VTech Holiday Basket Giveaway

I guess you know by now that the holidays are coming up -- every time I turn on the television, I'm being inundated by ads from stores trumpeting their latest gift ideas and holiday layaway plans. The temptation to go all out and spend lots of money on presents is enormous, but in this economy it's important to remember that the holidays is all about celebrating life with the people you love -- and although your parents and siblings are certainly not going to turn their noses up at a new e-reader or gift card to their favorite store, taking the time to write out a card, or better yet, spend some time catching up over the phone, is what really shows them you are thinking of them during the holiday season.

In fact, according to a new survey conducted by independent market research firm Toluna on behalf of leading U.S. cordless phone manufacturer, VTech® Communications, 45 percent of respondents said a phone call to catch up is the best present a distant friend or family member could give them during the holiday season. In fact, a phone call outpaced gifts under the tree, holiday cards and emails!

Here are some interesting excerpts from VTech's press release:
For people over 55, the gift of a phone call was especially desired with nearly 60 percent citing it as their number one choice over other forms of holiday communication. The majority of respondents also ranked a phone call as the top choice, when considering the best way to stay connected with friends and family during the busiest time of the year. Additionally, calling family and friends more often was at the top of their wish list of things to do during the holiday season (28 percent).

Other key findings of the survey, which took a pulse on holiday season attitudes and behaviors, include:

Shoppers are still feeling the effects of the economy, with nearly half (40 percent) of respondents ranking having “more money to give presents” as their top wish during the holiday season. In addition, 47 percent of consumers said not having enough money is the most stressful thing to worry about during the holidays.

A special moment with family and friends is all consumers want for the holidays. The holidays are known for great food and special traditions, so it’s no surprise that consumers embrace the season for its togetherness. Survey respondents ranked a holiday meal (24 percent) as the No. 1 thing not to miss during the holidays, followed by a special family tradition (22 percent). The holiday spirit rings strongly, as the overwhelming majority of consumers don’t want to miss out on any seasonal festivities with only 13 percent of consumers saying “bah humbug” to holiday cheer.

“A simple phone call is a powerful way to connect with loved ones during the holidays,” said Matt Ramage, senior vice president, product management, VTech Communications. “The consumer data shows us that in today’s frenetic world, sitting down with a reliable home phone to have a good conversation with a distant relative or friend is still a simple desire people want and need in their lives – especially during the busiest time of the year.”


Go ahead, pick up the phone and call!


Win a VTech Holiday Basket
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will win a holiday basket from VTech! The basket will be filled with must-have holiday items such as:

Colorful, hand-threaded shopping basket
Chocolates
Festive holiday candle
Long distance calling card
Keychain digital photo frame
VTech Connect-to-Cell phone system
Fun holiday trimmings



About the VTech Connect to Cell phone system For people who rely primarily on mobile phones but experience problems with spotty reception at home or have trouble hearing their cell phones from another room, VTech’s DS6421-3 (MSRP: $99.95) Connect to Cell™ phone system is a great solution. This all-in-one phone system allows users to make and receive cellular and landline calls, while enjoying the high-definition audio sound clarity, comfort and ease of a VTech cordless home phone.




Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me who you will be calling this holiday season. This entry must be completed before any extra entries will count.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Add the Bonggamom Finds blog button to your sidebar (1 entry).

2) Blog about this giveaway, making sure you include a link to the giveaway (http://ow.ly/7ngLu) in your blog post (1 entry).

3) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the VTech Communications giveaway! http://ow.ly/7ngLu

4) Write this on the VTech Phones Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered to win a holiday gift basket with must-have holiday goodies and a VTech Connect to Cell phone system on Bonggamom Finds! Enter by Nov. 27 at http://ow.ly/7ngLu

4) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day):
@bonggafinds is giving away a gift basket (worth $100+) w/ holiday items + a phone system fr @Vtech411 ! Enter by 11/27 http://ow.ly/7ngLu




The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on November 27, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on November 28 and post their name after confirming acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Thanks to VTech Communications for sharing the tips above and providing the giveaway prize. Product information (in italics) is provided by VTech Comunications. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.