Kapow! Have I got some super awesome gift ideas from Hallmark to help celebrate the dads and grads in your life! For real, these superhero themed Father's Day gifts are sure to knock your dad's socks off. I'm talking about this fun "What happens in the Batcave stays in the Batcave" Embossed Metal Sign and the boldly coloured Superman Grilling Apron. And you gotta love the Hulk Grilling Mitt! Although, I think it have been even funnier if it read: "You wouldn't like me when I'm HANGRY." These gifts range from $14.95 for the sign to $29.95 each for the apron and mitt.

This Father's Day, Hallmark brings us this rustic Dad and Duct Tape Rustic Wood Quote Sign, which costs only $9.95 with the purchase of three cards. You can also grab a copy of Beer-topia: A Heady Brew of Beer Miscellany Book or a set of Whiskey Rocks Set With Storage Box for under $20. And their Signature gift cards, well, they're like a gift in and of themselves. The navy card with cork letters on a faux leather matt is quite beautifully crafted.

My nephew is graduating from elementary school and so I'm giving him this adorable Snoopy 2018 Graduation Stuffed Animal Gift Card Holder. The top of his hat has a nifty pocket to hold a gift card, while his collar commemorates the year. And it only costs $12.95. The Going Places Leather Luggage Tag, which is listed at the same price, comes in a bright turquoise blue to help luggage stand out. My personal favourite is the ceramic Go Places - See Stuff Mug, just because of the bright colours. 

At Hallmark, you won't have a problem finding the perfect greeting card. You just may have trouble walking away with only one, they're so beautiful! The card on the right features a removable bookmark with a fun tassel, while the one on the left matches so well with the She Believed She Could Book.

Enter for a chance to win a Superman Grilling Apron from Hallmark, valued at $29.95. This giveaway is open to Canadian residents only, excluding Quebec, who have reached the age of majority. Please complete the Rafflecopter form below to be eligible to win.

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Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Spring is in the air and so too is Mother Nature's calling to revitalize, rejuvenate and rejoice. After a long and stress-filled winter, I know I feel compelled to escape the everyday, indulge in some rest and relaxation, and celebrate the beauty of the season, which also happens to be replete with many a birthday. Luckily, I had a little help from Hallmark in finding the perfect gifts for my family and friends. First up is this beautiful Mark & Hall Camel Colorblock Tote Bag, featured above. Stripes are always fashionable and this handbag has the perfect blend of simplistic style and practicality. It's a steal at a special value of $14.95. Featuring comfortable shoulder straps and a reinforced bottom panel in attractive vegan leather, it pairs beautifully with a matching embossed luggage tag and passport holder set. We gifted this as a bon-voyage-slash-early-birthday gift for my sister-in-law who is living in Italy for a few months while she works on writing her cookbook. But it would also make a great gift for a graduate, honeymooning bride and groom, or a friend journeying abroad. We also threw in a botanical inspired Floral Grey Scarf, available at a special price of $9.95.

For the littles celebrating springtime birthdays or kindergarten graduation, check out these new Happy Go Luckys mini plush toys ($12.95). The Springtime collection includes Twirp, the adorable chick, who is as mighty as he is little, his friend, Boe Kay the flower, who loves to brighten everyone's day and the street-smart gray bunny, Hip Hop, who bounces through the day with a style all his own. And of course, I can't forget Floral Print Floppy Snoopy ($12.95). This stuffed animal screams "spring" and is just begging for little hugs!

Finally, whether you're going away for the weekend or planning a staycation filled with yoga and meditation, don't forget to spoil yourself. Hallmark's Hot + Cold aromatherapy Lavender Comfort Wrap ($34.95) soothes, relaxes and rejuvenates achy shoulders, sore spots on lower and upper back or the tummy area for relief of uncomfortable cramps. It features a blend of aromatic herbs known and selected for their qualities to calm, soothe, and release stress, including flax seed, lavender, chamomile, peppermint, spearmint, lemon grass, rosemary, cinnamon and other natural ingredients. While you let the wrap do its thing, chill on the sofa in a pair of "Just Chill" lotus flower slippers. These fun and casual slippers are soft and cozy, and retail for $29.95. And remember to rehydrate and remind yourself that glamour has no age limit with a sassy 17-ounce water bottle, featuring a double-wall construction and a screw-top lid. Need somewhere to store them all while on your mini getaway? Check out their classic faux-leather Mark & Hall zippered tote. It features two decorative tassels, gold-tone expansion zippers and a bright floral-lined interior that makes it easy to find what you're looking for. It also includes a zippered interior pocket and a detachable zippered wristlet.

Want the perfect excuse to just chill? Enter for a chance to win a pair of "Just Chill" slippers, valued at $29.95. This giveaway is open to Canadian residents only, excluding Quebec, who have reached the age of majority. Please complete the Rafflecopter form below to be eligible to win.

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Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

'Tis the season to be jolly, especially when Hallmark makes it easy to find holiday gifts for everyone on your list. Whether you're looking for timeless holiday décor, Signature Christmas cards, quality gift bags or the perfect hostess gift, you will surely find all this and more at your local Hallmark store. We're talking about poinsettia tea lights, decorative trays, holiday picture frames, and wine charms, too! Today I round up my favourite items for this year's Hallmark Holiday Gift Guide.

At the top of my list are the ever adorable holiday edition itty bittys featuring our favourite Peanuts characters. These include Charlie Brown, Lucy, Woodstock and Snoopy himself, dressed in holiday style. Each one is listed at $6.95 and would make for an ideal stocking stuffer. Collect all four and store them in Snoopy's dog house carrier. It is easy to assemble and costs only $4.95.

If you're looking for holiday décor ideas, check out Hallmark's Mixed Media Santa. This classic Santa would make a lovely hostess gift and would look beautiful atop a mantle. It is priced at $32.95.

And then there is Santa in a Boot-Shaped Sleigh, featuring a hand-carved look, a bottle-brush tree, leather straps and metal runners. The retail price is $39.95.

Of course, we can't forget Hallmark's newest stuffed plush with light and motion. The 14th in the series, Stockings Hung with Care features a super cute snowman and his puppy pal Rex. Watch them dance and sing a fun parody version of “Jolly Old St. Nicholas” while they prepare for Santa's arrival on Christmas Eve. The candy canes light up, too! Purchase three Hallmark cards and you can take this plush home for $17.95.

Another personal favourite is Hallmark's Snowman Tea Towel with Dish set. This beautiful holiday gift set features a ceramic jolly snowman plate sized for appetizers and a woven tea towel with a "Merry Christmas" embroidered design and crochet details. It's even wrapped with a ribbon for easy gifting. It retails for $24.95.

One lucky Toronto Teacher Mom reader will win a Hallmark Holiday prize pack valued at approximately $50. It includes:

For your chance to win, please complete the Rafflecopter form below. Open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec.

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Disclosure: I was sent product from Hallmark Canada as part of their Hallmark Blogger Panel  to help facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

"There are a million reasons to celebrate you. Mother's Day is a million and one."

To be honest, I don't think we should celebrate moms on Mother's Day. We should celebrate them every day. For this reason, I tend not to make a big fuss over what to get for my mother for Mother's Day. The one thing I will guarantee is that I take the family to pay her a visit. Sometimes I buy flowers. Sometimes I buy a card. Sometimes I buy nothing at all. You see, my mother and I are close enough to know that we love each other and will do anything for each other no matter what. And we don't wait for that one day of the year to prove it. But then sometimes, you come across a really sweet gift at Hallmark that you just can't resist, whether it's a pretty picture frame, a tea towel or a sentimental card that perfectly captures your feelings. So whether I buy it for her for Mother's Day or for no reason it all, it makes very little difference. 

This Mother's Day, Hallmark has rounded up some gifts and Signature cards to help show mom you care. Featured above is their Blue Ceramic Mug with Tea Infuser that has a removable lid and a ceramic infuser basket that can be used with bagged or loose tea. This mug, which is dishwasher safe, is listed at $24.95. Also above is the "Never Tell a Mom" Framed Print on gold foil paper background inside of a gold frame. It features an easel back for tabletop display and retails for $14.95.

To brighten up mom's day, check out Hallmark's new Catalina Estrada collection. Featuring exotic floral accents, bright colours and exotic designs inspired by nature, there are so many gifts ideas in this collection, from cosmetic bags and cuff bracelets to scented candles and tote bags. My personal favourite is the Catalina Estrada Hummingbird Haven Umbrella that includes a sleeve for storage. The ceramic picture frame seen above is also really pretty and retails for $19.95.

Looking for a simple and creative way to wrap up mom's gift? Check out this nifty video tutorial:

Enter to Win a Catalina Estrada Bundle!

One lucky reader will win a Catalina Estrada bundle from Hallmark Canada. It includes:

This giveaway is open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec. For a chance to win, please complete the Rafflecopter form below.

Disclosure: I was sent product from Hallmark Canada as part of their Hallmark Blogger Panel  to help facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

For Valentine's Day, all I ever really want is a fancy box of chocolates. Chocolate caramels, preferably. Or even a new puzzle. But every once in a while, I come across an item or two among the myriad of Valentine's Day gift items that I can't help but fall in love with. Like this year's selection of whimsical and fun gift ideas from Hallmark Canada. From cork coasters and colour-block cork journals with a pop of gold wire accents to compact mirrors and trendy cases for your eyeglasses, I mean, I just don't know where to begin. The teacher in me is squealing over the metallic-gold apple paperweight, a classy and practical gift for your child's teacher. It comes in a beautiful box and retails for $24.95.

If you're looking for more playful gift ideas, check out Hallmark's Lightbulb Bottle Stopper that features a miniature lightbulb set, a top on cork with a heart-shaped filament. It retails for $12.95. And for the wine lover, consider a set of Cheers to Us Stemless Wineglasses. These "no-spill" glasses feature fun messages on bubble glass. They retail for $19.95 but you can take advantage of a limited time offer that will save you half the price.

Of course, Hallmark is the place to visit for Valentine's Day cards. They have really cute packs of mini cards, such as the Emoticons Cards above that include 32 cards, stickers and special card for teacher.

Finally, don't forget to pick up a Hallmark Signature gift bag such as the XOXO bag with floating confetti on the front or the beautifully designed marble bag with metal handles. Top them off with love-themed tissue or, my new favourite, spiral tissue! Just pop up, shake and insert in the bag for effortless festive flair.

If you're looking to treat yourself, however, have a look at Hallmark's Marbled Wristlet Purse. This simulated leather accessory is so cute and adds a pop of pink and mint green to your ensemble. Plus, it includes a stylish gold bangle bracelet strap. It retails for $19.95. Or, you could just enter for a chance to win one of your own by filling out the Rafflecopter form below. Open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec.

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If I had my druthers, I would spend most of my days assembling puzzles, crafting, colouring, and doing yoga. I find these to be great activities to free the mind of everyday worries, adding a sense of calm to what can otherwise be a life of busy chaos. This is why I am super excited to share with you that, not only will I be continuing on as a member of the Love, Hallmark Blogger Panel for the seventh consecutive year, Hallmark also recognizes the importance of mental wellness and relaxation. This means, you will find more fabulous products in their stores that will help you make the most out of "me time", from calming décor and candles to colouring books and yes, even puzzles!

This Sunday, January 29, join Hallmark in celebrating National Puzzle Day and hop on board the relaxation trend. If you love puzzles as much as I do, then you will love Hallmark's premium quality puzzles. The pieces are sturdy and lock together in place very well. For review, I received a vibrant 550-piece puzzle "Bright, Bold & Happy" seen above and a stunning 1000-piece puzzle called "Tropical Wonders." If you prefer to colour, check out "The Art of Mindfulness: A Coloring Book of Inspiring Designs" filled with 45 easy-to-remove perforated designs with inspirational quotes and exclusive artwork. Or pick up a colouring plaque that you can later display on your wall. Whatever you choose, be sure to sit back, relax and enjoy your day your way.

At the top of my list of Hallmark Holiday 2016 favourites is their Smiling Snowman Flannel Throw Blanket. This super cozy blanket features a smiling snowman, a cardinal and a fox in a snowy forest. Did I mention it's incredibly soft? It is an affordable gift idea that retails for only $24.95 so I suggest you pick up two of them before they're all gone. Trust me, you'll want one all to yourself!

Next up is the cutest stuffed animal I have ever seen - Frosty Friends Shivering Polar Bear. Whenever you rub noses with this plush, it shivers and makes the cutest little sounds. My daughter can't get enough of it! It currently retails for $29.95. For the toddler on your list, pick up an itty bittys Frosty the Snowman Stuffed Animal and Storybook Set. The book is a rhymed retelling of the classic holiday TV special and includes an exclusive itty bitty. Plus, it's a steal of a deal at only $6.95 for the set. 

My son's favourite ornament this year is the itty bittys Star Wars: The Force Awakens BB-8 Ornament. I personally love the Red Poinsettia Glass Ball Ornament from the Heritage Collection. The Coffee Signature Ornament is also a great teacher gift idea. Most ornaments range in price from $6.95 for the itty bittys up to $24.95 for the large glass ball ornament.

Finally, we can't forget Hallmark's stunning line of greeting cards. This year, they released their Home and Native Land Canadian Exclusive Boxed Card sets ($9.99 for a set of 16) and their stylish Signature Boxed Cards sets ($16.99 for a set of 8) that feature premium materials, beautiful embellishments and quality lined envelopes. 

But my ultimate favourite this year is their Wonder-Folds White Christmas Tree Cards. These intricately designed 3-D cards include a tag that reads Merry Christmas and has room on the back to write who it's for and from. This set retails for $19.99 for a set of five.

You will find other fabulous gift ideas for the holidays that include beautifully knit stockings, carryall tote bags, snowflake candle holders, holiday themed socks, gift bags and tags, and Hanukkah gifts and greeting cards, too. Stop by your nearest Hallmark Gold store to view their entire assortment.

To help celebrate the holidays, Hallmark is giving away a Peanuts Holidays Through the Year Book, valued at $14.95, that features Charlie Brown and the gang in five classic Peanuts stories about the holidays, from Valentine's Day through Christmas. To be eligible to win, please complete the Rafflecopter form below. Open to residents of Canada only, excluding Quebec.

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Oh, the weather outside is frightful! And soon, the décor inside our home will be as well. With spooktastic classics from Hallmark Canada, our family is looking forward to brewing up some fun for Trick-or-treaters on Halloween. This October, we will be taking our Witchiest of Witches Shadowcaster, Back-to-Basics "Boo" sign and other Hallmark favourites out of storage as we decorate our home for one of the spookiest holidays of the year. New to our repertoire of Halloween décor is a Spooky Metal House. This free-standing house, which retails for $24.95, has six windows where you can display coordinating ornaments. These include a mummy, a pumpkin, a vampire and a Frank ornament which retail for $5.95 each. And then there's one of my all-time favourites - the "Spell & Potions" Treat Presenter. This beautifully designed box may look like an ordinary book but Trick-or-treaters will be in for a fright when they open the book and hear a creepy warning. Be sure to grab one of these at a special price of $14.95. 

Hallmark's Spook-tastic Ghost will put a new spin on Halloween. Activate this cute little ghost with the push of a button and watch as he twirls up and down to a spooky tune. The regular price for this must-have is $39.95 but, from now until October 31st, you can nab one for $24.95 with purchase at participating Hallmark Gold Crown stores. (Psst! I'm giving one away so keep on reading!)

When you do stop by your nearest Hallmark, don't forget to check out all of their other Halloween items, such as their Premium Felt Totes, Canvas Trick or Treat Bags, and Vampire Door Décor. They even have some neat Día de los Muertos party items for those who celebrate the Latin American Holiday.

Finally, Hallmark has a beautiful new line of coordinating fall décor essentials such as oven mitts, tea towels, fabric pumpkins, vases and flameless candles. The rich colours of these timeless entertainment pieces are perfect for Thanksgiving and brightening up your home this fall.

To be eligible to win, please complete the Rafflecopter form below. Open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec.

When your biggest worry in life is what to buy for dad, then you know life is good. When your friends at Hallmark Canada take the worry out of finding the perfect gift, then life is even better. This Father's Day, head into your nearest store for some inspirational gift ideas for dad. My personal favourite? The "Life is Good" wooden sentiment sign featured above. It's a perfect addition to any man cave and is available for $29.95. If lager and ale are more up dad's alley, then he'll love this convenient Beer Flight set that includes four glasses and a wooden tray with slots for bottle caps.

This year, the kids are gifting their dad this epic copper mug, which I know he is going to love, and a set of coasters which will keep our brand new suar table from Artemano stain free. Plus, they'll serve as a good reminder to kick back and relax since he has been working long hours these last few weeks.

I have yet to meet a man who doesn't enjoy cooking up a storm on the BBQ and my dad is no exception. This Father's Day, he'll be getting a brand new set of assorted BBQ gear which will include an Outdoor Chef Apron, an Outdoor Chef Grill Mitt, a Best Chef BBQ Grill Towel and a Best Chef in the Whole Yard Bottle Opener that features a magnet to place on the refrigerator. 

And we can't forget that June is the month of grads, too. To help celebrate this special occasion, Hallmark Canada has an adorable collection of Dr. Seuss themed gifts featuring one of my favourite books "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" We're talking mugs, tote bags, luggage tags, key chains and a really cute suitcase gift card holder. And for the little ones who are graduating from kindergarten, they have a My First Graduation ceramic frame that holds a 4 x 6 photo. 

Congratulations! 

Today is your day. 

You're off to Great Places! 

You're off and away!

                                            ~ Dr. Seuss

Disclosure: I was sent product from Hallmark Canada as part of their Hallmark Blogger Panel  to help facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.