A Day That'll Guac Your World!

Monday, July 31st, 2023

Today we celebrate a fruit that’s rich in potassium, folate, fiber, vitamin E, and monounsaturated fat. A fruit that may help reduce cholesterol, decrease blood pressure, and improve heart health. Holy guacamole, what fruit Hass—uh, we mean has—all these wonderful attributes? Why, it’s the avocado, of course! Today, you see, is National Avocado Day, and to mark the occasion, we’d like to guac—um, we mean walk—you through the history of the delicious green fruit.

It’s thought that the avocado originated in Africa, but thousands of years ago it was spread far and wide by mammoths and giant sloths—who ate the fruit before, to quote the Smithsonian, “pooping” out the seed. It eventually found its way to the Americas, and there is evidence to suggest that the fruit was subsequently domesticated by Mesoamerican peoples as early as 5000 BCE. Certainly, by 500 BCE it was being cultivated in Mexico and Central America. Upon reaching the California market in the mid-1800s, the fruit was marketed under several names, including the alligator pear. But it was soon renamed (see you later, alligator), as local farmers took inspiration from the Spanish name, aguacate, and began calling it the avocado. It was in California, and, more specifically, in the backyard of a man named Rudolph Hass, that the Hass avocado—by far the most common variety of avocados today—was discovered in the 1920s. Today, Americans consume a staggering 7lbs of avocado per capita each year, and, according to Smithsonian, an astounding 95 percent of those were grown on trees descended from the one that grew in Hass’ yard all those years ago.

If you’d like to celebrate National Avocado Day, why not fix up some of the dishes from this wonderful list of 70 Avocado Recipes by Delish.com, and don’t forget to check out our fun selection of avocado gifts.

Let the Games Begin!

Sunday, July 30th, 2023

The forecast, it would appear, calls for an impending shower—a bridal shower, that is! Yes, the bride tribe are scheduled to come together for a little celebratory bash, but there’s still some work to be done before the party gets underway. A venue has been chosen, catering has been taken care of, the bubbly is stocked, and gifts have been purchased, but there’s one thing missing: in all the chaos, you forgot to arrange the bridal shower games. Eek! Well, there’s no need to panic because Zazzle—as always—has you covered!

Over on Zazzle Ideas, we've compiled a list of the most popular bridal shower games available, as well as some instructions for how to play each one. We’ve also included a selection of our most stylish bridal shower game designs, all of which can be customized to suit your particular needs and added to your cart in a matter of minutes. Best of all, perhaps, is the fact that many of the designs included in the article are downloadable, so they're instantly accessible for those of you who have left this task until the very last minute.

If you’re organizing or hosting a bridal shower in the near future, check out “The Most Popular (& Printable!) Bridal Shower Games” over on Zazzle Ideas for inspiration!

The Piece de Résistance

Saturday, July 29th, 2023

Even in this technologically advanced age when we have access to a huge range of entertainment options, the humble jigsaw puzzle remains ever popular. And with good reason! After all, puzzles are mentally stimulating yet relaxing at the same time, they’re fun to do alone or in groups, and they make great gifts for various occasions—especially when they're customized with some well-chosen text and photos. If you’d like to design your very own puzzle for a special occasion but you're unsure how to start, don’t worry: we’re about to put the whole process together for you piece by piece.

In “How to Make Your Own Custom Puzzle From a Photo,” which was recently published to Zazzle Ideas, we show you just how simple it is to create a puzzle using our intuitive design tool. In fact, with the help of this handy guide, designing a unique puzzle from scratch should only take about 10 minutes. Yes, 10 minutes! In case you don’t feel like creating a custom puzzle, though, the article also provides you with a selection of some of our most popular designs in various categories, from kids’ puzzles to adult puzzles and from proposal puzzles to birth announcement puzzles. All of these eye-catching designs can also be personalized with your own text and photos.

So visit Zazzle Ideas today, or check out our entire selection of puzzles to discover more great puzzles from our talented community of Independent Creators and officially licensed designs from brand partners like Disney, Universal, and many more!

A Goal-Oriented Day

Friday, July 28th, 2023

Today is National Soccer Day! This special day serves as a way to honor and celebrate the sport of soccer, which is regarded as one of the most popular sports in the entire world! A staggering 3.5 billion people around the world are estimated to be fans of soccer, and that includes adults and children alike.

Team sports involving some form of a ball have existed for centuries, with records indicating that they may have roots in Ancient China, Greece, and Rome, among many other cultures. In those times, the ball they used was often made out of rock or animal hide! However, soccer in its current form originated in England during the middle of the 19th century, with the first football association being formed in 1863. During this formation, rules for the sport were established, including a standardized size and weight of match-ball, although these rules and regulations continued to change and develop over time. By the late 19th century, there were only a few national football teams, but nowadays, 211 national associations are members of FIFA, the world governing body of the sport!

Why not kick-start this awesome day by practicing your soccer skills? Whether you’d prefer to perfect your moves solo, or join a game with a team, there’s never been a better day to kick a ball! You might get thirsty, so fill up your trusty water bottle and stay hydrated while enjoying this healthy form of exercise. You can even use Zazzle’s handy design tool to create a customized keepsake soccer ball for yourself or a loved one, and get ready to shoot for the stars!

Rally 'Round The Flag

Thursday, July 27th, 2023

Are you doing a little redecorating at the moment? If so, you’ve probably already browsed our wonderful selection of customizable posters, canvas prints, and wall decals in search of inspiration. However, you may have mistakenly overlooked another stylish piece of wall décor that has the potential to illuminate and rejuvenate a wide variety of spaces.

Pennants are most commonly associated with sports, so you might only see them as an option for a teenager’s bedroom or the walls of a man cave. Pennants, though, are actually an extremely versatile piece of wall art that, with the right design, can fit in with and complement any décor. With an inspirational quote, for example, one of our pennants would be a wonderful option for your home office. Are you decorating a nursery or a child’s bedroom? A pennant featuring a favorite Peanuts or Marvel Comics character would make a fun addition to your little one’s wall. Just moved into a new place? Hang a pennant personalized with a group photo and your family name in the living room, and it’ll soon feel like home. Pennants are ideal for decorating ahead of events such as graduation parties too, and you can even represent the graduate’s alma mater with officially licensed pennants from colleges like Berkeley, Purdue, and many more!

Sure, pennants are great gifts for avid sports fans, but they can be so much more than that. Our pennants come in a variety of styles and can be customized with your own text and photos, so the possibilities truly are endless. Shop pennants at Zazzle today!

It's Not Too Soon for Back to School...

Wednesday, July 26th, 2023

It’s not even August yet, but if you’re a parent, a student, or a teacher, you might already be having the occasional panicked thought about back-to-school season. There are, of course, two ways you can deal with these thoughts: 1. banish them to the back of your mind until you're awoken in a cold sweat one late August night by a dream about an endlessly ringing school bell, or 2. embrace them, get a little head start by gathering supplies now, and save yourself stress down the line. If you’ve decided to go with option number 2, you’ve come to the right place!

Here at Zazzle, we’ve got everything you’ll need for the start of the new school term. Whether you’re in the market for basic writing materials like pens and notebooks, file storage products like binders and flash drives, lunchtime essentials like lunchboxes and water bottles, or a brand-new backpack, we’ve got you covered. In each category, we’ve got thousands of designs—suitable for a variety of different ages and academic levels—and each one is customizable. If you’d like to set your kids a pre-term art assignment, you could even encourage them to design their own supplies from scratch using our wonderful design tool. Meanwhile, for all you teachers out there, we’ve got everything from folders and clipboards to sticky notes and ‘Welcome Back’ banners.

If you’d like some more tips for back-to-school season, check out Zazzle Ideas for articles like “Top Back to School Supplies for 2023/2024,” “Classroom Decorations Ideas for the 23-24 School Year,” “Back to School Head-to-Toe Outfit Ideas,” and “How to Prepare for the First Day of School.”

A Gouda Chardonnay

Tuesday, July 25th, 2023

You can’t beat a good combo: milk and cookies, burgers and fries, peanut butter and jelly, and, more so, wine and cheese. As we grow older and life’s rollercoaster of events brings us an array of ups and downs, it’s nice to have comfort food to fall back on, as well as our favorite beverage. Better yet, whether you're a red or white wine drinker, there are many wine and cheese pairings you can go with in celebration of National Wine and Cheese Day.

National Wine and Cheese Day was created by freelance writer and wine lover Jace Shoemaker-Galloway. Although the national holiday has only been around a few years, wine and cheese have long histories! The origin of cheese can be found in both Egyptian and Greek cultures. It's been said cheese may have been discovered accidentally by storing milk in containers made from the stomachs of animals. Hooray for science helping develop the storage of cheese! Meanwhile, the origin of wine can be traced back to 4000 BCE in the Middle East. Science saved the day here, too, as prior to the 19th century, there was little or no information regarding fermentation, which is needed to make wine. This brings us to the end of our history lesson; this calls for some wine!

Celebrate this day by gathering your friends for a lovely night of wine tasting and cheese. Create a special evening with one of our custom wine labels and help everyone know what glass is theirs with customized wine glass charms. You can showcase your favorite cheese with a personalized cutting board. Is there anything better than ending the day with a glass of wine, good cheese, and being surrounded by your best friends?

Terrific Tequila!

Monday, July 24th, 2023

When life gives you lemons, grab salt and tequila! Today is National Tequila Day, a day dedicated to the appreciation of this world-famous alcohol that comes from the agave plant.

Tequila has been enjoyed for centuries! Did you know that the first records of tequila consumption date all the way back to 1000 B.C.? The Aztec people produced fermented juice using the sap in the agave plant for ceremonial purposes in what is now Southeastern Mexico. This special drink was known as ‘pulque.’ Much later, in 1758, tequila was first commercially distilled by the famous Cuervo family, who still produce their much-loved brand of tequila today. There's also a town called Tequila in Mexico that's known for its rolling fields of blue agave plants and its production of the eponymous spirit! Tequila is a popular alcohol choice in bars across the globe and is used as an ingredient in many popular mixed drinks like margaritas, Palomas, and tequila sunrises.

This National Tequila Day, why not unleash your inner mixologist by trying out one of these top tequila recipes? Whether you prefer to consume your tequila in a custom shot glass or shaken up in a cocktail, we hope you enjoy this fun day, and please remember to drink responsibly!

Legendary Leos!

Sunday, July 23rd, 2023

Today, July 23rd, is the beginning of Leo season! People born between July 23 and August 22 fall under this star sign and tend to be viewed as alluring, confident people with natural leadership skills.

Leos are also generous, cheerful, and humorous individuals with abundant creativity and an irresistible presence! Many Leos truly enjoy having time in the spotlight and being the center of attention, although they can sometimes be a tad dramatic. Leos tend to strongly dislike when they don’t receive praise or credit for their achievements. Leo is the fifth sign in the zodiac and is part of the fire sign group, along with Aries and Sagittarius. The sign of Leo is represented by a symbol of a lion and is thought to originate from the story of the fierce Nemean lion that was slain by Heracles (Hercules). Some famous Leos include Daniel Radcliffe, Whitney Houston, Chris Hemsworth, and Jennifer Lopez!

Why not give the special Leo in your life a heartfelt, custom gift? It’s easy to use Zazzle’s design tool to totally personalize your Leo merchandise and make a wonderful token of appreciation. From awesome Leo cards and cool watches to cute mugs and fun stickers, you’ll surely find the perfect choice!

An Ode to Hammocks

Saturday, July 22nd, 2023

Hammocks: you can swing on them, lounge on them, and they're versatile for easy storage - what's not to love? With just a few simple steps, you can have your feet up and fall asleep in minutes. They can be made of out-washable outdoor camping material, soft cotton, or even rope. No matter which hammock you go for, though, they'll help you lay back and forget all of your problems. Embrace the day that's in it by hanging up your hammocks and feeling the wind slightly rock you side-to-side as you ascend into deep relaxation.

In the beginning, hammocks were created for protection, to keep the users away from animals and dangerous insects. Hammocks then became the primary sleeping option for sailors, starting in the 16th century. The natural sway of the hammock helped combat sea sickness. Now that you've learned a potted history of the hammock, why not use this as inspiration to organize some fun for everyone, get the kids involved, and celebrate this national day by visiting a local park with a few hammocks? You can share stories, read, or have a picnic.

In the spirit of being in the amazing outdoors, you can make things more fun with a few simple touches. Bring everyone together by setting up some custom cornhole sets, Fast Four, or even a Topple Tower. Create an environment that makes everyone relaxed with hammocks (and tons of great games to play when you're not in them)!

Top Tips for Wedding Invitations

Friday, July 21st, 2023

Your wedding day is fast approaching: you’ve picked the venue, the food, the dress, the cake, and the wedding theme colors. All that's left are the invitations! You'll need to find an invitation design that suits you and the wedding of your dreams! Whether you're looking for modern, traditional, colorful, black & white, or floral (perfect for a spring or summer wedding), we've got beautiful invitations awaiting your personal touch!

Once you've found the perfect style of wedding invitations, it’s time to decide what you'll write on them. Make sure to follow the 5 W's that are outlined in our article “Wedding Invitation Wording Tips & Etiquette." You'll uncover plenty of insightful information to help you along the way! Your guests will be blown away by whatever you decide on.

Now that you’ve figured out what you’ll say on your invites, it's time to figure out what else you need for your big day. You can look through all the wedding décor that Zazzle has to offer, as well as wedding favors that could make great centerpieces and include a special surprise for your amazing guests. It's all these little details that will take your big day to the next level. Congrats on your upcoming wedding!

Joint at the Hip

Thursday, July 20th, 2023

Traditionally, bachelor and bachelorette parties were rigidly gendered events. The bride squad would head, raucously, in one direction, and the groomsmen would go, loudly, in another. But in an age where Bridal Musings.com is encouraging its readers to "ditch traditions that don’t serve them," and where the LGBTIQA+ community and its allies are looking for fun, gender-neutral alternatives to heteronormative conventions, a joint bachelor and bachelorette party could be the best option for you and your partner.

In our "How to Throw a Joint Bachelorette Party" article, we explain the reasoning behind this increasingly popular party format. Not only will a joint pre-wedding event cater to both of your friend groups (perhaps even the same group, if you have lots of mutual acquaintances), but you’ll be able to save money, let both parties mingle, and organize it a lot quicker than you would two distinct events. As The Knot.com points out, the concept of a joint bachelor and bachelorette party is also closely related to the ‘bachelorx party,’ which is an all-gender event that’s more inclusive of queer and non-binary people, and thus hosting a joint party can be a positive step in terms of LGBTQIA+ awareness.

If you’re sold on the idea of the joint party but don’t know what to actually do, then don’t worry – we’ve suggested destinations and activities in the article as well, such as camping, game nights, road trips, and pool parties. The pub crawls and disorderly pranks may seem a little outdated in 2023, so there should be something modern and exciting for everyone here – and most importantly, for you and your soon-to-be spouse!

A Tropical Delight: National Daiquiri Day

Wednesday, July 19th, 2023

What do white rum, lime juice, and sugar have in common? Well, they’re the ingredients of the iconic Daiquiri cocktail, which has become synonymous with summer fun and tropical climes. This refreshing blend is so popular that it has its own day – National Daiquiri Day, celebrated every July 19th!

Daiquiri was supposedly invented by Cuban miners in the village of Daiquiri in 1898. Many miners regularly gathered in a local bar where one of the miners, Jennings Cox, often experimented with mixing drinks. One day, he mixed Bacardi, sugar, and lime with a glass full of ice, and the rest is history. The cocktail has become a popular drink in Havana and beyond, and it's now a classic that every mixologist loves to create.

This day is a fantastic opportunity to pay tribute to Daiquiri's history and worldwide fame. It's certainly not only meant for cocktail masters; it's for everyone who likes to mix Daquiri to serve at home or private parties! Explore the countless variations of the traditional cocktail recipe by adding fruity infusions, like mango or pineapple. Take a chance and try it at home, and don’t be afraid to experiment – in the end, that’s how this cocktail was invented! And don’t forget to serve it in one of Zazzle’s cocktail glasses – it'll make a stunning Daiquiri presentation.

Time to Transform

Tuesday, July 18th, 2023

As we all know, it’s not easy being a teenager – it’s hard to juggle getting through school, choosing a career, and navigating personal relationships. But if adolescence can sometimes seem overwhelming, then we’re confident that effect is only compounded when you’re Marinette Dupain-Cheng and Adrien Agreste, two superheroes responsible for protecting Paris in Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir. Suddenly our high school dramas don’t seem so urgent anymore!

Marinette is an attendee of Collège Françoise Dupont; to the casual observer, she’s your average, awkward student with dreams of becoming a world-famous fashion designer. Meanwhile, Adrien is another student in Miss Bustier's class, and he’s reserved, studious, and sheltered. Both Marinette and Adrien have alter egos, however, allowing them to moonlight as the superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir. Then, instead of homework and exams to worry about, they have to contend with Adrien’s father, Hawk Moth, who wants to steal the Miraculous jewels and infuse the citizens of Paris with negative energy, transforming them into corrupted versions of themselves!

Since its debut in 2015, Miraculous has been the subject of stage musicals, manga adaptations, and video games, and there’s even an animated film being released in 2023! This worldwide multimedia success means that Miraculous is now one of the most popular cartoon franchises in the world; it was only a matter of time before it made its way to Zazzle.com! Check out our officially licensed store now, and discover stationery, décor, apparel, and accessories related to your favorite characters!

Mojo for Emojis

Monday, July 17th, 2023

Have you ever noticed the date on the Calendar Emoji? It’s July 17 – the date also chosen for World Emoji Day. This annual celebration honors the small digital icons that have become an integral part of modern communication.

Nowadays, expressing our thoughts and feelings is something that can be done with a twist. Those tiny symbols are here to tell our story in a simple and more fun way. Loving someone? Share the Heart emoji ❤️. Feeling down? Use the Crying Cat 😿 emoji. Are you laughing your head off at someone’s message? Use the Face With Tears of Joy 😂 emoji. In a hurry and have no time to write a confirmation response? Use the Thumb 👍 emoji. In fact, there are currently 3664 emojis in the Unicode Standard, which can cover almost any mood, act, object, food, animal, and even mythical creatures. These images can often be worth thousands of words as they describe what we feel, what we do, and even where we are.

The origins of today's emojis can be found in the chatrooms of the 1990s, where basic emojis such as :) were utilized to express a smile or ;) to add emphasis to a joke. However, it was a designer, Shigetaka Kurita, who invented today’s version of emojis. The word "emoji" can be translated as "picture character," which is a combination of the Japanese words "e" (picture) and "moji" (character). There’s no question that emojis are a picture-perfect way to show off your character and spice up any virtual conversation. And if you want to go a step further on this World Emoji Day, why not find an emoji gift and share it with your loved ones?

Make, Create, and Be Merry

Sunday, July 16th, 2023

Time flies when you’re having fun – and that’s why it’s hard to believe that Zazzle is now almost two decades old. Founded in 2005, Zazzle is now old enough to buy a lottery ticket and get a tattoo without parental consent! In reality, however, we’re likely to spend it as we’ve spent all our previous birthdays: celebrating and embracing the uniqueness and creativity of our teammates, Customers, Creators, and Makers.

Indeed, on each birthday, we like to pay tribute to the three pillars of our success. We owe a sincere debt of gratitude to our Independent Creators (those responsible for uploading the beautiful designs you see on-site), our Makers (the professional manufacturers that help us to produce high-quality orders), and to you, our Customers and Readers, who make it all worthwhile. We hope you mark the occasion with a trip to Zazzle Ideas, Zazzle Create, or even Zazzle LIVE, depending on your mood!

Zazzle’s team now extends from Cork, Ireland, to Reno, Nevada, and we can’t wait to see where our 19th year takes us all. As we blow out the candles on another 12 months of creativity, innovation, and customization, we’re already eagerly anticipating July 16, 2024, when we can start the party all over again!

Jar-tastic Delights

Saturday, July 15th, 2023

There’s something so special and homey about those glass jars that often sit on the top shelf in the kitchen or in the glass cabinet. Mason jars don't even need a functional purpose, in fact, as they're so stylish and make a lovely accessory in different spots around the house. However, they do indeed have a very important role in many households, as they're traditionally used as a tool for preserving food.

We tuck jam, pickles, apples, and carrots into these cute glass jars, and then, after a number of days of conservation, we add them to some delicious recipes – especially in the winter when most preserved food is consumed. The original Mason jars were invented by John Landis Mason in 1858, and the threaded top he used to seal the jar was a revolutionary concept in food preservation. Mason jars reached their peak use during World War II when the public was encouraged to ration and grow their own food.

Today, mason jars are extremely popular. In fact, they’re so popular that if you laid end-to-end all the jars sold in a year, they would encircle the entire planet! That’s a lot of jars! Here at Zazzle, Mason jars are one of our favorite products. Our jar design is a replica of the original Mason jars used on farms and in country restaurants but with a modern twist. They’re often used as wedding accessories for holding flowers and various decorations or simply for drinking lemonade at a garden party in the summer. Mason jars from Zazzle can also be cool gifts for graduations and birthdays, as they can make a statement piece with personalized text, funny quotes, and stylish images. Browse through all the wonderful design options and find your favorite jar – for yourself or as a gift for friends and family.

Creating Digital Art

Friday, July 14th, 2023

Creating doesn't have any limits, and neither does knowledge – and so there's never been a better time to experiment with or expand your knowledge of various forms and formats of art. The tools and techniques keep getting better and more accessible to enrich your skill set and realize your vision. One of the popular ways of creating art is in a digital form, by using some form of digital technology.

Mainstream media and marketing companies often use digital art techniques in advertisements or other promotional content. They harness the power of the software to enhance visuals and captivate their audience. Filmmakers also regularly rely on digital art methods to create visually compelling scenes and amplify the impact of their storytelling. There’s no question that digital art is more involved in our lives than we think!

Whether you’re an expert or have just started on your journey in digital art, it’s always useful to keep up with the latest trends and tools in this industry. In the article "8 Popular Ways to Create Digital Art," we've compiled a list of digital art methods that may refine or expand your knowledge on this topic. Dive into the article and drop us a comment, sharing your experiences in the realm of digital art.

Less is More

Wednesday, July 12th, 2023

Do you often dream about leaving it all behind and moving to the woods or to a remote island, living off the land, and simply enjoying crafting while being surrounded by nature and animals? You’re not alone! However, you don’t have to go fully off-grid to achieve the feeling of freedom and simplicity this lifestyle usually promotes. In fact, it’s even simpler than that!

National Simplicity Day was founded in honor of Henry David Thoreau, an American author, transcendentalist, and promoter of living simply. His philosophy and the lifestyle he led were based on trying to make his outer life simpler in order to make his inner life richer. He advocated getting back to basics and not complicating one's life by accumulating more material things. He wrote about how people often overthink and suggested taking the simplest and most obvious approach whenever in doubt. His philosophy is somewhat equivalent to a modern-day minimalist lifestyle that promotes ‘less is more.’

To mark National Simplicity Day, you can adopt one of two approaches: for the first one, you can assess your material possessions and decide if there’s anything you can get rid of to make your living space simpler and less cluttered. Those six pairs of unused shoes on the bottom shelf can go! That old phone that you’ve been meaning to give to someone? Now's the time. The cleansed space will impact how you feel and think, which brings us to the second approach. Here, you don’t have to do anything at all. Simply observe your surroundings and how it makes you feel. Congratulations – you’ve mastered simple living!

We Are the World

Tuesday, July 11th, 2023

Today marks World Population Day, which celebrates human progress and helps raise awareness about global population issues. Considering the population’s dramatic growth, the significance of this day cannot be overstated. In November 2022, the world's population surpassed 8 billion people, and this number is expected to grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050, and 10.9 billion in 2100. According to the United Nations, the world's population took hundreds of thousands of years to reach 1 billion. However, recently, it multiplied by a factor of seven in a short span of around 200 years.

World Population Day was established by the U.N. in 1989, and it also focuses on emphasizing the need for conducting comprehensive data and research on population trends. That data helps policymakers and organizations develop evidence-based strategies for managing overpopulation. By understanding population dynamics, governments can plan for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other essential services to meet the needs of their growing populations. Overpopulation is an extremely important issue, particularly when considering the alarming depletion of global resources at an unsustainable pace. The Guardian explains that part of the reason for the rising population is the fact that humans are living longer, with an average life expectancy reaching 77 by 2050.

To mark World Population Day, you can check OUT seminars, educational sessions, or workshops on population topics held by various institutions in your community or online. You can also mark it by remembering that you’re one in 8 billion and truly unique, which is more than a valid reason to celebrate being human and alive!

How to Decorate Your New Home With Unique Décor Ideas

Monday, July 10th, 2023

Is it sweet home Alabama, Louisiana, Montana, or Indiana? Maybe you moved to an entirely different state. Nonetheless, happy new home day! Yes, we said it! Celebrations are definitely in order – after all, the stress of buying the house, securing the mortgage, organizing property surveys, and booking a moving van seemed never-ending! Now, however, it's time for the fun part: decorating!

You may not be a budding interior designer and hiring one may be out of the question; in that case, the whole idea of decorating an entire house can feel daunting. Don’t worry, because with the help of your amazing family and friends and a few useful guides along the way, you’ll be a natural before you know it. And we’ve got something in store for you which will be a big asset in your renovation adventure.

Apart from being the best supplier of paper products, Zazzle also creates stunning artwork and wall décor that you can edit and personalize, just like our stationery. Uncover the amazing options yourself, and find tips for arranging furniture and picking color themes in this recently published article: “How to Decorate Your New Home with Unique Décor Ideas.”

25 Indoor & Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids

Sunday, July 9th, 2023

It’s time to brace yourself! The utter chaos of summer vacation is about to be unleashed on you, and we want you to be prepared. You said 2023 was going to be your year, so let this be the best summer yet. Let’s forget about the mishaps of last year, with the kids running rampant and causing havoc left, right, and center – preparation is key and we’re here to help!

Most of the year, school or daycare gives kids a sense of normalcy and routine; as soon as that changes, however, they'll seek other ways of stimulation. It’s easy to fall into the trap of distracting them with consoles, TV, iPads, and other screen-related options, but with a small bit of planning and organization, and maybe even communication if you want to make it a group affair with your friends and their kids, you can make those long summer days pass quickly.

This brings us to our amazing article that’s set to banish their boredom and bring you a sense of ease. We’re referring to “25 Indoor and Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids” – suitable for all ages and jam-packed with ideas even to please the fussiest of children. We hope you have much fun reading it as we did writing it. Enjoy!

Press Start to Play

Saturday, July 8th, 2023

‘Hey now, you’re an all-star, get your game on, go play! Hey now, you’re a gamer, get your stream on, get paid (And all those golden coins) Only shootin’ scores on your console’! Is there any better feeling than turning on our console and feeling that instant surge of energy and dopamine when we pick up our keyboards or controllers? And then we're off on a quest to hunt for loot, score points, gather coins, and earn trophies. Sadly, we can’t catch them all, but we can certainly try on National Video Game Day.

It’s crazy how far video games have progressed over the years. Could we go as far as to say the ‘millennial’ generation had it best when it came to the game console generation? We’ve got a lot of gratitude to give Japan for launching the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in the ’80s and Sony’s PlayStation in the ’90s. It’s hard to decide which console ranked higher in the ‘90s, with Nintendo releasing Pokémon in 1996, Super Mario 64 in 1997, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time in 1999. Meanwhile, PlayStation gave us Crash Bandicoot in 1996, Spyro the Dragon, and Metal Gear Solid in 1998. And, of course, we can't discuss gaming in the 1990s without giving the Dreamcast, Sega Genesis, and of course, the nostalgic Game Boy, a noble mention.

Fast forward to 2023, and most games are played online now. In the virtual world, we can dive into different imaginative dimensions, go into stealth mode, save princesses from castles, participate in mortal combat, and release our frustration on monsters in many role-play games. In the online world, we can re-spawn and start again, but we can't do that in real life, so make the most of it. Start a special stream on Twitch, arrange a group game with friends, or get lost on Rainbow Road. You can be an All-Star any day of the week, but on National Video Game Day, it feels different – go explore!

Sweet or Savory?

Friday, July 7th, 2023

When it comes to having treats or go-to comfort foods, there are many fan favorites. Some love chips and dip, while others prefer the smooth goodness of chocolate, and we don’t blame them! Today is World Chocolate Day, which basically means giant or large-sized bars are acceptable for one person! Well, we wouldn’t want you to overindulge, but you should still find a way to celebrate the occasion today!

What can you do, you ask? Chocolate is a versatile delicacy so you can enjoy it in many ways. You could plan an ice cream party with the kids? You could visit a local coffee shop and get a hot chocolate; yes, this could be unpleasant on a hot summer’s day, so it all depends on what part of American soil you’re reading this from. Maybe a trip to the local movie theater is on the cards for some delicious M&M’s or cookie dough bites with popcorn. Now that’s a combo worth pursuing!

If you love chocolate puns as much as you love chocolate, you may be delighted to know you can indulge in both with Zazzle’s witty candy favors. You’ll discover delicious Hershey’s Kisses, Hershey’s Miniature Bars, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups covered in custom labels for birthdays, special gifts, anniversaries, and graduations. As they're customizable you can choose how to design them, with the added bonus of being assembled or non-assembled on delivery options. We’re just here to piece together a few ideas; what comes next is up to you!

Serve: In the Name of Love!

Thursday, July 6th, 2023

‘L is for the way they lob the ball, O is for the overheads performed, V is very, very extraordinary. E is for even more, than anyone can score…’ Tennis can be an educational as well as a thrill-seeking sport, as we witness top athletes performing competitively alone and as part of a team. While it's a worthwhile experience that we can enjoy at many different times of the year, Wimbledon is the championship we look forward to the most, and with an amazing selection of American tennis players, it would be hard not to!

2023 will be an interesting year for us in the Junior, Senior, and Wheelchair Divisions. We’ve managed to win a few victories in recent years – in the Junior Division with Liv Hoade, Sebastian Gorzny, and Alex Michelsen in 2022. Samir Banerjee was the only American winner in the 2021 Junior Division, so what’s to come this year we wonder? And let’s not forget about David Wagner taking home a Doubles victory in the Wheelchair Division. In the Senior Division, Desirae Krawczyk has been holding strong in the Doubles Championship, with victories in 2022 and 2023. Serena Williams was the last American to take home the Ladies’ Singles Division Championship in 2016 along with winning the Ladies' Doubles with her sister Venus that year. With Serena now retired and Venus rumored to return after an injury this year, what’s to come in the Ladies’ Division? Jessica Pegula and Coco Guff are firm Ladies’ favorites this year, while Taylor Fritz could make a stamp in the Men’s Senior Division.

If you and your family and friends are avid supporters of Wimbledon, why not organize a party to get together and enjoy your favorite sport? Here at Zazzle, we’ve got plenty of tennis party invitations that will cause a racquet. We even supply tennis-inspired party supplies that could really bring the whole theme together. And with a stroke of luck, you’ll all have a great time. May the best player win!

Cycle to Victory

Wednesday, July 5th, 2023

''Keep those cycle wheels turning, proud cyclists keep me swerving, and you’re rolling… rolling… rolling into first place!" Is there anything more exhilarating than witnessing the Tour de France? It’s only uphill… or maybe downhill from here! These cyclists have trained long and hard for the endurance needed to keep up with this 23-day course. It also gives us a view of the French countryside, which some of us may never have seen!

If you're feeling tired thinking about all the hype that's about to unfold, let's take a brake and go on a journey through the history of the Tour de France. It all began back in 1903 when Henri Desgrange created this momentous event. The Tour De France has occurred every year since, except for during both World Wars. The winner of each phase gets a yellow jersey to wear for the next day. A polka-dotted jersey is given to the rider with the most points in the climbing stages; to the person who can ascend the steepest mountains at speed, the title of 'King of the Mountains' is awarded.

If you've been a fan of the Tour De France for quite some time now, you may be interested to know that Zazzle has a nostalgic selection of vintage posters full of triumphant moments you can hang in your home. The next thing you know, you'll want to pull your old bike out of the shed to feel the serotonin goodness of a nice cycle in the sunshine!

Happy 4th of July!

Tuesday, July 4th, 2023

Tonight, fireworks will light up the sky, sparklers will be twirled, delicious food will be eaten, and good times will be had by all! While we may each have our own unique 4th of July traditions, games, and activities, one important aim is shared by us all – to celebrate our independence!

The 4th of July has actually only been a federal holiday since 1941, but the traditions surrounding Independence Day date all the way back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. In 1776, on the 2nd of July, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence and to sever their political connections to Great Britain. Two days after this, on July 4th, delegates from the 13 American colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, which was drafted by Thomas Jefferson. Following 1776, Independence Day was celebrated with parades, bonfires, public readings of the Declaration of Independence, oratory, and toasts to the birth of the new nation.

Today, we mark this special occasion with a wide range of festivities, including awesome firework displays, concerts, family barbecues, and fun parties! At Zazzle, we offer an extensive range of customizable 4th of July party supplies, physical and digital invitations, and patriotic clothing to help you add a personalized touch to this wonderful holiday!

Lookin’ Good!

Monday, July 3rd, 2023

“If you are still searching for that one person who will change your life, take a look in the mirror.” – Unknown

Today is officially National Compliment Your Mirror Day! It’s time to practice some self-love and to be kind to your reflection. It’s easy to get caught up in the challenges of everyday life and forget to take the time to appreciate yourself and nurture a healthy level of self-esteem.

Learning how to boost our self-esteem is super important! Self-esteem impacts many facets of our lives, including our relationships, confidence, emotional health, and motivation. There are a number of different ways to help boost self-esteem, and we’d like to share our favorite ones with you. You could write out a list of things you like about yourself, say some positive affirmations out loud, or make a conscious effort to stop comparing yourself to others.

This National Compliment Your Mirror Day, we implore you to speak to the reflection that’s staring back at you like you would a friend or family member! Why not design a special custom pocket mirror with a quote or affirmation that resonates with you? Be sure to remind yourself that you also deserve the love and respect you always give to others.

Have a Radical Retirement Party!

Sunday, July 2nd, 2023

Retirement is an incredibly important milestone in life that calls for a special celebration! After decades of hard work, the spare time, rest, and relaxation that comes with retirement is well deserved. If someone close to you has recently retired, why not help them mark the occasion with a fabulous retirement party?

If you’re wondering where to start when it comes to planning a retirement party for a friend, family member, or significant other, we’re here to help! We’ve written an awesome guide entitled “How to Host a Retirement Party,” complete with our best ideas for party themes, venue options, decorations, food, drink, and entertainment. Our handy guide will be sure to provide you with some much-needed inspiration for your own retirement party, which will, of course, be unique to the retiree. Make sure to consider their preferences when it comes to cuisine, guest lists, and other important details. Above all else, ensuring that the person retiring is surrounded by their closest friends and family is the most important aspect of a successful retirement celebration!

Here at Zazzle, we strive to help our customers create heartfelt, memorable events with meaningful personal touches. You can use our design tool to easily create wonderful invitations, decorations, and party supplies that will truly honor the retiree!

National Play Outside Day

Saturday, July 1st, 2023

Today's National Play Outside Day! It’s time to get some fresh air and have some fun in the great outdoors! National Play Outside Day falls on the first Saturday of every month, and simply encourages people of all ages to take some time to play outside.

Whether you’re 6 or 60, spending time outdoors offers a host of benefits that are needed for a healthy and satisfying life! Some of these benefits include improvements to our physical health, the fostering of a better mental state, and the opportunity to connect with others in our communities. For little ones, playing outside is key for proper early physical and mental development. Playing outdoors allows children to develop important motor skills including agility, balance, and coordination, and also helps them to become more independent. Children who spend time playing outside also have stronger immune systems and an improved mood! These days, unfortunately, American children reportedly spend 35% less time playing outside than their parents did. This may be due to social changes, safety fears, and the extensive amount of apps, consoles, and video games that many children use today.

It’s important that parents help their children to reduce screen time and promote outdoor play. At Zazzle, we have an awesome range of customizable products for use outdoors including frisbees, cornhole sets, skateboards, pickleball paddles, and sports equipment. National Play Outside Day is the perfect time to enjoy some lawn games with your friends and family!