Countdown to Halloween

Saturday, September 30th, 2023

It’s time to dust off your broomstick and find your witch's hat, because Halloween is just over a month away! Orange you excited? Whether you prefer to celebrate Halloween by watching scary movies on the couch, by taking your little ones out to trick or treat, or by hosting a massive party, we’re here to add an extra touch of pumpkin spice to the festivities this season. It's time to sink your teeth into our fang-tastic range of Halloween items!

Stumped on what to dress up as this year? Check out our selection of awesome Halloween t-shirts featuring designs from your favorite cartoons and superhero movies or simple combinations of hilarious phrases and puns. If throwing a big Halloween bash is your m.o., you’ll find the perfect party supplies right here! To make your party the talk of the town, you’ll need some new Halloween decorations, too. Have no fear, we’ve got you covered! Why not pick out a stunningly spooky Halloween doormat to spruce up your porch? Featuring witty phrases and cute motifs, our selection of Halloween-themed cushions are also a fabulous and cozy way to elevate your seasonal home décor! Or, you could surprise your kids on Halloween night with some ghoulishly great trick-or-treat bags to help them collect mounds of candy.

Over the next few weeks, we hope that your ideal Halloween plans will come to fruition – and remember, always look on the fright side of life!

To Bean or Not to Bean

Friday, September 29th, 2023

It’s National Coffee Day! As one of the most popular beverages in the world, coffee has been offering us humans a delicious burst of energy for many, many years. In fact, coffee is believed to have been first produced as far back as 800 AD!

While no one knows exactly when coffee was discovered, there are many interesting legends surrounding its origin. One of the most renowned tales tells the story of Kaldi, a goat herder in Ethiopia, who noticed his goats becoming energetic after eating the berries from a tree nearby. He also tried some of these berries and experienced higher energy levels himself! Kaldi went on to share this finding with a local monastery, and the monks who lived there concocted a warm drink from the mysterious berries. The monks reportedly found that the drink helped them stay alert during long prayer hours! The news of this miraculous beverage quickly spread, and by the 15th century, coffee was being purposely grown in Yemen, and eventually reached America in the mid-17th century.

To celebrate National Coffee Day this year, treat yourself to your favorite form of this wonderful beverage! Whether you’re partial to an iced latte, a mocha, or an espresso, you definitely deserve a little pick-me-up. Why not design a special customized coffee mug for yourself or a loved one? Planning a coffee morning at home with family, or arranging to meet up with some friends in your local coffee shop, are also awesome ways to observe this brew-tiful day!

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!

Thursday, September 28th, 2023

Hi-dilly-ho, neighborinos! If you’re wondering what’s got us acting like world-famous super-neighbor Ned Flanders all of a sudden, we’re happy to tell you that today is National Good Neighbor Day. Now, while you might not possess the unrivaled neighborly enthusiasm of good ol’ Flanders, we’re sure you’re a very good neighbor indeed. However, today is your chance to up your game even further and help promote good neighboring to others in your community. After all, as the organizers of today’s event like to say, “Good neighbors make great neighborhoods!”

Good Neighbor Day actually dates all the way back to the early 1970s, when it was founded by Lakeside, Montana resident Becky Mattson. Later that decade, “in recognition of the importance of fostering compassion and respect in ourselves for our neighbors,” Congress requested a proclamation in support of the holiday. Then President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, granted their request and proclaimed September 24, 1978 National Good Neighbor Day. Since 2003, the celebration, which originally fell on the fourth Sunday of September, has been marked on September 28 each year.

If you’d like to learn more about National Good Neighbor Day, visit the official website, where you can download a social media kit, register for good neighboring workshops, or sign up for the good neighboring newsletter. Here on Zazzle, you can also pick up a little something for the occasion from our selection of neighbor gifts. And if you’re trying to create a bond with a new neighbor today, try to remember another simple but important slogan: “It starts with hello!”

Planning a Halloween Party?

Wednesday, September 27th, 2023

We love Halloween here at Zazzle, and we’re very excited that the most bewitching night of the year is drawing ever closer. In fact, we’d love nothing more than to start every edition of Today’s Moment between now and October 31 with a hearty helping of Halloween-themed puns. Unfortunately, it feels just a little early for that sort of fang—oops, we mean thing! It’s not too early, however, to start planning your Halloween party, and we’ve got just the article to help you put on a truly eerie-sistable (last one, we promise) bash!

In “35 Halloween Party Ideas & Spook-tacular Themes for Your Celebration,” you’ll find advice that’ll ensure everybody—and even those without bodies—thinks your party is simply fa-boo-lous (we just can’t help ourselves). There’s Spidey and Friends parties for kids, Masquerade Balls for adults, Halloween Bingo for the office party planners, and so much more! It’s sure to get your creative cauldrons bubbling (ahhh, the scary puns are taking over!)

So if you’re planning a Halloween party to die for (HELP!), check out “35 Halloween Party Ideas & Spook-tacular Themes for Your Celebration” over at Zazzle Ideas. And don’t forget, we also carry a wide range of customizable Halloween invitations, décor, and party supplies. Now, run, before the puns come for you too!

Note-thing Compares To You!

Tuesday, September 26th, 2023

In this digital age, the concept of a love letter or note seems antiquated—albeit charmingly so—to most of us. Sure, we’ll sigh wistfully in response to a romantic letter in our favorite period drama or novel, but we’ll settle for the convenience of a kissy emoji and an “ILY” (acronym for I Love You) over the grandeur of a “My Immortal Beloved…” when corresponding with our own partners. Well, today is your chance to dig down deep inside your soul and release the poet within to write something truly moving for your love. It is, after all, Love Note Day.

But what if the poet—cozy as they are in there—is reluctant to emerge today? Well, that’s ok too. Speaking to Good Housekeeping for an article entitled “How to Write a Love Letter,” author Kristian Higgins said that “you don’t have to be poetic or flowery unless that kind of thing comes naturally.” If you’re unlikely to sprout rosy prose then, Higgins suggests using a poignant memory from early in your relationship as a cue. “You might say, ‘I knew you were going to be important because you irritated me and made me laugh the very first time we met,’” said Higgins. Other experts recommended focusing on specifics and personal details when writing to make your letter more authentic. Rather than telling someone they’re generous for example, you should share an instance in which they displayed that generosity.

In the end, if you’d still like to add a little poetic flourish to your letter, you can always borrow a moving line from our list of “Anniversary Quotes & Romantic Love Messages.” But remember, it doesn’t have to be complicated: an unexpected Post-It inscribed with the simple words “I love you” and stuck on the fridge might not put you in league with Captain Wentworth, but it’s a good start!

Get with the Program!

Monday, September 25th, 2023

Without a wedding program, the ceremony and reception on your big day are liable to descend into chaos. Prepare for madcap, screwball comedy as bemused guests clamber over each other in search of the next event, and members of the bridal party go missing for long stretches of time. Don’t be surprised if the best man shows up eight hours ahead of schedule, or if the ring bearer is found later, in the dead of night, waiting on dinner. And as for the lyrics of every hymn? They’re anybody’s guess.

Okay, so, the above paragraph might be hyperbolic – it’s not as serious as all that. However, programs are a vital part of a wedding, helping to corral the guests, vendors, and members of the wedding party into the correct rooms at the correct times. As Brides.com points out, they’re also a way of ensuring that your guests feel involved and informed; they can even be a good "conversation starter," according to The American Wedding. There’s no limit to the amount of information you include in a wedding program, either, as our article on "Wedding Program Examples and Ideas" demonstrates – there’s room for quotes, bios, tributes, and menus!

It’s clear, then, that it’s our wedding programs that prevent us from devolving into anarchic, unpunctual beasts. And happily, the wide range of wedding programs published by Independent Creators means that you’re unlikely to be without one come the big day. With the help of Zazzle Ideas – along with our customizable Zazzle products themselves – you’ll be able to pull even the most disorganized, last-minute wedding back from the brink!

The Power to Change All Meaning!

Sunday, September 24th, 2023

What specifically is punctuation, and why is it so important to any language? According to CollinsDictionary.com, punctuation is the use of symbols, such as periods, commas, or question marks, to divide written words into sentences and clauses. And let’s be honest, some of us can’t get our heads around it. But that’s okay! Let’s turn National Punctuation Day into a teachable moment for us all.

Do you think you know the difference between kids' and kid’s? Do you know what the Oxford comma is and where it applies? Put yourself to the test and check out this punctuation quiz! And if you feel that the quiz is too easy, check out this quiz, which has beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. We won’t tell you how far we got – you’ll just have to trust us when we say, we passed with flying colors.

With texting incorporating more and more abbreviations as time goes on, hanging up punctuation and grammar posters might be a simple way to encourage the young inquisitive minds in your household to learn more. Between school and university, and even when it comes to applying for jobs, those daily punctuation reminders may work in their favor!

Discover the Magic of Libra Season!

Saturday, September 23rd, 2023

Sociable, harmonious, and fair-minded – those are the main characteristics of Libra, the season that spans from September 23rd to October 22nd.

That time brings a sense of harmony and is governed by Venus, the planet of love and beauty. During this exquisite period, the universe nudges us to seek balance in our lives and relationships. That means it’s a good time for some extra self-care – baths, treatments, or just a walk through your favorite park with someone you want to connect with! Libras are also known for their charm and diplomacy, and they inspire us to mend conflicts and foster deeper connections with others. As natural-born social butterflies, Libras thrive in the company of others. It’s a season of socializing, as we indulge in the pleasure of meaningful conversations and shared experiences.

Under the influence of Libra, it's also a good time to immerse ourselves in creative pursuits and make aesthetically pleasing environments. It's a good time to finish that art project you started a while ago, or else try out some new techniques to express your imagination. There’s no question that this is astrologically an exciting period, when we’re reminded to find balance within ourselves, practice self-care, and nurture our inner peace.

Looking to find a delightful gift for the special Libra in your life? Look no further than our list of "Great Gift Ideas for Libras!" You'll discover a curated collection of charming items that are sure to charm and delight your Libra friend or loved one.

Welcome the Changing Season: Fall Equinox

Friday, September 22nd, 2023

Did you know there’s always a bit more daylight than darkness on Earth? Even during the Equinox, when the length of day and night is nearly equal, Earth’s atmosphere happens to slightly bend sunlight. That makes it stretch over a slightly greater area of land and results in the daytime generally being a tiny bit longer.

The Fall Equinox occurs each year and marks the beginning of autumn. It’s also known as the September Equinox, and it typically takes place between September 22nd and 24th in the Northern Hemisphere. During this time, the sun crosses the celestial equator, moving from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere.

The Fall Equinox also holds cultural and historical significance for many civilizations, symbolizing a time of transition and change. Traditionally, it has been a time of harvest and thanksgiving, celebrating the reward of the season's crops. Many cultures worldwide hold festivals and rituals to honor this transitional period. For example, in England, people gather at the ancient site of Stonehenge to watch the sunrise and give thanks for the harvest and prepare for winter. In Mexico, the ancient Mayan pyramid at Chichen Itza was built according to the sun's movements. It’s a popular place for celebrating the Equinox, as at that particular moment, a shadow is cast on the main stairs that looks like a “snake of sunlight.”

The Fall Equinox signals nature's preparation for the winter season, as the days gradually become shorter and the temperatures begin to drop. It's also a good time to reflect and let go, as we say goodbye to the warmth and abundance of summer. The Equinox can serve as a reminder of the perpetual cycle of life, with each season offering its unique gifts and lessons. If you’d like to mark this day, whether with a celebration on some historic site or else by doing a little ritual at home, try to set an intention of appreciation of the beauty of life’s transitions.

Celebrating World Gratitude Day

Thursday, September 21st, 2023

“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness” - Dalai Lama.

Expressing gratitude for the dear people and beautiful experiences in our lives serves as an opportunity to pause and reflect on the countless blessings we often may take for granted. World Gratitude Day occurs on September 21st every year and seeks to foster a culture of appreciation across the world.

This concept started in Hawaii in 1965, during a Thanksgiving Day dinner at the United Nations building's meditation room. Spiritual leader Sri Chinmoy suggested a global day of gratitude, and participants committed to celebrating it. Today, the day surpasses borders, religions, and cultures, promoting a sense of unity and harmony among humanity.

Celebrating World Gratitude Day can enhance mental well-being by promoting a positive perspective on life, reducing stress levels, and improving interpersonal relationships. Moreover, gratitude cultivates empathy and compassion, leading to increased acts of kindness and generosity within communities.

On this day, individuals, schools, organizations, and communities engage in various gratitude-related activities, such as writing thank-you notes, volunteering for charitable causes, or simply expressing appreciation to those around them. If you’d like to get involved, it’s a good idea to write and send thank you cards to your loved ones or anyone else who has had an impact on your life. You can also simply show more appreciation to yourself by writing down in your journal a list of all of your positive qualities and good deeds. Feeling appreciative can then become a daily habit that enriches your life!

Unlocking the World of Digital Art Prints

Wednesday, September 20th, 2023

Welcome to the digital world of art, where we'll take you on a journey to explore the wonders of digitalization and answer some burning questions about it. Have you ever wondered what it actually is, where to find digital art, or how to print it?

Digital art isn't just about personal expression; it has practical applications too. From eye-catching event invitations to thoughtful cards for your loved ones, digital art opens up a world of possibilities. But wait, there's more! For educators and students, digital art holds fantastic educational value. So, if you're curious about where to access these digital delights, we've got you covered, as we'll guide you through all the 'wheres' and 'hows' in our "Where to Find Digital Art and How to Print Your Own Art" article.

Discover our instant downloads and say hello to a world of artistic exploration at your fingertips. Buckle up as we unravel the fascinating universe of digital art and its diverse uses. Let's embark on this creative adventure together!

It’s Fall Coming Back!

Monday, September 18th, 2023

Summer has leaft the building, and it’s time to welcome a new season into your home. Yes, cozy season is upon us, which brings warm sepia tones as well as fleece blankets, hot drinks, and knit sweaters. We tend to overindulge with candles and wax melts that fill our homes with aromatic scents of frankincense, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and appley tones, so why not adorn our homes with the décor to match?

A traditional fall theme would be rustic décor, but this year, foliage prints are a firm favorite. Create a stunning focal point in your living room or any other prominent space with fall foliage wall art. Foliage décor adds a sense of nature's beauty to your home, and the options are endless, allowing you to embrace the spirit of the season in your own unique way.

If you’re looking for something more distinctive, bold jewel tones are making a statement in 2023. Deep emerald greens, rich amethyst purples, and vibrant sapphire blues are being incorporated into fall décor to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. These jewel-tone designs work well on throw pillows, home accents, and table settings. Season the day and spruce up your home with autumn-themed tones and prints!

Give it a Grow!

Sunday, September 17th, 2023

In the United States, 38% of the population live in apartment blocks, and according to getflex.com, renters only have an average of 526 square feet of space. As a result, many Americans don't have backyards or even much room for their belongings, which means you having to make intelligent use of your space. We’re here to plant the seed and make you aware of how beneficial indoor plants are. Indoor plants come in all shapes and sizes, and in line with National Indoor Plant Week, we encourage you to learn more about their benefits.

Let’s start with getting to the root of the problem: why don't you have a plant, or why aren't you able to keep them alive for very long? First off, we recommend giving them names, based on any personality traits you think they might possess, and then you won't forget about them as often. We could think of a few suggestions, but we trust you to come up with your own! Secondly, once you find out how they reduce stress and anxiety and increase happiness and life satisfaction, you’ll be running to the store to get them. Please remember, though, that a good plant parent will be aware of each plant's individual needs, so do some research before you buy.

Remembering how often they need to be watered can be tricky, so create some reminders with some Post-it Notes on the fridge, or add a section in your journal for any important things you need to remember. National Indoor Plant Week was founded to raise awareness of the importance of plants in any indoor environment, so feel free to share anything you've learned today with family, friends, and co-workers.

And a 1, and a 2, and a 1, 2, 3…

Saturday, September 16th, 2023

Today is a day for tapping your toes and moving your hips, for doing the mambo, the tango, or the foxtrot, for performing a little pirouette, breaking out your famous robot routine, or simply dancing like nobody’s watching. Whatever kind of moves you possess—whether they’re elegant or so awkward, they make Elaine Benes look like Shakira—let them flow just for today. After all, it’s National Dance Day once again! So, allow us to lead, and we’ll take you through the origins of this occasion, one step at a time!

National Dance Day—not to be confused with International Dance Day, which falls on April 29 each year—was established in 2010 by Nigel Lythgoe, co-founder of the American Dance Movement, and D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. Though it originally took place in July, the occasion has been celebrated on the third Saturday in September since 2019. According to their official site, the American Dance Movement “believes that participation in dance connects the mind and body, promotes health and wellbeing, connects us with others and enables us to find joy through dance and movement.” The aim of National Dance Day, then, is to raise awareness of dance as an artistic endeavor, promote it as a form of exercise, and make it accessible to everyone.

If you’d like to mark this wonderful occasion, why not sign up for a dance class in your locality or even online? You can also check out our dance-themed gifts for the ballerina, break dancer, or salsa enthusiast in your life. Now, without further ado, let’s dance!

A Monumental Month

Friday, September 15th, 2023

In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson, at the request of the U.S. Congress, issued a proclamation: "I call upon the people of the United States, especially the educational community, to observe [National Hispanic Heritage Week] with appropriate ceremonies and activities." As of Presidential Proclamation 3689, the week including September 15th, 16th, and 18th – the anniversaries of several Latin American countries, Mexico, and Chile gaining their independence – was henceforth to be a tribute to the U.S. Hispanic population, and by 1988, President Ronald Reagan had expanded the occasion into a month-long celebration.

Of course, as important as this acknowledgment of Hispanic culture is, the term ‘Hispanic’ isn’t exactly ideal: although it was popular with the Nixon and Ford administrations, which led to its inclusion in the 1980 U.S. Census, many people identify as Chicano, Chicana, Latino, or Latinx instead. And since the term ‘Hispanic’ derives from Hispano, a Spanish word meaning someone whose cultural traditions originate from Spain, the implication is that years of pre-European history are being erased – it was the conquistadors, after all, that forcibly brought Spanish to Central and South America. The Spanish language, however, is a common factor among "American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America."

This year, if you’d like to participate in National Hispanic Heritage Month, you can visit the websites of the National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, or the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration; you may even be able to visit a real-life park or Smithsonian museum! Most importantly, you can try to sample some Latin American food and Mexican-American literature or even start to learn some Spanish! Enjoy the rest of NHHM 2023!

Unlock Your Potential

Thursday, September 14th, 2023

‘Don't stop achieving, hold on to that feeling…!' National Live Creative Day should be a daily celebration. However, we’ll accept it as a yearly reminder on September 14th to live an open-minded and expressive life. Today, let your imagination run wild, break free from the constraints of doubt and fear, and start turning your dreams into reality. Whether it's pursuing a long-held aspiration or exploring new horizons, today is the perfect opportunity to take that bold step toward making changes in your life.

If you’re wondering where to start, begin with this question: What’s your main objective for this month or year? Set 2023, or even September, as the timeframe within which to challenge yourself and try something new! We all have different creative talents, like singing, painting, dancing, drawing, writing, photography, crafting, and so much more. But being creative is about more than artistic expression; it's also about thinking outside the box, solving problems, and adapting to new situations. So whether you're looking for new ways to achieve goals in your professional or social life, choose today to try and figure out what works for you!

If you have some spare time and have artistic ideas or even funny slogans you think people would enjoy, becoming a Zazzle Creator might be the right choice for you! Create funny t-shirts, cute coffee mugs, and more, and sell them on our platform by simply adding designs through our design tool. Our product range might even surprise you as we have loads of new arrivals. We suspect you'll be amazed at what you come up with!

A Milestone Moment to Remember!

Wednesday, September 13th, 2023

Your baby's first birthday is such a special occasion and should be celebrated with everyone in the family! Regardless of if you're going to have a small get-together at home or a big blowout party, it can be hard to think of the perfect theme.

That's where we come in! Zazzle will always be here to help you plan your significant events! Check out our article, “The Most Fun & Unique First Birthday Themes for Your 1-Year-Old!" to find a theme that works the best for you. You may already know what your one-year-old would like the most; however, this article provides 32 different ideas to consider anyway! Discover everything from your favorite Disney characters to sports themes and much more. You can also find first birthday invitations that match your chosen theme.

No matter what party theme you choose, we know that all of your adult guests will be happy to eat some amazing food and enjoy seeing their kids having fun! While your littlest guests will most likely be happy with a slice of cake, it's a good idea also to offer some fun activities for them to enjoy! Some of our top picks include coloring, face painting, ball pits, screening a kid-friendly movie, and water tables or paddling pools!

Press Start to Play!

Tuesday, September 12th, 2023

September 12 is National Video Games Day, and as much as the origins of the day are unclear – the earliest mentions of the unofficial holiday are in the early 1990s – so too are the origins of video games themselves complex. Since there are now approximately 2 billion gamers worldwide, however, and because the video game industry makes more money annually than the music and film industries combined, we think it’s a topic worth exploring!

Although video games are being developed in many countries worldwide – take the companies CD PROJEKT RED in Poland, Rare in the U.K., and Crytek in Germany – it’s historically the U.S. and Japan that have been the largest producers and purveyors of video games. It was an American, David Rosen, who was the first CEO and managing director of Sega Enterprises Ltd., and a German-American engineer, Ralph Baer, who made the first home system for video games: the Magnavox Odyssey. Sony entered the market with their PlayStation in 1995 – famously retailing for "$299" – and, of course, it was Nintendo, the century-old toy and playing card manufacturer, that revived the video game industry in 1985, ten years earlier.

Gaming is about more than hardware prices, executives, and new technology; however, it’s also about cultivating farms, saving princesses, trading pocket monsters, and solving puzzles to the tune of Russian folk music. In other words, there’s a genre or style of game for everyone this National Video Games Day, not just the fans of Madden or Call of Duty. This is your opportunity to experience one of the world’s greatest art forms for yourself, and to have a lot of fun doing so!

Honoring September 11th

Monday, September 11th, 2023

Today, we honor the thousands of men and women who lost their lives to an act of terror, as well as the hundreds of brave first responders who ran towards fires and smoke to come to the rescue. On this day, we think of the people from the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and those who died on Flight 93 when it crashed in a field southeast of Pittsburgh. Millions of lives were forever changed after this event.

For many, this solemn day is one of remembrance as a result of an attack that forever altered America; many people lost a family member on that day. This year marks the 22nd anniversary of those who passed. Every year, many communities across the country hold moments of silence at schools, sporting days, and other special memorial events. To honor the firefighters and police officers who walked up the stairs of the Twin Towers, people often do stair climbs or take part in memorial races.

If you find yourself in New York at any point during the year, you could stop by the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. This museum works to foster a deeper understanding of 9/11 and its ongoing legacy. Our thoughts and prayers go with everyone this September 11th.

To Grandma’s House, We Go!

Sunday, September 10th, 2023

Can we take a Moment to really appreciate how important our grandparents are? They take us for ice cream, get us our toys, and always seem to have candy on them. Our grandparents will always have a special place in our hearts. Enjoy time with your grandfathers and grandmothers whenever you see them, but especially on National Grandparents Day!

This fine day was originally proposed to President Nixon in 1969 by nine-year-old Russell Capper. He suggested that a day should be set aside to celebrate grandparents, like how there are days for fathers and mothers. Nixon's personal secretary mailed a letter back saying that the President could only do that if Congress allowed him to do so. But it wasn't until 1977 that Senator Jennings Randolph and a few other senators put forth a resolution to make the first Sunday after Labor Day in September officially ‘National Grandparents Day’!

Make sure your grandparents feel loved today: take them out for lunch, have a day at the park together, or just go visit them at their home. If they don’t live near you, then make sure they still feel important by sending them a card or a customized gift. If you're unsure of what gifts to get your grandma or grandpa, know that Zazzle has the perfect gift ideas. They can put your card or gift in a spot that they can see every day, reminding them of how much you love them!

All for One, and One for Fall

Saturday, September 9th, 2023

According to a survey quoted by the Good News Network, 56% of Americans find themselves to be happier during fall than any other season. Due to the changing colors of the leaves (51%), the brisk air (45%), and the chance to drink hot chocolate (44%), the majority of the 2,000 U.S. respondents "were nostalgic about and eager for the season." Well, consider us to be in the same camp – along with the writers at Country Living, who confess themselves to be pro-fall, too – because we’re thoroughly in love with pumpkin pie, warm fireplaces, and sepia-toned foliage.

Fortunately, we’ve found an outlet for our fall fandom, and that’s over at Zazzle Ideas – our "5 Things to Look Forward to in Fall" were published in 2019 but could be applied to any year. Given the opportunity to expound our theories, we’ve settled on five reasons why, in a fair fight, fall could easily lay summer, spring, and winter down for the count. Why, even our Independent Creators are in agreement and have published thousands of fall wedding and fall décor products on-site!

If you’re still not convinced, then take a look at our article above – and then take a look at the exciting fixtures for this year’s football season, which has just begun. Last but not least, remember that September and October constitute the lead-up to that all-singing, all-dancing holiday season, which ranges from Halloween on October 31 to New Year’s Day on January 1. If that isn’t enough to make you ‘fall for fall,’ then we don’t know what is!

The Right to Write!

Friday, September 8th, 2023

Although it might seem like everybody can read, write, and perform arithmetic, in actuality, there are still 763 million adults worldwide who lack basic literacy skills. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruption to the education of 24 million children, 11 million of whom were girls and young women. And so, while the situation has certainly improved since the conception of International Literacy Day in 1965, there remains a need "to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights."

But what is literacy? According to UNESCO, literacy was, upon the inaugural International Literacy Day in 1966 – having been proposed at a conference in Tehran, Iran, the previous year – a set of reading, writing, and counting skills. However, the concept of literacy has now expanded to include digital skills, media literacy, and job-specific skills, given the nature of our "increasingly digital, text-mediated, information-rich and fast-changing world." In other words, due to the advent of email, text, and instant messaging, people now have to read and write more than ever before; and as well as that, they must also possess the know-how to navigate the relevant systems, apps, and programs that allow them to do so.

However, while the definition of literacy has changed, how we master it hasn’t: everyone still turns to their parents, teachers, and librarians for help with reading, writing, math, and computers. If you’d like to learn more about UNESCO’s efforts to improve literacy rates across the globe and how that goal also factors into their campaign for sustainable development and poverty reduction, then take a look at their official website this September 8.

Love Is in the Air

Thursday, September 7th, 2023

In the wise words of the Supremes – “You can’t hurry love, No, you just have to wait. You gotta trust, give it time, no matter how long it takes…” In celebration of National Feel the Love Day, which falls on September 7th, we’d like to spread as much love and joy as possible! We all experience and cherish love in different ways: some of us rush into relationships, while others prefer to wait and see what happens. Have you ever thought about the love you feel for yourself? Why not use today as an opportunity to become more self-aware and practice some self-love?

According to Betterhelp.com, self-love is having an appreciation and positive regard for your own well-being. It’s closely linked to self-esteem and self-compassion. We hear about self-care on a daily basis when we see advertisements for beauty treatments; perhaps self-care should be more focused on feeling good on the inside than looking good on the outside. A few ideas to get you started on your self-love journey are meditation, journaling, daily affirmations, and taking up a new hobby. It’s perfectly acceptable to love yourself; in fact, we encourage it, and hope you find something that makes you happy today!

While you’re on your journey of self-love today, it’s only natural to want to brighten someone else’s day. Share some love with your friends and family by sending them a digital card full of appreciation, including reasons why you love them. Depending on time and location, you could take a surprise trip home to your parents or grandparents and make their day. Today is a celebration of love, so take some time to share some endearment with those around you. As Sophocles once said: “One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: that word is love.” Ease the load on someone's shoulders today by telling them you love them!

Time to Crack a Book Open!

Wednesday, September 6th, 2023

You hear the pitter-patter of raindrops as they fall on your window. You look outside and see that the sky's turning gray, there's a light breeze, and the rain is slowly growing stronger and stronger. You start to hear the thunder roll through the clouds, and before you know it, lightning crackles across the horizon. Your evening plans for a long walk are no longer an option, but you get a tingling sensation as you realize that you now have an excuse to stay in, curl up under a blanket, and read your favorite book!

Reading became popular with the help of everyone’s favorite afternoon talk show host, Oprah Winfrey. In 1996, she started her own book club and recommended seventy books, in total, to her audience, inspiring millions of people to read. National Read a Book Day, then, became popular in the late 2000s, when the National Association of School Librarians made it a national holiday. They wanted to encourage children to read at least 30 min a day.

Celebrate this national holiday by going to a local bookshop to buy a new book, finding a book club to join, and by grabbing stamps and stickers to label your books, ensuring you don't lose them. Have others join in the fun by hosting a book party, where everyone can bring a book they want to swap with someone else. Of course, the best way to mark this special day is to snuggle up with a good book and get lost in it!

Comes Recommended by the Queen!

Tuesday, September 5th, 2023

What’s for dinner tonight? Well, if you haven’t decided yet, allow us to suggest a delicious pizza from your local pizzeria or a homemade pizza pie prepared fresh in your very own kitchen. But, just for today, we implore you to hold the toppings! It is, after all, National Cheese Pizza Day!

While flatbreads covered with various toppings were eaten by the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks—and the Persians may have been making pizza-like flatbreads as far back as the sixth century BCE—it was in the Italian city of Naples that pizza as we know it today began to develop in the late 18th century. Legend has it, notes History.com, that the cheese pizza was also invented there in 1889, during a visit by King Umberto I and Queen Margherita (I think you can see where this is going). According to popular lore, a local pizzeria prepared a range of different pies for the monarchs, but it was a pizza covered with white mozzarella, red tomatoes, and green basil—designed, it seems, to include all the colors of the Italian flag—that the Queen most enjoyed. This pizza would henceforth bear her name: the Margherita. So, you see, the humble cheese pizza is actually a meal fit for a king and queen!

If you’re a huge pizza lover and you don’t need holidays like this to give you an excuse to enjoy a few slices, or you simply love baking your own pies, pick up some of our wonderful pizza cutting boards and serving trays to bring an authentic pizzeria feel into your home!

Happy Labor Day!

Monday, September 4th, 2023

Happy Labor Day weekend! We interrupt your time off to bring you this new bulletin: that Labor Day isn’t just for taking time off work and is about celebrating all the contributions that workers have made to the American economy. So, fly your flags, hang the red, white, and blue banners, and gather your loved ones near for a fireworks show.

If you're too late to host a party in your backyard this year, then take a look at our Labor Day invitations, napkins, plates, and backyard games to get ready for next year. Go all out for the party to make it a real blast for everyone in the family. Who knows – it could become a new family tradition!

Back to the Drawing Board

Sunday, September 3rd, 2023

"Business cards?" we hear you scoff. "Business cards! In 2023?" In an age where AI, VR, and other initialisms are transforming businesses around the world, is there still room for a good old-fashioned exchange of card stock? Well, we’re happy to inform you that yes, there is – and particularly so if they’re unique, high-quality business cards like those you’ll find here.

As we suggest in our "How to Design Your Own Unique Business Card on Zazzle" article – and as others, including The Balance and Entrepreneur.com, also maintain – business cards are still a capital idea and remain the quickest way to relay your personal information and contact details. Indeed, in some countries, like Hong Kong and Japan, not presenting a business card is tantamount to an insult. If you learn to create your own, then, with Zazzle.com, you’ll never have to worry about a slow Wi-Fi connection or cultural awkwardness again; you can either adapt an existing card template or start over with a blank card and add each element separately. Regardless of which you choose, our detailed ‘how-to’ guide is absolutely worth investing in.

Overall, our Zazzle Ideas blog is a valuable asset: it’s filled with useful articles on business card usage and design, such as "How to Use Your Business Cards to Network, Get a Job, or Find New Clients." And so, if you ever encounter anyone denouncing the relevance of business cards in the future or someone claiming that it’s impossible to create your own pack on Zazzle.com, well, you know where to send them!

Yoga'na Love This!

Saturday, September 2nd, 2023

Yesterday, we wrote about how September is National Self-Care Awareness Month. Fitting in rather neatly with that very same theme, it’s also National Yoga Month. So, if you read our piece yesterday and resolved to start practicing self-care a little more diligently going forward, it might be a good idea to embrace today’s theme and take up a practice that’s good for the mind, body, and soul!

Before you say, “Yoga? Namastay in bed,” hear us out. Yoga is an ancient Indian discipline that, according to the folks at MasterClass, “links body and breath through movement and meditation.” It may date as far back as 5,000 years, but the text that forms its core tenets was written sometime later—with sources giving a host of different dates ranging from the 6th century BCE to the 5th century CE. The practice underwent a massive boom in the Western world in the 20th century, and with good reason: yoga can improve strength, balance, and flexibility; relieve back pain; ease arthritis symptoms; improve heart health; help with relaxation and sleep; and much more! And by the way, these benefits aren't ones listed off by some bendy-looking and overly enthusiastic guy down at the local gym, but by Johns Hopkins Medicine!

If you do end up trying yoga this month and it sets you off on a spiritual journey, don’t forget to check out our customizable yoga mats. If yoga isn’t for you, but you’re looking for a gift for an avid yogi in your life, you can also check out “Gifts for the Yoga Lovers in Your Life” over at Zazzle Ideas.

Tender-Loving Self-Care

Friday, September 1st, 2023

Some of us spend so much of our lives running errands, chaperoning extracurricular activities, managing teams, and, overall, pleasing people that we neglect our own care. Although ‘self-care’ may seem like a slightly overused buzzword, it’s more than just a fad; it’s actually "an essential lifestyle choice that involves prioritizing things that keep you healthy in mind and body." As September – National Self-Care Awareness Month and the start of a new school and college term – rolls around again, it’s an opportune time to learn more about good self-care habits.

While National Self-Care Day takes place in April, September is a whole month devoted to the practice. The origins of the term ‘self-care’ can be traced back to its medical usage in the 1950s: institutionalized patients were encouraged to develop a sense of self-worth and self-preservation through self-care activities, like eating well and getting enough exercise. Nowadays, however, it means anything we can do to buttress our physical and mentalwell-being – an increasingly important concept, given the events of the past few years.

Some common ways to engage in self-care include reading a book, going outside, socializing with friends, improving your diet, and detoxing from your phone, the internet, and social media. "By taking the time to let yourself recharge," writes The Behavioral Corner, "you will improve the outlook of yourself and others and develop significantly lower unhealthy amounts of stress." Many illnesses are caused by undue amounts of stress, so if we can expose ourselves to less of it, the healthier we’ll be – and the closer we’ll be to becoming the ultimate self-care guru!