Heri za Kwanzaa!

Tuesday, December 26th, 2023

Today is the first day of Kwanzaa, a holiday established by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 as a way for the African-American community to celebrate continental African culture, African-American history, and traditional African values. The first day of Kwanzaa is recognized as a time of reflection, both individually and collectively.

As of December 26th, people who partake in this holiday will now begin greeting each other with the phrase "Habari gani?" which means "What's happening?" and they will then respond to this question with the name of the first Kwanzaa principle: "Umoja" or “Unity.” Throughout the festival of Kwanzaa, seven important principles are honored: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Traditions commonly seen during this week-long holiday include lighting candles placed in a Kinara holder each evening and exchanging homemade gifts. The end of Kwanzaa is also celebrated with an extravagant feast known as a Kwanzaa Karamu! This meal is usually held in a community center and is followed by an evening of music, dancing, and readings.

For Kwanzaa, many people like to send out special greeting cards to family and friends to let them know they’re thinking about them, with these cards often referencing the seven principles upon which the holiday is based. If you’re celebrating this wonderful holiday, we’d like to extend our warmest wishes to you and hope you have a truly blessed Kwanzaa!

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Monday, December 25th, 2023

Wake up, it's Christmas! After such a long-anticipated lead up to the most festive day of the year packed with planning, gift buying, and organization, it’s now time to simply relax and enjoy this special day with your loved ones. You’ve finally got permission to totally indulge in your favorite Christmas Day traditions, whether you'd like to have a movie marathon, sing festive carols, devour a delectable meal, drive around to see stunning holiday light displays, or tastefully decorate a delicious gingerbread house.

Christmas has been celebrated for two millennia as both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide secular cultural phenomenon. Whether you hand out elaborately wrapped presents, attend a Christmas service, throw an all-out holiday party, or host a funny white elephant gift exchange, the core message of the season still remains the same: to give love and appreciation to those that you’re lucky enough to have in your life.

If you’ve forgotten to get somebody a gift, don't panic – we’ve got you covered, even at the very last-minute. Why not give them the gift of creativity with a Zazzle gift card and encourage them to unleash their inner artist? Once you’ve acquired every gift you could possibly need, all that’s left to do is to get cozy in front of your beautiful tree in your best (fashionably) ugly Christmas attire, treasuring every moment of this day the best you can. After all, it only comes once a year!

Nurturing Your Well-Being

Sunday, December 24th, 2023

Self-care is a powerful personal journey. There are no particular rules on how to do it best; every person has different needs, and it requires true self-awareness and commitment to see it through! Sometimes, something as little as dedicating time to listen to your favorite music or going for a long walk in the woods is all you need to replenish your soul and get back on track!

The practice of self-care is an investment in overall health that allows you to navigate life's challenges more effectively. Thoughtful self-care gifts for yourself or others can be other tokens of self-love and reminders to prioritize personal wellness. No matter who it's for, gifting items that nurture the mind, body, and soul is a powerful and fun gesture!

There are many tools that promote relaxation and stress reduction, and that generally help to improve overall well-being and happiness levels. From various meditation aids to soothing aromatherapy, there's a gift catered to every personality type. Pampering oneself is another avenue for self-care, and luxurious products or skincare items can offer a spa-like experience at home.

Practical gifts that enhance overall well-being can also align with the philosophy of self-care and can bring joy and fulfillment. To get some concrete ideas and inspirations on what self-care-related gifts to choose for everyone this season, check out our “10+ Thoughtful Self-Care Gift Ideas for Yourself or Others” article and take a moment to dive into the full relaxation mode. Perhaps gifting thoughtful gifts to others is another powerful way of nurturing your own well-being!

A Festivus For The Rest of Us!

Saturday, December 23rd, 2023

Bring out your plain, unadorned aluminum pole, because it’s finally time to celebrate Festivus! This secular holiday falls on December 23rd each year, originating from the beloved 1990s T.V. show Seinfeld.

Festivus was first mentioned in the Season 9 Seinfeld episode entitled "The Strike," which first aired on December 18th, 1997. Since then, many fans of the comedic show have been celebrating this previously fictional holiday for fun, like they would any other calendar holiday! Did you know that Seinfeld writer Dan O'Keefe based the concept of Festivus on a holiday that his own father invented back in the 1960s? In the show, Festivus was explained as an alternative to the pressures and the intense commercialization of the Christmas season.

To celebrate Festivus, people often gather together for a party, during which they may partake in the “Airing of Grievances,": this is a chance to let others at the party know how they've disappointed them in the past year. A Festivus dinner is also served, and is usually a dish that doesn't require a lot of preparation; for example, spaghetti or meatloaf, because the holiday was created as an alternative to the pressures that come with extravagant holiday parties and large meals. Gifts aren't normally exchanged during Festivus, however, after you’ve observed this anti-holiday, you may be looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the Seinfeld super-fan in your life. If that sounds like you, make sure to check out our officially licensed Seinfeld store for awesome personalizable merchandise that’ll definitely won't be re-gifted!

It’s Time for Cosmic Resilience

Friday, December 22nd, 2023

It’s Capricorn Season! Are you feeling it? This phase brings a special energy characterized by discipline, ambition, and a focus on hard work. It spans from December 22 to January 19, and it’s governed by the Earth element and ruled by Saturn. Capricorns are usually known for their determination and practical approach to life. As this zodiac sign is associated with the winter solstice, this time is an ideal opportunity for introspection, goal-setting, and laying the foundations for the new season and year ahead!

People born during this season often possess a strong sense of responsibility, resilience, and an ability to navigate challenges with a strategic mindset. This astrological period encourages everyone, regardless of their zodiac sign, to reflect on personal and professional goals, as it shines the light on self-improvement and long-term success. It’s also worth noting that the effects of this phase will be heightened with the final Mercury Retrograde of the year, meaning that, until January 20th, there'll be a high chance of people's thoughts and feelings being stirred up.

During Capricorn Season, there's an emphasis on structure and organization, making it a suitable time for career advancement, financial planning, and developing realistic plans for the future. If you have any Capricorn in your life and want to mark their birthdays, you may want to check out Zazzle’s zodiac collection which features all the fantastic gifts with Capricorn elements. They’re also perfect for celebrating their achievements or marking any important milestone.

The Solstice Times They Are A-Changin

Thursday, December 21st, 2023

Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It’s a celestial event and has cultural and spiritual significance across the globe. Falling around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, this astronomical occurrence results from the Earth's axial tilt, causing the sun to reach its southernmost point in the sky. On the other side, in the Southern Hemisphere, this date corresponds to the longest day and shortest night.

Various cultures throughout history have celebrated the Winter Solstice. It’s often associated with the rebirth of the sun and the promise of longer days ahead. Pagan traditions, such as Yule, view this time as the birth of the sun god. In China, the Dongzhi Festival is celebrated, emphasizing the balance between yin and yang.

The Winter Solstice also has significance in many religious events; so, for example, in Christianity, the solstice aligns with the Advent season, symbolizing the anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ. Meanwhile, indigenous communities worldwide honor this occurrence through rituals and ceremonies, connecting with the rhythms of nature.

In today’s modern times, the Winter Solstice remains a time for reflection, renewal, and festivities. If you’d like to mark this phase, try lighting a candle with the intention of embracing hope as the sunlight gradually returns, or alternatively, host an intimate gathering with your friends and family and treat them with traditional mulled cider and solstice food like nuts, berries, squash, and potatoes. You can also search for solstice-specific events, which often include bonfires and dancing, to mark and acknowledge the shifting in seasons. Happy winter solstice!

Level Up Your Festivities!

Wednesday, December 20th, 2023

'Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to jingle your bells and deck your halls than by celebrating Games Day on December 20th? As the tinsel twinkles and the holiday aromas waft through the air, mark your calendar, because Games Day is about to level up your festive spirit! It's not just a celebration; it's a joyous quest fueled by camaraderie and competition.

Now, you might be wondering, "Why does Games Day fall during the most wonderful time of the year?" Well, hold on to your elf hats, because we'll explain the game-changing reasons to you! Did you know that Games Day originated back in 1975, when the British miniature wargames organization ‘Games Workshop’ started a convention in Birmingham, England? These are the geniuses who didn't just settle for backgammon; no, they set their sights on crafting entire fantasy universes like Warhammer, turning your living room into a realm of epic battles and strategic showdowns. While the convention itself is held in the UK, you can play Warhammer or any other miniature war game in celebration anywhere in the world.

If miniature war games aren't your thing, that’s perfectly fine! The rules of this day aren’t set in stone, so feel free to create your own interpretations of what a Games Day would look like to you and your family. We’re all individually unique and excel in different areas, so while your little brother may struggle to navigate an Xbox controller, he might surprise you with his exceptional Scrabble skills. In essence, ensure there's a variety of activities at your Games Day gathering to cater to everyone's interests. If in doubt, check out Zazzle’s games ideas where you can have fun all year round, and where you’ll find custom cornhole sets, playing cards, and many more games that’ll appeal to the whole family.

New Year, New and Improved You

Tuesday, December 19th, 2023

Although the joyous holiday season isn't over yet, you may be already starting to think about your New Year's resolutions! The interim at the end of the year is a great time to reflect on the accomplishments you’ve made this trip around the sun, as well as the things you hope to achieve in the coming months. Lots of people view the start of a brand new year as the perfect opportunity for self-improvement. In fact, 38.5% of adults in the U.S. set January 1st resolutions each year!

New Year’s resolutions, as a concept, have existed for thousands of years. It’s believed that the first people to make ‘resolutions’ specifically at the start of a new year were the ancient Babylonians, who lived around 4,000 years ago! They held a 12-day religious festival known as Akitu, where a new king would be crowned or where they would reaffirm their loyalty to their current king. During Akitu, the ancient Babylonians also promised their gods that they would pay outstanding debts, and return any items they had borrowed, believing that if they stayed true to their word, they would receive blessings in the coming year. Nowadays, while we may not make New Year’s promises to deities, we do make special promises to ourselves!

Are you struggling to think of some great New Year’s resolutions that are actually achievable? We recommend simply choosing a few areas of your life that you’d like to improve in, or some new things you’d like to learn, and going from there. Some of our favorite New Year’s resolutions include picking up a new sport or hobby, building a better budget, cooking or baking more, learning a new language or skill, committing to practicing mindfulness, decluttering your space, reading more books, working out more, getting better sleep, or traveling more!

Rad Rugs

Monday, December 18th, 2023

Looking for an easy way to transform a room in your home? A stylish and trendy rug may just be the answer! Rugs can help bring character, balance, warmth, and coziness to just about any room – from the bathroom and living room to the dining room and bedroom.

In Today’s Moment, we’d like to bring your attention to the many practical benefits of laying down some gorgeous rugs! For one, rugs instantly add heat insulation to a room and are particularly useful in the winter months. Secondly, rugs are actually a way to make your home safer for little ones who may be beginning to explore, providing cushioning for any accidental falls. Rugs can also offer some noise reduction and sound muffling, creating a quieter home. Aside from the practical benefits we’ve mentioned, rugs are, of course, simply like awesome artwork for your floor! Add a gorgeous pop of color, a cool design, or a funky pattern to any space by opting for a great rug. If you’re looking for some tips to help you choose the perfect rug for a certain room, be sure to read our article, “The Most Trendy Rugs for Every Room in Your Home,” now!

So, go forth and let your inner interior decorator flourish by shopping for some new, high-quality rugs to place throughout your house. We know your next visitors will be totally impressed!

Cozy Up With Us For National Ugly Xmas Sweater Day

Sunday, December 17th, 2023

The joy of trick-or-treating on Halloween has come and gone just like the scrumptious Thanksgiving leftovers, which brings us to the most festive time of year – Christmas! The lights are up, presents are being wrapped, and the Christmas party invitations are appearing in your mailbox. While some Christmas parties will be decadent evening affairs, we know you're secretly hoping to be invited to a cringe-worthy ugly Christmas sweater party. So, let's dust off those mothballs and pull out your most outlandish sweater, maybe with literal bells and tinsel on it. It's that wonderful time of year again: ugly Christmas sweater season!

While Santa's elves were going through the naughty and nice list, they stumbled upon a random request: an ugly Christmas sweater, and it had them stumped. Through their research, they discovered it traced back to the 1950s, when they became popular with Christmas commercialism on the rise; they also became popular in the 1980s, thanks to Chevy Chase’s Clark Griswold in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Sadly, this latter resurgence didn't last long and fell out of fashion until 2012, when UK charity Save the Children launched Christmas Jumper Day. This was a fundraising event asking people to wear their most tacky sweaters, and with celebrities participating in the trend as well, ugly sweaters were back on the scene.

So, whether you got your Christmas sweater in Macy's or your grandmother made it for you, make sure to pull it out and wear it with pride. Or better yet, why not host your own ugly Christmas sweater party? We’ve got a wide selection of invitations for you to choose from. You can even find a new sweater design that may give your favorite one a run for its money. Merry Christmas, and have a jolly sweater season!

Let’s Go Barking Mad!

Saturday, December 16th, 2023

I think we can speak for all dog parents when we say a dog's love is unconditional! First off, during the puppy stage, is there anything more adorable in this world than their little faces? They grow up to be the best companions, and let’s be honest, no human will ever be as happy to see you than your very own dog. With all that in mind, each of the wonderful years you share together need to be celebrated with an un-fur-gettable birthday party!

There are many days you can choose to be their birthday – it could be on the date you adopted or started fostering them, or maybe you’ve got one special date for all the canine companions in your family and they have one massive celebration. Either way, here at Zazzle, we've got lots of ideas up our sleeve to help you kick off this wonderful occasion.

We’re here to answer all your queries on “How To Throw A Pawsome Dog Birthday Party” with this fetching article. We cover all bases, from invitations to party favors and we can assure you that we’ve thought of it all. We consider ourselves to be pawty experts, after all! So, it’s time to raise the woof and organize a pawsome birthday party today with the help of our wonderful selves – ready, set, go!

Sprinkled With Joy

Friday, December 15th, 2023

Put on your trusty baking apron and get a piping bag of frosting at the ready, because It’s National Cupcake Day! On this annual day, we celebrate the delicious invention of the cupcake; a single-serving miniature cake, baked in a thin paper or aluminum cup, and often topped with colorful frosting and sprinkles.

These delectable little delicacies have existed for quite some time! In fact, the recipe for cupcakes was first documented by Amelia Simmons in a collection of recipes entitled ‘American Cookery’ in 1796 (although Simmons referred to the cupcakes we know today as ‘a light cake to bake in small cups’ at the time of the recipes' publishing). As this style of cake quickly grew in popularity, people began to widely refer to these styles of cakes as cupcakes, because they were baked in individual pottery cups, ramekins, or molds before muffin tins were conceptualized. By 1919, the snack food company Hostess had bought out the first commercial cupcakes!

At Zazzle, we believe that everybody can appreciate a yummy cupcake. With recipes for gluten-free cupcakes, vegan cupcakes, and even pupcakes available online, there’s got to be something for everyone! You could even serve your freshly baked delights on a custom tray, or in personalized favor boxes, and really go the extra mile. However, if baking isn't exactly your thing, go support your local bakery or cupcake store instead by picking up some scrumptious treats for yourself and your loved ones to enjoy. Whether red velvet, key lime, chocolate, or funfetti cupcakes are your favorite, you definitely deserve a special treat now and again. So, go ahead, and get ready to cake someone’s day!

The Gift That Keeps On Giving!

Thursday, December 14th, 2023

With just eleven days left until Christmas Day, we understand that there might be a few last-minute shoppers scouring the internet for inspiration. Whether you're just beginning your holiday shopping or looking for that final perfect gift, don’t worry – we're here to assist you! Selecting an ideal present for a colleague, an elderly relative, or even the in-laws can be a challenging task, particularly if the relationship isn't deeply established. That's where the convenience of gift baskets truly shines – their various sizes offer versatility, and allow you to creatively choose contents that suit the occasion at hand.

A great starting point when it comes to gift baskets is deciding the theme; the rest will flow soon afterward! You can coordinate the basket to match the recipient’s favorite hobby, current interest, or personality. While some people may love a comfort-style basket with loads of cozy goodies, others might prefer practicality with products they could actually use every day!

Okay, we think it’s time to share the great news: we’ve got exactly what you need right here in this useful article: “What to Put in a Gift Basket!” It's full of cool gift ideas for everyone from coffee lovers to spa enthusiasts and so much more. If you'd prefer to give something less elaborate (perhaps as a white elephant gift), then we recommend that you check out the custom products we offer for under $20 and under $50. We wish you the best of luck in your gift-giving journey over the next few days!

Indulge in National Cocoa Day

Wednesday, December 13th, 2023

There’s something so comforting about a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter night. It’s not just about the richness of its taste, but about indulging in the simple practice of preparing the drink. It’s usually made with cocoa powder, heated milk, and sugar. Perhaps it's the journey that its main ingredient, the cacao bean, must complete that makes it so special. Those beans come from the cacao tree, which has a storied history dating back to ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans, who revered it not only as a beverage but also as a divine elixir. For that reason, cacao has gained popularity within modern spiritual communities. In those group settings, it’s often used as a ritual that involves consuming ceremonial-grade cacao promoting connection, mindfulness, and healing.

The celebration of National Cocoa Day is also a perfect time to explore the versatility of cocoa in culinary creations, such as decadent chocolate truffles and other cocoa-infused desserts. Whether enjoyed in the form of a classic hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, a chocolate mousse, or a cup of Mexican-style spiced cocoa, the possibilities are as boundless as the appreciation there is for this precious ingredient worldwide!

Cocoa is also known to have health benefits, as it contains antioxidants and flavonoids that help reduce any inflammation in the body and generally contribute to overall well-being. What a fantastic reason for not feeling guilty when indulging in this beautiful treat!

Whether you prefer your cocoa in a mug, a truffle, or baked, National Cocoa Day invites you to savor the magic of chocolate and the enjoyment that it brings to this season.

Joyful Gifts for New Moms

Tuesday, December 12th, 2023

As the festive season approaches, it's easy to become immersed in the delightful quest of finding the most adorable gift for your precious new nephew or grandchild. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, it's essential to acknowledge the extraordinary person who brought these bundles of joy into the world – the new mom. While Christmas is traditionally a celebration of the love and joy we bring to the little ones around us, it's equally a time for reflecting and extending support to those navigating the journey of parenthood.

Parenting can be hard any time of the year; however, a parent’s sole focus during the festive season is to make sure their family is looked after. We’ve got an article jam-packed with “35 Practical & Must-Have Gifts for New Moms,” which offers unique gift ideas that they'll not only be grateful for, but will actually use. You’ll find gifts related to food, self-care, practicality, and so much more! And the best part is that there are loads of thoughtful gifts you can give her from Zazzle – amazing personalized delights she can cherish forever.

This article would be useful for new dads too, or any new parent, all year round – so make sure you come back to us for all your gifting needs. We’ve got gifts for the whole family! We cover customization and creativity all-in-one, so why shop anywhere else?

A Very Appealing Day

Monday, December 11th, 2023

Today is National App Day, a day where we recognize the impact that mobile applications or ‘apps’ have had on our daily lives! An app can be defined as a computer program or software that’s designed to run on mobile devices like phones, tablets, or smart watches. Social media apps, health apps, game apps, and shopping apps are among the most commonly used types of apps; however, there’s probably an app for just about anything!

The very first mobile apps were created in the 1980s, and were basic digital assistants such as clocks and calculators created by the company who made the device. It wasn’t until the 21st century that mobile phone manufacturers allowed users to download apps made by third-parties, which saw the birth of the style of apps we know today! As of 2023, the most downloaded app of all time is the short-form video hosting service TikTok, which has been downloaded over 2 billion times worldwide. It goes without saying that apps have truly enhanced our life experience, providing innovative ways for us to learn skills, run businesses, shop, travel, meet new people, be creative, and simply have fun!

Here at Zazzle, we’ve also got our very own app for iOS and Android! Our awesome app offers a host of useful benefits for our customers such as exclusive deals and personalized content. So, what’re you waiting for? Download the Zazzle app on your device now to find the best customizable gifts for yourself or a loved one! Don’t worry, be 'appy!

Merry & Bright, a Christmas Card Delight!

Saturday, December 9th, 2023

'Twas the night before Christmas Card Day, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even an elf, the cards were stacked by the mailbox with care, with hopes that the jolly postman would soon be there…' December 9th, the day when the air is filled with the sweet scent of ink and the sound of envelopes being glued shut – yes, it's Christmas Card Day! Let’s be honest, when it comes to sending and receiving Christmas cards, there’s a wholesome element to sharing warm wishes with your loved ones. For us here at Zazzle HQ, today’s the day when the festive period truly unfolds.

So, if we were to ask you what type of Christmas card you are, what would you be? What we mean by that is that we all have a certain go-to that we choose every year, whether it be a funny card, a sentimental card, or a card endorsed by a charity. But have you ever considered creating your own Christmas card online? Like editing a background and adding your own text to it? If you have, we’ve the customization tool that will help you do just that! To help you make that first step, we have a useful guide full of all the information and cool tricks you can do with our design tool.

We’ve got insightful articles with helpful outlines, like “What to Write in a Christmas Card,” and from a design perspective, “How to Make Your Holiday Card Stand Out.” If you'd prefer to jump right in and see what happens, you can peruse our Christmas card collection and put your own joyful spin on any of them. Did we mention they’re downloadable? So, if you missed the mailman this morning, here’s another chance to send out holiday cards today!

Oh Christmas Tree!

Friday, December 8th, 2023

National Christmas Tree Day – a day during which we acquire, put up, and decorate a Christmas tree. Well, that’s the way it used to be! Remember the days before social media and streaming services? Those were simpler times, when the lead-up to Christmas saw lights being turned on in your local town or neighborhood – we remember those days fondly. Nowadays, the social norm is to put up your Christmas tree in November and shop for Christmas presents on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

There are many theories as to why December 8th is the traditional date to put up your Christmas tree, but do you know where the actual history of Christmas trees originates from? The tradition of decorating Christmas trees dates back to the 16th century in Germany. It’s said devout Christians created Christmas pyramids with evergreen and candles if wood was scarce. We know you’re probably thinking: ‘Who brought Christmas trees to America?’ According to Realchristmastrees.org, the first record of them being put on display was in Riga, Latvia. Men of the local merchants’ guild decorated a tree with artificial roses, danced around it in the marketplace and then set fire to it.

If you’re looking to recapture the traditional aesthetics of Christmas, you’ll be happy to know that Zazzle has an extensive collection of vintage Christmas decorations just for you! From classic Christmas cards to cute illustrations, you can truly scale things back this year with an old festive spin. Don’t worry if your Christmas tree is up already; there’s still plenty of time to add some vintage aspects to it with these ornaments!

Hanukkah Sameach!

Thursday, December 7th, 2023

Picture this: a cozy gathering, laughter echoing, the aroma of sizzling latkes wafting through the air, and the soft glow of the menorah casting a warm ambiance. As the sun sets on December 7th, a wave of excitement and festivity fills the air – it's time to celebrate Hanukkah! There's nothing more wholesome than when families, friends, and communities come together to revel in the joyous Festival of Lights. Hanukkah isn't just a celebration, after all; it's a time to light up the night with happiness and shared traditions.

Did you know there are countries who celebrate Hanukkah differently? While some countries have kept things traditional, others have made alterations to align with their own culture. In Morocco, they’ve extended the celebration to last nine days, and on the last night, children go from house to house, collecting leftover Hanukkah candles. Soon after, they make a giant bonfire and enjoy a special evening filled with singing and dancing. Greece, Yemen, Turkey, and many other countries around the world celebrate Chag HaBanot during Hanukkah, which is a celebration of women in the community. While the specifics of the celebration vary between countries, girls and women typically gather to recall Jewish heroines, particularly Judith.

If you're looking to put your own spin on celebrating Hanukkah this year, we’d like to direct your attention to our article: “Special Hanukkah Party Ideas to Light Up Your Celebration.” Meanwhile, if you’re in need of any gift ideas, check out this delightful article: “Hanukkah Gifts in 2023: Etiquette and Gift Guide.” Here at Zazzle HQ, we would like to send our brightest blessings to you all and hope each night is better than the last. Have a wonderful Hanukkah!

Oh Boy – We’re Excited!

Wednesday, December 6th, 2023

‘You better watch out, you better not sigh, better not pout I'm telling you why, Walt Disney Day is coming to town. Oh, he's making a list, and checking it twice, gonna find out who's naughty or full of ice, Walt Disney Day is coming to town…’! Walt Disney had the incredible ability to create loveable characters – you could even say he had magical powers when it comes to each and every illustration he was involved with. Today, on December 6, we celebrate Walt Disney and how he truly changed the history of animation.

Did you know the first character Walt Disney made was Oswald the Lucky Rabbit? Contrary to popular belief, Oswald was created in 1927, and a year later, Mickey and Minnie Mouse were born! Between the 1940s and 1960s, so many of our favorite characters were invented, such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Dumbo, Bambi, Cinderella, and Mary Poppins. It’s a testament to his honor that even 60+ years since the original characters were created, we still love Disney and all it has to offer!

A great way to celebrate this day is to check out our officially licensed Disney store. We’re sure you’ll find gifts for any Disney fan, young and old. From Moana to Winnie the Pooh and Frozen to the Muppets, our store is jam-packed with all your Disney favorites. As an extra added touch, we even have a ‘Family Vacation’ storefront, so you and your family can look the part before you set foot inside the ‘Magical Kingdom.’ Share some magic today and start planning your Walt Disney World® Resort trip! Or simply pick up some personalized Disney gifts today!

International Volunteer Day 2023

Tuesday, December 5th, 2023

“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today is International Volunteer Day, a day that aims to celebrate the selfless contributions made by volunteer workers globally. Dedicating their time and energy to important causes, volunteers make a significant difference in both their local communities and across the world. It's now time to recognize and commend their efforts!

According to the United Nations, there are 862.4 million volunteers working tirelessly worldwide, whose efforts have transformed various social, environmental, and economic issues. You can get involved in this international day in a few different ways – by volunteering yourself at a local nonprofit organization, by donating to a nonprofit organization of your choice, or by reading up on a volunteer organization that has always interested you.

At Zazzle, we’ve got a special section on our site featuring stores run by non-profits and other worthy causes that you can support by simply adding an item you like to your cart. Volunteer-run organizations and nonprofits are always looking for extra helping hands and extra funds that’ll enable them to continue their integral work, so don’t delay in helping out whichever way you can!

One Smart Cookie

Monday, December 4th, 2023

Tensions are high here in the Today’s Moments office. For the day that’s in it – December 4 and National Cookie Day – the team had been eagerly looking forward to a sweet treat from the cafeteria this Monday morning. However, when we went to slip our hands in the snack tin, it was revealed – in comical, over-the-top fashion – that it was empty, and someone had obviously snuck to the confectionery corner in advance. In other words, who took the cookie from the cookie jar?

While we ponder this mystery like Hercule Poirot, let’s learn more about that delectable dessert we missed out on. It’s believed that the Persians, in the 7th century CE, were some of the first people to grow and harvest sugar cane – this would later have been turned into baked goods, which then spread to Europe during the Middle Ages. It was not until the 17th century, however, that cookies arrived in the U.S., introduced by Dutch settlers. Indeed, the earliest known reference to cookies in America is from 1703, when the Dutch provided 800 of them for a funeral in New York. National Cookie Day, on the other hand, is comparatively recent and was devised by Matt Nader of the San Francisco-based Blue Chip Cookie Company in 1987.

Cookies are known as biscuits in the U.K., galletas in Spain, and koekje in Dutch – the last of these was Anglicized to form the word ‘cookie.’ Regardless of what you call them, however, there’s no denying the fact that we have an honest-to-goodness cookie-snatcher on our hands at Zazzle HQ. To prevent any tragedies befalling your own stock of cakes and pastries, we’d recommend creating a custom candy jar, and filling it with a selection of our mouth-watering candy favors. You can’t be too careful on National Cookie Day!

That Personal Touch

Sunday, December 3rd, 2023

Of all the major festivals and random holidays we’ve come across in our Today’s Moments segment over the past few years, none has intrigued us quite like this one. Sure, we’re always enchanted by Christmas, led astray by Halloween, and made to salivate at the thought of National Cookie Day (which takes place tomorrow). But there’s never been a celebration that’s resonated with us like Make a Gift Day, on December 3. ‘Making gifts’: that’s Zazzle to a Z, and it’s our M.O., too!

While we’d like to lay claim to the foundation of this initiative, it wasn’t us, unfortunately, and the tradition of gift-giving itself extends back millennia, so that wasn’t our creation either! In ancient Egypt, pharaohs and other wealthy dignitaries were buried with hoards of treasure that they could take with them to the afterlife; in Native American cultures, a feast called ‘potlatch,’ which involves the redistribution of a tribe’s wealth in a gift-giving ceremony, has existed for thousands of years. Even animals offer ‘gifts,’ such as food, to attract mates. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century, as National Today notes, that mass-produced consumer goods – what we commonly think of as gifts today – began to be manufactured and sold. Before that, most gifts people gave were handmade, whether they were knitted, forged, painted, or baked.

Speaking of which, over on our Zazzle Ideas blog, we have an entire category of articles devoted to DIY gifting. For starters, why not check out our "DIY: How to Make Ugly Christmas Sweaters" and our "DIY: Festive Christmas Card Holder" guides? If you think you lack the dexterity to actually craft a gift, though, then might we direct you to our custom gifts hub, where you use a blank template to design something completely unique – and then we’ll make it come to life!

Cold Comfort

Saturday, December 2nd, 2023

According to Outside Outline, it’s kids who really know how to make the most of winter. They’re the ones rummaging through cupboards for hot chocolate mix, hurling themselves on the snow to carve out angels, and spending long, dark evenings wondering what board games to put on their Christmas wish lists. Meanwhile, us adults are blowing our noses, grumbling about the heating bills, and anxiously eyeing an emerging hole in our socks. While kids "can barely wait to pull on their puffy pants and mittens," "adults just pull their coats tight and hurry through the slush to work," in the words of Outside Online.

It doesn’t have to be this way, however. Isn’t it about time we joined in the fun, embracing the cozy atmosphere and challenging our neighbors to an epic snowball fight? That’s the thesis of our "10 Things We Love About Cold Weather" article, which is a love letter to the hearty warm foods, the vibrant, all-consuming décor, and the frostbitten landscapes we associate with winter and the holiday season. We’ve even included some links to related articles and product ranges, which you can use to fuel your new interest or temper your growing excitement, depending on the results of our "Are You a Hot or Cold Weather Kind of Person?" quiz.

If you’re still looking for some bedtime reading to accompany you up the stairs on those chilly December nights, then stay tuned to our Today’s Moments this month. Expect to see lots more of our coolest products, brands, and Zazzle Ideas blog posts as we unwrap our gaudiest sweaters, put the finishing touches to our Christmas tree, and curl up on the couch with a mug of cocoa!

Remember and Commit

Friday, December 1st, 2023

Since 1988, December 1 has been known as World AIDS Day: an opportunity to raise awareness about HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), to show solidarity with those diagnosed as HIV positive, and to campaign for increased resources to be allocated towards the total eradication of the infection. Although a person living with HIV can, in 2023, enjoy a long and fulfilling life – in contrast to the 1980s, when the epidemic was at its height – there remains no cure, and thus, it’s still a pressing issue for medical science.

Something you might not know about this day is that each year has a different theme. For the 35th commemoration of World AIDS Day, begun by two members of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the late 1980s, the theme is "Remember and Commit." We must remember the 35 million people that have lost their lives to HIV or AIDS-related illnesses in the past 40 years, and must commit to ensuring the safety and care of the 38 million people estimated to be living with HIV right now. Another interesting fact concerns the origins of the red ribbon associated with World AIDS Day, which was devised by a New York art group dedicated to HIV matters in 1991. A red ribbon was chosen "for its boldness and for its symbolic associations with passion, the heart, and love."

Love is, indeed, the optimal word here; it’s a lack of love, along with a lack of empathy and understanding, that have caused many of the misconceptions about HIV and AIDS to survive. For example, HIV cannot be spread simply by close contact with the infected person, and as long as they keep up their antiretroviral therapy (ART), the virus can quite readily be controlled. Nonetheless, we must still work towards – and look forward to – a day when HIV and AIDS can be permanently extinguished, in memory of those unable to witness it for themselves.