both Saturday and Sunday while my mailbox remains empty), it makes me think about how much I've loved getting mail my entire life. There's just something about the suspense and surprise that made me happy even as a kid.

And even though by the time my daughters are old enough to read and write they'll probably be communicating exclusively through technology, I still plan on making sure that they appreciate the importance of a great card or letter. There's just no better feeling than discovering someone is thinking about you or wishing you well with a card.

Plus, now that Hallmark has come out with their Kids Collection, its easier than ever to let kids from grade school to high school know that they're special and supported with a thoughtful card or gift designed just for them.


Designed with the idea that everyone, including kids, need to be cheered on, Hallmark's Kids Collection cards provide parents with a way to give an extra dose of encouragement with kid-friendly, heartfelt words. Instead of traditional cards that would have kids rolling their eyes or being far too embarrassed to read them in public, this collection is modern and hip... and you just might end up looking pretty cool by giving them.

Being Hallmark, the variety of styles and options in the Kids Collection are, of course, high quality and pretty eye-catching. From simple 99¢ cards to "tricked out" cards with music, recordable sound or attached gifts, there's something for all occasions. I was immediately impressed with the selection of cards that we received, as they were colorful and bright and each one contained a sincere message that kids could enjoy.

One of my favorites, the card pictured at right, says "We're talking foam-fingered, face-painted, popcorn-spilling cheering for you!" on the outside and "In other words, behind you all the way!" on the inside. The friendly monster on the front is actually a magnet that can be removed and placed anywhere (like inside a locker) to remind the recipient every day that they are being cheered for and loved. I think that's pretty darn cute.

Another card that I really enjoy, pictured below, includes a wearable wristband with BELIEVE printed on it and such wonderful wording to go along with it:


Kids experience so many moments where knowing that they are supported can make a big difference, whether taking a test, trying out for a team or opening night of a play. Having a way to show your support and pride while boosting their confidence is something all parents can appreciate. Even if kids don't always listen to what they're told, this collection can help easily get your point across in a fun way.

As much as I try to always point out to Big Sister E how proud I am of her at what she accomplishes (or tries to), I know that as she gets older she'll need it more and more. The last thing I want is for us to lose out on our ability to communicate as she grows up, but I do have to be realistic and know that she's going to turn into a tween and teenager at some point (which I'm not at all prepared for). Slipping one of these cards or gifts into her lunch or leaving it in her room might just help remind her that I'm here for her.

Through April 14 at participating Hallmark Gold Crown locations, you can receive one free card from their Kids Collection. What a great way to try out these fun cards! Plus, thanks to Hallmark's generosity, one person will get to send their child even extra love and encouragement, because...

One lucky person will receive a surprise assortment of cards from Hallmark's Kids Collection (which can be tailored to the winner's choice of gender and age group)!

To enter to win: Visit the Hallmark Kids Collection and tell me which of their fun cards is your favorite.

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 tell me an occasion when a card or gift from the Hallmark Kids Collection would have come in handy for you or might in the future.
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 an assortment of Hallmark Kids Collection cards to encourage and support kids @thxmailcarrier! http://bit.ly/dmPC8I #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect (see sidebar), subscribe to my RSS feed or subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email.
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 Thanks, Mail Carrier and Hallmark Kids Collection. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on April 22nd 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 residents of the U.S. and Canada only.

A big thank you to Hallmark for providing an assortment of cards for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. What a great way to encourage our kids! The opinions shared are my own and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.