Time Away Message

Tuesday, December 27th, 2022

And now, the time is here, And so we face the Christmas curtain Our friends, we’ll make it clear We’ll state our facts, of which we’re certain We’ve lived a year that’s full We ventured through each and every highway And more, much more than this Yule do it your way!

Outlets, we’ll go to a few But then again not enough to mention Yule do what you want to do Yule have fun without exemption Make great plans in due course And enjoy each step you take on the way And more, much more than this Yule do it your way

Yes, there are times we’re sure you knew That we’d take a break for a few But through it all, we will be back You can wait and sit it out Yule taste it all and deck the halls and do it your way

Today's Moments, we've had a lot But in the next week, there will be naught We have to say how we truly feel And wish all our readers merry meals Let the record show, we don't want to go, we'll be back Tues-daaay!

Heri za Kwanzaa

Monday, December 26th, 2022

It’s no coincidence that Kwanzaa falls on December 27th! Seven is a very important and meaningful number for this special holiday, whether it's the fact that it lasts for seven days or that seven colored candles are used to symbolize Kwanzaa. As this week-long celebration of African-American culture and heritage is tied to many values, we hope you find your own unique way to celebrate.

Honoring any tradition is quite important, and as a community, we can work together to teach children the cultural values and practices of Kwanzaa. There are many ways to engage their interest, such as Kwanzaa activities that are both fun and educational. They may be intrigued to know that this celebration dates back to 1966, when Maulanga Karenga revolutionized Black culture and established a holiday to recognize all that is great about black history.

In celebration of Kwanzaa, you can find many symbolic Kwanzaa cards and share seven special wishes with your friends and family, or even a list of seven reasons why you love them! It can be hard to celebrate this holiday away from loved ones, but a simple card can remind them that you’re thinking of them during this time of reunion. This Kwanzaa, may you experience the blessings of family, community, and togetherness.

Merry Everything!

Sunday, December 25th, 2022

We wish all of our readers, customers, creators and makers who celebrate a very merry Christmas and happy Holidays. We’re so thankful for your support throughout 2022, and we hope you, and your family, are enjoying true happiness in the days to come. Here's to a wonderful 2023!

‘Tis the Day Before Christmas...

Saturday, December 24th, 2022

It's Christmas Eve, and the excitement is nearing its lofty crescendo. Santa is packing his sleigh and readying his reindeers for a busy night, and those of us who have left our Christmas shopping until the last minute are also preparing for our own race against time. However, if you’ve already bought your gifts, and they’re now neatly wrapped and nestled underneath the tree, you might have time to spare for some fun Christmas Eve activities.

This time of year is all about family, so any good Christmas Eve activity should bring every member of the clan together. A game night, as recommended by Country Living, is a wonderful way to do just that. It’ll give you an opportunity to break out all your old board games, many of which will be gifts of Christmases past, and have a laugh-filled night in. You can also try out online game platforms such as Jackbox TV to bring together kin from far flung places. A family bake-off to see who can create the best cookie for Santa and his reindeers is another fun and inclusive idea, as is a feast of family films or, as the BBC suggests, a simple festive walk. Meanwhile, preparing a care package for overseas soldiers or those less fortunate is a wonderful way to show the kids how important it is to give back at this time of the year. Finally, you can check online to see if any of the churches in your area are hosting nativity plays, carol services, or midnight masses this Christmas Eve.

If you're looking for more ideas check out “25 Best Christmas Eve Traditions to Make Lasting Memories With Your Family." And, from everyone at Zazzle, here’s wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

We Wish You a Movie Christmas!

Friday, December 23rd, 2022

Few things are more relaxing or festive than curling up on the couch neath a cozy fleece blanket, warm cup of cocoa in hand, to enjoy a feast of Christmas movie magic with the family. And today is the perfect opportunity to do just that, because December 23 is National Christmas Movie Marathon Day!

At Christmas time, of course, we all have a tendency to gravitate towards the classics. Old favorites like Miracle on 34th Street, It’s a Wonderful Life, A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Nightmare Before Christmas, A Christmas Story, and Home Alone, to name but a few, are staples of most Christmas movie playlists. These timeless classics can be relied upon to make us laugh, make us cry, and give us the warm, fuzzy feelings we associate with this time of year. However, if you’d like to add some new titles to your rotation, Screen Rant’s “10 Christmas Movies Made After 2000 That Could Be Considered Modern Classics” might be a good place to start. Some of the movies listed here, such as Elf, Love Actually, and The Polar Express, have firmly established themselves as bonafide modern classics and may already be among your go-to Christmas movies, but you might be less familiar with the more recent releases on the list. The quirky Anna and the Apocalypse and the Oscar-nominated Klaus, for example, are budding modern classics that are certainly worth your time.

If you don’t find anything that interests you on that list, you can also head on over to Zazzle Ideas and check out our “Best Classic Christmas Movies of All Time” for further inspiration. With that said, all that's left for you to do is slip on your PJs, pop the popcorn, and settle in for a festive evening's entertainment. Enjoy!

A Gift Is In The Cards

Thursday, December 22nd, 2022

It’s December 22. Christmas is just 3 days away, and there’s still one person—or if you’re a truly world-class procrastinator, several people—for whom you need to buy gifts. Sleigh bells may be ringing, but you can’t hear them over the sound of the alarm bells going off in your head. However, before you go into full-on panic mode, remember that you can always rely on one trusty gift option to bail you out of this situation.

Gift cards have always been a great fall back for procrastinators, and for others who just can’t think of the right gift for a particular friend, family member, or colleague. In 2022, of course, gift cards are an even better option than ever before. There are an incredible array of options for you to choose from, such as Nintendo gift cards for the gamer in your life, Masterclass gift cards for the avid learner, coffee or craft beer subscriptions for those with refined tastes, and so much more. Best of all, thanks to the internet, you could be sitting at home on Christmas Eve night itself, long after the stores are all shut tight, and still have the ability to order a gift card that will make it to the recipient’s inbox in time for Christmas Day.

Of course, we couldn’t finish an edition of Today’s Moment on this topic without telling you about our very own gift cards. To have a Zazzle digital gift card sent to someone’s email account, simply click here, choose one of our cute designs, choose a dollar value, add your own personalized message, fill out the necessary details on the right-hand side of the page, and then hit ‘Buy Gift Card.’ It’s quick and easy: exactly how you like things to be on December 22!

The GOAT Star Sign!

Wednesday, December 21st, 2022

We’re going to start Today’s Moment with a little trivia question: What do Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Muhammad Ali, Jim Carrey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Stephen Hawking, Diane Sawyer, Tiger Woods, Diane Keaton, JD Salinger, Bradley Cooper, and LeBron James all have in common? The answer: every member of this star-studded line-up was born between December 22 and January 19, making them all Capricorns.

Given how successful the people listed above have been in their chosen fields, you might not be surprised to learn that folks born under Capricorn—an earth sign governed by the planet Saturn and represented by the mythical sea goat—are ambitious, hard-working, practical go-getters. These people have big goals in mind, and they won’t stop working until they achieve them. This relentless determination and intense focus—as well as their, at times, jarring honesty—can often lead to Capricorns being misunderstood. Some see them as cold, insensitive, and even—according to Allure’s Aliza Kelly—cutthroat. However, Kelly suggests that Capricorns, though selective about whom they let close, actually make very loyal and trustworthy friends.

If you’re lucky enough to have a loyal and trustworthy Capricorn in your life, you’ll soon be shopping around for their birthday gift. This comes with a lot of pressure, because you know they won’t hesitate to tell you if they don’t like your offering. Luckily for you, help is at hand. Over at Zazzle Ideas you’ll find a list of “Great Gift Ideas for Capricorns” and you’ll find further inspiration on our Capricorn gifts page. Happy hunting!

Joy to The World, Caroling Day Has Come!

Tuesday, December 20th, 2022

Few things instill the spirit of this wonderful season in us quite like, as the classic lyrics put it, ‘yuletide carols being sung by a choir.’ As it’s ‘Go Caroling Day,’ perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to hear some of your festive favorites today—at the church, the mall, or even on your very own doorstep—and we sincerely hope you’ll take a break out of your hurried Christmas preparations to revel in what is, in fact, a centuries-old tradition.

Caroling, whether it’s door-to-door or the kind that takes place in a public forum, seems to have evolved from an ancient English practice called ‘wassailing.’ According to the UK National Trust, the word ‘wassail’ comes from the Old English ‘was hál’, meaning ‘good health.’ In some regions, wassailing borrowed from pagan rituals designed to ensure bountiful harvests. In these areas, people would gather in orchards to make noise in an effort to banish evil spirits, and also sing songs to please the spirits of trees. Another typical wassailing activity, however, involved “groups of revellers going from house to house to drink toasts and wish good health for the year ahead on the dwellers within.” This also entailed, notes Historic UK, the singing of “traditional songs.” After Christianity began to spread throughout Britain in the 7th century, traditional wassailing songs may have slowly been replaced by Christmas hymns—some of which were written in Rome as early as the 4th century AD—and so the practice we now called Christmas caroling emerged.

If you’ve enjoyed this little history lesson and you’d like to learn more about the origins of modern Christmas traditions, check out “Christmas Traditions and Their Origins” over at Zazzle Ideas.

Are You Winter Ready?

Monday, December 19th, 2022

Two days from now, on December 21, there will come a moment when the northern hemisphere is tilted as far away from the Sun as it can possibly be. This is known as the winter solstice, and it signals the official beginning of astronomical winter. With that in mind, now is a good time to ask yourself ‘Am I fully prepared for the winter ahead?’

At its most idyllic, winter weather can, of course, be wonderful. We’re imagining cold, crisp days, and picturesque blankets of snow. However, winter weather can also be treacherous, and it’s important to prepare yourself, your car, and your home as best you can for harsh weather conditions. The CDC offers a host of handy tips on how to ‘winterize’ your house and vehicle. They recommend that you have your heating system professionally serviced, your chimneys and fireplaces inspected, and a CO detector installed in your home. As for your car, they recommend the radiator is serviced, antifreeze levels are maintained, tire treads are checked(or in some cases replaced with all-weather or snow tires), and the gas tank is kept full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. It’s also suggested that you prepare an emergency kit for your vehicle, in case you become stranded in a storm. Web MD is another valuable resource, as it offers medical and safety tips for those undertaking outdoor activities during the colder months.

If you haven’t already done so, there’s still time to take precautions ahead of the winter, so visit the CDC website for further information. You can also stock up on blankets, as well as personal care items like face masks and hand sanitizer, right here at Zazzle!

Sweetness and Lights

Sunday, December 18th, 2022

Our Moment on December 16 examined the different ways in which Christmas is celebrated around the world, but it’s important to remember that some people don’t observe Christmas at all. In 2022, December 18 marks the beginning of Hanukkah, an eight-day-long Jewish holiday that’s also referred to as the ‘Festival of Lights’!

The origins of Hanukkah can be traced back to 200 BCE, according to History.com. At this time, Judea – modern-day Israel – was ruled by Antiochus III, the king of Syria, who allowed the Jews to practice their religion without fear of persecution. His son, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, however, was not so generous, and outlawed the Jewish religion, commanding the Jews to worship Greek gods instead. It was only through a large-scale rebellion, led by the son of a Jewish priest, Judah Maccabee, that the Syrians were driven out of Jerusalem.

Upon the victory of the Maccabees, the Jews lit a seven-branched candelabra, known as a menorah, in their sacred temple, and although they believed that the oil would only last one night, it actually lasted eight. This miracle – that of the long-lasting flame – is why Hanukkah is celebrated over eight days, and it’s also why it’s known as the Festival of Lights. On Hanukkah, Jewish people play games with a spinning top known as a dreidel, eat potato pancakes known as latkes, and light a nine-branched menorah known as a hanukiah. If you’re planning on doing any of those over the next week, then have a happy Hanukkah – from all of us here at Zazzle!

Joy to the World!

Saturday, December 17th, 2022

It’s easy to assume that Christmas is a global holiday, and that people in the Netherlands, Venezuela, Mexico, and Poland celebrate it in the same way that we do in the U.S. However, Christmas is actually a little more nuanced than that, and doesn’t always consist of hanging decorations, singing carols, and building snowmen. Much of the world doesn’t even have snow at this time of year, remember; 65% of the world’s countries have never seen a white Christmas!

“Christmas Traditions From Around the World,” then, can be fun, curious, and downright bizarre, as our Zazzle Ideas article explains. You’ll learn that, in Japan, preparing for Christmas means placing a Kentucky Fried Chicken order several weeks in advance, and that in Sweden, the Christmas tree is defended by a 43-foot straw colossus: the Yule Goat, in the city of Gävle! Be careful, however, because the malevolent Krampus – a horned-and-hooved counterpart to Santa Claus found in Germany and Austria – is lurking on the fringes of this article, ready to pounce on those who would click out of it too quickly! Terrifying!

This is only a small sample of the diverse Christmas traditions you can find across the globe. We’ve neglected to mention the Giant Lantern Festival in the Philippines, and we didn’t have room to include the Day of the Little Candles in Colombia, though they’re covered in detail on Momondo. Christmas can be big, then, or it can be small – it’s never quite the same!

Just in Time!

Friday, December 16th, 2022

Oh no. You were worried this would happen, and now it has. You ran into that new, chirpy coworker in the stairwell, despite your best attempts to avoid them, and then, well… One thing led to another… And now you’re left with a neatly wrapped present in hand, stumped as to how you’re going to return the favor. It’s essentially The Nightmare JUST Before Christmas.

Fortunately, Zazzle always thinks ahead (and prepares for these situations. I mean, you could have taken the elevator, right?) In our “20 Last-Minute Gift Ideas That Are More Thoughtful Than Cash" article, we present a number of eleventh-hour gifts that can be bought, downloaded, subscribed to, and emailed, such as a personalized video from Cameo and a unique, mystery-themed subscription service called The Conundrum Box. There’ll be no need to feel like the office Grinch when you’re able to deliver your new colleague a Beer-of-the-Month subscription box, or enroll them in a celebrity MasterClass.

Alternatively, if none of these ideas sound appealing to you – or if the thought of directing someone to their Inbox instead of the Christmas tree is too much to bear – then there are a lot of other things you can do in a hurry. Consider DIY presents, such as baking a cake, cooking a meal, or knitting a pair of socks, or if you need some help, try pooling your funds with others to increase your budget. Even taking someone out to dinner or a movie could be a worthwhile way to repay them for a gift. Last-minute shopping is required almost every holiday season, but there are always stress-free solutions, too!

Tea for Two!

Thursday, December 15th, 2022

You may not know this, but there’s nary a problem in the world that can’t be resolved by a warm cup of tea – preferably when coupled with a biscuit, candy bar, or slice of cake. Feeling gray? Then have some Earl Grey. Pour yourself some Oolong, and you’ll be feeling better before ‘oo long.

Tea holds such a special power, in fact, that there are actually two International Tea Days. In 2005, trade unions in tea-producing countries designated December 15 as International Tea Day; by 2019, the United Nations had stepped in to formalize and globalize the event, with the General Assembly of the U.N. designating May 21 as the new date. The aim of International Tea Day is to emphasize the “significant role [... tea can play] in rural development, poverty reduction, and food security in developing countries.” And in addition to its economic value, tea also plays an important role in culture: it was used in Chinese medicine almost 5,000 years ago, and forms part of the chanoyu, or tea ceremony, in Japan.

One of the main obstacles facing the tea industry is, of course, climate change (see Yesterday’s Moment for more information, there)! As temperatures increase and rainfall patterns change, the subtle agro-ecological conditions required to produce tea are being destabilized. Even though it’s the world’s most popular beverage, we still can’t take it for granted; by advocating for improved conditions for tea workers, lowering our carbon footprint, and continuing to purchase fair trade tea, we can do our part.

The Power of One!

Wednesday, December 14th, 2022

In a world where fossil fuels are rapidly being exposed as finite resources and where energy bills are only becoming more and more expensive, it’s good to see that one of the world’s most populated countries, India, is leading the charge in terms of reducing energy consumption. Since 1991, India’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency has celebrated National Energy Conservation Day, drawing attention to the ways in which it can conserve energy and combat climate change.

Energy conservation is “the decision and practice of using less energy,” according to Constellation.com, and while National Energy Conservation Day is only held in India, other countries are working towards this goal. One of the main ways in which India is reducing its energy consumption is by trying to make buildings more energy efficient, as electricity demand in residential and commercial buildings is expected to increase by 5 and 3 times, respectively, by 2032. But on a local level, and here in the U.S., there’s a lot of small changes you can make to save energy, such as turning down your refrigerator and thermostat, air-drying clothes, and using full loads in your washing machine.

Christmas and the holidays are traditionally a time associated with high energy consumption – think fairy lights, new gadgets, and businesses open long hours – so start off 2023 on a high with a low utility bill!

Going Coco for Cocoa!

Tuesday, December 13th, 2022

It’s December 13th, and that mouth-watering, ambrosial aroma can only mean one thing: that it’s National Cocoa Day, and another Today’s Moment is brewing quietly in the kitchen. Read on to learn how you can celebrate a recipe that’s existed since the Aztec Empire!

The spelling of the word cocoa has generated a lot of discourse among historians and linguistic scholars. Though we refer to the powder or butter as cocoa powder and cocoa butter, the primary ingredient is actually the cacao bean, sourced from the cacao tree. It’s believed that the misspelling may have been made by English importers in the 18th century, and that the typo was popularized as cocoa was easier to pronounce. And though the beans are now grown throughout the world, their origins lie in Mesoamerica (a region in Central America that incorporates modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize).

Did you know that cocoa has many health benefits? As an antioxidant, it can help to combat illness, and cocoa can also help with digestion and arterial health. Raise a mug of hot chocolate – another product of the cacao bean, thank you – this December, and savor the warm, comforting taste of that age-old mixture!

There's Snow Time Like the Present

Monday, December 12th, 2022

The most meaningful celebration of Christmas happens when we give to others and help those who are in need. Even though we can give back any time of the year, sharing some Christmas spirit would be extra special during the holiday season since it can be particularly difficult and lonely during this time. So it’s time to switch on our thinking caps and see what’s available in our local communities.

Luckily, there are many ways to give back to your community, so it’s easy to get started. First and foremost, you need to choose a charity, organization, or individual to support. Be true to yourself and choose an activity or good deed that resonates with you; don't aim too high and get sucked into a chaotic situation. Every day, we stumble upon situations in which we can help someone, whether they're struggling to pay for their groceries, are caught in the rain with bags, need help crossing the street, or are having difficulty with household tasks. Random acts of kindness or ‘paying it forward’ are more than welcome over the holiday season, so you’re spoilt for choice!

If time’s an issue, you can always take action online, from sharing a post on social media to setting up a donation page. It may only take a single shout-out on your story feed to positively impact small businesses and community groups. ‘So this is Christmas and what have you done…?’ You’ve done a lot by the sounds of it!

'Appy-Go-Lucky

Sunday, December 11th, 2022

This would have been hard to believe a couple of years ago, but mobile applications – now known as ‘apps’ – are one of the main reasons people own mobile phones. In 2019, users downloaded a whopping 204 billion apps on their iPhones. While we weren’t able to find up-to-date statistics for 2020 and 2021, it’s likely that the use of remote working, contact tracing, online shopping, and food delivery apps increased those numbers substantially throughout the pandemic.

Apps got their start in 2007, when the founder of Apple, Steve Jobs, introduced the iPhone. However, it’s also suggested that ‘Snake’ – yes, that monochrome game you once played on your Nokia 3510 – was actually the ‘first’ app (or at least the predecessor of the app). On December 11, or National App Day, we celebrate the invention of the app and the impact apps have had on our lives. Apps have even created considerable employment opportunities, through their development and their use in social media marketing.

We’re pretty confident that you’re aware of what an app is, but what you might not know is that Zazzle has an app to download now, too. Install it from the Apple Store or Google Play store and you’ll receive personalized content and mobile-exclusive offers; you’ll also be able to browse, design, and order products like you would on the desktop site. There’s even the option to chat and collaborate with expert designers as part of our Zazzle LIVE service. Download it here, and we’ll see you on it soon for more day-to-day updates!

Cute Ideas for Baby's First Christmas

Saturday, December 10th, 2022

Some of us enjoy Christmas every year, but welcoming a new family member makes it even more magical. A baby’s first Christmas is such a wholesome experience with many things to make the occasion even more meaningful. In our article, "Cute Ideas for Baby's First Christmas," we share tips for capturing the event on camera, marking it in a unique and special way, along with many other ideas to help you create lasting memories.

Our focus sometimes shifts from keeping friends and family happy to staying up to date with social media trends. However, doing what's best for you and your new family is most important, because at the end of the day, welcoming your new baby into the world is certainly a good claus for celebrating! Of course, there’s the custo-merry photos with matching outfits to mark the occasion; you can choose who to include in those or keep it sentimental with just mum or dad. You can easily turn those picture-perfect moments into cherished keepsakes by getting custom Christmas cards or ornaments.

We are happy to congratulate you and your new bundle of joy! We hope you find countless ways to celebrate all their first moments together, once you’ve read our Zazzle Ideas article. It’s the experience of a lifetime to celebrate your baby's first Christmas, and if this is the family’s first Santa experience, we hope it’s as magical as possible. If you’ve more than one child, we’re also sure you’ll make it even more exciting for their big brother or sister. They have you wrapped around their fingers already!

Merry Christmas... Card Day!

Friday, December 9th, 2022

If you haven’t already sent out your Christmas cards this year, then today is the ideal day to cross that particular task off of your holiday to-do list. It is, after all, December 9, also known as Christmas Card Day!

The man credited with creating the first Christmas cards was named Henry Cole. A scholar and civil servant in Victorian Britain, Cole was apparently quite a popular fellow. In fact, in 1843, Cole was so inundated with Christmas mail that he felt he had to come up with a quick and easy way to respond to each letter. With the aid of an artist friend named J.C. Horsley, Cole created a festive illustration and had a thousand copies printed on pieces of cardboard. Each print included the greeting, ‘TO:_____,’ which meant that Cole could easily fill in a name to personalize each of his responses. Thus, the first Christmas cards were born. It wasn’t until the 1870s, however, that Christmas cards became more common in the United States, thanks to the work of a Prussian print shop owner named Louis Prang. In 1880, Prang also began hosting holiday card design challenges, with the winner decided upon by selected art critics, artists, and architects, as well as a public vote.

While Prang’s contests stopped running after the fifth year, you can still submit your very own Christmas card designs right here on Zazzle. You won’t be entered into any kind of contest, but, if you so choose, your designs will become available for purchase on the Zazzle marketplace. If you’re not interested in joining our community of Independent Creators, but you'd simply like to create a personalized greeting card for your friends and family, check out our Holiday Card Maker today!

Speedy Gifts, Stat.

Thursday, December 8th, 2022

We’ve all been there; Snow is falling, the big day is rapidly approaching, you’ve checked everybody’s wishlists and found the perfect gifts which are now resting under the tree, but wait – you’ve forgotten someone! We’re here to help you avoid the not-so-festive panic that comes with trying to find a gift at the last minute.

In Today’s Moment, we’re going to share some of our top picks for awesome and thoughtful last-minute gifts that don't feel rushed. Treat them to a fun custom mug to elevate their morning sips! Or, why not design a personalized t-shirt that perfectly encapsulates their personality? A custom fleece blanket is a great way to give the gift of coziness this year! Or, help them create some calming winter ambience with a personalized candle. If you’re looking for a great list of smaller gifts to put in their stockings this year, check out our stocking stuffer gift guide!

We hope you feel a little less overwhelmed now that you’ve seen how quick and easy it is to create a special gift for any recipient with Zazzle. For even more merry goodies and seasonal essentials, be sure to browse through our wonderful holiday shop! We’ve got home décor, Christmas cards, tree ornaments, and much more, all wrapped up nicely. Happy gifting!

Write On!

Wednesday, December 7th, 2022

Today is National Letter Writing Day! Let someone know you’re thinking of them by sending a good, old-fashioned, handwritten letter. In recent years, letter-writing has been rapidly declining due to the use of smartphones and email. However, on National Letter Writing Day, we encourage you to give this old method of communication a try!

Did you know that the first ever hand-written letter is believed to be one sent by Queen Atossa of Persia around 500 BC? Preserved letters from times long ago can be used as amazing historical resources! Historians consider letters to be first-hand accounts of the social and political conditions of the time. Throughout history, there have been many important and famous letters written, with some of the most notable including Henry VIII’s love letter to Anne Boleyn, Martin Luther King’s letter from Birmingham Jail, and Charles Darwin’s letter introducing the idea of evolution and natural selection.

To take part in National Letter Writing Day, and to pay homage to this early form of communication, all you need to do is write a letter and send it off to a person of your choice! First, you’ll need some paper and a trusty pen. If your stationery supplies have dwindled over the years, don't worry –  we’ve got you covered! You’ll find a selection of marvelous, customizable writing supplies, notebooks and writing pads right here on our site.

Where Dreams Come True

Tuesday, December 6th, 2022

Landing one day after what would’ve been his birthday, today we celebrate Walt Disney Day! For anyone who doesn’t know, Walt Disney is an American film and television producer. On top of that, Walt also planned and built Disneyland in 1955 near Los Angeles, and started building another Disneyland just outside of Orlando Florida before his death in 1966. In honor of Walt Disney's memory, this Zazzle Moment will be all about Disney and the world he created!

So how did Disney start? Walt moved to Kansas City with the dream of becoming a cartoonist for a newspaper. However, he ended up working in advertisementing instead, and this is when he started working on animation. In 1923, Walt opened Disney Brothers Studio alongside his brother, Roy, in Hollywood. It was here that ‘Steamboat Willie’ was released, starring Mickey Mouse. Did you know that Walt Disney was the voice behind Mickey Mouse? And believe it or not, Mickey Mouse wasn’t Walt Disney’s first character! Actually, the first character Walt created was a rabbit named Oswald.

Today, Disney is known for more than just amusement parks and animated films. Disney now does live-action movies, TV series, and has expanded with the online streaming service, Disney Plus; and you’ll find many of these franchises on the officially licensed Disney store on Zazzle!

Happy International Volunteers Day!

Monday, December 5th, 2022

Wouldn’t it be cool to have a day where volunteers globally could be recognized for all the hardwork and dedication they devote to different organizations and events while unpaid? Luckily there's today, International Volunteers Day! It’s time to celebrate volunteers who give up their time and energy and ask for nothing in return!

Some may ask why people would work for free, but in reality, volunteers gain a lot! They get friends, the wholesome feeling of giving back, and in some cases, knowledge from working in a different field. Yet even with all these perks, only 25% of Americans volunteer their time. There are probably many factors that contribute to this number being so low, like full-time jobs and needing to spend time with your family. However, why not try to do both by volunteering alongside your family? It’s a wonderful way to teach your kids the values of volunteering while spending quality time together.

If you’re new to volunteering and don’t know where to start, try searching for posts advertising volunteering within your local community or simply by reaching out to non-for-profits like your local food bank or an animal shelter. Together we can raise the percentage of Americans who volunteer!

Me Love to Eat Cookies

Sunday, December 4th, 2022

Happy Cookie Day! You don’t need us to tell you that the most obvious thing to do today would be to eat some cookies, duh! So instead, we have two different cookie-related ideas for you, although one of these ideas will result in you eating cookies at the end. Ready? Let's go!

Any Sesame Street fans out there? I bet you know where we’re going with this. Yes, we have an officially licensed Sesame Street store on Zazzle that features none other than Cookie Monster! Start your day browsing through our amazing products that feature Cookie Monster like this pillow, or this t-shirt. You might even find some Christmas gifts to cross off your list.

And now for some fun in the kitchen! We’re excited to share this Cookie Monster recipe from The Cookie Dough Diaries with you. Is there any better way to spend Cookie Day?

Ingredients: ⅔ cup butter, softened ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup light brown sugar 1 egg 1 tablespoon vanilla extract ¼-½ teaspoon blue food coloring 2 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ¾ teaspoon salt ¾ teaspoon baking soda ¼-½ cup chocolate chips (a mix of semisweet chocolate chips and white chocolate chips) ⅓ cup mini chocolate chip cookies 14 Oreo cookies

Instructions Step One Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Chop up 3-4 of the Oreos and the mini chocolate chip cookies, then set aside (leave 10 of the Oreos whole to stuff in the cookies).

Step Two In the bowl of a handheld mixer or standing mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy (about 1-2 minutes). Mix in the egg, food coloring, and vanilla extract.

Step Three Add in the flour, salt, and baking soda, and mix until they’re combined. (don't over-mix). Fold in the chocolate chips, chopped Oreos, and chopped mini chocolate chip cookies.

Step Four Scoop 10 heaping tablespoons of dough onto each baking sheet. They should be fairly big (these are monster-sized cookies!). Press a whole Oreo cookie slightly into the dough, then add more dough on top to cover the Oreo completely. The cookies will weigh around 3 oz. once assembled.

Step Five Bake the cookies one tray at a time in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until the edges and top look set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to finish cooling.

How to Shop for Christmas Gifts on a Budget in 2022

Saturday, December 3rd, 2022

There’s no doubt about it, Christmas is EXPENSIVE! Festive food and sparkling decorations are enough to eat up your paycheck, not to mention PRESENTS! If you’re already starting to feel stressed, know that you’re not alone. We at Zazzle know exactly how fast things can start to add up over the holiday season, and that's why we’ve created the Zazzle Ideas article, “How to Shop for Christmas Gifts on a Budget in 2022.”

The first thing that’s recommended to do is set a realistic budget. As mentioned in the article, it’s recommended to over-budget by around 15% for any last-minute presents needed or to take into account unforeseen price changes. Once you’ve determined a budget that suits you, distribute it how you see fit between everyone on your Christmas list. It’s also a good idea to use some sort of tracker when making your purchases, whether that’s a standard pen and paper, an excel spreadsheets, or an app tracker. By plugging in your purchases you can easily see the balance remaining in your budget. Using a tracker easily allows you to change or update the allocated money per person after each purchase, so if you originally allocated $50 to someone on your list but only used $35, you can allocate the leftover amount to someone else.

We only scratched the surface when it comes to diving into this Zazzle Ideas article. There’s so much more valuable information to be found on ways you can maximize your Christmas budget this year, and we encourage you to learn more by reading “How to Shop for Christmas Gifts on a Budget in 2022” in full. Feel free to leave a comment on the article with your favorite tip or by including other ways to shop on a budget.

Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas

Friday, December 2nd, 2022

Just like that, we’re now in December and the Christmas period is in full swing. Although we’ve already been sharing some Christmas hacks and ideas, both here and on our Zazzle Ideas page, we’re even more excited to share some stocking stuffer gift ideas with you!

Let’s start it off with beautifully crafted custom mugs that can be used the morning of Christmas; hot cocoa or hot apple cider, you decide! In fact, this funny latte mug is one of our favorites. Next up are our custom Christmas ornaments, and the best part is, you can easily create your own with our ornament generator by simply uploading a photo. This stocking stuffer idea could potentially turn into a yearly tradition by uploading your annual family photo. And for an extra layer of comfort, a pair of custom socks is just what every stocking needs!

For even more stocking stuffer ideas that are conveniently broken down into unique categories suitable for your loved ones, check out our Zazzle Ideas article “Easy Stocking Stuffers for Everyone on Your List!”

World AIDS Day

Thursday, December 1st, 2022

How much do you know about AIDS? As today is World AIDS Day, we’re going to debunk some myths about AIDS and also provide you with some facts. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a result of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which if not treated, can cause damage to the immune system and AIDS can be developed.

A stereotype originally developed around AIDS: that men could only contract the disease. However, this isn't true: AIDS can be contracted by both men and women. HIV can be hard to detect, and can easily go unnoticed due to its cold and flu-like symptoms. Some of these symptoms include joint pain, sore throat, fever, headaches, and fatigue. Since these symptoms wouldn’t alarm most people, it can take a considerably long time to be diagnosed. Since 1981, more than 70 million people around the world have been infected with the HIV virus,. This is why it’s so important to be tested. HIV tests have now been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and can be purchased online or at a pharmacy so tests can be administered at home.

Looking for other ways to support HIV/AIDS related issues? Thanks to MAC Cosmetics and their VIVA GLAM line, you can contribute to a foundation for AIDS by purchasing a lipstick from this line which gives back 100% of the proceeds to the LGBTQIA+ community and people affected by AIDS. You can also pick up a red ribbon from any MAC store on World AIDS Day and show solidarity to anyone affected or living with AIDS.