Story time is such a special time as a child: cuddling up next to mom or dad, getting lost in a fun story, and relaxing in those pajamas.  Hallmark is striving to make those moments even more special with their new Interactive Storybooks and Story Buddies.

Via voice-activation technology, the plush story buddy responds whenever an adult reads key phrases from the storybook.  These cute little stuffed animals help make story time magical and bring stories to life for the children listening to them.

Hallmark offers 1 Holiday-themed storybook with a story buddy named Jingle, as well as 4 any-time storybooks with buddies.  They are all equally adorable buddies with wonderful stories.

These would make really great Christmas gifts for kids who love story time.  Hallmark sent me the Jingle story buddy for review, and I can’t wait to put it under the Christmas tree for my sons to enjoy.  I know they will love it!  You can head over here to check out these great storybooks, as well as get a video demo to see how they work.

And guess what else?  One lucky Cha-Ching On A Shoestring reader will win a Hallmark Interactive Storybook and Buddy – your choice!

Here’s how to enter:

You have up to four possible methods of entry:

• Just for fun, leave a comment sharing which story buddy you would choose.

• Subscribe to this site in a reader or by e-mail and leave a comment letting me know you subscribed.  If you are already a subscriber, simply let me know in a comment.

• Follow me on twitter. Leave a comment on this post letting me know you are a follower.

• “Like” Cha-Ching on a Shoestring on facebook and leave a comment on this post letting me know.  If you are already a fan, simply let me know in a comment. (I love comments on the facebook page as well, but those will not count toward the giveaway!)

Note: Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post to leave your comments.  (If you are reading this is an e-mail click here to do so.) By leaving a separate comment for each entry you will have a greater chance of winning!  E-mail responses will not be considered as an entry in the giveaway.

This giveaway ends at 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, December 9, 2011. I will randomly select the winning comment. Winner will be notified by email and listed on this site.

Disclaimer: I received Hallmark Story Buddies for review, as well as one story buddy to give away to a reader.  All opinions are my own.  No additional compensation was received.