The Boy Who Lived

Sunday, July 31st, 2022

“It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be." - Albus Dumbledore.

In terms of WHEN a person is born, however... It's July 31st which marks Harry Potter's birthday! While he may be a fictional character, many people will always hold Harry Potter and the epic tales of his life close to their hearts.

We learn in the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, that Harry Potter’s canonical birthday falls on July 31st, 1980, as he’s given a pink and green cake by the thoughtful half-giant Hagrid. On his eleventh birthday, Harry learns that he is a wizard, just like his parents were, and begins attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. From here, his story truly begins! Harry’s birthday is extremely significant in the series, as his birth is tied to an important prophecy that states that he’s the one with the power to vanquish Lord Voldemort, the most powerful and feared Dark Wizard in the world.

If you, or someone you love, is a Harry Potter fan, there’s never been a better day to celebrate this awesome series! Why not try your hand at recreating some of the iconic foods and drinks from the series, like Butterbeer, Pumpkin Pasties, or Chocolate Frogs? Or, how about hosting an awesome Harry Potter trivia quiz party with some friends? You could also sport your house colors, re-read your favorite book from the series, and, of course, cozy up on the sofa to watch one of the Harry Potter films! 

Friends: Hard to Find, Lucky to Have

Saturday, July 30th, 2022

Every day, we should be grateful for our friends who are always there for us and make us smile. Today, though, is an extra-special day: International Friendship Day! The United Nations proposed that this day should celebrate friendships between countries, people, cultures, and individuals, and should strengthen community ties. As companionship is portrayed in different ways, find something that works for you and celebrate with those around you.

Our close friends are our chosen family and every moment counts, so we need to capture those moments and make ever-lasting memories. Give them loving gifts with friendship quotes or funny pictures! This year's International Friendship Day theme is - ‘Sharing the human spirit through friendship.’ Why not organize a gathering and share some of your favorite food and drinks, presented on cool serving trays.

The weather is getting warmer, so you should get outside to spend some time with your friends, and for those of you with friends around the globe, you can always include them via video chat! There are many ways to maintain a long-distance friendship, after all. Go hiking, have a meal together, organize a games night, there's an array of things you can do. Life is all about new experiences, start making memories. And never forget: As you go on, you remember, all the times you had together, And as your lives change, you will still be friends forever…!

Plan, Prepare, Proceed, and Have Fun!

Friday, July 29th, 2022

In the summer, there are two types of people: those who head to local beaches or swimming pools to soak up the sun, or those who stay indoors thinking about it. One thing’s for certain, it's all fun and games until someone gets sunburned - Aloe to that! There's so much more you can do to celebrate the summer; to revel in those blue skies, cool breezes, light clothing, and delish fruit!

Are you planning to travel this summer? Consider getting out of your comfort zone and getting to know mother nature. You don't have to leave the country to have fun. Have you ever considered backpacking or camping? Find out which is right for you by clicking here. If music feeds your soul, you can attend a number of music festivals this summer. And while the weather is still warm, there are many fun things to do. Get out and explore with your family and friends.

Preparation is key and should make organizing any summer celebration a breeze. Looking for ideas? Good Housekeeping has a bunch of great ideas you can do from the comfort of your own home. Whether you're celebrating in your own backyard or venturing into the great outdoors, make sure to pick up some essentials like can-coolers for your BBQs, summer tote bags for packing the essentials, and summer party invitations for any other event you would like to organize. “Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August”; it’s up to you what you do with it!

A Break from Tradition...

Thursday, July 28th, 2022

When it comes to weddings, and all the other events associated with them, it can be hard to fight the pressure to keep with tradition. However, these days, more and more people are eschewing traditional approaches, events, and timelines in favor of something that's more suited to their own tastes, desires, and budgets. In recent years, for example, some couples are moving away from separate bachelor and bachelorette parties and gravitating toward one, combined, and more inclusive event.

But why? And should you consider throwing a joint bachelor and bachelorette party as well?

For many, the joint bachelor and bachelorette party—or Jack & Jill party, as it’s sometimes known—is appealing for budgetary reasons. The financial burden of a wedding is, after all, quite considerable, and consolidating two parties into one event is an effective cost-cutting strategy. For others, it simply comes down to social considerations. If most of a couple’s social circle is made up of other couples, a joint party often makes more sense. These are just some of the reasons listed in an article recently published on Zazzle Ideas, in which we explore the idea of a joint party, talk about why you should consider one, and provide advice on how to plan the event.

Check out “How to Throw a Joint Bachelor Bachelorette Party” to find out more, and don’t forget Zazzle.com for all your invitations and party supplies! Have fun!!

Don't Be Tardy for Back-to-school Season

Wednesday, July 27th, 2022

While kids continue to enjoy the delights of the dwindling summertime, the thoughts of parents everywhere are beginning to turn to the impending start of a new academic year. That’s right, it’s back-to-school season, but there’s no need to panic because we’ve got all the supplies and information you need to get ready for the first semester right here at Zazzle!

One important, but oft-neglected, part of back-to-school preparation is establishing routines. Over the summer, habits tend to change: bedtimes become a little more flexible, and kids may begin sleeping in and eating breakfast a little later as a result. Over the next few weeks, then, it’s a good idea to slowly adjust these schedules so that they’re back to normal by the time classes begin again. Similarly, as Grade Power Learning suggests, it’s helpful to prepare your kids for the return to homework by establishing dedicated TV-free time, during which they can read or take part in some other educational activity, in the evenings. For more helpful advice on back-to-school preparation, you can read “How to Prepare for the First Day of School” over at Zazzle Ideas.

Of course, purchasing supplies is also a key component of back-to-school preparation. Luckily, Zazzle is a one-stop-shop for everything from pens and notebooks to lunchboxes and kids’ clothing. Shop for original designs from our talented community of Independent Creators as well as officially licensed merchandise featuring some of their favorite characters from Disney, Marvel, DC, and other big-name brands. What’s more, you can personalize all your supplies to make sure they don’t get lost during the school year. To learn more, check out our list of “The Top Back to School Supplies” at Zazzle Ideas.

Here's to All Those Cool Aunts and Uncles!

Tuesday, July 26th, 2022

A couple of days back we marked National Parents’ Day, but today we turn our attention to some other very important role models. If you’re lucky enough to have an awesome aunty or uncle in your life, then today is the day to let them know just how special they are to you. It’s July 26 and that means it’s National Aunt and Uncle Day!

Did you know that in some cultures and languages there isn’t just one word for a parental sister and one word for a parental brother? Instead, different words are used to describe your mother’s sister, your mother’s brother, your father’s sister, and your father’s brother. In Polish, for example, the word for your maternal uncle is ‘wuj,’ but your paternal uncle is called ‘stryj.’ Meanwhile, in Sweden, your mother’s sister is called ‘moster’ and your father’s sister is called ‘faster.’

Regardless of what you call them though, we urge you to join us in celebrating all those amazing aunts and uncles out there. Whether it’s the cool aunt who you can always confide in, or the fun uncle with more dad jokes in his locker than even Dad himself, you’ll find a great gift for them—even if it is a little late—on our gifts for aunts and gifts for uncles pages. In the meantime, while you're waiting for us to make and ship your one-of-a-kind gift, don't forget to give them a call or drop them a line just to let them know how much you appreciate them.

It's Not Just a Gouda Day, It’s a Grape Day to Be Alive!

Monday, July 25th, 2022

Simon & Garfunkel. Bert & Ernie. Laverne & Shirley. Holmes & Watson. Fine duos, one and all, but none can hold a candle to the famous pairing we celebrate today. Don’t worry, brie happy, because it’s National Wine and Cheese Day! Vino you’re happy to hear that!

People have been pairing wine and cheese together for centuries, but why is it that these two contrasting characters have become so closely connected? A number of recent scientific studies have provided some insight into exactly why wine and cheese work so well in combination. A 2012 study suggests astringent beverages such as wine can act almost as “palate cleansers” when one consumes a fatty food such as cheese, providing “a pleasant sensation of ‘cleanness’ in the mouth, removing after-tastes and fatty mouth coating sensations.” At the same time, the fatty cheese reduces the astringent sensations of the wine. In essence, they seem to balance each other perfectly. Another study, carried out in 2016, even suggests that consuming cheese can enhance one’s perception of wine by reducing astringent or sour sensations and intensifying fruit flavors.

If you’d like to embrace the occasion and enjoy a little wine and cheese this evening, check out this handy list of “12 Classic Wine and Cheese Pairings You Must Try” over at Wine Folly for some guidance. Should wine and cheese tastings become a more regular occurrence after this evening, you might also want to check out our enchanting array of cutting boards and serving trays, or pick yourself up some stylish, personalized wine glasses from Zazzle!

Another Day for Mom and Pop...

Sunday, July 24th, 2022

Mother’s Day has passed for another year, and so too has Father’s Day. However, today presents yet another opportunity for you to celebrate your own beloved mom and pop, the new parents in your social circle, and the other wonderful parents in your local community. Today is the fourth Sunday of July, and that means it’s National Parents’ Day!

The history of National Parents’ Day is quite brief compared to that of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day—both of which have been celebrated in the United States since the early 20th century. The offspring of a joint effort between both Republican and Democratic Party representatives, this young holiday was born in 1994 when a piece of bipartisan legislation called ‘The Parents’ Day Resolution’ was passed by the U.S. Congress and Senate. The measure was subsequently signed by then-U.S. President Bill Clinton on October 14 of the same year, making it a perennial day of commemoration.

It might be too late to get involved this year, but if you’d like to volunteer and help to organize National Parents’ Day events in your community in 2023 or nominate candidates for the next ‘Parents of the Year’ awards, visit ParentsDay.com for more information. However, there’s still time to celebrate your own parents today. Why not cook a family dinner, bring them a nice bottle of wine, or pick up a small gift at the store? If you won't have the chance to do so, you’ll also find some wonderful belated National Parents’ Day gift ideas right here at Zazzle.

Hear the Mighty Lion's Roar

Saturday, July 23rd, 2022

Stand back everybody, because it’s time for all those lions out there to roar onto the center stage once again. It’s July 23 and the sun has entered the fifth sign of the Zodiac, signaling the beginning of yet another Leo season.

Leos, of course, don’t really need an invitation to take center stage. Born between July 23 and August 22, associated with fire, and ruled by the sun, self-assured Leos naturally seek the spotlight. Vivacious, tenacious, dynamic, charismatic, and passionate characters who often possess a theatrical flair, Leos tend to be attracted to the performing arts, the world of entertainment, and high-profile leadership roles. Despite their sizeable egos, however, Leos can also be fun-loving, warm, compassionate, and protective.

As we enter Leo season, it might be a good time for us all to harness the strength associated with this star sign and approach a long-held goal with all the confidence of a Leo. If you know someone celebrating a birthday during this season, you can also check out our helpful guide to “Great Gift Ideas for Leos” for some inspiration! 

Spread Your Swing and Chill Away!

Friday, July 22nd, 2022

National Hammock Day? My goodness, what an idea. Why didn't I think of that? National Hammock Day! And an opportunity to experience all the joys of relaxing in a comfy hanging chair. Get into the swing of things and pick up a cool, custom hammock today.

Is the sun shining today, July 22nd? Do you have a good book and your hammock at the ready? If not, we’re here to help you get started. Nationaldaycalendar.com notes that hammocks date back thousands of years, from when they protected people from dirt and creatures, and even found their way onto naval ships as a way of providing comfort and maximizing space. We’re confident that regardless of where you live, whether it’s on a boat, in an apartment, or even if you have a huge backyard, you can make the most of your space with some comfort. Did you know the most expensive hammock in the world nowadays costs $35,000? And, it’s not even customized – absolute madness!

Since the day falls on a Friday this year, it makes for a better excuse to celebrate. Pick up a wine tumbler to keep your favorite beverage fresh and elevate your head on a tropical round pillow to match your custom hammock. Lie back and soak up the sun today. Relax, just do it!

Here Comes Sunta Claus

Wednesday, July 20th, 2022

Can you hear it? The gentle sound of waves lapping against the coastline. The clink-clink of ice being dropped into a cold glass on a hot summer’s day. The chorus of carolers singing hymns outside your door… Wait, what?

Ah. Christmas in July is here, you see, and that explains the seasonal paradox described above. While Christmas in July does mark the high point of 21st-century summer shopping, it’s also a decades-old tradition with its origins in 1930s North Carolina. That summer, at an all-girls summer camp called Keystone, the director organized a midsummer Christmas party as a treat for the campers. It was held on July 24 and 25 at the time, though Christmas in July usually takes place around the 19th, now (as it does on Zazzle). Other versions of the holiday’s inception mention a group of Irish tourists, who, while vacationing in Australia during a Southern Hemisphere-summer, staged an impromptu Christmas celebration.

This Christmas in July, why not decorate a tree with light and balmy colors, or host a barbecue instead of a holiday dinner? You can find lots of other ideas on, well, Zazzle Ideas, and in our “Christmas in July: What It Is, How It Started, What You Need to Know” article. And be sure to check our coupons page for potential promotions during our July sales!

Fun for All the Family

Tuesday, July 19th, 2022

Families, huh? What would we do without them? Indeed, what DID we do without them: 2022 represents a relative return to normality following two years of isolating, social distancing, and video calls. Every time we see a concert taking place or meet up with a long-absent relative, we still have to pinch ourselves!

In the spirit of celebrating your loved ones, then – as well as that fine weather we’ve been having – why not designate a day or weekend in July and August as a ‘Family Fun Day/s’? It’s the perfect opportunity to play board games, pack a picnic, hook up the karaoke machine, go backpacking, or simply head out on the open road. Perhaps you could even read our catalog of Today’s Moments as a unit? Maybe? We’ll write it down, anyway, and you can always erase it afterward…

One of the best recommendations for family outings comes from National Today.com: how about checking out your nearest museum, art gallery, cultural institution, or historic attraction? Many of these cultural centers have inexpensive admission fees, so even if the Moments are irreplaceable, the tickets won’t be! And if you’re still stuck for ideas, our list of “Fun and Affordable Weekend Activities” should include at least one suggestion your kids will be eager to try.

Can We Bend Your Ear?

Monday, July 18th, 2022

In a world of sound pollution and noise-canceling headphones, it seems like there’s never been a better time to re-examine our relationship with the honks, squeals, thumps, whistles, and shouts that we encounter on a daily basis. In 2022, our Earth is positively booming with different kinds of sounds, whether that’s spoken languages, animal cries, orchestral music, or industrial activity, but we don’t always give them the attention that they so richly deserve.

Or, we didn’t, at least – not until World Listening Day, which began in 2010, and which “celebrates the practice of listening as it relates to the world around us.” July 18 was chosen because it was the birthday of R. Murray Schafer, a Canadian composer who died in 2021. Schafer was the pioneer of acoustic ecology, which “looks at all sounds, natural or man-made, and studies how they interact with and live in synergy with each other.” At any moment in time, our environment may consist of multiple sources of sound – whether that’s in the form of human communication, atmospheric sounds like rain and wind, or sounds emanating from our built environment – and investigating the connections between these sounds can tell us more about our societies and ecosystems.

Of course, listening is important on a personal, conversational level, too. Having a heart-to-heart with a close friend or checking in with an elderly family member are ways to improve both your listening skills and your relationships. We hope we’ve struck a chord with you in this Today’s Moment; let us know what resonated with you, and stay tuned for more!

Smileys All Round

Sunday, July 17th, 2022

Ah, emojis. Ever since Apple added an emoji keyboard to the iPhone in 2007, we’ve all lived in a land populated by disembodied yellow heads, multicolored hearts in a range of different sizes, and embarrassed monkeys – their eyes and ears covered in shame, lest they fully acknowledge the awkwardness of the situation they’ve found themselves in. It’s time to celebrate World Emoji Day! :raised hands:

Emojis are an evolution of ‘emoticons’: icons formed by using a combination of numbers and letters in succession. The emoji-revolution began in 1999, when Shigetaka Kurita, an employee at Japanese telecom company NTT Docomo, added the option to input “picture words” – which is literally what the word ‘emoji’ means – on the pagers that the company produced. Since then, these little icons have only grown in popularity, with over 10 billion emojis sent each day. They’re often used to add color to dull SMS messages, or to soften the tone of a potentially cold-sounding message.

Advocates of emojis – and we’re among them – will know of the Emojipedia and the Unicode Consortium: organizations that preside over the use of the emoji, and that monitor their usage, approve new emojis, and update emoji shortcuts. While we can’t claim to hold the same sway over the world of emojis that these sites have, we would recommend taking a look at our emoji gifts, which we’re sure will warrant a thumbs-up, a tiny fireworks display, or, at the very least, a picture of a small man or woman pumping his fists in the air.

Sweet 17

Saturday, July 16th, 2022

Today’s Moment is a special one: it’s the anniversary – the 17th birthday, if you like – of Zazzle’s founding. And today, the best birthday present of all is having you here with us.

Sending so much love and creativity to you our dearest Zazzle community.

The Zazzle Team

I'll Take a Logo to Go!

Friday, July 15th, 2022

According to Creative Bloq, “the aim of logo design should [...] be to create something that people can easily picture when they think about their experiences with a product, company, or service.” Think of Warner Bros., Nike, or McDonald’s, and we guarantee that the shield, ‘swoosh,’ or Golden Arches will jump readily to mind. But how do you create such an acclaimed logo? How do you transform a simple sketch or PNG file into something truly iconic?

That’s the question – or, rather, those are the questions – we hope to have answered in our “How to Create Your Own Logo with Zazzle” article. In this in-depth exposé on the topic, we split the process of designing your own logo into seven short steps. These range from the initial brainstorming phase, where you research your competitors’ brands and decide on an approach, to the final presentation, where you deliver a logo with the ability to carry your business into the future. We also explain how this is all possible with the help of Zazzle.com and its digital design tools!

Perhaps the most difficult part of creating a logo is balancing accessibility and complexity. For example, the Coca-Cola logo is a complicated graphic, but that complexity is counterbalanced by its “conceptual simplicity: [it’s] just the brand name set in script writing.” We hope that the above article has achieved something similar, taking a challenging task and separating it into short, manageable steps.

Bastille Day 2022

Thursday, July 14th, 2022

Today is Bastille Day! Bastille Day is also known as the national day of France and is celebrated on the 14th of July annually. In French, this national day is formally called Fête Nationale Française (meaning ‘French National Celebration’).

Why is Bastille Day celebrated? Well, in 1789, with the French Revolution underway, the Estates-General (the legislative and consultative assembly of the different classes of French subjects) refused to dissolve and transformed itself into a constituent National Assembly. After King Louis XVI called in his troops and dismissed his popular Minister Jacques Necker, the people of Paris seized weapons and stormed the Bastille, which was a medieval fortress being used as a state prison. Some people being held in the Bastille were awaiting a trial, held on the direct order of the king (from which there was no appeal), or were political prisoners. The people of Paris then released these prisoners, and the storming of the Bastille signaled the first victory for the people of Paris in their fight against the Ancien Régime.

Nowadays, in Paris, the traditional military parade on the Champs-Elysées is a huge spectacle! Other parades, dancing, and firework displays also take place all over the country. To celebrate Bastille Day, we recommend embracing a soupcon of la vie Francaise with some French food and wine no matter where you find yourself today.

Make Room For Ms. Marvel

Tuesday, July 12th, 2022

“You wanna save the world? Then you're gonna save the world…"

We've almost reached the end of Ms. Marvel: the TV series based on the Marvel Comics superhero of the same name. For the last few weeks, we've been getting to know Kamala Khan, a 16-year-old Pakistani-American and Marvel's first Muslim superhero to hit our screens.

The creative Kamala is a superhero mega-fan, especially when it comes to Captain Marvel. You’ll find her carrying out extensive research often, so that she knows the ins and outs of just about every superhero! Unfortunately, Kamala often struggles to fit in across her school and home life, until she too gets life-changing superpowers! Kamala’s best friend Bruno Carrelli is always by her side, thankfully, and will never turn down any action-packed adventure. We've watched excitedly each Wednesday to see Kamala's story unfold while enjoying getting to know her family, culture and the ins and outs of high-school life for this super-powered teen.

The finale of Ms. Marvel airs on July 13, 2022, and we are so excited! While you await the finale, check out our extensive selection of awesome, customizable Ms. Marvel merchandise available in our officially licensed store. Surprise the Ms. Marvel fan you know with a heartfelt gift, or treat yourself to a cool new t-shirt, water bottle, cap, notebook, and more featuring the brave Kamala herself. Be sure to catch Ms. Marvel streaming now on Disney+ – this is a story you simply can't miss!

Simply Mint To Be...

Monday, July 11th, 2022

When life gives you limes, make a mojito! Get ready to kick back, relax, and sip on this iconic minty Cuban cocktail, because It’s National Mojito Day!

The mojito is a highball cocktail that consists of white rum, mint, sparkling water or soda water, lime juice, and sugar. However, many different variations of the mojito exist nowadays, including strawberry and mango mojitos! Did you know that the mojito cocktail is said to have originated around the 1500s? The drink was known as El Draque (The Dragon), and was a remedial concoction created by sea captain Sir Francis Drake for ill crew members on his ship. The earliest mojito recipe included lime, cane sugar, mint, and aguardiente, and quickly became known across the Caribbean as a drink with healing properties! Eventually, the classic drink’s recipe spread across the rest of the world, and is now found in most cocktail bars today.

To celebrate National Mojito Day, why not test out your home bartending skills and follow a traditional mojito recipe? We really like this recipe here. While mojitos can be enjoyed any time of year, they really hit the spot on sunny summer evenings with friends! We think our custom coasters add an extra special to any home-made cocktail! So, get your mixologist on, enjoy a toast, and remember to always drink responsibly.

The Purr-fect Day!

Sunday, July 10th, 2022

We’re not kitten around this time. Buy some catnip, and get ready to take a cat nap, because today is National Kitten Day! Whether you have a kitten, an older cat, or simply like to learn about these fabulous felines, today’s a day to celebrate!

Cats have been living with humans fur-ever – according to historians, cats began their unique relationship with humans 10,000 to 12,000 years ago in West Asia! That’s a lot of hairballs… Until the 20th century, most cats lived solely outdoor lives, but now many either live both inside and outside, or are kept entirely indoors. To celebrate National Kitten Day this year, treat your cat to a grooming session, buy them some new snacks, or play with their favorite toys! If you don’t have your own cat, read up on some awesome cat facts, or watch a documentary focusing on these fantastic animals. At Zazzle, we’ve also got hundreds of kitten-themed gifts that will be sure to whisk-er away any cat lover!

Unfortunately, while many cats have loving homes, animal shelters can often be overwhelmed with large amounts of cats and kittens needing new paw-rents. So, this National Kitten Day, why not raise awareness for the importance of adopting pets from local shelters? You could also raise funds, and donate if you can. These hard-working organizations will be extremely grateful for your help! 

That’s the Way the (Sugar) Cookie Crumbles 

Saturday, July 9th, 2022

Today is National Sugar Cookie Day! It’s time to honor the ever-popular sweet treat that is the sugar cookie. As they’re so simple to make and so fun to decorate, classic sugar cookies are a favorite of many children and adults alike!

The sugar cookies’ origins can be dated back to the mid-1700s! The cookies were pioneered by German Protestants that settled in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and were originally called Nazareth Cookies. Published recipes for the sugar cookie can be seen as early as the 1800s, with these early variations including sour cream, or large amounts of milk in addition or in place of the now-standard ingredients. Nowadays, sugar cookies are usually made of sugar, flour, butter, eggs, and vanilla, and are often decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles!

This National Sugar Cookie Day, you could try your hand at making a batch of these scrumptious cookies, and decorating them however you’d like. We think this recipe is perfect! At Zazzle, we offer a wide selection of custom baking supplies that will be sure to come in handy for any pro, or amateur bakers out there. Today is all about shamelessly indulging in these soft and delicious sugar cookies, so remember to treat yourself and your loved ones. Get ready to give 'em some sugar! 

It's Hammer Time!

Friday, July 8th, 2022

Our favorite Avengers superhero is back again, along with the courageous misfits of the Guardians of the Galaxy, in Thor: Love and Thunder! The King of Asgard is off on a quest for inner peace: he's going to save the rest of his community and bring back his impeccable physique. We’re also certainly excited about what’s in store on this epic journey to see what unravels between Thor and Jane.

Unlike his other quests in movies such as Thor: Ragnorok and Avengers: Endgame, he goes on a journey of self-exploration to find out exactly who he is. He's aided in this mission by Korg, the affable Kronan warrior from the last movie, and Mighty Thor, another familiar face and the new wielder of Thor's hammer. One thing’s for sure: Mjolnir hasn’t lost its power or significance, so we know this movie will be just as explosive and thundersome as the rest.

Declare your love for this amazing movie, and purchase official merchandise such as posters, phone cases, t-shirts, and more. Spoil other devoted fans or be the envy amongst your friend groups. All Marvel fans share one hope: that the God of Thunder aims for the head of Gorr, the God Butcher, so this movie might have a happy ending!

World Chocolate Day

Thursday, July 7th, 2022

Why out of 365 days of the year, is World Chocolate Day celebrated on July 7th? Well, this is simply because it’s the assumed date that chocolate was introduced to Europe back in 1550. Although the cacao bean which chocolate is made from can be harvested in multiple parts of the world, 70% of all cacao grows in Africa. It’s also said that because cacao trees are extremely delicate, on average, farmers lose 30% of their crops each year.

So how can you partake in World Chocolate Day? When we say the options are endless, we mean it! You can start with the obvious, that being eating bars of chocolate, but here are a few less obvious options for you to choose from. Chocolate isn’t only delicious but it’s also good for your body. Why not book in for a chocolate mask spa treatment. Today would be the perfect day to pull out your fondue set from the back of the cupboard and fill it with chocolate! How about curling up to watch a classic, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? And for even more ways to honor chocolate, head to this article for “5 New Ways To Celebrate World Chocolate Day!”

Pedal Your Heart Out!

Wednesday, July 6th, 2022

The Tour de France is underway now – the race we've all been waiting for. Not just a test of athleticism, not just a test of the indomitable spirit of humankind, and not just a challenge to the insatiable thirst of overcoming insurmountable odds. But a goal, setting forth on a trajectory towards victory – an arc of triumph, not for the man who pedals best or furthest, but the one who can force their way to the finish line.

The Tour de France is one of three Grand Tours, besides the Giro d’ltalia and the Vuelta a España, consisting of three weeks of peddling on various terrain and including high-endurance mountain ranges, flat surfaces, and hilly stages. This year, the Tour de France will start in Copenhagen and finish in Paris. Here’s a fun fact! On average, cyclists in the Tour de France burn 4,000 and 5,000 calories during each stage of the cycle. If you were to add up the total amount of calories burned per cyclist during the Tour de France, it would be equivalent to eating 252 McDonald’s double cheeseburgers. For even more fun facts, check out this article on “23 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About the Tour de France.”

Give Us a Big Smile!

Tuesday, July 5th, 2022

Don’t spend too much time searching and stressing for inspiration when thinking about your upcoming Save the Date photo ideas. Instead, we’ve done all the hard work for you and we’ve even compiled them all into a Zazzle Ideas article: “27 Creative & Adorable Save the Date Photo Ideas!”

Did he get down on one knee? Maybe she had the words ‘Marry Me’ written out with pepperoni on a pizza? Or, perhaps he went all out by choreographing a flash mob with your closest friends and family! Whichever way he popped the question, if you have any photos that documented this moment in time, use them! That’s suggestion number 27 in the list of photo ideas, and you don’t even need to schedule an engagement shoot into your busy schedule. Another standout idea from this article would be number 21, inviting a photographer into your natural environment! This gives you an inside glimpse into what everyday life with one another may look like. You can even be your own photographer with suggestion number 1, using a selfie stick! With this recommendation you have the ability to take the photo while being in control of your ideal angle.

This Zazzle Ideas article offers 24 more ideas you can consider for your Save the Date invitations, one of which we can almost guarantee will pop out to you! But what happens when you finally narrow it down to your favorite photos? You must now find the perfect Save the Date cards! And we can help with that too! Browse elegant and eye-catching Save the Date cards on Zazzle! Or, if you want something a little more original, opt for this Save the Date keychain or Save the Date playing cards.

Happy Independence Day!

Monday, July 4th, 2022

We want to start by wishing you a happy Independence Day, or as others call it, a happy 4th of July! And while we all know you’ll be preparing to partake in 4th of July traditions like barbecues, picnics, fireworks, concerts, and parades, let’s take a look back on how Independence Day first started.

Independence Day celebrations date back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress took a huge step to declare independence from Great Britain by voting in favor of the U.S.’s right to self-govern. Two days later, on July 4th 1776, the Declaration of Independence – outlined by Thomas Jefferson and arguably the most important document in American history – was embraced by delegates from the 13 colonies. And to this day, we celebrate the 4th of July as the birth of American independence. Although the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, it wasn’t until 1938, 162 years later, that the 4th of July was declared a federal holiday.

We have everything you need to ramp up your party before the fireworks start. Start by sending fun invitations, have some lawn games on hand like a festive cornhole set, and supply the man of the BBQ with a custom apron. We also know that you’ll be way too busy to be doing the dishes, so consider paper plates and paper napkins for the occasion!

Live a Plastic-Free Life!

Sunday, July 3rd, 2022

When it comes to reusable bags, we’ve come a long way over the last decade. Nowadays, when you go to the store, you’ll see many people choosing to bring their own reusable bags. Some stores are refusing to sell plastic bags altogether! But even with these major breakthroughs, we have a long way to go!

We think it’s safe to say that the world now recognizes that we have a crisis on our hands: one that will be felt by us, and many generations to come. This crisis is the overwhelming amount of plastic in our ecosystem, especially in our oceans. Luckily, different States are starting to stand up against the use of single-use plastic bags by banning them completely, like California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New York, Oregon, and Vermont, and many more are predicted to follow. Did you know it takes anywhere between 20-500 years for plastic to decompose? And this applies to much more than plastic bags, but also to other everyday items like plastic toothbrushes, coffee pods, plastic straws, and disposable diapers. For a more detailed life cycle of these plastics, click here!

Do your part in helping the environment and eliminating plastic from your everyday life. One way of doing this is by having tote bags available when out shopping. You can choose to help your treasured coffee shop or small business advertise by purchasing a branded tote bag, or better yet, create your own tote bag from scratch here on Zazzle! Some of our favorite designs include this modern name tote, this minimalist flower tote, an indie bookstore store, or this multiple photo tote. And remember, you can further customize your tote bag by selecting different sizes and color combinations.

Oh Canada!

Friday, July 1st, 2022

Let’s give it up for our polite neighbors up north! Today, July 1st, Canadians from across all 10 provinces and 3 territories will be celebrating the anniversary of Canada's confederation.

On July 1st, 1867 the British North America Act was created (Canadians now recognize this as the Constitutional Act). At this time, Canada was only broken up into 2 provinces, Ontario and Quebec, but the Constitutional Act also named provisions for other provinces to join. This national holiday wasn’t always known as Canada Day, originally, it was formally declared Dominion Day in 1879. And in 1982 when Canada became a fully independent country, the name of the national holiday was changed to Canada Day.

Canadians will flood local parks throughout the country today to participate in many Canadian Day activities. These activities include parades, fireworks, canoe races, poutine-eating contests and much more! How can you celebrate Canada Day from the U.S? Find an all-Canadian playlist including tunes from Shania Twain, The Weeknd, Neil Young, Justin Bieber, or Drake. Drizzle your morning pancakes with a Canadian delicacy, maple syrup. Or perhaps take a drive down to the nearest Tim Hortons for the Canadian beloved double-double. Happy Canada Day, eh ( we couldn't resist)!