These Jars are Simply A-Mason... Uh, Amazing!

Thursday, November 30th, 2023

Just one week on from Thanksgiving, and we arrive at yet another major holiday. That's right, folks, we hope you’ve got your decorations up, your greeting cards in the mail, and your big feast cooking in the oven because it’s National Mason Jar Day once again! Ok, so maybe Thanksgiving isn’t about to be knocked off its pedestal as the November holiday of note quite yet, but we think the humble Mason jar is still worth celebrating.

It was all the way back in 1858 that John Landis Mason patented the threaded screw-top jars that now bear his name, according to the Smithsonian. These jars were intended to be water and air-tight, making them ideal for home canning and storing all manner of fruits, vegetables, and other food products. Since then, home canning and the use of Mason jars have undergone several boom periods, including during World War II and, most recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when there was a large uptick in the number of people growing their own food. Of course, in recent decades, Mason jars have also become popular for purposes other than those intended by their inventor in the 1850s. Nowadays, they’re often used as cocktail glasses and dessert cups. They’re also used for preparing and serving overnight oats, as well as for packaging homemade food gifts, storing utensils, and holding plants.

Here at Zazzle, while our customizable Mason jars are so popular they're sold out for the season, we also offer a wide range of customizable mason jar designs. If you’d like to learn some unique ways to use Mason jars, you can also read “DIY: Mason Jar Candles” or “DIY: Mason Jar Wedding Centerpieces” over at Zazzle Ideas.

What's Your Favorite?

Wednesday, November 29th, 2023

Does your heart melt every time you watch Miracle on 34th Street (1994), or does your body fill your excitement when Buddy the Elf travels through the seven levels of Candy Cane Forest? Maybe you’re more of a ‘Bah Humbug’ and immerse yourself in everything associated with the Grinch! Either way, the festive season is approaching, so now’s the time to start watching holiday movies. Yes, we’re aware it's November 29th; however, we still insist you start watching your favorites today!

To get you into the spirit of things, the Today's Moment team were discussing our favorite holiday movies. The top choices were: Home Alone (1990), A Nightmare on Elm Street (1985), Muppets Christmas Carol (1992), Gremlins (1984), The Santa Claus (1994), and The Holiday (2006). Are we surprised Die Hard (1988) didn't make the cut? We mustn't have any diehard fans in the office, but we hope our choices help you decide on what movie to get stuck into today.

Apart from watching Christmas movies, we also tend to overindulge in buying gifts for our friends and family at this time of year. Why don't you stick around and invest in some personalized merchandise from a few of our popular stores, like Elf, The Muppets, Warner Bros., and more. We’re sure you’ll find something special for yourself and any binge-watcher in your life. Go forth and be merry!

Get Ready to Roll!

Tuesday, November 28th, 2023

Think of the greatest gift you’ve ever received. Now, imagine if that gift had simply been presented to you without any build-up to create a sense of anticipation or without any wrapping that you could rip apart in a wide-eyed frenzy. Would it have felt the same? The mystique of a well-wrapped gift, then, is a huge part of what makes the holidays fun. How a gift looks nestled snuggly beneath the branches of the Christmas tree, for example, has a significant impact on the overall experience of the recipient. With that in mind, we’d like to tell you about our customizable gift-wrapping supplies, which are sure to make your offering the most alluring of the bunch this holiday season.

We’ll start over on our wrapping paper page, where you’ll find hundreds of thousands of designs just waiting to be customized with your text and images. However, if you loathe the idea of wrapping multiple items, we also have a wonderful selection of gift bags that you can fill with personalized tissue paper and top off with a bow made from our luxurious ribbon. Whether you go with wrapping paper or bags, though, gift tags or stickers are essential to avoid confusion about which gift belongs to whom. If you’ve purchased a piece of jewelry for someone special, a wooden gift box is a stylish alternative to gift wrap that's sure to become a treasured keepsake in its own right.

Of course, if you want to go all out this year, you can also create custom gift-wrapping supplies from scratch. Try uploading cherished couples’ photos to create a romantic gift wrap for your partner, or adorn gift bags with your company logo to fashion goodie bags for employees, clients, and business partners. After you’ve added your own flourishes to these items, hit ‘Add to Cart’ and then proceed to the checkout. Once you’ve done so, ladies and gentlemen, that’s a wrap!

There's No Lines Online

Monday, November 27th, 2023

Did you miss out on Black Friday? Were you unable to make that last-gasp dive for the 55" TV? Were you foiled, at the very last second, in your efforts to secure that new laptop? Maybe you overslept – yes, it is possible to oversleep, even when you’re camping in the parking lot, thank you very much – and when you awoke, the only items on sale were tumbleweeds and chirping crickets. We’re sorry to hear it, but luckily for you, the post-Thanksgiving discounts have only just begun – today is Cyber Monday, after all!

Cyber Monday was coined in 2005 by the National Retail Federation (NRF). They had begun to notice a spike in online sales on the Monday after Thanksgiving and Black Friday when most employees had returned to work. The NRF suspected that some people, unable to grab the Black Friday doorbusters they’d been hoping for, had continued their search online and used the better internet connection available at their workplace to do so! Nowadays, home internet connections are more reliable, and online shopping is even more popular. As a result, Cyber Monday is almost as important an event as Black Friday, and comes with a few advantages: you don’t have to queue for discounted products, you can visit multiple ‘stores’ in a matter of minutes, and you can complete your holiday shopping list in your pajamas!

If Black Friday didn’t work out for you this year, then not to worry: Zazzle has a whole week of discounts for you to peruse on our main coupons page. Continue to stay tuned to Zazzle.com – along with our Today’s Moments – and you’ll witness some of our best deals of the year!

The Pros and Cons of Destination Weddings

Sunday, November 26th, 2023

As a newly engaged couple, the thought of having an adventurous destination wedding may have already crossed your mind! The premise may seem like a total dream; however, there's still some important pros and cons to consider when deciding whether it’s the right choice for you and your guests.

One of the many wonderful advantages that come with having this kind of wedding is the gorgeous location! Whether you choose a sandy beach or a towering city skyline as your backdrop, your wedding photos will be stunning. Choose a place you’ve always wanted to visit, or go for a location you’ve already been to that means a lot to you. The world is your oyster! Destination weddings also often result in smaller guest lists, making them intimate affairs. One more great reason to choose this style of wedding is how it’s a holiday and a wedding all-in-one. As for the cons, for one, overseas weddings can be much more expensive. With high travel and accommodation costs, guests may not be able to attend due to financial constraints. Certain guests, including elderly guests or those with health issues, may also not be comfortable traveling such a far distance. Another issue is the legal and cultural requirements of the location you’re being married in; for example, residency periods.

We’ve got much more for you to consider in an informative article entitled “Destination Weddings: Weighing the Pros & Cons for Your Dream Wedding”! Feel free to check out this in-depth post, and then really weigh up the positives and the negatives of this out-of-the-ordinary wedding experience, when you’re properly prepared.

Small But Mighty

Saturday, November 25th, 2023

Today is Small Business Saturday! There’s never been a better time to give your custom to a small business. Did you know that there are over 33 million small businesses operating in the U.S.? Small Business Saturday was created in 2010 by the American Express credit card company and the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a way to encourage people to shop at local and small businesses rather than larger chain brands.

Small Business Saturday as an initiative has proven to be very successful, with 51 million shoppers participating in this national day in 2021! At Zazzle, we’re proud to support Independent Creators who run their own small businesses right here on our site. Every time you purchase a product with a design you love, the Independent Creator who made it gets a royalty fee. Working tirelessly to bring our customers the best designs, these artists, graphic designers, and everything in between are the backbone of Zazzle. To see the recently featured Independent Creators, make sure to check out our Creator Page.

To take part in this national holiday, all you’ll need to do is shop small! There’s no denying that the holiday season is fast approaching, so go forth and get some thoughtful gifts for your loved ones while supporting the small business world! Whether that be online or in person, we know that the small business owner will be grateful for your patronage.

Back in Black

Friday, November 24th, 2023

This is it; the Moment you’ve been waiting for. Did you log on in the pre-dawn hours this morning, anxiously refreshing our homepage? Were you unable to prevent yourself from staying up well past midnight, burning the candle at both ends because of your excitement? We suspect you might have been one step away from camping outside Zazzle HQ, and there’ve been reports of our agents being stopped in the street by customers hungry for the scuttlebutt about November 24. Well, your patience is about to pay off, because it’s finally arrived: [the Today’s Moment about] Black Friday!

Black Friday is commonly believed to be a reference to the way in which businesses return to the ‘black’ in the aftermath of Thanksgiving, having been in the ‘red’ up until that point in the year. However, the origins of Black Friday can actually be found in Philadelphia in the 1960s, when police officers began using the term "to describe the chaos that resulted when large numbers of suburban tourists came into the city to begin their holiday shopping," and, in some cases, to attend the annual Army-Navy game. It wasn’t until the 1980s, then, that Black Friday began to become known as a major shopping day in the calendar; businesses perpetuated the ‘red-to-black’ narrative, and by the 2010s, most brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers had begun to host their biggest sales on the day after Thanksgiving.

Since early November, we at Zazzle have been offering significant discounts on a range of products, and now we’re ready to step things up a notch. Head to our main coupons page – which is updated daily – and you’ll learn all about the different sales and promo codes we’re hosting right now and during Cyber Week. This is the perfect opportunity to fill out your holiday shopping list, and if you still need more advice, check out our article on "How to Get the Most Out of Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2023"!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thursday, November 23rd, 2023

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours from everyone here at Zazzle!

Perhaps you’ve popped by today because you just realized, whilst basting the turkey, that you never sent Aunt Julie a Thanksgiving greeting card, and you know that our digital downloads are the quickest way to set that right. Perhaps you’re using some downtime post dinner, whilst others are taking a tryptophan-induced Thanksgiving nap, to get a head-start on your Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Hanukkah shopping. Or, perhaps, you’ve come here because even on Thanksgiving you can’t do without your daily dose of Today’s Moment. Whatever the reason for your visit, we’re happy you're here! Today, after all, is a day for letting others know what you’re grateful for, and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to say how grateful we are for you! We thank you for your custom and support throughout the year, and we hope you return again and again this holiday season—and beyond!

Enjoy the rest of your day and all the joy that it brings!

Shoot for the Stars: Sagittarius Season

Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023

Are you ready for some adventure and exploration? With Sagittarius Season falling between November 22nd and December 21st, this fire sign is known for its adventurous spirit and love for the great outdoors. They encourage us to broaden our horizons, both mentally and physically.

During this season, the influence of Jupiter, its ruling planet, amplifies the desire for growth, learning, and freedom. You're encouraged to break free from your comfort zone – yes, now is the time to embrace uncertainty or novelty! It's the perfect cosmic nudge to book that spontaneous weekend getaway, enroll in a quirky course (sword fighting, anyone?), or simply embrace your inner philosopher!

In essence, Sagittarius season invites us to shoot our arrows of intention high into the sky, aiming for the stars as we embrace the freedom to explore, learn, and grow. If you have a Sagittarius in your life, all the above will ring true. But do you know what kind of gift you should buy them? Check our list of “Great Gift Ideas for Sagittariuses” over at Zazzle Ideas and get inspired. You may even find something for yourself and embody your inner fiery Sagittarius!

Tree-mendous Decorations!

Tuesday, November 21st, 2023

One of the most exciting and fun Christmastime traditions has to be the decorating of the family tree. It’s an activity that the whole household can get involved in, and it signals the beginning of Christmas in a manner that almost feels official. And, of course, there’s nothing quite like standing back to admire your handiwork after the star has been placed atop your beautiful spruce, pine, or fir. It’s the moment when the magic of the season truly hits the air.

However, if you’ve had a sneaky peek at the condition of your decorations recently and you’ve discovered that they look decidedly less magical than last year, you may want to check out our incredible range of tree ornaments. We have an enormous variety of designs for you to customize with your own images and text, so you can really add some of your own personality to your festive décor this year. These ornaments also make wonderful gifts for kids, newlyweds, and grandparents, for whom they’re sure to become staple holiday features for years to come.

Visit our ornaments page today, then, to choose from an array of acrylic, ceramic, pewter, metal, and even wooden baubles that come in a variety of different styles and shapes—including snowflakes, ball ornaments, and sporty jersey trinkets. Then, add your own artistic flourishes using our design tool. Yours can be the most unique tree in the neighborhood this year, thanks to Zazzle’s customizable Christmas ornaments!

A Toy Story

Sunday, November 19th, 2023

Christmas is a-coming, and you know what that means. You and another rival parent – a postal worker – are on another high-speed chase through Minneapolis in search of an elusive Turbo-Man action figure. Of course, you’d promised to buy it a couple of weeks ago, but with how busy things are at the mattress store, you left it until the last minute – and now they’re all sold out. All you wanted was to redeem yourself in the eyes of your nine-year-old son. We’ve all been there, right?

Okay, so we might have gotten carried away there and recited something like Jingle All The Way (1996). Then again, a last-minute Christmas Eve shopping spree is something nobody wants to endure, so that’s why we’ll now direct you to our "Top 30 Unique and Personalized Christmas Gifts for 2023." There’s something for everyone here, from a none-too-impressed boy to a divorcé neighbor, and if you place an order now, you won’t have to worry about not having a present for the Holiday Wintertainment Parade. Each of these suggestions is also completely customizable, so you can curate a subscription service, engrave someone’s name and initials, and create a tailor-made pair of socks!

We have other articles on this subject on Zazzle Ideas, including "30 Best Christmas Gifts for 2023," and if you’ve been paying attention to our Today’s Moments page, you’ll also have encountered our holiday Lookbook, which serves as an introduction to our best gift recommendations this year. Sure, they might not be able to compete with a real-life Turbo-Man doll, but once you’ve seen what Zazzle has to offer, you won’t be able to stop yourself from quoting another Schwarzenegger character: "I’ll be back."

Happy Birthday to the Greatest Mouse in the World!

Saturday, November 18th, 2023

“Oh boy! I can’t believe it's my birthday again!” Join Mickey today in celebrating his birthday with all of his friends. Most people would want Mickey to join their birthday celebrations, but once a year we can come together with Goofy, Donald, Minnie, Pluto, and Daisy to commemorate our favorite mouse. So, grab your party hats, and get in line for a slice of cake, because we're partying today!

The famous Mickey Mouse made his first appearance in 1928 in the feature film “Steamboat Willie.” This movie, and Mickey himself, were created by Walt Disney. However, it wasn't until 1935, when he starred in his first technicolor film "The Band Concert,” that he became known as Mickey Mouse. It was in this movie that he also started to become the character that we all know and love, donning his famous red shorts, white gloves, and yellow shoes for the first time.

This year marks Mickey's 94th birthday, and doesn’t he look good! Honor this birthday with him and all his friends by either going to Disney for the big day or watching your favorite Mickey film. You can find everything you need to have a Mickey-themed day on Zazzle, including clothing, mugs for your coffee, tote bags to take with you on your day, and much more!

The Most Trivial Time of the Year

Friday, November 17th, 2023

Holiday game time can make or break family dynamics, but we still love to see it! Let’s be honest: you’re probably the most competitive person in your family, and look forward to it every year. Every family has their own games master or quiz master, and we know you’ve come to us for some help on what games to play in 2023. Luckily, we have a fun article with loads of ideas to keep you entertained, but before we introduce that, let’s talk about the worst games you can play.

Classic board games tend to bring out unfavorable traits in people, especially Monopoly. Is it because the game goes on for so long? Or, is it the appetite for power that overcomes people when they’ve purchased several streets and stations? Shall we talk about the tantrums that come bellowing out of people when playing Risk? That’s forbidden territory in many households, so let’s keep it under wraps for now!

To continue on with our holiday festivities, we’ve compiled a list of many neutral games the whole family can play. You might even say a collection of “The Best Holiday Party Games and Activities” for 2023 in the article highlighted above. We’ve even thrown in a few games to stir up conversation in the office, including ways to spice up any holiday-related Zoom meetings for the remote workers out there. If in doubt, check out our downloadable holiday game cards that can be personalized to your own preferences. Not only do we deliver holiday cards, but we provide some quality entertainment as well!

World Philosophy Day 2023

Thursday, November 16, 2023

It’s World Philosophy Day, a global moment where we celebrate every deep-thinking philosopher from both the past and the present, acknowledging the important impact they've made on our world.

Philosophers have been striving to seek fundamental truths about themselves and the world around them since the beginning of human civilization itself! These open-minded individuals have entirely influenced the way we live our lives and how we engage with our community. Did you know that the term ‘philosophy’ literally means “love of wisdom” in Greek? As an academic discipline, philosophy can be defined as the systematic study of general and fundamental questions concerning topics like existence, reason, knowledge, and language. Philosophers employ rational and critical thinking when tackling these topics, reflecting on their own methods and assumptions in pursuit of gaining more insight and wisdom. Without the work of philosophers, our entire outlook on life would be totally different! Some of the most revered philosophers include Plato, Aristotle, Hypatia Of Alexandria, Socrates, Epicurus, and Confucius, each of whose work has had unique effects on society.

World Philosophy Day was established by UNESCO in 2008 as a way to support and promote the teaching of philosophy to children. Each year this worldwide day has a different theme, with this year’s one being “The Human of the Future.” Now, you might have some "fundamental questions" of your own, like "How do I take part in World Philosophy Day?” Well, you could read a philosophy book on a subject that interests you, attend or watch a philosophy lecture, observe a philosophy exhibition, or participate in any local philosophy workshops. Happy knowledge-seeking!

Always Better When You’re Together

Tuesday, November 14th, 2023

It’s said that best friends are the family we choose, and we find that statement to be incredibly powerful! Friendsgiving is a celebration of gratitude to the amazing people we've chosen to share our lives with, and we appreciate every one of them! Some of us are blessed to remain friends with people we met in our childhood; for others, it could be those we met in everyday life, college, or work. With that in mind, we're going to place a special focus on our work colleagues today in honor of Friendsgiving 2023.

To all the noble work wives and work husbands out there – we salute you! Let’s face it, we spend most of our time with the people we work with, and we should be thankful for their support, day in and day out. From making team tasks so much easier to checking in when they know you’re not feeling yourself, they're our heroes. We hope you find some time today to share these thoughts with your best work friend, and find an activity to do online or in person.

Remote working has grown exponentially in the last few years, so building a connection with someone virtually is a nice experience that deserves thoughtful gestures. Here at Zazzle, we’ve got greeting cards, coffee mugs, keychains, and so many products you can personalize. You can add a photo, quote, or a funny quip both of you enjoy. We hope you find a suitable way to celebrate with your friends on all levels – Happy Friendsgiving!

Spreading Kindness Worldwide

Monday, November 13th, 2023

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” - Unknown.

World Kindness Day, celebrated on November 13th each year, is a heartwarming reminder that a little compassion can go a long way. This global movement encourages individuals and communities to embrace the simple yet profound act of kindness.

The mission of World Kindness Day is to promote empathy and understanding among people from different backgrounds and cultures. This day was first marked in 1998 by The World Kindness Movement organization, which was formed a year earlier at the Tokyo conference of similar kindness organizations worldwide. Today, there are more than 28 countries participating in this noble movement that keeps inspiring many people.

All of us can step back from our busy lives and intentionally choose kindness in our interactions with others, whether that's lending a helping hand to someone in need and holding the door for a stranger, or being a good listener and simply offering a smile to someone. It works not only for others but also for ourselves: practicing self-compassion is as important as showing kindness to others. Even the smallest gestures can have a ripple effect and serve as a collective call to action!

The Festival of Lights

Sunday, November 12, 2023

“Diwali ki shub kaamnain,” or Happy Diwali! Welcome to the holiday celebrating the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance! Hang your clay lamps outside your home, and spend five days cleaning your whole house, praying, enjoying fireworks, feasting, hosting family gatherings, and making charitable donations this November.

Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Shree Rama back to Ayodhya after fourteen years in exile. But this can change depending on where in India you live. For those who live in southern India, the day marks when Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. If you live in western India, you’d celebrate this as the time when Lord Vishnu, the Preserver, sent the demon King Bali to rule the nether world. But no matter where you live, it’s truly a time dedicated to the triumph of good over evil.

One of the great traditions of Diwali is sending cards and candy to loved ones, as well as buying new clothing and shoes. After you’ve cleaned the house on day one, you can put out custom candles on day two. On day three, the main day of the holiday, take time to enjoy the Lakshmi Puja with an amazing feast and welcome the goddess Lakshmi into your home. Spend the last two days with your family, and enjoy more wonderful food. Then join us in celebrating the victory of light over darkness this fall.

Remembering Those Who Served!

Saturday, November 11th, 2023

This November 11th we remember all of the members of the Armed Forces who gave their lives so that we could live in a free democracy. If you’re at a Veterans Day celebration and see an active or retired service member of the Armed Forces, make sure to take a moment to thank them for their service.

Veterans Day was originally observed at the end of World War I, and was known as Armistice Day to mark the cessation of hostilities on November 11, 1918. It was made a legal holiday by Congress in 1938, and the day's name was changed from 'Armistice Day' to 'Veterans Day' in 1955. This change was made to honor veterans from all of the wars that have been fought by American soldiers.

So, enjoy this Veterans Day weekend, as you're celebrating veterans by relaxing with your family at your local park, a nearby lake, or backyard barbecue. Don’t forget to pause a moment and think of those who've fought for our country.

Three of a Kind

Friday, November 10th, 2023

Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, Carol Danvers – better known as Captain Marvel – visited hundreds of unknown planets, saving their populations from a variety of world-ending threats. Meanwhile, on Earth-616, Ms. Marvel, also known as Kamala Khan, has been defending her beloved Jersey City, and Monica Rambeau, daughter of Carol’s co-pilot Maria, has been investigating the strange events taking place at Westview. Today, however, with the release of The Marvels, the fates of Ms. Marvel, Captain Marvel, and Monica are about to become intertwined – rather literally.

As we discovered at the end of Kamala’s solo series on Disney Plus, The Marvels’ powers are malfunctioning: use of Kamala’s energy-based bangle caused her to trade places with Carol, sending the former into outer space and the latter into a bedroom closet! In The Marvels, not only must the trio contend with a Kree revolutionary and a destabilized universe, then, but they must also overcome this disorienting new twist on their abilities. That’s without even mentioning the fact that Kamala is a fangirling teenager, and that Monica and Carol have become estranged!

Monica – or Photon, as she’s also known – has yet to forgive Carol for her long absence, you see, and this delayed return has also been mirrored in the Disney release schedule: although The Marvels was initially meant to debut in 2022, a calendar shake-up led to a new release date of November 2023. Good, body-manipulating powers come to those who wait, though, and now that Captain Marvel is about to land back on Earth, we’re hoping she stops by at – or is accidentally teleported to – our officially licensed store. Consider this a direct order from Nick Fury himself, and check out our customizable accessories, apparel, and stationery!

Purrr-fect Gifts for Animal Lovers

Thursday, November 9th, 2023

The holiday season is almost upon us, and that means it’s time to start thinking about gifts! Eek! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, finding the right gifts for everyone in your circle is always a tough task. Here at Zazzle, we understand the stress involved in holiday shopping, and that’s why we always try to lend a helping hand—whether it’s through our informative Zazzle Ideas articles or our wonderful gift lists. Occasionally, we’ll even throw a little gift guidance into an edition of Today’s Moment, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do right now!

We all have animal lovers in our lives, and it’s safe to say that they’re a ruff crowd to shop for. However, if you’ve come sniffing around Zazzle hoping we’ll throw you a bone, we can confirm that you’re barking up the right tree. Yes, we’ve got some a-miaow-zing gifts for pet owners and their loyal companions right here. Our photo gifts page is a great place to start your search, because we all know how much these folks love pics of their pets. Upload a photo of their prized pooch, cute cat, or fine feathered friend to a mug, pillow, or phone case, and you’ll create a gift they’re sure to adore. You can also check out our pet-themed t-shirts or totes for hilarious animal puns that the recipient will just lap up. Ultimately, any pet lover would prefer you to spoil their furry friend directly, so your next stop should be our pet gifts page. There, you’ll discover wonderful collars, leashes, pet bowls, dog beds, blankies, Frisbees, and so much more!

If you can’t find great gifts amongst the thousands of customizable pet products here on Zazzle, we’re sorry, but it might be time to write a desperate letter to Santa Paws. He’s your only hope now…

Tips for Crafting Festive Fun

Wednesday, November 8th, 2023

Holiday cards are a delightful way to share love and positivity during the festive season. With some thoughtful planning and creativity, you can create and send cards that bring smiles and warmth to the homes of your family, friends, and co-workers! However, this year, you may want to go beyond the simplicity of “Happy Holidays” paired with an image of a Christmas tree and go with something with more character, whether that's in your message or your card design.

So when it comes to designing your cards, we recommend letting your inner artist shine! Create your cards with funky colors, festive patterns, or even quirky family photos. The more unique, the merrier! Add a touch of humor with cheesy holiday jokes or puns that will have your recipients ho-ho-ho-ing all the way to the festivities! You can also get creative with addressing your envelopes; for example, you can use holiday-themed labels like "Santa's Workshop" for your return address or "Reindeer Delivery Service" – your little recipients will adore this! It’s also a good idea to look for unique holiday-themed stamps to make your cards stand out in the mailbox.

When writing a holiday card, share your warm wishes, express gratitude, and send heartfelt messages. Consider mentioning a memory from the past year that you shared with a recipient or your excitement for the year ahead! It’s always special to send and receive holiday cards, as their charm never goes out of style!

When Love and Calendar Collide

Tuesday, November 7th, 2023

It all starts with a date! Choosing your wedding date can involve a lot of pressure, as it sets the tone for one of the most significant days of your life. This fundamental choice in wedding planning involves much more than just flipping through a calendar, too. The decision-making process is a blend of many factors: personal preferences, practical concerns, and, of course, the desire to create a wonderful wedding experience for you and your guests. Deciding on the time of year for your wedding can dramatically influence the ambiance, décor, and even the overall budget.

Whether you want your fairytale winter wonderland wedding or a flowery summer celebration, there are important factors to consider. In our “Picking Your Wedding Date – What Time of Year is the Best” article, you’ll find out all the nuances of selecting the perfect wedding date. You'll discover how the weather, venue availability, and budget considerations affect your decision-making process, and you’ll even find out the deeper meaning of numbers behind your chosen dates with the help of numerology (and how to make the most of them!)

So, take the first step towards your “I do” by getting all the important details and information to make a well-informed decision! Happy planning!

Embrace Winter Wellness

Monday, November 6th, 2023

When the seasonal grimness kicks in, all you may want to do is Netflix & chill under the cozy blanket with some snacks and a cup of hot tea. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that; in fact, prioritizing your own needs and self-care, even in the form of ‘doing nothing,’ becomes especially important as the colder weather and shorter days approach. However, before diving onto your sofa guilt-free for the next 2-3 business months, try incorporating a few extra activities into your daily routine that will lift your spirit and prepare you for the new seasons ahead.

We’ve heard it a million times: maintain an active lifestyle, exercise, and drink lots of water. We may sound like a broken record, but these truly are probably some of the most important factors for keeping your well-being in place. (At least) thirty minutes of exercise a day will keep a doctor away, according to some studies, so try some indoor yoga moves (even if it’s during a commercial break in your favorite show) or speedy winter walks to revitalize both your body and mind. Have you heard of light therapy? It’s a light stimulating tool that fuels your energy, creativity, and productivity, and it generally improves your mood! How fun is that?

Don’t forget to nurture yourself with wholesome and hearty meals, like veggie soups and grain bowls. Stay hydrated – it’s easy to forget to drink liquids in the winter, but it’s as important as during the summer months. As you enjoy the beauty of winter, take time to connect with loved ones too, whether it's through intimate gatherings or just occasional phone calls to check in with them. And finally, remember that winter can be a perfect opportunity for self-reflection, goal-setting, and the cultivation of self-care routines that keep you feeling your best throughout the season. Meditate, create vision boards for the future, and manifest the best version of yourself; there’s no better time to start than now!

The Light of Day!

Sunday, November 5th, 2023

As the days grow cooler, the sun starts setting earlier, and the world finishes its annual turn around the sun, the time has come to change our clocks in the yearly practice of Daylight Saving Time. To deal with this changing of the seasons, we have a yearly custom of turning the clocks forward one hour in spring and back one hour in fall. This tradition of changing our clocks is called Daylight Saving Time.

A concept similar to daylight saving time was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1784 to the French as a way of aligning waking hours with daylight hours. With this practice, everyone would be able to conserve their candles, which, at the time, was the only source of light at night. But it was in 1895 that George Vernon Hudson, an entomologist from New Zealand, officially came up with the idea of a two-hour change shift forward in October and a two-hour shift back in March. Daylight Saving Time wasn’t officially introduced into America until 1914, with the signing of the Standard Time Act. This was a World War 1 wartime measure to conserve resources and was put back in place during World War 2. In 1974, Daylight Savings was put into effect permanently.

This fall, remember to change all of your clocks backward by an hour for the autumn season. Make sure to adjust every clock, too, so you don't freak out thinking you're an hour late or feel you have an hour to spare when you’re really late. And don't forget those pesky little clocks in your oven or in your car!

Let the Games Begin!

Saturday, November 4th, 2023

Have you ever dreamt of having your very own game room? Who hasn’t, right? Whether you’re a fan of old-school games like ping-pong, darts, Monopoly, and poker, or modern video games like Fortnite and Skyrim, the idea of having a dedicated space to enjoy your favorite pastimes is very appealing. But where does one even start when it comes to designing a game room? Well, that’s where we come in…

Over on the always informative Zazzle Ideas, we’ve compiled a handy guide to help you create the game room of your dreams. In this piece, we discuss considerations that you need to make during the early planning phase, we list essential equipment, furniture, décor, and accessories, and we even dip into the topic of layout. There’s an entire section in the article about designing a traditional game room, and yet another section for those who want to create a haven for video gaming. However, there’s also plenty of opportunity for overlap, and creating a game room that combines the best of both worlds is certainly an achievable goal.

If you’re thinking of creating a little sanctuary in your own home where friends and family members can gather to enjoy some friendly—or perhaps not-so-friendly—competition, “Game Room Ideas – How to Create Your Own Game Room at Home” is essential reading.

Read All About Us!

Friday, November 3rd, 2023

When it comes to the best winter reads in 2023, Zazzle’s Holiday Lookbook – a mini catalog containing a sample of our best personalized gifts for the Holiday season and beyond– could be described as a "tour de force." In this introduction to holiday shopping on Zazzle, you’ll find that we’ve categorized our products, dividing them into neat categories and themes. We’ve strived to maintain diversity in our recommendations, to display them artistically, and to provide examples of complementary products, helping to fuel your creativity. Everything you need to celebrate the holidays, essentially – whether it’s a customizable ornament or a one-of-a-kind return address label – has been gathered within the covers of this festive flipbook.

We didn’t invent the concept of the Lookbook, sadly – Design Shack explains that it’s a kind of "portfolio" or "design collection" and that it was originally used within the fashion industry. While it would be impossible to cover all of our styles and products in one digital tome – not without it approaching the length of War and Peace, anyway – we think this holiday guide is the best way to kick off your Holiday shopping (and your reading, as you peruse these suggestions).

The Day of the Dead!

Thursday, November 2nd, 2023

By now, with Halloween in the rear-view mirror, most folks—bar the real diehard ghouls among you—will have packed away the macabre masks and face paint for yet another year. However, in Mexico and parts of Central and South America, there's more face-painting and mask-wearing ahead. That’s because today is Dia de los Muertos, often known in English as the Day of the Dead!

Though it takes place around the same time of year, Dia de los Muertos is not—as it is often thought to be—Mexico’s version of Halloween. Instead, it’s a joyous celebration of the lives of those who have passed. Despite what the name suggests, Dia de los Muertos actually spans several days, during which time people visit graves and build altars known as ofrendas in their houses to welcome the spirits of their loved ones home. However, there’s also great diversity in how the holiday is celebrated, and it’s marked in many distinct ways across different communities. For example, in Pátzcuaro, notes Nat Geo, “people from the countryside converge on the shores of Pátzcuaro Lake, where they pile into canoes, a single candle burning in each bow, and paddle over to a tiny island called Janitzio for an all-night vigil in an indigenous cemetery.” Meanwhile, in the small Yucatán town of Pomuch, people actually exhume departed family members to clean their bones.

If you’d like to learn more about this fascinating holiday, check out “Everything You Need To Know About Dia de Los Muertos” and “Interesting Dia De Los Muertos Traditions and Facts” over at Zazzle Ideas. You can also browse our collection of Dia de los Muertos designs to discover a range of stunning apparel, accessories, and more!

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

Wednesday, November 1st, 2023

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time when we acknowledge the vast contributions Native American people have made and continue to make to our country. Currently, there are around 8.75 million people in the U.S. who identify at least partially as Native American, making up about 2.6% of our population.

Officially passed by Congress and signed into law by President George H. W. Bush in 1990, this month-long celebration is an important annual event that aims to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Native Americans nationwide. Throughout Native American Heritage Month, we strive to honor the rich history, traditions, and culture of Native American people. It’s also important to recognize the systemic discrimination this community faces in our society and how we can endeavor to create a more diverse and inclusive world. Raising awareness and educating the general public on the impacts made by indigenous people and the struggles they often face is at the forefront of Native American Heritage Month. As such, The Library of Congress, The National Archives and Records Administration, The National Gallery of Art, The National Park Service, and The Smithsonian Institution are among many organizations that pay tribute.

There are lots of different ways you can observe this special celebration during the month of November! Visit an art gallery or museum that displays indigenous art, read books or poems by Native American writers, or watch an informative documentary about Native American history. Some other great ways to participate in this heritage month include supporting Native American-owned businesses and artists or donating to Indigenous non-profits like the Native American Heritage Association or First Nations Development Institute.