Sí, Se Puede!

Thursday, March 31st, 2022

On this day in 1927, a boy named Cesario Estrada Chavez was born in the town of Yuma, Arizona. He would go on to become more commonly known as Cesar Chavez, and establish himself as one of the most important labor leaders and civil rights activists of the 20th century. That’s why, today, and every March 31, people across the country celebrate Cesar Chavez Day!

After losing their land during the Great Depression, the young Chavez and his family became migrant farmworkers, traversing the western United States in search of work. As such, he experienced first-hand the deplorable conditions under which migrant workers labored—as well as the poverty associated with the work. In an attempt to initiate change, Chavez co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which would later become the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee, in 1962. Inspired by the teachings of Gandhi, he began a decades-long campaign to secure rights for agricultural laborers, which utilized various forms of non-violent demonstration—including picketing, boycotts, marches, and fasts. His tireless work led to many important changes, culminating, perhaps, in the passing of The Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975.

Chavez passed away in 1993, but remains a significant cultural figure. The fact that Barack Obama’s famous 2008 presidential campaign slogan “Yes We Can” was a translation of a comment often attributed to Chavez during one of his famous fasts, is a testament to his enduring legacy. It was hardly surprising then, that in 2014, Obama declared March 31 Cesar Chavez Day.

If you would like to celebrate Cesar Chavez Day along with us, check out this list of 11 Activities for Celebrating Cesar Chavez Day for inspiration!

Event of the Season

Wednesday, March 30th, 2022

As we noted on March 20 of this month: spring has sprung! And so maybe it’s time you sprang a surprise soirée for your friends and family, making the most of this lively, beautiful time of year. As the weather improves, the evenings grow longer, and the world becomes increasingly verdant, there’s no more comfortable month than March, April, or May to host a bloomin’ brilliant party. We’ve even gathered together some tips to help you with the planning process!

According to JustEnergy.com, there are four crucial elements to organizing a “fabulous event”: invitations, table settings, decorations, and food and beverages. With Zazzle, the first of these couldn’t be easier; you could even combine your spring soirée with a baby shower, Mother’s Day party, or Easter egg hunt, as many of our Independent Creators have opted to do with their spring invitations. Long bright evenings will provide you with the best setting possible: natural light and an outdoor venue, especially when you use spring flowers, like daffodils and tulips, as your centerpieces. Set up pinwheels, bunting banners, or garden flags as decorations, and instead of home-cooked meals, serve finger food, local produce–spring delivers a bounty of fruit and vegetables, as JustEnergy notes–and cool drinks.

Spring is a busy time in the social calendar, with graduations taking place, weddings being held, and several holidays being celebrated. Since that’s the case, it’s important to start planning early: your spring soirée might be a casual affair, but you’ll still need to organize a guest list, music, and kids’ activities. Take our advice now, and avoid letting a spring soirée become a fall fête! 

A (B) Major Day!

Tuesday, March 29th, 2022

It’s World Piano Day! Celebrating this fun, musical day is the key to making sure you don't fall flat. For centuries, the piano has brought joy all over the world with its beautiful sound.

World Piano Day is held on the 88th day of the year in celebration of the 88 keys on a standard piano!

Whether you’re a skilled pianist, taking some beginner’s piano lessons, or just appreciate hearing a good piano piece, everyone can participate in World Piano Day! Read up on some facts about pianos, learn about famous pianists, and, if you have a piano or keyboard at home, why not try learning a simple tune? Did you know that the first piano was invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori in Italy, around the year 1700? The instrument was actually first named ‘clavicembalo col piano e forte,’ but was then shortened to the ‘piano.’ Throughout history, many people have excelled at the piano, gaining widespread acclaim. Some of the most world-renowned pianists include Ludwig van Beethoven, Martha Argerich, and Leif Ove Andsnes.

So, if you need a unique, custom gift for the accomplished or budding pianist in your life, do not fret! We think our awesome selection of piano-themed items will hit the high note.  

(Tote) Bag It Up

Monday, March 28th, 2022

“Eight states—California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New York, Oregon and Vermont—have banned single-use plastic bags.” And it won’t be long before other states start implementing the ban on plastic bags too!

Here are just a few alarming facts from Biologicaldiversity.org's, “10 Facts About Single-Use Plastic Bags”. Each year, Americans use, on average, 325 plastic bags per person; while in Denmark only 4 plastic bags on average per person are used. That’s a pretty BIG difference! California was the first state to introduce a ban on plastic bags. Since then, not only have numerous other states have adopted this ban, but countless other countries have accepted some form of legislation to regulate plastic bag use. Way to go California!

So how can you help stop the production of single-use plastic bags? A really good start is opting to use plastic-free tote bags instead. And with Zazzle, they can be not only practical but FUN too! Show off some of your favorite photos with this tote bag, head to the beach with a jumbo tote bag, or gift your child's teacher with a special tote bag. Incorporating fun tote bags can be handy for your wedding too! Just check out this stunning tote bag, ideal for a bachelorette weekend. Whether you’re looking to add a new tote bag to your collection or gifting it to someone else, Zazzle has 6 different styles, and thousands of designs to choose from!

And Action!

Sunday, March 27th, 2022

“The International Theatre Institute ITI envisions a world that puts strong value and importance on the Performing Arts.” This is the vision of the ITI, the World Organization for the Performing Arts. And it was this organization that created World Theater Day, celebrated annually today, March 27th. With that said, we think it’s only right to share some information on the theater itself and the organization that started today’s celebration.

World Theater Day started back in 1962, and has been celebrated internationally every year since. Each year, an exceptional person from theater is invited to share their thoughts on theater and international harmony. This speech is translated into more than 50 languages, and shared with tens of thousands of theater-goers prior to performances, not to mention printed in hundreds of newspapers. Last year we heard from Helen Mirren, stage, screen and television actress. It won’t be long until we hear from this year’s chosen speaker!

So how can you partake in World Theater Day? Well, World-Theatre-Day.org has a few ideas! Firstly, ITI wants to make it clear that World Theater Day is open to everyone, and it’s encouraged to spread the word of this national day to help raise awareness. There’s also the opportunity to get involved by attending conferences, special performances, meeting with stage directors and actors/actresses, finding street festivals, theater award ceremonies, and more! For even more information on World Theater Day, we encourage you to click here!

There's No Such Thing As a Bad Day to Make a Fresh Start

Friday, March 25th, 2022

If you’ve made it this far and your New Year’s resolutions are still on track: congratulations, you’re a member of a very small group! According to a study conducted in 2020, the average resolution lasts just 32 days and ends on February 1, but 68% of people have given up on their goals even before then. However, we’re not going to dwell on that stat. Instead, we’re going to remind those of you who have faltered that there’s never a bad day to start again, or to set another new goal. While it might not have quite the same buzz around it, March 25 is every bit as good a day for a new beginning as of January 1!

Zazzle Ideas is a great place to find both inspiration and guidance for those ready to make a fresh start. Our list of “15 Life-Changing Ways to Start the New Year Off Right” is full of tips for how to improve your mental, emotional, and physical health, and it’s just as valid today as it was on January 1. An even more important article, perhaps, is “How to Set Goals for Yourself,” which will help you select the right goals and create plans of action that will give you the best possible chance of success.

You don’t need to wait for a New Year, a new month, or a new week, to start working towards a new you, so get out your planners and start making your goals a reality today!

Bottoms Up!

Thursday, March 24th, 2022

We come bearing good news—very good news! Hopefully, all that green beer has cleared your system after St. Patrick’s Day and you’re ready to try some less, well, questionable concoctions, because today is National Cocktail Day!

Did you know that 2022 saw a major change of the guard in the cocktail world? Yes, after 8 years as the planet’s most popular alcoholic mixed drink, the classic Old Fashioned was finally toppled from its lofty perch. According to Vine Pair, the long-reigning champion was relegated to the runner-up spot on Drinks International’s list of the best-selling cocktails by Italian favorite, the Negroni. As is the case with many famous cocktails, the exact origins of the Negroni are unclear, but folklore suggests it was first served in Florence. According to the most frequently recounted tale, the drink was born when a French general asked a local bartender to add a little extra kick to his Americano by replacing the soda water with gin. That general’s name was Pascal Olivier Count de Negroni.

If you’d like to celebrate National Cocktail Day in style, then, there's no better way to do it than with a freshly mixed batch of the new world’s champion. To learn how to make a top-notch Negroni for the occasion, check out this masterclass over at the Behind the Bar YouTube channel! If we've inspired you to host a cocktail party on this day next year—or any day in between, for that matter—check out our wonderful array of invitations and create your own custom margarita mix sachets here at Zazzle!

The Most Pupular Day of the Year

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022

There’s no love like puppy love, and today is the ultimutt celebration of that fact! We’re pawsitively howling with excitement here at Zazzle, because it’s National Puppy Day once again!

If you’re lucky enough to have your very own pup—young or old—grab those squeaky toys, doggy treats, and leashes, and get ready to pamper. If not, today might be a good day to think about adopting. After all, National Puppy Day is predominantly about raising awareness of animal rescue services and encouraging prospective owners to adopt from shelters rather than buy. The forerunner to National Puppy Day was National Dog Day, which was started by Colleen Paige in 2004. Paige wanted to celebrate all breeds of dogs, honor dogs that work selflessly to save lives, and “galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year.” Her tireless work has certainly had an impact, and in 2013 the holiday was even officially recognized by New York State legislation. However, in 2019, the ASPCA estimated that 3.1 million dogs enter shelters annually, so your help is still needed.

Of course, you shouldn’t jump into adoption hastily. If you’re thinking about bringing a dog into your home and life, check out this list of 16 Things To Think About Before Adopting A Dog first, or take the Are You Ready To Get A Dog? Quiz. If you decide you aren’t quite ready just yet, fostering is a great way of helping out while also getting the feel for dog ownership. If we’ve given you paws for thought, and you do decide to adopt, check out our woofly range of pet supplies and gifts for dogs before welcoming your pup into their new, and forever, home!

Age Is Only a Number!

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022

Today is ‘As Young as You Feel Day’, and, as clichéd as that sentiment sounds, we think it’s worth recognizing! While the holiday is aimed at older generations, it has significance for people of all ages. Not only can today serve as a reminder to us all to live life to the fullest, but it can also help to create more positive attitudes towards aging—and that is particularly important!

Quoting the findings of a number of recent studies, a brilliant article published in the Windsor Star in 2018 suggested that attitudes towards aging can impact how we actually age. According to one study, healthy and long-living children of centenarians reported having more purpose in their lives than members of three other groups: their spouses; others born in the same period, but whose parents died in their 70s; and a group of some 30,000 people over the age of 50. Another study found that people who expressed positive beliefs about growing old were less likely to develop dementia, due, perhaps, to lower levels of stress.

‘As Young as You Feel Day,’ then, provides a wonderful opportunity to change negative stereotypes about aging. If you want to set a good example for younger generations, consider exercising more, reconnecting with friends, taking a trip, or selecting from this inspiring list of everyday activities. If you’d like to pick up a gift for your Grandma or Grandad to celebrate this occasion, we’ve got artisan serving trays for their next dinner party, or funny t-shirts to entertain their inner child on our list of gifts for grandparents. Now, get out there and love life!

Rhyme With Reason!

Monday, March 21st, 2022

From Homer, Virgil, and the epic poetry of classical antiquity; to the works of greats like Yeats, Plath, Eliot, Heaney, and Angelou; and even the rhymes of rap legends like Biggie Smalls and Eminem, poetry, in one form or another, has inspired the human race for centuries. However, World Poetry Day, which falls on March 21 each year, is about much more than merely recognizing the beauty of this ancient art form. It’s also about preserving languages and cultures.

Though a number of countries hold their own National Poetry Day each year, World Poetry Day began in 1999 and was first declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) with the aim of “supporting linguistic diversity through poetic expression and increasing the opportunity for endangered languages to be heard.” According to UNESCO, some 230 languages went extinct between 1950 and 2010, while another 2,500 are in danger of extinction.

If you’d like to learn more about endangered languages and find out how you can help preserve them, visit UNESCO or Wikitongues. You can also take courses in a number of endangered languages through apps like Duolingo. However, whether you speak one language or many, you should take the opportunity to express yourself through poetry today. Writing poetry is a wonderful creative outlet and can be incredibly cathartic, while it can also help language development in children. So grab a notebook—a personalized one, perhaps—and get writing!

Spring Has Sprung!

Sunday, March 20th, 2022

Today, the sun passes directly over the equator, marking the vernal equinox and the astronomical beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Of course, most of us think of March 1 as the start of springtime, concurring instead with the meteorological definition of the season. Regardless of when you consider spring to officially begin, however, there’s little arguing that it's an uplifting time, and in many countries is still seen as a major cause for celebration.

As the dark, cold winter comes to an end, the days get longer, temperatures rise, and signs of natural rejuvenation, rebirth, and growth spring up around us. This change is symbolized and celebrated in many different and, sometimes, unusual ways around the world. For example, in Poland, the beginning of spring is brought about by the ritual ‘drowning’ of a doll representing the pagan goddess Marzanna, who is associated with death, disease, and winter. In the small town of Lanark, Scotland, children run around swinging paper balls on strings before scrambling for change in the oddly named tradition, Whuppity Scoorie. In parts of India, Nepal, Pakistan, and beyond, the Hindu festival of Holi celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and involves people throwing, spraying, and smearing colored powder on each other. This joyous practice has earned it international fame and the nickname ‘The Festival of Colors.’

There are plenty of ways that you, too, can mark the arrival of spring, so check out this fun list of "15 Ways for Your Family to Celebrate Spring" for inspiration. If you’re thinking of celebrating with a larger group, browse our selection of spring-themed invitations here at Zazzle!

Health of the Nation

Saturday, March 19th, 2022

Hospitals, doctors’ offices, and emergency clinics can be scary places, but they become several times less intimidating when you’re in the hands of a kind, capable nurse. Today, on March 19, 2022, we celebrate Certified Nurses Day, and recognize the dedication, passion, and years of hard study required to become a nurse (and to keep being one, too!)

March 19 was chosen as it is the birthday of Dr. Margaretta “Gretta” Styles (March 19, 1930 – November 20, 2005). Styles was one of the twentieth century’s most distinguished nurses, and as a “pioneer in the area of nursing certification,” she “began pushing for stricter standards of credentialing to validate expertise in the 1970s.” She was also instrumental in the foundation of the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

The World Health Organization, or WHO, has estimated that the world has a shortage of around 4.5 million nurses. But with over 3.8 million nurses in the U.S. today, it’s also likely that you know a nurse or two! If there’s a particular caregiver that you’d like to send some love to, then why not check out our nurse gifts? Or if you’d like a list of more practical items that you could give a nurse, read our “Great Gifts for Nurses” article on Zazzle Ideas! 

Whoops!

Friday, March 18th, 2022

Welcome to another edition of Today’s Moments at Zizzle, where we’re commemorating… Wait, what? There’s been a mistake? OH, it’s Zazzle… Well, this is awkward.

Apologies for the confusion, readers, but then today is March 18, 2022, or National Awkward Moments Day. This is an entire day dedicated to those accidental emails, spilled drinks, growling stomachs, and misplaced-I-actually-meant-the-person-behind-you-waves. Funnily enough, the day was founded anonymously, which makes sense given the abundance of awkward moments we can all relate to, and which we all come across in our everyday lives. Indeed, there’s more opportunity for awkwardness than ever before, now, because due to the advent of TV, Zoom, YouTube, and digital messaging apps, the “number of awkward moments publicized and made infamous [has] expanded exponentially.”

While Zazzle doesn’t have an ‘awkward department’ – at least not yet – we do have a whole showreel of funny gifts, ripe for customization with your favorite one-liners, cheesy jokes, and cringey photos. Relive the most memorable, fun, and downright AWKWARD encounters you’ve had with your friends and family, and celebrate National Awkward Moments Day with enthusiasm (if not exactly style). 

The Luck of the Irish 

Thursday, March 17th, 2022

It’s no surprise that Zazzle’s going green today: St. Patrick’s Day is the most widely celebrated national holiday in the world, according to LifeHacker.com. And with that being the case, it’s only right to share some little-known facts about March 17, and in particular, the man behind it all!

Did you know that St. Patrick – or, as he was also known, Maewyn Succat or Patricius – wasn’t actually Irish, but was born in Roman Britain around 386 AD? Captured by pirates at the age of 16, Patrick escaped and spent time in Ireland, Britain, and France before returning, in 432 AD, to convert the Irish to Christianity. He didn’t actually rid the Emerald Isle of snakes, though; historically, Ireland was too cold for reptiles. However, he may have actually used the shamrock – a three-leaved clover – to spread the word about Christianity. As you can tell, a lot of what we know about St. Patrick is a blend of myth and history!

If you’d like to learn some more contemporary facts about St. Patrick’s Day, then have a look at our “Unusual St. Patrick’s Day Traditions” article on Zazzle Ideas; and while it’s too late to order everything for 2022, this “Must-Haves for St. Patrick’s Day” article should help you to stock up on party supplies for 2023! 

To the Happy Couple…

Wednesday, March 16th, 2022

Deciding on a wedding gift can be difficult (especially if you have more than one wedding lined up this summer). “Many couples already live together and have most everyday items,” as Brides.com points out, and you don’t always have a registry to consult for ideas. Luckily, here at Zazzle, we do have some places to start!

While couples might already have some practical items, it’s still worth checking whether they’re missing any essential items of kitchenware or homeware, such as toasters, kettles, microwaves, or cutlery and crockery. Unique is better for those whom you think are already well-equipped in the home and kitchen departments; our artisan-made cutting boards and champagne flutes can be engraved with romantic messages and important dates, for example, and will stand out from the rest of their décor. Finally, we always recommend gifting ‘experiences,’ such as hotel breaks, spa days, or concert tickets, as it’s unlikely they’ll receive the same package twice.

Of course, the perfect wedding gift is, as you might have guessed, exactly what the couple has asked for, and there’s no harm in asking for ideas if you’re unsure. However, if you still want more alternatives, check out our “10 Gifts You Can Give That Aren’t On the Wedding Registry” article, where we suggest other fun surprises for the newly married couple! 

Riddle Me This...

Tuesday, March 15th, 2022

Since his debut in Detective Comics #27 in 1939, Bill Finger and Bob Kane’s creation, Batman, has undergone many trials and tribulations. He’s had his back broken; he’s adopted more than one Robin; and he’s ventured into the “serious house on serious earth,” Arkham Asylum, on an almost nightly basis. What’s more, he’s had a child with Talia Al Ghul, a company known as Batman Incorporated, and he’s even created a backup personality in case his identity was erased or his memory wiped. That’s attention to detail!

The Batman, which was released on March 4, is perhaps the Dark Knight’s grittiest adventure, however. In Matt Reeves’s movie, Batman is a loose cannon, only in his second year of crime-fighting, and lacking the stoicism seen in the animated series and comics. In a ‘70s-inspired Gotham, he’ll be forced to confront mid-level mobster The Penguin, conniving serial killer The Riddler, and even the flirtations of Catwoman.

Zazzle is a veritable Batcave when it comes to Caped Crusader merchandise: our officially licensed store boasts designs relating to the graphic novels, the video games, and even the 1966 TV series! Take a close look at our 2022 products in particular, where you’ll see the latest incarnation of the logo, the newly souped-up Batmobile, and several green-tinged riddles, courtesy of Edward Nashton, AKA The Riddler! 

Easy As Pi!

Monday, March 14th, 2022

You’ve heard of prime numbers, natural numbers, and cardinal numbers, but have you ever come across a constant, irrational, and transcendental number? On Pi Day, we celebrate one such number: the amazing π, or 3.14159265358979323...

Pi is the ratio of a circle’s circumference (the length around its circular edge) to its diameter (a line dissecting the circle, and which runs through the center). Regardless of the size of the circle, if you were to stretch out its circumference lengthways – so that you could measure it normally – you’d see that it was approximately 3.14 times the diameter. Unlike many other decimals, however, Pi does not end in a recurring digit (e.g. 2.66666) and does not end evenly (e.g. 0.25). This means that, as of 2021, Pi has been calculated to be 62.8 trillion places!

Pi is commonly used in mathematical problems, as you might remember from high school, but did you know that it’s also used in engineering and physics to “describe the motion of pendulums, the vibration of strings, and alternating electric currents”? Or were you aware that even the ancient Babylonians and Egyptians had a broad calculation for Pi? And, above all, did you know that Zazzle.com hosts a range of science-, math-, and tech-related gifts, ready to personalize with your favorite formulae, integers, or Python script? Check out our geek gifts to see more!  

Break With Tradition!

Sunday, March 13th, 2022

St. Patrick’s Day is this Thursday, and it promises to be a momentous occasion! 2022 should see the return of various parades and traditions that were postponed in 2020 and 2021, as well as the continuation of the usual customs (the Chicago River was dyed green yesterday, for example). But there are some events taking place around the U.S. this week that are a little more obscure. Let’s take a look, shall we?

In our “Unusual St. Patrick’s Day Traditions” article, we learn about the ‘World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade,’ which takes in Hot Springs, Arkansas. In an era when cities are constantly competing for the longest and most extravagant parade, Hot Springs has turned everything on its head: Bridge St., where the parade takes place, is the “world’s shortest street in everyday use.” Meanwhile, in Nebraska’s Holt County, a giant shamrock was painted on the ground in 1993, and it has evolved to become ‘the World’s Largest Shamrock,’ visible overhead on Google Maps!

Time is running short to pick up your St. Patrick’s Day cards and t-shirts, but at the very least, you can educate yourself on the world’s efforts to become more Irish with the above article. And, once you’ve familiarized yourself with the schedule for March 17, take a look at our “5 Things You Didn’t Know About St. Patrick’s Day” article in advance of the big day! 

Do a Good Turn Daily!

Saturday, March 12th, 2022

It’s National Girl Scout Day! National Girl Scout Day aims to honor the history and legacy of Girl Scouting in the US. Girl Scouts strives to build empowered girls of courage, confidence, and character who will go on to make the world a better place.

“Blazing trails and redefining what’s possible for girls everywhere” – Girl Scouts have been true to this mantra since 1912! Juliette Gordon Low started Girl Scouts in 1912 in Savannah, Georgia, with the very first troop being made up of 18 girls who shared curiosity about the world. Juliette Gordon Low organized enrichment programs, service projects, outdoor activities, and adventures for these girls. Since then, Girl Scouts has grown to have over 3.7 million members nationwide! To celebrate National Girl Scout Day, you can support the local Girl Scout troops in your area by buying some of their delicious cookies, running your own fundraising campaign for the organization, or volunteering at your local Girl Scouts community.

At Zazzle, we truly value and respect the work done by the Girl Scout communities in our country. We have a wide selection of great Girl Scout-themed gifts that can be fully customized and will be sure to delight all the hardworking troops in your life! 

Ready, Set, Prompose!

Friday, March 11th, 2022

It’s National Promposal Day! What is a promposal, you may ask? A promposal involves a special act or presentation that serves as a way to ask your special someone to go to prom with you. Promposals can be a funny and creative way to ask out your prom date! People make signs with hilarious puns, write the promposal in icing across cupcakes, and even dress up like their favorite superheroes to pop the question.

Did you know that proms first began in the middle 1800s? Proms were first held at U.S. colleges and universities in the northeast to promote social etiquette and manners in each graduating class. After the turn of the century, proms took hold in high schools, and by the 1930s, proms were extremely popular and were now being held coast-to-coast. That’s a lot of years of promposals! (although, back then, they may not have been as over the top as the ones we see today.)

At Zazzle, we admire the thoughtful gesture that is a promposal. We think promposals should be as fun as they are personal! The more unique the promposal, the better. We offer many different personalizable items that may aid you in securing the prom date of your dreams. From custom signs and custom balloons to custom t-shirts, you’ll be sure to find the perfect choice to wow your potential prom date!

It’s Middle Name Pride Day!

Thursday, March 10th, 2022

Do you have a middle name? If you do, then there’s no better time to celebrate and cherish your middle name than today, because it’s National Middle Name Pride Day! Middle names are special because they make your full name unique, and can set you apart from other people who may share the same first and last name as you.

Historians don’t actually know the official date of when middle names first appeared in English-speaking countries, but records indicate that the tradition may have taken hold as early as the late 13th century. Parents often choose their child’s middle name as a way to honor a friend or a relative that they hold dear. This National Middle Name Pride Day, why not do some research on your middle name, and learn about its meaning or origin of it? National Middle Name Pride day is also a great opportunity to learn about your deeper identity, and even the stories of loved ones who lived before you. If you have children of your own, Middle Name Pride Day is a chance to let them know more about their middle name, and why you chose this specific name for them.

Don’t forget to check out our awesome selection of customizable name products, to which you can add your own middle name or that of a loved one! So, go on, wear your middle name with pride today (and every day!) 

At Least It’s Optimism Month!

Wednesday, March 9th, 2022

“To find optimism, look for the good things in life.” – Catherine Pulsifer. It’s time to activate and nurture your positive energy, because March is Optimism Month! What exactly is optimism? Optimism is defined as an attitude reflecting a belief or hope that the outcome of a specific endeavor will be positive, favorable, and desirable.

Optimism is powerful! Optimistic people can have a positive effect on the people around them and tend to be more satisfied with their lives. How can we become more optimistic? Well, there are many different ways to kickstart a positive outlook. Mental health experts recommend practicing positive affirmations, banishing negative self-talk, and surrounding yourself with positive people. However, there are many more ways to practice optimism! Find out what works for you, because we’re all unique individuals. Did you know that there are also health benefits associated with practicing optimism? Some health benefits include better cardiovascular health, lower levels of stress, and even a greater immune system response to illness.

At Zazzle, we truly appreciate an optimistic attitude! Check out our selection of fun optimism-themed items that are the perfect gift for both the rookie, and professional optimists in your life! The best is yet to come. 

International Women's Day 2022

Tuesday, March 8th, 2022

“Where there is a woman there is magic” – Ntozake Shange.

International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the historical, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also raises awareness for important issues faced by women around the world, including gender inequality. International Women’s Day aims to encourage people everywhere to appreciate the wonderful women around them and the vital roles they play in our lives, while striving to create a better world for the women of the future.

In an International Women’s Conference organized by German suffragist Clara Zetkinin in August 1910, a special annual Women’s Day was proposed. The first International Women’s Day was honored the following year in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, and is now a worldwide event. The campaign theme for International Women's Day this year is “Break The Bias.” A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination – that’s the world every woman deserves!

You can participate in International Women’s Day as a group or as an individual in a number of different ways: donate to women-focused charities, read up on some powerful women’s literature and, most importantly, express your love, gratitude, and support to the women in your family, your friend group, and your larger communities. 

Hats Off To You!

Monday, March 7th, 2022

Hats have been keeping us cool in the summer and warm in the winter for hundreds of years. In fact, the earliest depictions of hats are believed to be from Thebes, Egypt, in 3200 BCE! Used for practical, spiritual, and aesthetic purposes, hats hold an important place in our wardrobes and in our society.

Over time, hats have evolved substantially, with some of the most popular hats of today being the baseball cap, the beret, the fedora, and the beanie. Which one’s your favorite? Some of the world’s most iconic hats include Abraham Lincoln’s top hat, Jackie Kennedy’s pillbox hat, and Charlie Chaplin’s bowler hat!

There’s no better way to add some fun self-expression to your daily attire than with a unique hat! With our design tool, you can easily customize your very own hats to showcase your photos, favorite phrases, artwork, and much more. We offer many different styles and types of custom hats, so whether you’re a baseball cap person, prefer performance hats, or love trucker-style hats, your hat drawer will soon be full to the brim! Now go on, put on your thinking caps, and get ready to take your headwear game to new heights with Zazzle! 

Light Up Your Life!

Sunday, March 6th, 2022

Sometimes, it’s the little things in life that bring much-needed joy to the everyday. Candles, although small, have been adding an important touch of love and relaxation to our spaces for hundreds of years. Did you know that the earliest use of candles is often attributed to the ancient Egyptians in 3000 B.C.? The warm glow of a candle’s flame creates an intimate and calming atmosphere, and can also add invigorating scents to the air – if scented candles are your go-to.

If you’re someone who appreciates candles as much as we do, then we think our guides to “DIY Mason Jar Candles” or "DIY: Mason Jar Wedding Centerpieces" is a match made in heaven! This guide covers everything you’ll need to make a beautiful mason jar candle with only a handful of ingredients and a few utensils. Whether you’d like to make this mason jar candle for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, this creative DIY project is as fun as it is rewarding!

With the option to customize your candle’s scent by adding your favorite essential oil combinations, as well as the chance to completely personalize your candle by using one of our custom mason jars, this candle will be sure to add some whimsy and wonder to your daily life. What are you waiting for? Glow get ‘em! 

2022 Hottest Wedding Trends

Saturday, March 5th, 2022

Have you wondered what’s in store for 2022 weddings? Well sit back, relax, and let us tell you! We can all agree that it’s about time weddings start happening again: we're all dying to break it down on the dance floor and watch many special traditions take place. Even if you aren’t the bride and groom, but instead a friend or family member that might be taking part in the engaged couple’s special day, get the inside tips from us on what to expect for weddings in 2022!

Lucky for you, a full article has recently been uploaded on the Zazzle Ideas page: ‘Wedding Trends We’ll Likely See in 2022”! But allow us to touch on just a few topics. We'll start with the prediction that a lot of wedding couples will be taking their wedding outdoors, particularly to the backyard. Now, not only do you have more flexibility to change your date last minute if needed, but it tends to be a lot cheaper too. You can completely remove the cost of a rental from your budget and instead use it on something else; for instance, your honeymoon!

We also predict that QR codes will be a hit this year for weddings. Over the last couple of years, QR codes have been used mostly been used for pandemic-related reasons, like scanning menus at restaurants and showing your vaccination records. Brides and grooms will be using these small unique squares to their advantage by sending RSVP QR codes, and there’s the possibility of selecting your meal through the QR link too. For many other wedding trends predicted for 2022, we invite you to read the full article on Zazzle Ideas!

Unplug, Unwind, & Relax

Friday, March 4th, 2022

Happy National Unplugging Day! And boy, do we need it! It’s so easy to get carried away scrolling through social media, watching clips of videos, or playing addicting games. The time spent on our phones is so high that there’s a day dedicated to putting our phones down. But don't unplug just yet: you still have the rest of this article to read!

Statista.com reports that 56% of Americans spent 5-6 hours per day on their smartphones in 2021 and 11% of the population spent 7 or more hours on their phones each day! Without even thinking, we pick up our phones throughout the day to check emails to distract ourselves from boredom, and to keep us company while we’re on the toilet. It’s said that, on average, Americans check their phones 96 times a day. Shocking, right?!

So how do we break away from scary statistics like the one above? We can start by tracking our usage and setting goals. Nowadays, most phones can do this for you. It tracks the overall amount of time spent on your phone, but it can also give you a breakdown of the time spent on certain apps. Breaking a habit doesn’t just happen overnight, however, so try setting a goal to spend 30 minutes less per week, and then gradually increase this number. Some other tips could include putting your phone away at dinner time, not having your phone in your room when you’re going to bed, and turning off email notifications. For many more ideas view this article on “13 Simple Tips That Help Me Unplug and Stay Focused on a Daily Basis.”



Let's Get Crafty!

Thursday, March 3rd, 2022

Crafting isn’t for everyone, but for those of you who spend countless hours cutting, stapling, gluing, and ribbon-tying, we applaud you! Crafting takes patience, and for most people, our patience runs dry: any craft we'd start would be left for months before being got rid of altogether. But not you, the crafters of the world. So what better day than today, National Craft Day, to get together with other crafters, either in person or virtually, and share and bond over all things crafty!

Completing a task from start to finish is almost a craft in itself. Here are just some of our favorite crafts. “DIY: Mason Jar Wedding Centerpieces": while, as the name suggests, these are intended as wedding centerpieces, they can also be used at home and for other events. How about this ' DIY: Ice Cream Cone Party Hat '? This is a fun craft to get the kids involved with, or even introduce at a birthday party for everyone to partake in. And with St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, why not check out these “34 Easy St. Patrick's Day Crafts That You Can Make With Your Family!”

You can find different craft supplies on Zazzle, like countless different fabric designs. The cool thing about Zazzle is that you can also create your own fabric unlike anything else by uploading your photos and designs. Zazzle is home to many other craft materials like scrapbooking supplies, stickers, and stamps. Get started today!



Out With the New, in With the Old!

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

You're right: they DO have a thing for everything! This includes today, National Old Stuff Day! So pull out your grandfather's hand-me-down blazer from the back of the closet, dust off your old hat, and head on out to your local antique store.

It would appear everything seems to go full circle and eventually come back into style, even things that in our opinion shouldn’t (platform shoes and a controversial one, Crocs). So, while we don't recommend hoarding, chances are that your favorite items will come back into style. The term ‘old stuff’ goes way beyond fashion though; it’s also antique cameras, historical coins, and used furniture. It could be a treasured item passed down generations, or something that caught your eye in a collector’s shop.

We’d love to encourage you to take today to think outside of the box and ponder ways of making ‘old stuff’ new again. It’s amazing what things like some wallpaper, paint, and a little imagination can do. Have you ever thought of turning your old piano into a bookshelf or a bathtub into a sofa? Check out Loveproperty.com for these ideas, plus 84 others! And if you’re interested in showing off some of your ‘old stuff,’ consider doing so in a shadow box.

Let's Hear It for the Ladies!

Tuesday, March 1st, 2022

Women's rights have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go! When's a better time to learn about National Woman's History Month than right now, when we're in the middle of it? So today, March 1st, we invite you to read along and learn more about women’s history.

Women’s History Month was first introduced in Santa Rosa, California in 1978 as a week-long event dedicated to raising awareness of women’s contributions and involvement within society. They felt that women were being “consistently overlooked and undervalued”. It wasn’t until 1987 that Congress designated March as Women's History Month, and ever since it's been a celebration of significant American women, such as Sacagawea, Harriet Tubman, and Amelia Earhart, each recognized for their contribution to U.S. history.

So how can you celebrate National Women’s Month? Start by reading this article: ‘How to Celebrate Woman’s History Month: 17 Ideas & Activities to Show Gratitude for Historic Women.’ Here you’ll be encouraged to support female entrepreneurs, get to know women in politics, and read books from female authors. You can also show your support by wearing Women’s History Month apparel!