Here Are All of The Different Wedding Events You Should Know About

Friday, June 30th, 2023

Weddings eh? How many do we get invited to over the years? Too many to count, right?! Well, with weddings having similar timelines, it can be a struggle to think outside the box for your own marriage ceremony. It’s time for battle! We're joking... for the most part! Planning your big day shouldn't come with the worry of outshining or copying your best friend's or sister’s ideas, or with the dreaded input from family members on what they think you should do. It's okay, you can breathe – we’ve got you covered, so stick around!

It’s quite easy to get caught up in the stress of planning the perfect day, from deciding on an appropriate location and having the best decoration theme to establishing a budget! It all comes down to what you and your partner want at the end of the day. You can choose to hold casual pre-nuptials, or may prefer a more sophisticated style of formalities with a themed bridal shower/bachelor party and rehearsal dinner.

Before you start planning anything, we’d like to draw your attention to our all-kinds-of-everything article about weddings – “Here Are All of the Different Wedding Events You Should Know About.” You may find event types you're already familiar with, but it’s also jam-packed with incredible party themes, invitation styles, and so much more. Consider it our gift to you on the news of your wedding: your very own beginner’s guide to wedding planning. Congratulations!

Let's Get Digital... Digital!

Thursday, June 29th, 2023

Here at Zazzle, we’re major purveyors of high-quality business cards, brochures, flyers, banners, and other marketing materials that businesses have relied upon for years. However, while these remain essential items, building a brand in 2023 requires a combination of tried-and-trusted promotional products and more modern marketing techniques. If you’re a business person or prospective business person, and you’re looking to make greater use of modern marketing approaches but you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got the perfect guide for you.

Over at Zazzle Ideas, we consistently publish informative articles containing great tips and advice for businesses, and in one of our latest posts, we delve into the world of digital marketing. “How to Use Digital Resources to Promote Your Business” will help you better understand the different digital marketing options available to your business and how they can be used to increase your brand's visibility and improve customer engagement.

So whether you’re a café owner, the head of a consultancy firm, a designer with your own Zazzle store, or anything in between, check out the article to learn how you can attract more eyes to your brand today!

Can You Find A Cooler Gift?

Wednesday, June 28th, 2023

What’s your idea of summer paradise? Perhaps you adore the beach, with the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore and the feeling of warm sand between your toes. Or maybe you prefer lounging poolside, listening to the kids laughing and the water splashing as they perform their cannonballs. Or do you enjoy flipping burgers in your own backyard, as the intoxicating aroma of BBQ fills the air and makes everyone’s tummy rumble in anticipation? Whatever your idea of summer paradise is, it’s sure to involve an ice-cold beverage, and here at Zazzle, we aim to make sure that beverage stays ice-cold from the first refreshing drop to the last.

Our selection of can coolers—or koozies—has an incredibly diverse array of designs for you to choose from and personalize. Each one is made from special high-density material for extra insulation, so they’re sure to keep your beer or soda chilled all the way to the bottom—exactly what you need on a warm summer day! With edge-to-edge full-color printing, these can coolers—and our equally effective bottle coolers—make great wedding favors or birthday gifts. However, with summer already in full flow you don’t need a special reason to pick up one of these bad boys for yourself, a friend, or a family member.

So browse our massive range of designs today, and add your own design flourishes to create a unique can cooler that will serve you well throughout the rest of summer 2023 and beyond!

Always Look On The Bright Side!

Tuesday, June 27th, 2023

Summer is calling! Soon enough, the sun will be peeking through the trees and distracting us from our daily drive. But as we reach over to the glove box, we realize our favorite pair of sunglasses are nowhere to be found! Consider this your reminder to get your car summer-ready, as it's National Sunglasses Day! Sunglasses are your best protection against the sun and can be a cool fashion accessory at the same time. If you're in need of a new pair of sunglasses, you can use today as an excuse to get a shiny new pair! After all, there's no harm in treating ourselves once in a while.

Many may feel sunglasses are a modern invention, but you may be surprised to learn that they date back to 12th-century China. The Chinese mastered the craft of making glasses with smoky quartz and intended them to be used to hide the facial expressions of judges. The sunglasses that we know and use today were not invented until 1929, when they were created for the US military, and they've barely changed since then. If you'd like to know more facts about sunglasses, you can see some here!

Finding the right pair of sunglasses can be hard. If you're looking to take a step out of your comfort zone, you can customize a unique pair of Zazzle sunglasses. They're not the most traditional style, but they would definitely stick out in a crowd or be fun to wear for a party or event. We've got a wide variety of styles dedicated to birthday parties, weddings, and graduations. Have some fun on National Sunglasses Day!

Picture Perfect Wedding Décor!

Sunday, June 25th, 2023

That moment when you and your significant other finally get to sit down together and look through the photos of your big day is one of the most exciting post-wedding occasions. It’s a chance to see your loved ones enjoying themselves and to catch little moments you may have missed in the midst of it all. To make sure that you get the most stunning snaps possible, then, eye-catching wedding backdrops are a must.

If you’re soon-to-be married and you’re looking for beautiful photo backdrops or even a backdrop to spruce up your ceremonial décor, you absolutely must check out a very special article we recently uploaded to Zazzle Ideas. “Wedding Backdrop Ideas: 50+ Creative & Unique Options for Your Big Day” is brimming with original ideas about how you can create fun and charming backdrops using everything from LED lights to hay bales. The piece also features some of our most popular photo backdrops and tapestries, which can be used to add energy and elegance to any occasion.

If you find inspiration in this article—and we’re confident you will—don’t forget to click the “Wedding” tab just above the article to discover even more helpful wedding planning tips and advice from Zazzle Ideas!

Join Us in Saying Thanks to Our Public Service Providers

Friday, June 23rd, 2023

While we like to think that we do our public some service here on Today’s Moment, we know we can’t compare our work to that of the nation’s true public servants: those who, day in and day out, strive tirelessly to provide essential services to their communities. It’s with great enthusiasm, then, that we give thanks and praise to all of those folks in the public sector today on United Nations Public Service Day!

It was back in December of 2002 that the UN first designated June 23 as United Nations Public Service Day. According to the UN website, the occasion “celebrates the value and virtue of public service to the community; highlights the contribution of public service in the development process; recognizes the work of public servants, and encourages young people to pursue careers in the public sector.” In the United States, as of August 2022, some 21 million people were employed in public services across a wide range of different fields, including in education, health care, the military, and all levels of government. These people are integral to the functioning of our society and economy, but according to the Department of Labor, “they are asked to work with ever-shrinking resources and under increasingly unpredictable and challenging conditions.” Yet, they continue to do their utmost to make a difference in all our lives.

If you’d like to mark this occasion, visit UN.org to learn more. Or if you’d like to pick up a little something for a special public service provider in your life, visit our gift hub for inspiration and ideas.

Time for the Moon Children to Take Center Stage!

Thursday, June 22nd, 2023

Yesterday, we spoke a little about the summer solstice. However, whilst we were marking one of the most significant astronomical events of the year, an important astrological shift also took place as the sun transitioned into the fourth sign of the zodiac and ushered in yet another Cancer season!

Cancer is a cardinal water sign which is ruled by the moon. As a result of this lunar connection, astrologers will often refer to a person born between June 21 and July 22 as a ‘moon child.’ Cancer is represented by the crab, which, according to Aliza Kelly of Allure, is rather apt. “Much like their celestial spirit animal, Cancers are shielded by hard, external shells,” notes Kelly. “At first, these crabs may be perceived as cold or distant. With time, though, Cancers reveal their gentle nature [and] genuine compassion.” In fact, there may be no more compassionate, sentimental, or sensitive folks than Cancers. Described by InStyle as the “homebodies” of the zodiac, Cancers are particularly protective and caring when it comes to close friends and family members.

Cancer season is a great time to surround yourself with those who matter to you most, so why not take advantage of the long evenings and good weather by throwing an outdoor dinner party, hosting a BBQ, or going on a picnic with your loved ones? If you’d like to pick up a gift for that caring Cancer in your life, you can also check out our list of “Great Gift Ideas for Cancers” or visit our Cancer gifts section on site.

The Longest Day of the Year!

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

The Summer Solstice is an important astronomical event that marks the longest day and shortest night of the year. This day typically falls on either June 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, depending on the year and time zone. For many cultures, the Summer Solstice holds significant spiritual and historical importance.

The Summer Solstice has been celebrated for centuries as a time of abundance and joy. In ancient times, people believed that the sun was a powerful deity, and the Summer Solstice marked its peak strength. Many cultures would hold festivals and feasts to honor the sun and pray for a bountiful harvest. Even today, many people still celebrate the Summer Solstice with bonfires, festivals, and other cultural traditions. In Scandinavian countries, the Summer Solstice is known as Midsummer. Midsummer celebrations typically include dancing around a maypole, lighting bonfires, and feasting on traditional foods like pickled herring and strawberries. The Summer Solstice also has a significant impact on the weather and natural phenomena. During this time of year, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, resulting in longer days and shorter nights. This tilt also affects the amount of sunlight that reaches different parts of the Earth, leading to variations in temperature and weather patterns.

For those looking to celebrate the Summer Solstice, there are a variety of fun and safe activities to enjoy. Gathering with friends and family for a picnic or BBQ is a great way to commemorate the day. You can also take a hike or go for a swim to take advantage of the long daylight hours. For those interested in spirituality, practicing yoga or meditation can be a great way to connect with the energy of the sun.

How to Plan the Perfect Baby Shower

Tuesday, June 20th, 2023

If you’ve been searching the bookstores high and low for “What to Expect When You’re Expecting… to Host a Baby Shower,” then we’re sorry to break it to you, but that book doesn’t exist. However, there’s no need to panic because we’ve got the next best thing!

Over on the always-enlightening Zazzle Ideas, we’ve recently published a wonderfully handy piece that'll tell you everything you need to know about planning and hosting a baby shower. “How to Plan a Baby Shower – The Baby Shower Planning Timeline & Checklist” lays the whole process out step by step, guiding you all the way from curating the guest list to decorating the venue—with no detail spared in between! It’s not just the hosts that we’ve got covered either: this article even provides helpful information for the parents-to-be too.

So check out “How to Plan a Baby Shower – The Baby Shower Planning Timeline & Checklist” over on Zazzle Ideas to find out how you can make this joyous occasion just that little bit more special for the expectant parents in your life! And don't forget to browse our baby shower party supplies to discover the best party decorations around!

A Love That Has No End!

Sunday, June 18th, 2023

A father figure is a person you can turn to, as well as look up to, and seek support from in a fatherly way. Most of us have been fortunate enough to encounter a father figure at some point in our lives. To all the dads, stepfathers, bonus dads, grandpas, godfathers, and any other male role models, the special day has come when we acknowledge their amazing qualities and spoil them with deserving gifts: Father’s Day!

We celebrate Father’s Day, the third Sunday of June every year, along with Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and many other countries. In Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Iceland, and Sweden, Father’s Day is marked on the second Sunday of November. While they initially followed our tradition, they decided to move the holiday to November to boost their economy. In Australia and New Zealand, Father’s Day is honored on the first Sunday in September and follows similar gift-giving traditions to ours. While Father’s Day is known worldwide, it’s interesting to note that it occurs at different times around the world.

Speaking of gift-giving traditions, have you picked up a card or gift for the father figures in your life yet? If not, we’re here to the rescue. No need to run to the shops; discover our Digital Father’s Day cards you can download directly to your smart device, allowing you to share your gratitude with him instantly! You can even make him a poster showcasing a set of memorable photos or a quote of appreciation. The choice is yours – we supply the downloadable options; it’s up to you what to do next!

Last-Minute Wedding Planning

Saturday, June 17th, 2023

“It's a beautiful night, we're looking for something dumb to do, Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you!” We think Bruno Mars initially wrote this song for this kind of circumstance. Saying ‘yes’ can be a magical experience, and we can easily get caught up in the moment, getting the sudden urge to elope there and then. And the best thing about it is you actually can!

Do you want to run away with the love of your life and have an intimate wedding, or do you want to spend months planning an extravagant event? You can do either of those under a time-sensitive schedule, but only the latter option comes with less stress. From the sunny beaches of the Bahamas to the lively chapels of Las Vegas, we definitely have a vast range of wedding options in our nation!

If you’re tying the knot soon, may we draw your attention to our super helpful article "Last Minute Wedding Planning: Tips for a Beautiful Wedding in Short Notice." Here you’ll find everything you need to know when it comes to registering for your marriage license and finding the perfect venue to saying the amazing words ‘I do.' You may now go forth and follow your dreams by marrying the person you’ve always dreamed of!

Flashback Friday

Friday, June 16th, 2023

Despite him being the fastest man alive, we’ve still had to endure several delays while waiting for The Flash, a movie that releases today but began pre-production in January 2020. Nonetheless, we’re confident that The Scarlet Speedster’s solo movie will be everything we’ve anticipated – and that the events within will have ramifications for every universe, including our own!

We haven’t heard from Barry Allen since the Justice League movie in 2017, but in that time, he’s managed to get himself into several worlds’ worth of trouble. While attempting to prevent his mother’s murder, which itself was wrongly attributed to his father, Barry causes a rift in time, and that causes several distinct timelines to collide with each other. Barry must now team up with an alternate Batman, newcomer Supergirl, and his younger self in a battle to repair the multiverse and defeat a revived General Zod.

Inspired by the Flashpoint crossover story from 2011 – which itself reset the DC Comics continuity – The Flash promises to be a fitting tribute to the long-running superhero and to advance WB’s plans for the DCU movie slate at lightning speed. Now, before our universes disintegrate any further – take a look at our official store, where you’ll find all kinds of licensed merchandise relating to The Flash and other beloved characters!

Marvelous Micro Weddings

Thursday, June 15th, 2023

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of couples opting for smaller weddings rather than the large affairs we have become accustomed to. These smaller scale weddings are often called ‘micro weddings’ and can offer the couple a way to host their event on a lower budget, more venue flexibility, less stress, and can even be more eco-friendly.

You may be wondering what exactly constitutes a micro wedding – we’re here to explain! A micro wedding is recognized as a smaller, more intimate wedding with under 50 guests attending, usually just the couple's family and their closest friends. If you’re interested in making your wedding more micro, you may be wondering where to start when it comes to following this alternative wedding style. We’ve written an easy-to-read piece entitled ‘What are Micro Weddings & How to Plan for Your Own Micro Wedding’ just for you! Our article covers everything you’ll need to know about micro weddings as a concept, provides the pros and cons of having this type of wedding, and also shares tips and advice for those who want to plan their own micro wedding.

At Zazzle, we believe every wedding is just as beautiful as the next, no matter what the budget or scale may be! We’ve got a wonderful selection of wedding invitations designed especially for micro weddings and private ceremonies, so you can let your guests know exactly what you have in store for them. Whichever way you decide to tie the knot, we hope you have a day full of love and make some precious memories!

World Blood Donor Day

Wednesday, June 14th, 2023

On World Blood Donor Day each year, we honor the important contributions that blood donors make to our health systems worldwide and thank them for their generosity. World Blood Donor Day also aims to raise awareness of the need for adequate blood donation resources, safe blood, and blood products in order to offer transfusions to those in need.

According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the United States requires a blood transfusion. If you can donate blood, you’ll be helping many different types of patients across the healthcare sector. Blood is needed to help those suffering from bleeding caused by childbirth, children struggling with anemia, people with blood or bone marrow disorders, victims of accidents or natural disasters, cancer patients, and many more. Those who donate blood also help maintain diversity in the blood supply, as some blood types are rarer than others, and it can prove harder to find matches for certain patients. While donating blood is a selfless act to help others, did you know it can actually offer the donor some benefits, too? Before you donate, you’ll receive a free health screening in which your vital signs will be checked, and this might indicate any underlying issues such as high blood pressure or a heart arrhythmia. Donating blood can also promote a healthier heart and vascular system, which lowers the risk of heart attacks.

To observe World Blood Donor Day this year, why not donate blood if you can? If you're unable to donate blood, help raise awareness for the cause by volunteering at local blood drives or sharing any official campaign posts on social media.

Sew Cool

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

Get ready to sew up a storm because it’s National Sewing Machine Day! On this special day, we recognize the revolutionary invention that is the sewing machine.

The sewing machine has had many different variations since its earliest conception. The first mechanical sewing machine can be traced back to France in 1830. A tailor named Barthélemy Thimonnier manufactured a stitching machine patented by the government to mass-produce uniforms for the French army. However, a large mob of tailors rioted and destroyed Thimonnier’s machine design for fear that it would ruin their businesses. In 1832, Walter Hunt, an inventor in New York, created his own version of a sewing machine but abandoned the project in 1838 and never filed a patent. After that, a man named Elias Howe of Massachusetts independently patented his highly successful sewing machine design in 1846, with the design being widely copied by others. Finally, a businessman known as Isaac Singer struck a deal with Howe to pay him a commission for every sale of the sewing machine, to which he agreed. By 1880, Singer’s annual sewing machine sales hit over 500,000!

So, whether you’re a professional seamstress or a total rookie, there’s never been a better day to take out your sewing machine and create something unique! At Zazzle, we offer a huge range of awesome fabrics to help you sew whatever your heart desires. You can even design your own custom fabric!

Loving Day

Monday, June 12th, 2023

Loving Day commemorates the historic ruling of Loving v. Virginia, a Supreme Court decision that declared interracial marriage legal nationwide in 1967. Before this decision was passed, laws prevented interracial couples from marrying in 16 U.S. states.

Loving Day gets its name from the couple Mildred and Richard Loving. Mildred Loving, a Black and Native American woman, and Richard Loving, a White man, share an important historical love story. The pair got married in Washington, D.C. in 1958, where interracial marriage was legal at the time, and then returned to their home state of Virginia. However, as interracial marriage was still illegal in Virginia, Mildred and Richard Loving were arrested just five weeks after their wedding day. They were given the choice to either flee the state or go to jail, and the couple chose to leave the state of Virginia. After some time, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) assisted the couple with lawyers willing to work on their case, and in 1967, the Lovings’ case appeared before the United States Supreme Court. The Lovings went on to win their case on June 12th, 1967. This was not only a victory for the Lovings themselves but the entire nation, as this Supreme Court ruling also abolished all state laws against interracial marriage in the U.S.

If you’d like to learn more about Loving Day and how to support the official Loving Day organization, be sure to visit their website at https://lovingday.org.

An A-maize-ing Day!

Sunday, June 11th, 2023

It’s National Corn on the Cob Day, and we’re all ears! It’s time to celebrate this crunchy, sweet, and delicious vegetable that has long been a BBQ favorite of many. We’re here to share some interesting facts about this much-loved food today (and we promise they’re not too corny!)

Did you know that corn is actually the most important crop in the United States? Corn is a staple crop that feeds us humans, feeds livestock, is used as biofuel, and is used as raw material for industry. Humans have been cultivating corn for a very, very long time; in fact, corn was first domesticated by natives in southern Mexico around 10,000 years ago! Some popular byproducts we make from corn include corn flour, cornstarch, corn syrup, and corn oil, all of which are popular ingredients in many types of food.

Aside from the popular choice of adding butter and salt, there are lots of other ways to enjoy your corn on the cob! Why not try this smoky parmesan corn on the cob or this Mexican street corn recipe? With so many exciting flavor combinations to try out, you’ll never get bored of this amazing vegetable!

Practice Makes Perfect

Saturday, June 10th, 2023

The thought of hosting a rehearsal dinner can seem daunting – "you mean, I have to plan two ceremonies instead of one?" – but it doesn’t need to be an outrageously extravagant celebration. There are multiple different ways to host a wedding rehearsal, and they’re all featured in our newly published "How to Plan a Rehearsal Dinner" article on Zazzle Ideas. We’ve even incorporated our customers’ most frequently asked questions to boot!

In the context of this piece, you’ll learn about what a conventional rehearsal dinner would look like – who should be invited, where it should take place, and what should happen during the proceedings. At the same time, we’ll explain what an unconventional rehearsal dinner might be like and whether you should hire a DJ, cooking instructor, or sommelier! We also provide you with some preliminary tips for planning a successful rehearsal dinner, such as establishing a budget, selecting a themed menu, and, of course, personalizing your invitations and decorations. Scattered throughout the article are some of our favorite rehearsal dinner products and article recommendations, too.

Speaking of which: according to Martha Stewart.com, a wedding rehearsal needn’t compete with the wedding ceremony itself; [t]reat the celebration as a pre-party, where guests leave craving more – and lucky for them, you’re going to deliver the next day." "Delivering the next day" is a goal that Zazzle can always get behind, and with us as your wedding planner, the prospect of throwing a memorable, fun, and unique wedding rehearsal won’t seem so far off!

Aw, Phooey!

Friday, June 9th, 2023

Being the celebrated animated figure that he is, Mickey Mouse has a lot of friends. His other anthropomorphic associates include Goofy, Pluto, Minnie, and, of course, the subject of Today’s Moment, Donald Duck. Since 1934, when he was introduced as a more ill-tempered counterpoint to the plucky Mickey, Donald Duck has been a staple of Disney animation, comics, and video games. He’s even brought his own anatine friends and family members to the House of Mouse, such as Daisy Duck, Scrooge McDuck, and nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie!

Donald first debuted in 1930s cartoons "The Wise Little Hen" and "Orphan’s Benefit," but he’s gone on to appear in a range of different Disney media. The present version of Donald – and that has existed in the comics since the 1940s – is slightly more agreeable than his original incarnation, but he’s still short-tempered! Thankfully, his irritable nature didn’t prevent him from helping to co-host the Oscars in 1958 or from being the guest of honor at the inaugural Donald Duck Day, held in LA in 1984. The then-Mayor Tom Bradley said that "Donald Duck has thrilled and entertained people young and old all over the world" before unveiling a silver statue of the Disney icon.

Clarence Nash, Donald Duck’s original voice actor, used "buccal speech" – a form of vocalization from inside one’s cheek instead of through the larynx – to produce Donald’s distinctive rasp, and it’s through this method that other actors and impersonators have been able to replicate ‘the Donald Duck voice.’ While we can’t quite do a good impression ourselves, we do hope you have very positive impressions of our Mickey and Friends store, which has an entire section dedicated to Donald himself!

Best Friends: Soulmates in Disguise

Thursday, June 8th, 2023

In celebration of National Best Friends Forever Day, we would like to share the following message of gratitude and love to all the best friends out there. Feel free to share!

Dear Best Friend,

Thank you so much for being such a big part of my life. No matter what we go through, you’re always there. From the moment we first met, I knew our friendship would last. Throughout life, we’ve gone through many ups and downs in various friendships and relationships; some blossomed while others grew apart. Our friendship grew even with the hindrance of career changes, and now we’re closer than ever! And that is why I know you’ll be my best friend forever!

I would also like to take this moment to tell you how proud I am of you. The battles you’ve faced have been incredibly challenging, and still, you never gave up. I cherish the great memories we‘ve shared and look forward to the special moments that have yet to come. You inspire me to be a better person every day, and I’m eternally grateful to call you my best friend.

If you'd like to give your best friend a gift of appreciation on this momentous occasion, check out Zazzle’s best friend gift selection! Discover gorgeous photo blocks, mugs, blankets, and keychains. all decorated with cool photo collages, vibrant illustrations, and cute messages. You’ve certainly hit the jackpot when it comes to best friends, so spoil yours today!

One Fell Scoop

Wednesday, June 7th, 2023

As the hazy, balmy days of July and August edge ever closer, we find our attention beginning to waver. It’s difficult to concentrate on your work when those long, hot summer days are stretching out in front of you – all you want to do is press your ear close to the window and listen intently for the sound of an ice cream van rolling into the neighborhood. You can almost hear The Sailor’s Hornpipe and Pop Goes the Weasel playing, if you’re being particularly quiet…

Our sudden desire for cold desserts might also be due to the fact that it’s National Chocolate Ice Cream Day. While we often think of chocolate as being a secondary flavor to vanilla, it’s the former that was actually invented first: ice cream was inspired by flavored drinks, and of these, hot chocolate was a perennial favorite, even hundreds of years ago. There are also records of the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Persians sampling icy drinks almost two thousand years ago, but the earliest reference to a recognizable ice cream is in 1692, when Antonio Latini of Naples wrote down a recipe for sorbetto or sorbet. Since then, the demand for ice cream has only increased, with the first parlor opening in the U.S. in 1790.

We don’t sell ice cream at Zazzle – we’d like to, but it always drips out of the envelopes – though you can still check out Yesterday’s Moment on picnics for some appropriately cool party accessories. You can also take a look at our baked goods department if you’d like to indulge your sweet tooth; they’re "worth melting for," as Olaf from Frozen would say.

Fun in the Sun

Tuesday, June 6th, 2023

What comes to mind when you think of a picnic? Is it the warm, comforting blanket beneath your feet? Maybe it’s the neatly wrapped pastries and cupcakes nestled in a sealed-tight Tupperware box? It could even be the triangular – and absolutely not rectangular – sandwiches that you’ve spruced up with a number of your favorite fillings. Here at Zazzle, we’re always keen to live out the pastoral ideal by heading to the countryside, beach, or park for a scrumptiously prepared picnic, and we bring the sandwiches, cupcakes, and blanket whenever we go!

Chances are, however, when we asked you to think about the word ‘picnic,’ that you didn’t think of aristocrats in seventeenth-century France. The origins of the word picnic are difficult to extrapolate, but it’s possible that it’s an evolution of pique-nique (piquer meaning ‘to pick or peck’ and nique, meaning "a small amount of something"). Although the first reference to pique-niques comes from a book called Les Charmans effects des barricades (1649), it would be 1694 – and in the eighteenth century, in particular – before the word actually pertains to a kind of a meal: a fashionable dinner, usually held in aristocratic drawing rooms, and which prompted witty, intellectual conversation.

By the twentieth century, and by the time the picnic tradition had migrated to the U.S., it had become an outdoor event and was no longer the preserve of the upper classes. However, if you did want to inject some of that old-fashioned style and sophistication into your upcoming company picnic or family reunion, why not order some of our paper cups, paper plates, and tablecloths? Prepare to experience a newfound joie de vivre with products that are the crème de la crème!

Sixteen Minutes of Fame

Monday, June 5th, 2023

16 already. It’s so hard to believe. The years have flown by, and while your little baby isn’t quite 'all grown up' just yet, their upcoming Sweet Sixteen signifies that they’re transitioning into that exciting first phase of adulthood. It might be somewhat bittersweet for you, a doting parent, but it’s also a very significant milestone in both your lives—and one worth celebrating!

If you’re hosting a party of any kind, a visit to Zazzle Ideas is always a good… well, idea. However, we’ve recently published an article specifically for those of you who might be throwing a Sweet Sixteen in the near future. “30 SUPER Sweet Sixteen Party Ideas & Themes” is a wonderful resource for party planners that includes everything from movie-themed ideas like Harry Potter Parties to sophisticated ideas like Parisian Soirees. There’s also Music Festivals, Carnival Cruises, Beach Bashes, and so much more!

If you’re determined to make this Sweet Sixteen party stand out from the crowd and ensure that they’re still talking about it when they're Sweet Sixty-Six, check out “30 SUPER Sweet Sixteen Party Ideas & Themes” today. However, if you don’t find what you’re looking for there, you can always browse “36 Birthday Party Ideas for Kids, Teens & Adults in 2023” for more inspiration.

National Cancer Survivors Day 2023

Sunday, June 4th, 2023

“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.” - Vivian Greene.

Today is National Cancer Survivors Day, a special day created in order to celebrate the strength and bravery of those who have survived cancer, and to inspire those who have been recently diagnosed with the disease. National Cancer Survivors Day also aims to raise awareness for the challenges that can surround cancer survivorship. There are currently 18.1 million people living with cancer in the U.S., and they're courageously fighting a daily battle.

You can be part of National Cancer Survivors Day this year in a number of different ways: attend a meeting of survivors, contribute to a bake sale or other fundraiser for the cause, order official merchandise from the National Cancer Survivors Day website, attend social events or parades, donate to a nonprofit that supports those with cancer, or share information about this day across your social media platforms.

Above all else, National Cancer Survivors Day is a celebration of life. It’s time to show the incredible cancer survivor community your love and support. Cancer survivors are some of the most resilient people in our society who have the perseverance and the will to keep going despite their undeniably difficult circumstances. To get more information on National Cancer Survivors Day 2023, please visit the official website.

A Wheelie Big Deal!

Saturday, June 3rd, 2023

Did you know the first bicycle was invented by German Baron Karl von Drais in 1817? Yes, it’s true! We wouldn’t pedal—uh, we mean peddle—falsehoods. However, speaking of pedals, the baron’s invention didn’t actually have any. The contraption, referred to by a variety of charmingly old-timey names like the ‘swift walker’ and the ‘dandy horse,’ was propelled forward when the rider pushed their feet against the ground. This design was improved as the 19th century wore on, though, and by 1885 an Englishman named J.K. Starley had invented a bicycle that History.com calls “the first embodiment of the modern vehicle.”

What’s with all this bike talk, we hear you ask? Well, it’ll all make sense when you learn that today is actually World Bicycle Day. Established by the United Nations (UN) in 2018, World Bicycle Day recognizes "the uniqueness, longevity, and versatility of the bicycle… a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transport, fostering environmental stewardship and health." Indeed, the humble bicycle deserves to be celebrated for these attributes and many more. Cycling is wonderful exercise, after all, and it has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes and lower blood pressure, according to the World Economic Forum. It can also be a great tool with which to combat climate change, as a 2015 study found that we could cut global urban transport emissions by 7% by 2050 if just over 20% of urban journeys routinely made by car were made by bike instead!

So, if you don’t have any plans for today, may we recommend a fun and healthy bike ride? Your body, and Mother Nature, will thank you for it. And don’t forget to check out our selection of sustainable water bottles to help keep you hydrated when you’re out on the road!

Donut Worry, Be Happy

Friday, June 2nd, 2023

Today is National Donut Day! There’s never been a more appropriate time to enjoy a delectable donut from your favorite store. Did you know that Americans consume over 10 billion donuts every year? It’s safe to say that donuts are a delicacy adored by many!

The precise origins of the donut are debated. However, records point to the fact that these baked goods may have been created by the Dutch. In the mid-19th century, Dutch people often cooked ‘olykoeks’, or “oil cakes,” which were balls of cake fried in fat. There was an issue with the center of these cakes not cooking as fast as the outside did, so to remedy this, people often stuffed the cakes with fruit, nuts, or other sweet fillings. In 1847, a U.S. ship captain named Hansen Gregory came up with a different solution for the uncooked center of these cakes. Gregory decided to make a hole in the center of the dough before frying it, which yielded great success in the cooking process. Since then, donuts have become an ever-popular food across the globe, with many variations of the recipe found in different countries.

To celebrate National Donut Day, why not surprise your friends, family, or coworkers with a box of these marvelous treats? Or, you could make your very own donuts at home and add any toppings or filling you’d like. Don’t forget to check out our awesome selection of custom baking supplies that’ll help take your tasty creations to the next level!

Your True Colors, Shining Through!

Thursday, June 1st, 2023

Happy Pride! This month is all about acceptance, equality, and celebrating LGBTQ+ communities while reflecting on social justice for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation. Pride Month has been celebrated every June since 1969, when the event that started the movement took place in Greenwich Village, New York, at the Stonewall Inn.

It was Brenda Howard, known as ‘The Mother of Pride,’ who organized Gay Pride Week and the Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade – what we now know as the New York City Pride March. These were the days that sparked the beginning of similar parades and marches across the world, and they kept getting larger and stronger, year by year. Today, Pride Month serves not just as a platform for the LGBTQ+ community to exhibit pride in their gender identity or sexual orientation but also as a means of advocating for legal entitlements.

Pride Month is a terrific opportunity to get involved and express encouragement for this cause, whether it’s by joining Pride parades and festivals in your city or spreading awareness and support via social media. Displaying a rainbow flag outside your home, office, or car is another way to show solidarity! In fact, here’s a fun fact about it: each color in the rainbow flag has its own meaning and represents a different aspect of the LGBTQ+ community. Red symbolizes life, orange represents healing, yellow is for sunlight, green represents nature, indigo means harmony, pink is for sexuality, and violet illustrates spirit. So, embrace all colors of the rainbow, grab the flags, add some glitter, and celebrate the magic of human expression!