Happy Haunting!

Monday, October 31st, 2022

Halloween celebrations are descended from Samhain, a festival of the dead. However, we prefer to focus on the brighter side of things by playing games and trick-or-treating. It's a golden tradition for us to dress up in fancy dress costumes and roam our neighborhoods in search of goodies! Some of us have a few tricks up our sleeves and enjoy playing harmless pranks on other members of the community, and some of us prefer to watch scary movies in our friend groups.

As adults, we enjoy the nostalgia of cartoons and sharing our favorite clips with our kids, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren. We were surprised to discover that we had more reasons to love them! According to history.com, Disney created the cartoon that sparked trick-or-treating back in 1952, featuring one of our favorite characters Donald Duck. Now that certainly fell through the quacks!

Every Halloween, you may find yourself saying ‘Next year we’ll be better prepared!’ With Zazzle, it's easy to prepare yourself and your little ones for Halloween night. We've got some handy tips on organizing a killer Halloween night and many other products that'll ensure the perfect trick-or-treating experience. If you look closely, you may spot Halloween tote bags that can be used for the jackets they refuse to wear or for the piles of sweets the neighbors are generously giving. If you want to scare away any visitors, you’ll love our spooky outdoor signs! Now click carefully, or you might end up in a Christmas department… how scary would that be?

Reality Check

Sunday, October 30th, 2022

Your daily routine leads to contentment, happiness, and a stress-free life. You may not know it but creating small daily habits will help you achieve bigger goals over time. Today is National Checklist Day, so we’re here to motivate you to be the best version of yourself! From getting up in the morning to going to sleep at night, we all have a routine that helps us get things done. Life has its trials and tribulations, so having a checklist can make a big difference! What’s better than checking off everything on your checklist? Creating a celebration checklist to commemorate each victory!

Do you know where checklists came from? Apparently, they date back to the 1930s when airports were chaotic, and many aircrafts crashed on the runway. A few pilots formed a group to combat this issue and developed a checklist to run through before take-off. We’re glad that this important information didn't get lost in transit now that we think about it!

Speaking of airports, a time when checklists come in handy is when organizing a group or family holiday. Your checklist may include many things such as: passports, travel documents, sun cream, bug spray, and excursion itineraries. Did we mention passports? We can help you get organized with cool luggage tags for each person, and we even have personal stationery to bring your checklists to life. Let go of your worries and complete any pending checklists today!

What’s Life Without Wi-fi!

Saturday, October 29th, 2022

If you've been online today doing some research for Halloween costumes, games, and treats, you may have learned that October 29th, is World Stroke Day, National Cat Day, and most importantly, International Internet Day! Without the internet, we may have never even known!

The internet was created on this day 51 years ago, when the first electronic message was sent from one computer to another. Charley Kline was a student programmer in UCLA at the time. He attempted to send the word 'login' to a computing system at Stanford Institute, but the letters 'L' and 'O' were sent instead before the connection between the computers failed. With the technological advancements that have taken place over the years, our internet search providers have been able to lead us in many different directions with just two letters. Type in 'L' and 'O' into Google, and you may be able to find love, share your experiences of loss on a forum, use a website to apply for a loan, or look up nearby locations for things to do!

Internet users spend an average of 6 hours and 42 minutes online each day; what else is there to do during this time? Apart from social media, you can get engrossed in Zazzle’s Halloween Hub for any last-minute decoration tips and more. Or, you can get ahead for any special occasion with our insightful gift guide. On a day like today, it really makes us wonder where we’d be without the internet!

Join Us in Honoring Some Real-Life Heroes

Friday, October 28th, 2022

From Superman to Wonder Woman, and from Captain America to Thor, you’ll find many heroes here at Zazzle. However, as they say, not all heroes wear capes. Nor, in fact, do they need to carry impenetrable shields, wield enormous hammers, or possess otherworldly powers to make a difference. No, some heroes are just normal folks who, because of the occupation they’ve chosen, are required to display almost superhuman courage every single day. Today, we celebrate these real-world heroes—be they law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, or EMTs—because it’s National First Responders Day once again.

National First Responders Day is quite a recent addition to the calendar. The holiday was first introduced in 2017, when a bipartisan resolution brought forward by Senators Elizabeth Warren and Tom Cotton was passed by Congress. As of 2019, an estimated 4.6 million people worked as first responders in the U.S. in either a professional or voluntary capacity. When one considers that 175 police officers and 80 firefighters are killed in the line of duty each year, and thousands more are injured, it’s clear that the bravery of first responders should not be underestimated.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which many were required to place themselves at even greater risk than usual to protect the public, it’s particularly important for us to show our respect and admiration for first responders. Here at Zazzle, we’ve got a wonderful selection of gifts to show the first responders in your life just how much you value their work. However, if you’d like to do something even more meaningful to support these heroes and their families, consider making a donation to a charity organization like the First Responders' Children’s Foundation.

Scorpio Season Is Here

Thursday, October 27th, 2022

Scorpio season falls annually from October 23 to November 21, and is a season full of mystery, passion, intensity, and perhaps some spookiness...

Scorpio is the eighth astrological sign in the zodiac and originates from the constellation of Scorpius, spanning 210°–240° ecliptic longitude. The sign of Scorpio is represented by a scorpion, an eight-legged arachnid with a pair of sharp pincers. According to Greek mythology, the sign’s representation as a scorpion relates to the legend of the scorpion that stung Orion to death! On the other hand, a different Greek myth tells the tale of a scorpion that caused the horses of the sun to bolt when being driven by a young Phaeton. We think the latter story is a little less intense.

It’s widely known that Scorpio people are often misunderstood due to their intensity. However, Scorpios are actually deeply emotional and intimate people who possess a powerful, mysterious presence, and as such are regarded as one of the most complex and interesting star signs. Scorpios are seen as loyal, caring, and intuitive, but also have the ability to give a venomous sting to those who wrong them, so tread carefully!

If you, or someone special to you, is a Scorpio, you’ve come to the right place! At Zazzle, we’ve got a sensational selection of Scorpio-themed gifts to help show off your spectacular Scorpio pride this season.

A Gourd-geous Day!

Wednesday, October 26th, 2022

Though they’re more accustomed to being carved themselves, pumpkins have also managed to carve out a reputation down through the years as the fall food of note. Synonymous with both Halloween and Thanksgiving, the beautiful orange squash has become a true symbol of the season. It’s no surprise, then, that the pumpkin has been given a fall day all of its own. Today, folks, is National Pumpkin Day.

The pumpkin’s association with fall begins, of course, with the fact that it’s traditionally harvested in September and October. According to History.com, the indigenous peoples of North America have grown and eaten pumpkins for thousands of years, but it seems to have been English colonists in New England that first began adding the squash to pies. By the 18th century, these pumpkin pies had become a New England Thanksgiving tradition, which would spread throughout the U.S. when Thanksgiving evolved into a national holiday following the Civil War. While English settlers may have been responsible for pumpkin pie, it was Irish immigrants who brought jack-o'-lanterns to North America. Inspired by the legend of Stingy Jack—who was forced to wander the earth with just a lump of coal alight inside a turnip after being turned away from both heaven and hell—the Irish had long made lanterns to ward off evil spirits. When they arrived in the U.S., however, they began using carved pumpkins in place of turnips and rutabagas, and so a new Halloween tradition was born.

If you’ve been caught off gourd by National Pumpkin day and have failed to plan any suitable activities, don’t worry, because Zazzle is here to help. Check out “10 Incredibly Simple Pumpkin Carving Alternatives,” “Ways to Decorate Your Home With Pumpkins,” and “Pumpkin Carving Tips and Tricks” to discover some wonderful ways you can celebrate today!

Play Host This Fall!

Tuesday, October 25th, 2022

By now, the grill is nestled away neath a tarp in the garage, gathering dust and dreaming of warmer days. But just because BBQ season is over for another year doesn’t mean that your days of playing the host are over too. Fall is a great time of the year for entertaining, and we’ve got plenty of suggestions to help you plan the perfect autumnal get-together.

There is, perhaps, no better time of the year for a dinner party than fall. It’s harvest time, after all, and there’s an abundance of fresh apples, squashes, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins for you to incorporate into your menu. Soups, stews, casseroles, cider, and apple pies are wonderfully nourishing comfort foods just perfect for a Friendsgiving, potluck dinner, or any other type of fall party. The harvest bounty can also be used to help bring a fall feel to your home décor. Pinterest is full of tips on how you can utilize pumpkins and other gourds—alongside floral wreaths, garlands, throw pillows and blankets—to create a warm and cozy vibe that’s very much on trend. Though the evenings are cooler and shorter, you can still take your event outdoors too. A marshmallow roast, for example, would be a fun way to end your party and would go down a treat with younger guests.

If you’re new to hosting dinner parties, you can check out “How to Host Your First Dinner Party” over at Zazzle Ideas for more inspiration. And don’t forget to check out the enchanting selection of fall-themed invitations we carry here right here at Zazzle!

Today Is United Nations Day!

Monday, October 24th, 2022

On this day 77 years ago, a charter drafted and signed by representatives of some 50 nations over a two-month period at a conference in San Francisco was finally ratified. As a result of this ratification, the United Nations was created. That’s why today, October 24, we celebrate United Nations Day.

The main aim of the United Nations (UN) was to foster greater international cooperation and prevent further global conflict following the horrors of World War II. However, the seeds for the United Nations were actually sown during the war by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The Atlantic Charter, signed by the two leaders in 1941, and the Declaration by the United Nations, signed by Roosevelt, Churchill, and representatives of 24 other governments in 1942, would form a basis for the UN. In fact, the latter document actually marked the first time that the term “United Nations” had been used. As the story goes, that name was the result of an epiphany from Roosevelt, who was so excited to inform Churchill of his idea that he rushed into the bedroom of the visiting dignitary only to find him completely naked. The infinitely quotable Churchill is said to have responded that “the prime minister of Great Britain has nothing to hide from the president of the United States!”

It’s unlikely that you’ll come across a better story than that in your research, but if you’d like to learn a little more about the UN, its formation, its goals for the future, and United Nations Day 2022, visit UN.org.

Boo Ha Ha!

Sunday, October 23rd, 2022

With just a little more than a week to go before October 31, we’re on the final countdown towards Halloween! If you’ve been following Today’s Moment as of late, we’re sure you’ve picked up on just how excited we are about All Hallows' Eve 2022. So far this month, we’ve already dispensed a host of spooky but fun party ideas, filled you in on the origins of this ancient holiday, and listed the most bone-chilling flicks to peak at from behind your couch on Halloween night. Today, we’re going to continue that trend, by telling you about one of our wonderful Halloween-themed articles over at Zazzle Ideas.

Our aforementioned list of Halloween movies was, unsurprisingly, dominated by the horror genre. However, while these movies are a great choice for adults getting into the spirit of this spooky season, people with young families might prefer something a little less scary. If you’re looking for a Halloween movie that’s more suitable for watching with the kids after they’ve finished trick or treating, you’ll be pleased to know that we’ve once again bobbed into cinema history and come back up with a few Halloween movies that won’t frighten your youngsters to their little cores. Check out our list of "Funny Halloween Movies" for family favorites like Hocus Pocus, Casper, and many more.

And, of course, if you're still putting the final touches to your Halloween plans, don’t forget to check out the extensive selection of Halloween gifts and supplies we offer here at Zazzle!

Happy Diwali!

Saturday, October 22nd, 2022

If you’re a member of either the Hindu, Jain, Sikh, or Newar Buddhist community, we’d like to wish you a very happy Diwali! If you're not, chances are you don’t know much about this holiday or what it signifies. That, however, is about to change! Join us as we delve into the history, themes, and customs of Diwali to learn more about this ‘festival of lights.’

Diwali is a five-day observance that occurs on different dates each year in accordance with the Hindu calendar. According to Britannica, the holiday celebrates “the triumph of light over darkness.” The third day of the festival—which, this year, falls on October 24—is the most significant, and coincides with the new moon, when the night sky is at its darkest. During Diwali, people decorate with lights and oil lamps called diyas—as well as colorful artwork called rangoli. These beacons in the darkness are said to light the way for deities like Lakshmi—the goddess of prosperity and, for many, the central figure of the festival—to find their way into people’s homes. Other traditions include feasting, exchanging gifts, and wearing new clothes. However, as this is a multi-denominational occasion, the traditions and narratives associated with the festival vary from faith to faith and region to region. For example, in Northern India Diwali celebrates the return from exile of Rama and his defeat of the demon Ravana, while in the south it honors the victory of Krishna over the demon Narakasura.

If you’re feeling enlightened and you’d like to grab a little something for a friend celebrating Diwali, don’t forget to check out the enchanting selection of Diwali gifts right here at Zazzle!

Born Out of Rage...

Friday, October 21st, 2022

If you’re reading this Today’s Moment, then it means that Black Adam, the 11th entry in the DC Extended Universe and the debut of Dwayne Johnson in the superhero genre, has just opened in theaters. Given that Black Adam was canonically imprisoned for 5,000 years – and pre-production, filming, and post-production on the movie took at least another, um, two years – we’ve been eagerly anticipating this release!

Like Shazam, a wizard also bestowed Teth-Adam, an Egyptian slave, with magical powers; however, unlike Billy Batson, Teth-Adam misused his newfound abilities and violently claimed the title of Pharoah. No longer a heroic champion, he became known as ‘Black Adam,’ and was locked away until the 21st century. In the movie, the revived Adam will do battle with members of the Justice Society of America, including Hawkman, Cyclone, Atom Smasher, and Doctor Fate!

Whether Black Adam will end up destroying or saving our world remains to be seen; that said, there’s still time for you to save Christmas by ordering officially licensed merchandise on our Zazzle store. Browse apparel, accessories, and stationery products that feature the iconic DC antihero, along with his many allies and enemies, and add your own customizable elements to instill your purchase with a little Shazam magic!

Don't Suffer in Silence!

Thursday, October 20th, 2022

Everyone knows someone – indeed, some people ARE that someone – who’s been the victim of bullying. Whether at school, work, or in your local community, bullying is still – and particularly with the advent of cyberbullying – widespread in the U.S. Nearly 20% of high school students report being bullied on school property, according to surveys conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Fortunately, thanks to the PACER Center – an organization devoted to improving the welfare of children with disabilities – the outlook is less grim than it might have been. In 2006, PACER founded National Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week, which expanded to a month-long event in 2010. One of PACER’s main aims was to debunk a longstanding myth about bullying: that it was a “childhood rite of passage” that “made kids tougher.” PACER, along with other organizations like the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers, have been working to show teachers, students, parents, and administrators that bullying is never acceptable, and, that if left unchecked, can lead to decreased self-esteem and increased anxiety.

According to the CDC, bullying is defined as “unwanted, aggressive behavior [...] that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.” This last part is important: bullying usually occurs because the ‘stronger’ person (the bully) registers a certain ‘weakness’ or vulnerability in someone else (the bullied), and then goes on to exploit that weakness. National Bullying Prevention Month seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of bullying, and with partners like Disney, Instagram, and CNN involved, it’s hoped that, eventually, those ‘power imbalances’ will be corrected.

"Life Moves Pretty Fast..."

Wednesday, October 19th, 2022

October 19 is Evaluate Your Life Day, but don’t be scared by the weighty title. Taking stock of your achievements, ambitions, and overall contentment can be fun, interesting, and worthwhile. It’s an opportunity to re-examine what makes you feel happy and fulfilled; to consider what your goals are in life, and how close you are to reaching them, and to confirm that you’re prioritizing the right things. If there are any changes to be made, there’s no better time than October 19.

If you’re suspicious as to whether Evaluate Your Life Day can actually be fun, just take a look at its origins: the holiday was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy, founders of the Wellcat Holidays website, who have together added over 80 obscure celebrations to the calendar, including Dear Diary Day and Bad Poetry Day. Self-evaluation can be complex, however, as Abraham Tesser discovered in 1988. His Self-Evaluation Maintenance (SEM) theory suggests that, when people are in a close relationship, self-evaluation is performed through comparison. In other words, if a partner is successful at something – for instance, if they secure a promotion – then, at first, the person close to them will have increased self-esteem, as they share in the joy of that success. However, they can also experience decreased self-esteem, as they note their own lack of success.

We don’t purport to be the authority on introspection here at Zazzle, but we can recommend some articles that may help you to get back on track. If you’re thinking about pursuing a new interest, how about “Level[ing] Up Your Life with Free Online Classes”? If you’d like to bring order to the chaos that is your work-life balance, try “How to Organize Your Life”! And finally, here are “5 Ideas for Practicing Self-Care," to make sure you look after yourself while you make those changes!

A Quick Sync

Tuesday, October 18th, 2022

Bosses aren’t just supervisors and executives; they’re also mentors, leaders, counselors, and career guidance coaches. Even if you’re self-employed, you still report to someone, as National Day Calendar points out: your boss could be your customers, clients, or the government. Indeed, your boss could even be your spouse (and you might even have a fridge magnet or two reminding you who’s really in charge).

Celebrate your husband or wife on Valentine’s Day or your anniversary, but when it comes to all other bosses, you’ve got National Boss's Day, which took place on October 16. Although it seems like National Boss’s Day may have been dreamed up by Michael Scott in The Office during the mid-2000s, it was in fact established in 1958 by Patricia Bays Haroski of the State Farm Insurance Company in Deerfield, Illinois. Haroski registered the day with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as a way of honoring her father, who was also her boss at the time.

Kudoboard recommends some excellent ways to mark National Boss’s Day, such as hosting a team-building event, sending your supervisor flowers, or taking them out for a meal. We’re also happy to suggest some others in our “Great Gift Ideas for Your Boss” article on Zazzle Ideas, and you can take a look at our boss day cards, which you can personalize with company-specific information! That’s our elevator pitch; we’ll circle back before EOD and see which ideas we can run up the flagpole? Don’t hesitate to touch base as we sunset this Today’s Moment...

Pasta La Vista

Monday, October 17th, 2022

As much as the world loves pasta, it’s a hard food/ingredient to define: it’s incredibly versatile, is eaten on almost every continent, and exists in over 600 shapes and varieties. Difficult as it is to describe, however, we’re still going to try – on this, National Pasta Day 2022!

One of the legends that has sprung up around pasta is that the explorer Marco Polo, while adventuring in China in the 13th century, brought pasta to Italy, but historians now know that the origins of pasta-like dishes in the Mediterranean can be traced back even further, to at least 1154. At its most basic, pasta is made from wheat flour dough mixed with water or eggs – a combination which is then rolled into sheets or worked into different shapes. It’s also the main component in a lot of popular dishes in the U.S., such as spaghetti bolognese, lasagna, and macaroni and cheese.

Pasta – whether it’s linguine, rigatoni, or ravioli – can be found everywhere, as the Daily Meal suggests; in Japan, noodle houses are common, and in Germany and Austria, beer is paired with spätzle – warm pasta dumplings – to get people through the winter. All in all, the origins of National Pasta Day (and World Pasta Day, on October 25) are unknown, but hopefully this Today’s Moment has enlightened you with regards to the history of pasta itself!

The Fear Factor!

Sunday, October 16th, 2022

Ah, how we love Halloween. You know what we’re talking about, don’t you? The brittle skeletons rattling in your closet. The fanged, growling monster that’s been lurking under your bed. The minions of the undead beginning their slow, stumbling crawl towards a portal to our dimension. It’s such a magical time!

With that in mind, let’s add a little movie magic: here’s our “Best Halloween Movies of All Time” article on Zazzle Ideas. As Country Living concludes, there’s enough Halloween movies to watch one every single night in the month of October, but we’ve chosen our Top 10 here, ranging from hardcore horror to cutesy creepiness. How about Hocus Pocus (1993), that evergreen Halloween classic that’s about to receive a sequel on Disney +? Maybe Beetlejuice (1988) is where it’s at for you, and you’ve been dying – pun intended – to yell “It’s showtime!” all summer long. And we’ve also included The Shining (1980), which is a quaint little film about a man experiencing writer’s block while staying in a hotel with his family. Honest.

Our Zazzle Ideas article should provide more than enough fear fodder for you this October 31, but the Zazzle website has your malevolent merchandise needs covered. Check in with Charlie Brown’s Great Pumpkin via our Peanuts store, or clown around with our customization options when it comes to It (2017) and It: Chapter Two (2019). The scares start here!

All Complaints Here!

Saturday, October 15th, 2022

Welcome to another Today’s Moment. *sigh* And the topic of the day is… National Grouch Day, courtesy of Sesame Street and its curmudgeonly garbage-lover, Oscar. Wonderful. Just wonderful. Normally, we’d encourage you to celebrate such a holiday, inviting your loved ones out to dinner or planning a weekend away, but nah. Instead, we suggest sticking a big sign in your yard advising your neighbors not to step on the grass. Or maybe you could write a rambling diatribe and mail it to your local newspaper? If you feel the inclination to curl up under a pile of trash, go with it.

We suppose you’re looking for more information about the holiday? Fine, then. Oscar the Grouch has been pelting sarcastic comments at the residents of Sesame Street since 1969, when he was originally orange in color. Following a vacation to Swamp Mushy Muddy, Oscar turned an oily green, and in 1985, became known for his rendition of “The Grouch Anthem,” which reminds us to “never let the sunshine spoil the rain.” According to the Muppet Wiki, “a Grouch’s mission in life is to be as miserable and grouchy as possible, and pass that feeling on to everybody else.” If it sounds like you might be part of Oscar’s crotchety club, then that’s just great. Rub it in, why don’t you?

There are, of course, other notable grumps out there, including Eeyore, Grumpy Cat, and perhaps the archetypal grouch, the Grinch. Take a look at our Winnie the Pooh, Sesame Street, and Dr. Seuss stores to pick up some officially licensed merchandise – if, you know, you’re in the mood.

Early Bird Christmas Shopping Ideas

Friday, October 14th, 2022

The early bird catches the worm –and by “worm”, we mean the best Christmas presents!

The holiday season is a magical time of year, bringing together family and friends whilst creating memories that will last a lifetime.

However, coupled with the cozy sweaters and hot cocoa comes the stress of never-ending queues in stores during the famous last-minute rush to get the perfect gifts! Today, many people choose to shop online rather than in person, and, while this is majorly convenient, the production and shipping times of these items can be delayed during the busy holiday season. We believe that starting your Christmas shopping earlier, both online and in person, can help you avoid an empty space under the tree!

To help you out, we’ve rounded up a bunch of wonderful Christmas gifts that’ll delight the whole family! Some of our favorite gift ideas include fun puzzles, beautiful Christmas ornaments, warm blankets, and, of course, custom stockings! Our items can be fully personalized, enabling you to add a little extra love to each of your gifts. Gifting an advent calendar is a great way to help them gear up for the big day! We really like the list that Town and Country has curated here, featuring lots of awesome, different types of advent calendars. Another great Christmas gift idea is not a material item, but an experience! Why not book your loved one a cooking class, a skydiving expedition, or a hot air balloon ride? That’ll be a gift they will never forget!

Brain-storm Incoming!

Thursday, October 13th, 2022

Today is National Train Your Brain Day! There's never been a better time to challenge yourself in order to improve your thinking power. Get ready to exercise that wonderful brain of yours! The brain is actually not a muscle that can be exercised; it’s an organ. However, you can still ‘exercise’ your brain and improve your cognitive abilities!

How do you improve your thinking power, exactly? Well, the first step is to break out of your routine! Routine activities do not keep your mind sharp and engaged. On National Train Your Brain Day, people are encouraged to try something new and get those brain waves flowing! According to Healthline.com, there are many different ways to exercise your brain; you could complete a jigsaw puzzle, practice meditation, play a new card game with friends, learn a new skill, teach one of your own skills to another person, or try to learn a new language. Every time we learn something new, our brain forms new connections and neurons, making existing neural pathways stronger or weaker. Experts refer to these changes as “plasticity” in the brain.

There are truly hundreds of unique ways to participate in National Train Your Brain Day. Whether you’re choosing to take a cooking class, or download a fun brain training app, we hope you have a neuro-tastic day!

National Coming Out Day

Tuesday, October 11th, 2022

“Rejoice and love yourself today 'cause, baby, you were born this way.” - Lady Gaga.

Today is officially National Coming Out Day! This important day falls in October each year and encourages us to reflect on how far society has progressed in terms of LGBTQIA+ rights and equality. National Coming Out Day also aims to remind us of the other issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community that they are still fighting to change.

"Coming out" is a metaphor used to describe LGBTQIA+ people's self-disclosure of their sexual orientation, romantic orientation, or their gender identity to their families, friends, and the wider community. It’s important to recognize that “coming out” isn't always a one-time thing; lots of LGBTQIA+ people have to come out many different times in their lives as they enter new jobs, social circles, or relationships. National Coming Out Day was first celebrated in the United States in 1988, and has since seen more and more people observing this special day each year. The foundational belief of National Coming Out Day is that “homophobia thrives in an atmosphere of silence and ignorance.” As a result, it’s extremely important to foster an environment where LGBTQIA+ people are not silenced and feel comfortable to express their true identities, which will, in turn, create an environment where homophobia is not accepted.

It’s time to be loud, be proud, and be exactly who you are! At Zazzle, we are immensely proud of each and every person in the wonderful, inspirational LGBTQIA+ community, and the allies who do all they can to support and uplift this integral part of society.

The Spoooooky Origins of Halloween

Sunday, October 9th, 2022

It’s almost Halloween! Get ready to eat, drink, and be scary. Halloween is an iconic holiday loved by many people worldwide, and appeals to both kids and adults alike. The origin of this fang-tastic holiday is as interesting as it is spooky...

Ever wanted to learn more about the intriguing roots of Halloween? Well, you’re in luck, because we’ve got a treat for you (and no tricks, we promise)! Halloween originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (which is a Gaelic word pronounced as ‘Sow-in’), and is first mentioned in Irish literature from the 9th century. Samhain was a pagan religious celebration that aimed to welcome the harvest. To celebrate Samhain, people would light bonfires, dance, hold feasts, and engage in much revelry! During Samhain, the boundary between this world and the next was thought to be at its weakest, meaning the souls of the recently deceased could pass through to the afterlife. The Celtic people feared that, during this time, more nefarious spirits would also return to the physical realm! To ward off these evil spirits, people donned animal skins that can be seen as the equivalent to our modern-day Halloween costumes.

If you’re hungry for even more information on Halloween's bewitching beginnings, be sure to read our article on The Origins of Halloween! This article goes into the topic in more depth and will provide you with some awesome Halloween trivia that’ll be sure to delight your friends and family this ghostly season.

Ride on!

Saturday, October 8th, 2022

Today is National Motorcycle Ride Day! This awesome national day falls on the second Saturday in October and encourages motorcyclists everywhere to hop on their bikes and take to the open road. National Motorcycle Ride Day aims to unite and celebrate motorcyclists across all ages and skill levels while encouraging safe, yet thrilling, biking fun!

Did you know that the first commercial motorcycle was invented in 1884? The very first motorcycle was a three-wheeler built by an English man named Edward Butler. This bike used a horizontal single-cylinder gasoline engine that was mounted between two steerable front wheels and was connected by a drive chain to the rear wheel. Butler's invention inspired many others, who started to make their own versions of the self-propelled bike. By 1894, the German-built Hildebrand & Wolfmuller motorcycle became the first motorized, two-wheeled vehicle sold to the public on a series production basis. Nowadays, the most well-known motorcycle brands include Yamaha, Honda, Ducati, BMW, and Harley-Davidson.

As well as simply taking to the road on your bike, you can celebrate National Motorcycle Ride Day in a number of other ways! Why not take this day as an opportunity to join a motorcycle club or organization? The only thing better than riding a motorcycle is riding alongside your fellow bikers! You could also visit your local motorcycle dealerships and check out what’s on offer. If you’ve got a motorcycle enthusiast in your life, why not treat them to a fun, motorbike-themed gift? You can even add a personalized touch to your design to make your gift extra gnarly!

Say Cheese!

Friday, October 7th, 2022

Christmas is right around the corner! We’re not going to give you the exact amount of days until December 25th because it might scare you, and we wouldn’t want that to happen! Although one thing's for sure, it’s time to get your pictures in order for your Holiday Cards. And as a company specializing in holiday cards, including photo holiday cards, we know a thing or two about getting the perfect picture that can simply be uploaded onto one of our fabulous designs.

First things first, start by planning your picture day! Now the obvious part will be choosing a day, however, depending on who might be attending, you’ll want to give as much notice as possible. Other details to include would be any color scheme, theme to the photo shoot, and location. The location is super important, for example, if you choose to take your photos in the park, you’d want to opt for a quieter time so you don’t have a bunch of random people photobombing your shots. The time of day is also important for other reasons too. Like how it now tends to get darker earlier in the evenings, so choosing a time that has appropriate lighting is key! One hack we would recommend would be to look at the time of sunset in your local area. You can normally find this information on weather apps. We think it’s best to plan to take your photos slightly before sunset, for the prettiest time of the evening, and what photographers refer to as the golden hour.

Another tip that we recommend but you don’t necessarily need to do is looking up poses, and even practicing them prior to picture day. Pinterest is a very good site for inspiration, including boards like Family Christmas Photos. And to learn about even more tips and tricks, including steps to create your own photo holiday card, check out this article, “How to Take Your Own Pictures for the Holidays”!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Thursday, October 6th, 2022

With October serving as Breast Cancer Awareness month, It’s important to normalize the conversation about breast cancer.

Why is this conversation so important? Let us share a couple of facts with you! A shocking 1 out of every 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over her lifetime. As of 2021, breast cancer is the leading type of cancer globally. This year alone, it’s predicted that 287,850 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in women within the U.S. and 2,710 new cases in men.

Although it’s best to talk to your doctor about how often you should get a mammogram, it’s also important to know how to perform self-exams on yourself. For anyone new to this, here’s an article that provides 5 steps for examining your breasts for any lumps and what to do if you suspect you’ve found any suspicious lumps. And to learn even more about this disease, we’d recommend the National Breast Cancer Foundation for even more breast cancer awareness!

Do Something Nice Today!

Wednesday, October 5th, 2022

Now, you shouldn’t need an excuse to take part in today, October 5, which is also known as, “Do Something Nice Day!” As the name implies, people go out of their way to do something nice, typically for others. And to get extra brownie points, choose to do something nice that you normally wouldn’t do on any other day. We’ve even compiled some ideas to get you motivated and to provide some unique ways to participate.

Finding ways to do something nice isn’t supposed to be hard. In fact, a lot of these ideas that are about to be mentioned are ones you might’ve already thought of, but we hope one or two stand out. Let’s start with your drive to work: if you see someone with their blinker on, let them into your lane. Next, while paying in the drive-thru for your morning coffee, tell the cashier you’d like to pay it forward by paying for the order behind you. The best thing about this gesture is that it tends to carry on: the car behind will often then pay for the next order. Now that you’ve made it to the office, offer to make someone from your team a tea. After work and before you go in for the night, offer to rake your neighbor’s leaves, especially if you have any elderly neighbors.

There are many benefits to doing something nice, other than the obvious joyful feeling you get. Doing something nice for someone can reduce your stress levels, lower your blood pressure, combat depression, and even extend your life expectancy. You can read about these benefits in even more detail by visiting Days Of The Year.

National Taco Day

Tuesday, October 4th, 2022

If you're a fan of tacos, then you know that Tuesday is the best day of the week. That's because it's Taco Tuesday! And what better way to celebrate this delicious holiday than with a National Taco Day party?

Taco Tuesdays have become a popular tradition in recent years, so to make the most of this special day, be sure to bring along your appetites and a group of family and friends. After all, tacos are meant to be shared!

When it comes to choosing the perfect tacos for your party, there are endless possibilities. If you're feeling adventurous, try a new filling or topping. Or, stick to the classics with ground beef, shredded chicken, or refried beans. Perhaps dessert tacos are more your style? Fill them with ice cream, chocolate sauce, and sprinkles for a truly sweet treat. This selection of taco recipes has everything from breakfast tacos to taco cups for the more adventurous home chefs.

Be sure to have plenty of sides on hand. And don't forget the drinks! No matter what you choose, a margarita or beer is always a great complement to tacos. So go ahead and plan your Taco Tuesday party. It's the perfect excuse to eat tacos and celebrate with friends! Just don't forget the napkins. Tacos can be messy business.

Hispanic Heritage Month Is Underway

Monday, October 3rd, 2022

We’re just over halfway through Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated from September 15th to October 15th. If you missed our last moment on Hispanic Heritage Month, don’t fret, you can find all our prior Moments right here, but for Hispanic Heritage Month, look specifically for September 15th! Now let's dive in with fun ways you can still partake in the celebrations!

Our previous Moment talks a lot about the history of Hispanic Heritage Month, so what we’re going to focus on now is creative ways you can celebrate it! Starting with the way to everyone’s heart: that’s right, food! A fun way to participate in Hispanic Heritage month is by participating in a Hispanic cooking class! Or even better, if you yourself come from a Hispanic family, ask a relative for an old family recipe to try out. You never know, it might just make their day. Now get your dancing shoes ready! It’s time to sign up for an energizing salsa class. These days you don’t even need to leave the comfort of your home, as many salsa classes can be found online. Another great idea is supporting a local Hispanic shop. You can do this by researching shops within your local community. And for even more ideas, check out this article on Oprah Daily!

Orange You Excited for Halloween?

Sunday, October 2nd, 2022

The spookiest day of the year is only 29 days away! If you haven’t already started your Halloween plans, we’ve got you covered! And if you have started, keep reading for ideas on costumes, Halloween decorations, and crowd favorite party games and activities you might’ve not even thought about!

Now, it shouldn't come as a surprise to find out that we predict that the costumes of characters from Stranger Things are going to be the most popular this year. Season 5 provided some nail-biting suspense that captivated viewers around the world! And the best part is, putting together a costume for any of the main characters will be fairly easy. Simply just head to your nearest second-hand store to find some low-cost staples, or you might already have some pieces in your own closet that can create an outfit that’s fitting for the ‘80s.

Although Halloween is only one day out of the year, we think it’s best to celebrate the whole month! And to do that, we’ve put together a Zazzle Ideas article, “Halloween Home Décor so Chic, You’ll Freak” showing you just how to do so. Here you’ll find Halloween-inspired accent pillows, mugs, and dish towels. Now for some party games, starting with the classics: best costume, creating caramel apples, and Halloween musical chairs. And for some memorable activities: creating Halloween masks, face painting, and pumpkin bowling! For even more information on these activities and games, check out this article, “Halloween Party Game Ideas for All Ages”! We hope this Moment has inspired some ideas for a fun and eventful Halloween season!

Feeling Fall Feels

Saturday, October 1st, 2022

As we head into the thick of Fall here in North America, we experience seasonal changes that can sometimes result in emotional changes as well. October is National Emotional Wellness Month, and it's a great time to check in with yourself and see how you're really feeling. Emotional wellness is defined as the ability to cope successfully with life's challenges and stressors.

The shorter days and cooler temperatures can lead to feelings of sadness or depression for some people. This is sometimes referred to as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. If you feel down more often than usual this time of year, it's important to reach out for help. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about how you're feeling and see if there are ways to help you cope.

You can also do some things on your own to help improve your emotional wellness. Regular exercise, spending time outside in nature, and connecting with friends and family can all help to boost your mood. The NIH has an emotional wellness toolkit that covers strategies for improving emotional health. At Zazzle, we endorse creative expression as a way to explore emotions. Art and design can be therapeutic, and creating something personally meaningful can help to chase away the blues.

So whatever you're feeling this Fall, know that you're not alone. No matter how you choose to express yourself, make sure to give yourself some time and space to feel all the feels this Fall. Reach out for help if you need it, and take care of yourself both physically and emotionally.