A Brief History of Halloween

Tuesday, October 31st, 2023

"Shadows of a thousand years rise again unseen, voices whisper in the trees, 'Tonight is Halloween!'"

It’s time to scramble for those all-important final pieces of your fancy dress costume, buy extra candy just in case the ton you’ve already purchased isn’t enough to sate the ghouls who’ll come knocking on your door, and hang another few faux cobwebs to complete your haunted house, because it’s Halloween once again!

Did you know that the origins of Halloween can be traced back some 2,500 years to the Celts of Western Europe? That’s right, according to our very own article on the origins of the holiday, an ancient pagan festival called Samhain (pronounced sow-in and meaning ‘summer’s end’) that was celebrated at the beginning of November is generally considered to be the forerunner of Halloween. Since this was the close of the period of light and the beginning of the period of darkness, notes the article, the Celts believed that the boundary between our world and the next was weakened, and as a result, "the souls of the recently deceased could, at Samhain, pass through to the afterlife.” However, this also opened the door to spirits with darker motives, so “people wore animal skins – the equivalent of our modern-day costumes – to ward off ghosts and apparitions.” Over the years, these traditions blended with Roman traditions, later British and Irish traditions, and modern American traditions to give us the holiday we know and love today.

If you’d like to learn more about Halloween’s history, check out “The Origins of Halloween” on Zazzle Ideas. You can also search “Halloween” in the Zazzle Ideas search bar to find recommendations for spooky movies, party games, and much more! And with that, all that’s left is for us to wish you a very Happy Halloween!

Just Checking In

Monday, October 30th, 2023

Nothing compares to the satisfaction of checking off items on a to-do list. Whether the assignments are ordered alphabetically, chronologically, or randomly, the sense of fulfillment and contentment earned from shading in each box is hard to beat. Even our Today’s Moments are organized and written according to a checklist, and it’s always a pleasure to mark each day’s assignment as ‘Complete’ or ‘Done.’ And since today's October 30, or National Checklist Day, the effect is compounded further!

We’re huge proponents of the humble to-do list at Zazzle, then, but if you think that our bid to make checklists even more popular is a flight of fancy, then consider the origins of the checklist. In 1935, following the crash of a Boeing B-17 prototype plane, the pre-flight checklist was introduced. The post-crash investigation revealed that the pilot had forgotten to do a test of the elevator lock, rendering the plane vulnerable. Thereafter, the checklist was introduced on the basis that "memor[ization] safety procedures can never take the place of the actual checklist in aviation." Much earlier than this, however, founding father Benjamin Franklin famously used checklists and plans to facilitate his self-improvement: each day, he allocated time to work, study, eat, and for conversation, and marked his progress towards goals such as cleanliness and temperance.

Making a checklist is easy, and we’re sure you’ve put together many in your lifetime – whether running errands or shopping for the holidays, they’re a good way to stay organized. Furthermore, creating checklists can improve clarity and productivity, increase motivation, and foster transparency and accountability. Order a notebook or planner from our Independent Creators, then, and don’t be surprised if the next task that appears on your to-do list is ‘Return to Zazzle’!

Paradise Frost

Sunday, October 29th, 2023

Picture your dream wedding, and it probably involves photographs by sunset, seasonal bouquets, and an idyllic arch or gazebo set up on the beach. By the same token, the likelihood is that it doesn’t involve frozen lakes, driving snow, and the groom in an anorak, shivering through his vows. Talk about a cold reception!

Still, even if the temperature is dropping, the popularity of winter weddings is on the rise. Despite the unpredictable weather, "winter weddings have a lot going for them," according to Brides.com, which cites less humidity, more venue availability, and cheaper travel as the best reasons to get married between November and January. With that in mind, we’ve composed our own article on the subject: "The Most Beautiful Winter Wedding Ideas – Winter Invitations, Décor & More!" If you want your winter wedding to be as magical and romantic as Instagram and Pinterest would have you believe it is, then you’re going to need some shining, shimmering, and splendid stationery, decorations, and accessories. Our Zazzle Ideas team has gathered together their favorite collections in one place, so once you’ve settled on a theme, you’ll be able to sample other related products from the same suite.

If you’re still not sold on the winter wedding idea, however, take a look at this article: "Should You Have a Winter Wedding?" As we evaluate the pros and cons of getting married during the holiday season, you’ll discover whether the thought of walking down the aisle in boots instead of flip-flops is something that sends chills down your spine (in a good way, perhaps)! Discuss it with your spouse-to-be, obviously, and let them know that winter weddings are the hottest trend!

The Animation Sensation

Saturday, October 28th, 2023

When it comes to animation, the industry has never been so, well, animated. In Japan, with the release of The Boy and the Heron (2023), Hayao Miyazaki has emerged from retirement to direct one last feature film. In the U.K., and at Aardman Animations – the Oscar-winning company behind Wallace and Gromit – a sequel to Chicken Run is due to hit Netflix in December 2023. Laika is working on The Night Gardener, Futurama has returned to Hulu, and Disney’s Wish will debut in November – there’s never been a better time to be a fan of animation!

That’s saying something, too, considering that the history of animated images can be traced back to 3,000 BCE, in Shahr-e Sukhteh, Iran, where a bronze age pottery bowl depicted images of a goat leaping. Other milestones in animation since then include the invention of the magic lantern device in 1603, the production of flip books in 1868, and, crucially, the first public performance of projected moving images in 1892 at the Théǎtre Optique in Paris. The last of these events held 131 years ago on October 28, was the inspiration for International Animation Day, started in 2002 by the International Animated Film Association.

Animation’s power lies in its ability to transcend language barriers: some of the most iconic cartoons, such as Tom and Jerry and The Pink Panther, contain no speech at all. Furthermore, animation can represent scenes, characters, and worlds that are completely impossible to depict in live action. If you’re reading this and are an animator or artist – whether your medium is paper, clay, puppets, or a computer – then know that you’re participating in a hugely significant cultural production (and one that isn’t just for kids)!

A Feast for the Senses

Friday, October 27th, 2023

With October 31 just a week away, we’re on the final countdown towards Halloween! However, while we’re all busy putting the finishing touches to costumes, stockpiling candy for trick-or-treaters, and hanging spooky decorations, another big occasion is sneaking steadily closer, too. That’s right, Zazzlers, there are just 30 days left until Thanksgiving!

If that last sentence made your pulse race faster than any fright flick ever could, we apologize. With school runs returning to the morning schedule, post-practice pickups back on the evening agenda, and two major holidays to plan for, we know that fall can be a busy and stressful time of year. That’s why, over at Zazzle Ideas, we continue to publish articles that take some of the stress out of planning for big events. One piece recently added to the site aims to help you create a cozy aesthetic for your Turkey Day dinner. “Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas for a Memorable Feast” is full of tips on color choices, themes, table centerpieces, outdoor décor, and much more. “Whether you lean towards the rustic chic vibe with distressed wood and burlap accents or prefer a more traditional aesthetic with warm plaids and classic motifs, there’s a style to suit every taste,” notes our author. “Modern interpretations, seen in sleek, geometric tableware and minimalist napkin designs, are equally compelling. Try to embrace the freedom to experiment with various patterns and motifs and express your unique style this holiday season!”

If you’d like to read more advice on Thanksgiving décor that will help guide you in the right direction while still allowing you to express your own unique style, check out “Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas for a Memorable Feast” over on Zazzle Ideas today!

Oh My Gourd!

Thursday, October 26th, 2023

It’s officially National Pumpkin Day! Now’s the perfect time to appreciate this awesome fruit! Yes, that's right, a pumpkin is actually a fruit and not a vegetable. Pumpkins are from the melon family (scientifically known as the Cucurbitaceae), which also includes cucumbers. This is because they’re a product of the seed-bearing structure of flowering plants. Orange you glad that you now know this?

Nothing says ‘fall’ like the sight of brightly colored pumpkins in different shapes and sizes! It’s believed that pumpkins actually originated in North America about 9000 years ago and have become a beloved symbol of both the Thanksgiving and Halloween seasons. Did you know that the U.S. produces 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkin annually? Some of the most popular ways to use pumpkins include for cooking, for jack-o-lantern carving, for home decoration, and for their seeds, which are a great magnesium-boosting snack!

To celebrate National Pumpkin Day this year, why not try to make a new recipe that calls for pumpkin? Whether you decide on a savory or sweet approach, we know it’ll be delicious. Treat yourself to a pumpkin spice latte from your local coffee shop, or visit a pumpkin patch and snap some fall-tastic pictures! Check out our article, “Pumpkin Carving Tips and Tricks,” to learn exactly how to pull off the most impressive jack-o-lantern design. Or, if that isn’t your thing, why not try out one of our equally stunning “10 Incredibly Simple Pumpkin Carving Alternatives”?

“Art Is the Greatest Form of Hope.”

Wednesday, October 25th, 2023

The wonderful quote in our title is most often attributed to German painter Gerhard Richter, though we’ve also seen it credited to enigmatic British street artist Banksy. If Richter, or indeed Banksy, is correct—and we think they might be—then today is a very hopeful day indeed. October 25, you see, is not only the birthdate of one Pablo Picasso but also International Artist Day.

This particular celebration can be traced back to 2004 when it was founded by Canadian artist Chris McClure. Though he is himself a painter specializing in a style, according to Yahoo, called “Romantic Realism,” International Artist Day has become a celebration of all elements of the arts—from sculpture and photography to music and writing. What’s the best way to celebrate this day then? Well, you could visit a gallery or purchase a piece of art. You could also express yourself artistically by doing some painting, taking an art class, or learning to play an instrument.

If you’re absolutely bubbling over with creative enthusiasm all of a sudden, though, and you’re looking for the quickest way to release that energy, you don’t even need to leave Zazzle. Why not create your own products with our versatile design tool and open a Creator store with us today? To learn how, check out this link!

Learn How to Make Unique Invitations in Minutes...

Tuesday, October 24th, 2023

If you’re throwing a birthday party, hosting a baby shower, arranging your dream wedding, or planning any other kind of big event for the near future, you’re going to want to keep reading this edition of Today’s Moment, because we’re about to make the task of designing unique invitations of your very own incredibly simple!

Over on the always helpful Zazzle Ideas, we’ve recently published a guide entitled “How to Make Your Own Cute & Unique Custom Baby Shower Invitations.” The article is obviously directly aimed at those hosting a baby shower; however, the information contained within will provide you with the knowhow required to make personalized or custom invitations for any occasion. The piece not only contains step-by-step instructions but also images and a comprehensive video guide that will take you from novice to expert designer in no time at all.

If you'd like to learn how to create beautiful invitations that can be both printed and digitally downloaded, check out the full article over at Zazzle Ideas today! And don’t forget to visit our main invitations hub to see our most popular customizable invitation templates for every kind of event!

This Season Comes with a Sting in the Tail

Monday, October 23rd, 2023

You may be sensing that change is in the air today as the sun transitions from the social and breezy Libra season into a more intense period in the astrological calendar. Yes, it’s October 23, and that means Scorpio season is upon us once again!

A fixed water sign ruled by the planet Mars, Scorpio is the eighth sign of the zodiac, and its season runs all the way up to November 21. Those born in this period are said to be deeply confident and independent but intensely guarded—a combination of personality traits that often lend them a mysterious charisma. Scorpios also have a reputation for caring little for what others think, but in spite of this mindset, they can make loyal and protective friends to those who inhabit their inner circle. Cross a Scorpio, however, and you might discover just how apt it is that these folks are represented by the venomous scorpion!

If you’d like to avoid the sting of a Scorpio in your life, check out our “Great Gift Ideas for Scorpios” article on Zazzle Ideas or peruse our Scorpio gifts section right here on Zazzle.com to find them something unique for their upcoming birthday!

Color Me Beautiful

Sunday, October 22nd, 2023

What’s your favorite color? Is it blue, indicative of cleanliness, technology, and serenity? Maybe it’s black, suggestive of power, luxury, and elegance? It could even be red, representative of passion and excitement, or purple, associated with royalty and spirituality. With so many shades, hues, and meanings to choose from, and only one National Color Day in the calendar, it’s not a decision you can easel-y make.

Surprisingly, National Color Day was created by automobile manufacturer General Motors. On October 22, 2009, they launched an online petition to name the color of their soon-to-be-released Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in hybrid car that was about to go into production. The name ‘National Color Day’ stuck long after the competition ended and has now become an opportunity for us to revisit our relationship with color. The world is composed of endless styles and tones of color, and many of them are quite impactful. Consider the combination of red and yellow, for example, which is known to be psychologically stimulating and is often used by companies in their branding (see McDonald’s, Shell, Burger King, and Denny’s).

Our Independent Creators are experts when it comes to color theory, of course. While we can’t exactly link you to a specific range of pink-themed products or green-marked gifts, we can remind you that our design tool, when utilized, allows you to enter any HTML color code and to match colors using our ‘dropper.’ We also have a number of articles on Zazzle Ideas about unique color palettes for your wedding and home décor, such as our piece on "Unique Attention-Grabbing Color Combinations." Oh, and finally, in case you were wondering, the color ‘Viridian Joule’ was victorious in the General Motors competition!

Dilly of a Pickle

Saturday, October 21st, 2023

You’ve tried to play tennis, but the constant running, wide courts, and enthusiastic yelps of exasperation have put you off. Similarly, you’ve also given ping pong a go, but it doesn’t feel like enough of a workout, and you want an outdoor sport, anyway. If you like aspects of both games and want something in-between, then how about pickleball, which is a combination of both (and the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association)?

Before you sail up the pickleball creek without a paddle, however, it might interest you to learn more about the background, history, and rules of the game. Over on Zazzle Ideas, our most talented players have compiled "9 Interesting Facts You Should Know Before Playing Pickleball," and it’s your best resource if you want to present yourself as a well-informed novice. Pickleball is a game for all ages and levels of ability, and that makes it a fun way to exercise and socialize (as our article makes clear).

Celebrities are big fans of pickleball: Alex Drummond, daughter of internet personality Ree Drummond, is a self-confessed fan; Tom Brady and LeBron James have invested in professional pickleball teams; and Leonardo DiCaprio plays it every day. In other words, if you’re not yet on the pickleball bandwagon, then you need to climb on board! Check out the pickleball paddle designs our Independent Creators have served up, and net yourself a brand-new hobby!

A Day for the Gourmet!

Friday, October 20th, 2023

Today, we’ve whipped up something truly special for our readers. Something that’s sure to sate your hunger for knowledge and leave you feeling nourished. You certainly won’t pan this edition of Today’s Moment when reviewing it with your friends or roast us for our efforts in writing it. Okay, we’ve left you marinating in wonder for long enough. It’s time to tell you that today, we’ll be discussing International Chefs Day!

To provide some context for this global event, allow us to whisk you away to Paris, where the World Association of Cooks’ Societies was created at the world-famous Sorbonne University in 1928. The organization, now known as Worldchefs, outlined its mission as “Solidarity, respect, and the preservation of culinary arts” and aimed to create international standards for chefs. It wasn’t until 2004, though, that International Chefs Day was founded by former Worldchefs president Chef Dr. Bill Gallagher to celebrate the culinary arts. However, while the occasion is indeed about celebrating the profession, it’s become more about giving back to the community—and to children in particular—through educational workshops. Past themes have included “Healthy Foods for Growing UP” and “How Healthy Food Works,” and this year’s campaign is in that same vein as it looks at “Preparing Children for a Healthy Life” and “Growing Great Chefs.”

If you’d like to find out how you can participate in this fantastic event, visit Worldchefs.org for more information. You can also check out our range of chef gifts to impress those special gourmets in your life. Bon appétit!

"Life Moves Pretty Fast..."

Thursday, October 19th, 2023

We’re in deep thought here on the Today’s Moments team. October 19 is Evaluate Your Life Day, and thus, we’re all sitting pensively under a large tree, anxiously gnawing at our pencils and daydreaming into the middle distance. As an e-commerce company with multiple warehouses worldwide, we’re used to completing stocktakes; however, taking stock is comparatively new territory for us, and we’re in a contemplative mood as a result.

Learning about the origins of the day may help our ‘process.’ According to National Today, Evaluate Your Life Day was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy, founders of Wellcat Holidays (and responsible for adding around 80 new holidays to the calendar, such as ‘A Room of One’s Own Day’). The day is meant to be an opportunity for reflection on one’s past accomplishments, current situation, and future aspirations. However, according to the Self-Evaluation Model (SEM), formulated by Abraham Tesser in 1988, self-evaluation is heavily influenced by those close to us. If someone in a relationship has some success, such as winning a promotion, then it can also yield positive results for their partner, boosting their self-esteem and contentment. On the other hand, one partner’s success can also cause the other to view themselves more negatively, as they can feel inferior. Self-evaluation is complicated, then, and perhaps contradictorily, it’s something we don’t always do alone!

We have a lot to consider on Evaluate Your Life Day, but Kate Hanley has helped. On her blog, she poses three sets of questions: "the good," "the bad," and "the way forward." By working our way through these lists, we can learn what’s working in our lives and what needs to change, thereby fulfilling the purpose of Evaluate Your Life Day. With that achieved, the Today’s Moment team is ready to abandon our meditative state, feeling quite good about ourselves!

Wednesday Night at the Movies

Wednesday, October 18th, 2023

Like a vampiric bat fluttering through the eaves of an abandoned mansion, Halloween is fast approaching. Alongside the outrageous costumes, hoards of candy, and the curious amount of Halloween games that seem to involve apples, watching movies is another staple of the holiday. It’s even inspired directors – most famously, John Carpenter with Halloween (1978).

While Michael Myers is an iconic villain in that film, the real enemy this Halloween is boredom or not knowing what to watch. That’s why our Zazzle Ideas team put together an article listing the "Best Halloween Movies of All Time"! Our recommendations include Hocus Pocus (1993), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), and Stephen King’s IT (2017), and thus our choices range from the friendly to the fearful. We’ve even included links to the trailers on YouTube, making this tough decision a little less, well, scary.

Contrary to popular belief – and perhaps contrary to our own personal, Salem’s Lot (1979)-related trauma – watching horror movies can actually be a healthy experience. According to The Washington Post, horror fans were found to be, at the start of the pandemic, "more psychologically resilient," having learned to "play with fear" in a safe place. There’s also evidence to suggest that the adrenaline rush that comes from watching horror movies can lead to an improved mood. In any case, whatever your reasons for A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) this Halloween, we hope it’s a Scream (1996)!

Gaud for What Ails You

Tuesday, October 17th, 2023

In 2014, American music legend "Weird Al" Yankovic released his fourteenth studio album, Mandatory Fun. In one of the songs on that record – "Tacky," a parody of Pharrell Williams’s 2013 single, "Happy" – Yankovic sends up those who act in a gauche manner, those who ignore social etiquette by "threatening waiters with a bad Yelp review," for instance.

While we can’t argue with Yankovic when it comes to, say, not printing your résumé in Comics Sans, we do have a soft spot for the garish clothing he mocks. On October 17, or Wear Something Gaudy Day, we actively encourage you to wear "belt[s] with suspenders," "sandals with [your] socks," "new glitter Uggs and lovely pink sequined Crocs." According to National Today, Wear Something Gaudy Day is the creation of Larry Dallas, a character on the 1970s sitcom Three’s Company, and this is confirmed by other sites as well. Despite this, our research has yielded no accurate evidence as to whether this is actually the case; no clip of or quote from Dallas could be found that mentions the unofficial holiday. This leads us to believe that the day was just invented by a Three’s Company überfan (perhaps one with curious fashion taste)!

On Zazzle, our Independent Creators have an excellent sense of style, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t experimented with more outrageous colors and themes and that our design tool doesn’t allow for some flashy, ‘interesting’ creations. Head to our custom gifts page today, and you’ll be able to create a t-shirt, hat, or bandana that matches – or absolutely doesn’t match – those rhinestone-studded bell bottoms, shiny gold shoes, and highlighter-yellow gloves.

A Plug for Unplugged Ceremonies

Monday, October 16th, 2023

It might seem somewhat contradictory to expound on the magic of an unplugged ceremony in an article that you’re probably reading on your phone or laptop. Nonetheless, we think that when it comes to planning your wedding – or even when you’re attending someone else’s – it’s useful to think about the advantages of this emerging trend. We encounter so many technological devices in our everyday lives, after all, that to do without them for once can make a wedding day more unique and special. That’s the thesis of our recently published article on Zazzle Ideas: "Planning an Unplugged Wedding: The Benefits & How to Let Your Guests Know"!

To clarify, then, an unplugged ceremony is where all phones and other devices are disconnected, allowing the wedding party and guests to focus solely on the event at hand. This doesn’t need to be communicated in an authoritarian way; you don’t need to start chiding anybody for not following the rules or to begin confiscating Androids. You should, however, inform everybody early on, perhaps via your wedding invitations or Save the Dates, so that they’re aware of your wishes beforehand. On the day itself, you could even set up some polite wedding signs to remind people that they need to ‘unplug’ at the chapel door!

By doing this, as we point out on our blog, you’ll increase the intimacy of your celebration, retain the focus of the wedding on you and your spouse-to-be, and even make room for the professional photographer to capture the best pictures (rather than having to compete with several amateurs and their iPhones). An unplugged ceremony isn’t for everybody, but if you like the sound of this old-school approach, we’d encourage you to consider it!

This Is the Way We Wash Our Hands, Wash Our Hands!

Sunday, October 15th, 2023

In 2020, the world learned – or relearned – the importance of washing your hands multiple times throughout the day. Whether you were sharing a workspace, shopping in your local grocery store, or simply touching your face mask, clean hands were the best protection against illness. By now, the threat of COVID has dwindled considerably, but we hope that those good habits fostered during the pandemic have stuck with you – and if they haven’t, allow us one Today’s Moment to wash lyrical about the wonders of soap and water.

October 15 is Global Handwashing Day, you see, and the brainchild of the Global Handwashing Partnership. In 2008, they decided to designate a day dedicated to the act of handwashing; their aim was, and is, to "design, test, and replicate creative ways to encourage people to wash their hands with soap at critical times." Some of these "critical times" are, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), when you’re using the bathroom; handling pet waste and garbage; dressing a wound; preparing food; and are either sick or caring for someone who’s sick. Since the first Global Handwashing Day, governments, private companies, and NGOs have paid tribute to the importance of hand hygiene, much to the delight of the Partnership.

Washing your hands should only take 20 seconds, and consists of only 5 steps: wetting your hands with soap and water; lathering your hands by rubbing them together; scrubbing them for a while; rinsing with water; and drying your hands with a clean towel or dryer. Lastly, while hand sanitizer isn’t a great replacement for soapy water, it does make for a portable alternative to carrying around a faucet and sink. Check out our bottles and packets on our hand sanitizer page, and as always, stay safe!

Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This

Saturday, October 14th, 2023

It’s one of the most decadent days of the year – National Dessert Day! We’ll be the first to admit that, without dessert, we’d crumble. While maintaining a balanced, healthy diet is key, treating yourself is also very important! Today, we celebrate, and feast on, the marvelous invention that is dessert!

The word ‘dessert’ comes from the French verb ‘desservir.’ which means “to clear the table” in English. In the 17th century, it was considered proper etiquette to change the napkins and the tablecloth before the final course, which tended to be some kind of fruit ensemble. However, after the French Revolution, the course formerly known as ‘le fruit’ became known as ‘dessert.’ Following this, in the 18th century, other types of desserts including meringues, cookies, and marzipan became more common. Fast forward to today, and we can now find a massive variety of different desserts suited to anyone’s tastes!

If you’d like to participate in National Dessert Day this year, and get a slice of the action, we’ve got a few delicious suggestions for you! Challenge yourself and bake a new treat to share with your family or friends. We suggest sweetening the deal even further by checking out our customizable baking items! Or, if you’re not a big fan of cooking, simply head down to your local bakery or ice cream parlor and get something delectable. So, whether you’re partial to donuts, ice cream, cookies, pies, cinnamon rolls, or cupcakes, you definitely deserve to enjoy something sweet. Life is just batter with dessert!

Something Wick-ed This Way Comes!

Friday, October 13th, 2023

What’s the most effective way to make your wedding invitations look, well, inviting? Should you source a set of vintage stamps, and use those to add an air of old-fashioned charm to your envelopes? Is it a ribbon or belly band you need to wrap up this dilemma once and for all? Maybe you could dunk your RSVP cards and Save the Dates into a vat of glitter, and mail the shimmering mess that emerges!

If you want to know our thoughts, however, we’d plump for wax seals every time; our stamps are the best way to make an impression, frankly. In our recently published article, "How to Use Wax Seal Stampers," we explain the process of crafting your own wax-sealed envelopes: aside from the stampers, which you can find on Zazzle, you’ll also need sealing beads and a heat source. Don’t be daunted by the DIY aspect, however, as the finished product will be truly unique; and if you’re still unsure, the article also weighs the pros and cons of wax seals. For example, they can be messy and time-consuming to produce, but they’re also versatile, personal, and traditional!

According to Willow and Birch, wax seals have been used since biblical times: the seal typically carried the emblem or coat-of-arms of government officials or royalty, and because a broken seal indicated that the envelope had been tampered with, they were also a way of ensuring the security and secrecy of important information. By the late 19th century, however, wax seals were replaced by gummed envelopes – which are certainly more convenient, but don’t have the same impact! Excuse us for waxing lyrical about our stamps and stickers, but when it comes to enhancing the presentation of your wedding stationery, most other methods can’t hold a candle to it!

Our Halloween Haul

Thursday, October 12th, 2023

Halloween at Zazzle HQ is, as the ominous, calculating owl that sits outside our window always says, a real hoot. Alongside the sound of meetings and Zoom calls taking place, you’ve got the cheery sound of cackling laughter emanating from the walls. Going upstairs is a matter of negotiating shifting staircases and talking paintings, à la Hogwarts in Harry Potter. Our Today’s Moments writers typically grow long fangs, crooked, witch-like noses, and hairy, werewolf-like palms, too, and for a time, the only thing they’ll type is ‘ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY.’ It’s eerie fun, but once November 1 hits and the sun rises, everything returns to normal.

Part of what makes the magic happen is the spell cast by our Halloween products, we think. We’re encouraged to present personalized Halloween gift bags to any trick-or-treaters that come knocking, delivering them the candy favors that are so popular with our customers. Our homes, and the Zazzle building itself, are decorated with Halloween posters, bunting, and throw pillows, and every table is lined with Halloween cups, plates, and napkins. Why, even our desks are littered with Halloween invitations and cards, meaning that by the time Halloween comes, we’re enveloped in the creepy, curious atmosphere we associate with the holiday.

Now that you’ve heard about these strange goings-on, you’re probably wondering what else you can do to conjure up the same kooky vibe in your home or office. Aside from browsing the products we’ve named above, you can also view our Zazzle Ideas articles on "35 Halloween Party Ideas & Spook-tacular Themes for Your Celebration" and "Halloween Party Game Ideas for All Ages." If these suggestions aren’t enough to enchant your family, friends, and neighbors this Halloween night, then consider us, to use another Harry Potter analogy, completely Confunded. 

A Day for Empowering Girls Everywhere

Wednesday, October 11th, 2023

While we like to keep things light here on Today’s Moment, there are times when we must deal with serious issues head on. Today is one of those times, as we join people all over the world to mark a very important occasion: International Day of the Girl Child.

It was on December 19, 2011, that the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as International Day of the Girl Child, with October 11, 2012 becoming the inaugural observance. According to the UN website, “the International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.” However, while great strides have been made in the 11 years since the first event, you might be surprised to learn that even today “nearly 1 in 4 girls aged 15–19 globally are not in education, employment or training, compared to 1 in 10 boys,” and it is predicted that as many as 10 million girls will be at risk of child marriage around the world. As these statistics suggest, much work remains to be done.

If you’d like to get involved with these efforts, you can share human interest stories of “girl changemakers” through social media, engage government officials, and also seek to address inequalities that may exist in your very own community. To learn more about this important event, visit UN.org today.

Help Is at Hand

Tuesday, October 10th, 2023

As we may have learned – or relearned – over the past few years, physical health and mental health are inextricably linked. If our physical health declines, our well-being and overall level of happiness are likely to decrease, too; similarly, stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to ailments like high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease. By monitoring one aspect of our health, then, we’re able to positively influence the other.

Physical wellness and emotional or psychological wellness are, therefore, equally important. And like those with physical conditions, "people with mental health conditions continue to experience a wide range of human rights violations. Many are excluded from community life and are discriminated against." World Mental Health Day, organized by the World Federation for Mental Health on October 10 every year, seeks to end the stereotyping and stigmatization of people suffering from mental health difficulties, and to improve their care, treatment, and recovery. Although the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in 1948 – the year the first World Mental Health Day was held – it was not until 2007 that the charter made specific reference to people with "physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments." In other words, the campaign for mental health awareness is still relatively young.

Each World Mental Health Day has a theme, and this year’s is "Mental Health is a Universal Human Right." Everyone is entitled to accessible, affordable, and good-quality healthcare – both for their physical and mental needs – and this year’s theme was designed with that in mind. If you happen to be experiencing any issues with your emotional and social well-being at the moment, we’d encourage you to speak to a friend or family member; from there, you may be able to work with a professional therapist or counselor. Everyone has the right to be happy and comfortable, and you shouldn’t settle for anything less. 

What's This? 

Sunday, October 8th, 2023

Would you like to see something strange? Well, if so, you’re in luck! Over at Zazzle's officially licensed The Nightmare Before Christmas store, we’ve got a terrifically terrifying range of personalizable items, featuring all of your favorite ghouls from Halloween Town.

This dark fantasy, stop-motion, Halloween (or Christmas!) film is adored by both adults and children alike. It actually originated in a poem written by Tim Burton in 1982, though this original rendition only featured three characters: Jack Skellington, Zero, and Santa Claus. We’re glad that the cast of characters was expanded upon to include the kind-hearted Sally and the iconic Oogie Boogie! Packed with memorable musical numbers, the film, which took over three years to make, is one of the most popular animated films of all time.

If you’re a fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas, we know you’ll simply adore our host of fearsome designs showcasing the citizens of Halloween Town in all of their ghastly glory! From clothing and accessories to gift wrap and wall décor, you’re totally spoiled for choice when it comes to picking out a treat for yourself, or a gift for a loved one. You can also customize the perfect Nightmare Before Christmas-themed invitations for your next spooky soirée, or even base your wedding stationery suite on this marvelous film! It’s simply meant to be…

A Night to Remember

Saturday, October 7th, 2023

We understand. You’ve been to the movie theater so many times that you’ve been hired at the concession stand. You check your emails, and it’s an endless list of candlelit dinner reservations, keeping you booked solid until next summer. You’ve been to the same clubs and bars so often that the bartender can recite the story of how you met, and you’ve endured so many long, romantic walks on the beach that you have corns on your feet. When it comes to date nights, are there any other alternatives?!

Fortunately, our Zazzle Ideas team boasts more than one Casanova among its number, and thus they’ve published the following article: "11 Exciting Date Night Ideas for Unforgettable Moments Together!" There are scavenger hunts, DIY spa days, VR-inspired activities, and plenty more besides – read our suggestions, alongside your partner, and we’ll be shocked if you can’t feel the tingle of romance and spontaneity seeping into your relationship again. You can even leave your own recommendations in the comments below, helping other readers with their date night brainstorming!

 Trying new things is one way to keep things fresh between you and your significant other, and it’s also a way to get acquainted, if you’re newly matched. Marie Claire.com describes such ideas as a means of "[getting] out of your comfort zones," and of avoiding "conversational clichés." Even if the date doesn’t work out, you’ll both still have had a new experience, and if it does, then it’s sure to strengthen your bond. Let Zazzle act as your Cyrano de Bergerac, then, and woo – or re-woo – your date night companion!

We're All Mad Here

Friday, October 6th, 2023

We’re all feeling particularly… well, mad, at Zazzle today. Half of the Today’s Moment team is engaged in an intense game of croquet using pink flamingos; the other half are trying to solve puzzles while wearing increasingly silly hats. Worryingly, several of our number have also shrunk to microscopic size, having swallowed a curious potion labeled ‘DRINK ME.’ Oh dear.

Of course, this is all to be expected, given that it’s Mad Hatter Day. Named for the iconic character in Lewis Caroll’s 1865 classic, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Mad Hatter Day is an opportunity for all of us to be very, very silly, and to ultimately step outside of our comfort zone. It was a group of computer technicians in Boulder, Colorado who celebrated the inaugural Mad Hatter Day, with October 6 chosen as the date since it corresponded to illustrations of the character’s hat: "In this style: 10/6" was written on the price tag. However, the ‘mad as a hatter’ term actually predates both the book and the holiday, and refers to the symptoms that hat-makers would experience when working with mercury nitrate in haberdasheries. The chemical was used in creating felt for hats, but prolonged exposure to the toxic substance tended to cause speech problems, emotional instability, and hallucinations.

Thankfully, the use of mercury nitrate has been banned in U.S. hat-making since the 1940s, and Disney’s interpretations of the character in 1951 and 2010 have been very entertaining. If you’d like to dive down the rabbit hole of Alice in Wonderland merchandise, then check out our officially licensed store; otherwise, we encourage you to simply have fun, whether that means hosting a tea party, spouting some riddles, or just sporting a Cheshire Cat-sized grin! 

Something to Share with the Class

Thursday, October 5th, 2023

Attention, students! It’s time to stop loitering in the halls, daydreaming about your weekend plans, and clowning around with those paper airplanes – school is in session, and we’re about to add to your recommended reading list. So open a blank notebook or call up a new document on your laptop, because Today’s Moment 101 has begun, and Chapter 1 is on World Teachers’ Day. And remember: the bell doesn’t dismiss you, we dismiss you!

Okay, so this hackneyed teacher shtick might bring back some painful memories of your youth, but we hope it evokes some positive thoughts as well! October 5, World Teachers’ Day, is a chance to express our admiration for some of the most important figures in our society: the educators, mentors, counselors, and coaches that populate our schools, colleges, gyms, and universities. "Teachers can act as a support system that is lacking elsewhere in students’ lives," writes UoPeople, and can instill in their charges a love of learning and knowledge that they’ll carry with them throughout their careers. Indeed, teachers’ ability to motivate students and increase their productivity can lead to them becoming more industrious adults, and thus teaching can even drive economic growth!

World Teachers’ Day was initiated by UNESCO in 1994, in response to two ‘Recommendations,’ drafted in 1966 and 1997 respectively, concerning the rights and responsibilities of teachers; National Teachers’ Day, which takes place in May, is a similar event. Here at Zazzle, we’d like to thank any teachers reading this for their compassion, understanding, patience, and erudite instruction. And if you’re reading this as a non-teacher, but with experience of a particularly talented professor or TA, then check out our teacher gifts, which we think deserve an A +! 

Pre-Game, Set, Match

Wednesday, October 4th, 2023

While the concept of ‘tailgating’ is likely to conjure up images of pick-up trucks and hatchback cars, in reality, you don’t have to own those vehicles in order to attend – or even host – a rip-roaringly good tailgate party. Tailgate parties are where, as The Mixer suggests, "camaraderie, sports, and good times come together like never before," and so it’s more important to have a convivial atmosphere and adequate refreshments than to own a station wagon.

Remember, too, that each time you show up at a tailgate party, you’re participating in a cultural tradition that can be traced back to the early 1900s – at least. Again, The Mixer writes that tailgating began when fans of college football, eager to snack, socialize, and discuss the upcoming game, hung out at stadiums before the event began. Since then, the tailgate party has become a national institution – and even a national holiday, typically celebrated on the first Saturday in September!

Okay, we might not have brought up National Tailgating Day on Today’s Moment this year – we had National Yoga Month on our minds, it seems – but we’re happy to help you organize your very own ‘movable feast.’ There’s a reason tailgating is also known as ‘pre-gaming’: because of the several rounds of cornhole you’ll be able to squeeze in before the coin toss. Leave your cutlery and crockery at home, and rely instead on our disposable cups, napkins, and plates (while making sure to clean up when you’re done)! We even have customizable can coolers, which can be used to keep your beer or soda at a pleasant, cooling temperature! We can’t provide you with the ice chest, folding chairs, or barbecue grill, but we hope you’ll provide us with an invitation to the tailgate party of a lifetime! 

Tech Heads of the World, Unite!

Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023

Do you often find yourself enlisted to help resolve computer errors? Are you unable to go one day without your smartphone – and are you constantly saving up, or queuing up, for the latest model? And is your vocabulary littered with forum slang, programming terminology, and references to old video games, YouTube videos, and GIFs? If all the above applies to you, then you might just be a techie: "someone who is skilled in the technical field" or is "[an] enthusiastic user of tech."

October 3, then, is National Techies Day, and an opportunity for your friendly neighborhood webhead to celebrate. National Techies Day was the brainchild of CNT Networks, a company specializing in storage networking solutions, and Techies.com, a now-defunct website that advertised IT positions in the late 1990s. The purpose of the day was to alert young people to the various technological careers available to them, and as the number of job postings has only increased year-on-year since 1999 – when the day was first initiated – it’s safe to say that the campaign continues to be relevant.

Not everyone is so adept with technology, however, and it can certainly be frustrating to deal with. Whether it’s an unresponsive computer, an old TV broadcasting only static, or a cartridge that needs to blown on in just the right way, it’s hard to know where to begin – particularly because of obsolescence, or the fact that technology is constantly being upgraded, updated, and replaced. Fortunately, as long as there have been technological inventions, there have been people with technological prowess, and we’d like to applaud you computer-savvy individuals today! 

An Organized Desk is an Organized Mind!

Monday, October 2nd, 2023

Your home office starts with a new bit of paint on the walls, an ergonomic chair, some pretty pictures on the wall, and your computer set up just how you want it… but there’s still something missing. Something to tie the whole desk together, and that features a bit of color, a company logo, or photos of your kids to keep you happy while you're working. What else would work but a desk mat, which is the perfect item to spruce up your office even more?

You see, Zazzle has a brand-new range of customizable desk mats for you to choose from! They're made from 3mm thick neoprene material with a polyester top, have anti-slip backing to keep the mat in place, and possess a durable hemmed edge to give each mat a tailored feel. The design can be spread edge-to-edge on the mat, with full color printing to ensure your designs pop! Furthermore, one of the perks of shopping on Zazzle is that we offer great volume discounts, making our desk mats perfect for teachers, video gaming teams, start-up companies, and much more.

Check out our full range of desk mats to discover our photo mats, floral design mats, and retro mats, or even create your own mat! Finish off your office with any of our desk name plates, notepads, or by taking inspiration from our article on “Quick and Easy Ways to Organize Your Home Office.” Before you know it, you won't want to work anywhere else!

Respect Your Elders!

Sunday, October 1st, 2023

In 2019, there were 703 million people aged 65 or older in the world, and by 2050, that number is expected to double, reaching more than 1.5 billion. It should come as no surprise, then, to learn that the U.S. – like most countries in the developed and developing world – is now home to an aging population. Due to increased life expectancy, reduced fertility rates, and an overall better quality of life, people are living longer than ever before – meaning that, soon, and for the first time in history, there will be more older people than younger people on the planet.

While an increasing number of elderly people does present some challenges – a smaller workforce, for instance, and further strains on healthcare – it also promises a lot of positive change. According to the United Nations Population Fund, members of an aging population "are a vital part of economies and societies, [and] are not a group to be discounted." Indeed, it’s those countries that "champion inclusion and treat such populations with dignity [that] will be better prepared to endure shifting demographics and thrive." Older people have considerable wisdom and life experience to share with us, while also being an integral part of how we organize our lives in the twenty-first century. What parents haven’t relied on their own parents as substitute babysitters, for example!

With that in mind, and with October 1 being International Day of Older Persons, there’s never been a better time to volunteer at a retirement home, visit your grandparents, or run an errand for your neighbors. Promoting the needs and interests of the elderly – which can even include a simple phone call or cooked meal – was the initial aim of the U.N. General Assembly in 1990, when they first introduced this initiative, and it’s one we’re happy to support at Zazzle. Call again, won’t you?