What Happens On Leap Day Stays In Leap Day

Thursday, February 29th, 2024

Today is Leap Day! Falling on the 29th of February, leap days are a somewhat rare occurrence, only happening every four(ish) years (we’ll explain why in a bit). Former Roman general Julius Caesar was the first to implement a leap year in his Julian calendar, in 45 BCE.

As you’re probably already aware, the final day of February is the 28th in a regular Gregorian calendar year, but an extra day is added (the 29th) during leap years. But why do we need leap years in the first place? Well, planet Earth takes exactly 365.25 days to fully orbit the sun, so a leap day is added occasionally to account for the extra four 0.25 days. However, a leap year is not always necessary every four years. This is because adding a leap day every four years actually makes our calendar longer by over 44 minutes. Eventually, these extra 44 minutes would cause the seasons to drift in our calendar; hence, a leap year is not always needed. The rule of thumb is that if the year is divisible by 100 and not divisible by 400, the leap day is skipped. The next time a leap year will be skipped is 2100!

There are many interesting traditions associated with leap days, including the tradition that encourages women to propose to their men, instead of the other way around! People born on leap days are known as ‘leap day babies,’ and there are even leap day baby honor societies that celebrate this special day in a variety of ways! If you know a leap day baby, why not remind them of how rare they are by giving them an awesome leap day gift?

Chip and Deal!

Wednesday, February 28th, 2024

Messieurs, mesdames, les jeux sont faits. Poker is the game, and the Today’s Moment team are your croupiers, here to introduce you to our customizable chips. Not only can these casino chips be used to play a variety of card and board games beyond poker, but they’re also a classy way to promote a brand, advertise a QR code, make a big announcement, or even to organize a treasure hunt!

That’s the thesis of our recent article over on the Zazzle Ideas blog: "15 Unique Ways to Use Poker Chips," where we expound on the versatility of the humble poker chip. Our poker chips are rather inexpensive, but rare examples can actually fetch extortionate prices: during the 2014 Casino Club Collectors convention, a $5 casino chip from the Golden Goose in Las Vegas sold for $75,000. Poker chips also have a rich history, so to speak: their predecessors have been found at archaeological sites throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Near East, in the form of small colored counters. The earliest gambling houses were in Venice, Italy, and by the time the industry reached the U.S. in the 19th century, the gold coins and nuggets used to track bets were eventually fashioned into clay pieces.

Of course, chips also became popular because not only are they a safer way to gamble than actually laying your hard-earned cash on the table, but they encourage you to bet more, too: the use of chips and plaques instead of coins or notes can mean it "no longer seem[s] like real money." Don’t let yourself be hoodwinked next time you’re sitting at that baize tableau, and play your cards right – quite literally!

No Time to Think

Tuesday, February 27th, 2024

If you had your hands full yesterday trying to invent your very own fairy tale, then prepare for a much-deserved break. February 27 is No Brainer Day, which constitutes a tribute both to activities that require minimal study or analysis and to solutions that are simple and stress-free to execute. In other words, it’s an annual appeal for your brain to switch off!

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first usage of the term ‘no-brainer’ was in a cartoon strip known as The Berrys, published in The Long Beach Independent in 1959; Days of the Year also notes that it was used in Canadian newspaper The Lethbridge Herald, in 1968, to describe an easy decision to be made during an ice hockey game. That’s the conventional use of the term: to refer to situations where the answer is obvious, and no thought is needed to plan a course of action. However, while you’re celebrating No Brainer Day, be mindful, as Learning Rx.com points out, that tasks that are no problem to some people are a genuine struggle for others, and so you should use the term politely and respectfully!

The founder of No Brainer Day, by the way, is "America’s Premier Eventologist," Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith, who is said to have created over 1000 different holidays (including No Brainer Day in the 1990s). As you might expect from a company that helps customers plan and decorate all kinds of events, from baby showers to Elmo’s birthday party earlier this month, we owe Koopersmith a considerable debt!

Some Enchanted Evening

Monday, February 26th, 2024

Once upon a time, in a magical place called Redwood City (and also, in Cork, in what was known as the Emerald Isle), there lived a team of plucky content writers. One day, while working on their Today’s Moment for February 26, the eldest content creator, struggling with the scale of their assigned work, exclaimed, "This topic is too big!" Meanwhile, the youngest writer complained of the opposite, arguing that theirs was too niche: “This topic is too small!” Finally, the middle contributor stumbled upon an occasion that they claimed was "just right."

If you hadn’t already guessed, that team was us, and that discovery led us to today’s subject: National Tell a Fairy Tale Day. In keeping with the ambiguous origins of the genre itself, there isn’t much information about the foundation of National Tell a Fairy Tale Day. However, we can broadly describe the fairy tale itself as a short story with a fantastical setting, such as Cinderella, Puss in Boots, or other works by Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm, like The Little Mermaid. The folklore and oral tales that Andersen and the Grimms drew upon in the 1800s have also been grist to the mill for Disney and in movies such as Frozen (2013) and Tangled (2010).

Of course, the emphasis today is on telling fairy tales, whether you’re reading them from a book or creating your very own. By looking at other stories, you can establish a starting point, or at least some conventions: the idea that things happen in threes, the existence of anthropomorphic animals, and, to be honest, a considerable element of risk or danger! Take care not to frighten the person you’re relating a fairy tale to – even if it’s your spouse and not your kids – and you’ll be sure to live happily ever after!

Register Your Interest Here!

Sunday, February 25th, 2024

While there’s lots of (anxious) fun to be had in the lead-up to a wedding, such as when you’re choosing your dress, sending out your invitations, and proposing to your bridesmaids, there’s nothing quite as exciting as compiling your gift registry. That’s because creating a gift guide for your wedding is akin to writing a Christmas letter to Santa. Except, of course, that you have to share any presents received with your partner – yes, unfortunately – and that it’s unlikely for any guests to slide down the chimney at your wedding venue.

But much like you’d use a toy catalog to help you compose that holiday wish list, you do need a resource to draw upon: what should you include in your registry, and where should you post the information? They’re topics we’ve covered in our recent Zazzle Ideas article: "Creating the Perfect Wedding Registry: The Dos & Don’ts." For example, we explain that while it’s important you do upload a diverse range of products, it’s best you don’t overwhelm your guests and avoid leaving them as bewildered as they would be without the list. You also need to remember that not every attendee will have the same budget – accommodation and travel could inflate the costs for some couples – so your registry shouldn’t consist solely of high-end, luxury items.

While we do recommend sites like Zola and The Knot as platforms on which to host your gift registry, don’t forget Zazzle when it comes to the actual presents you request! We sell a vast array of home décor, stationery, and electronic accessories, and because everything on Zazzle is personalized, your guests will be able to inject their personality into your gift recommendations. Sorry, Santa: when it comes to weddings, we may just have you beat!

Its Crunch O’Clock

Saturday, February 24th, 2024

National Tortilla Chip Day, celebrated on February 24th, is a crunchy extravaganza that pays homage to one of the world's most beloved snacks – the humble tortilla chip. This is a day to embrace the art of dipping, savoring all the combined flavors, and asking the age-old question: Is it even a party without tortilla chips?

Picture this: a fiesta of flavors dancing on your taste buds as you dip a tortilla chip into a bowl of salsa or guacamole. *drools* And who would ever think this special crunch was initially made as an afterthought snack from ordinary plain tortillas? Rebecca Webb Carranza, who at the time owned a Mexican delicatessen with her husband, repurposed all the unused tortillas and brewed up some magic. What a queen!

The rest is history, so now all that's left is to decide between queso and jalapeños. So, whether you're enjoying a solo chip-dipping session or hosting a gathering with friends, National Tortilla Chip Day is a tribute to the crunch heard around the world – the symphony of satisfaction that only a perfectly crispy chip can provide. Grab a bag, get your favorite dips, and let the tortilla chip fiesta begin!

The Wonderful Wedding Trends Of 2024

Friday, February 23, 2024

Here at Zazzle HQ, we consider ourselves pretty good at spotting upcoming trends! In Today’s Moment, we’re excited to share with you our top trend observations for weddings in 2024. These trends are definitely more than just short-lived fads and social-media-driven crazes! In fact, we predict that some of the wedding trends we mention today may stick around for quite a while.

Firstly, in terms of visual aesthetics, we’re seeing a lot of bold colors being favored for wedding décor, flowers, and invitations. Say goodbye to muted pastels and welcome the stunningly deep colors of teal, green, blue, and purple. We’re also predicting that wedding weekends will become even more popular. Instead of celebrating their union in just one day, people are opting for multiple days of festivities! Another interesting up-and-coming trend to look out for is the audio guestbook, which makes use of a voice recorder, allowing guests to leave their heartfelt messages on it for the newlyweds rather than writing them down in a book. One more important trend to consider is the emerging prominence of sustainable weddings! Sustainable weddings focus on reducing the event’s impact on the environment by sourcing local flowers and food, shopping for vintage wedding attire and choosing digital invites.

Perusing the current wedding trends is a great starting point for the beginning of your wedding plans, as it’ll provide you with some much-needed inspiration. If you’d like to read about the above wedding trends in more detail, make sure to check out our expertly written article, “Wedding Trends to Look Out For in 2024”! Whether you choose to follow these trends or go against them is entirely up to you – it’s your big day after all!

Our World, Our Thriving Future

Thursday, February 22nd, 2024

Since 1926, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts have marked World Thinking Day. It’s an annual celebration on February 22nd that brings together ten million Guides and Girl Scouts globally to mark their bond of sisterhood and acknowledge the shared values and experiences that transcend geographical boundaries!

It started during the 4th World Conference, attended by delegates representing Girl Guide and Girl Scout organizations worldwide. It was collectively decided during the conference that this special day would be established, coinciding with the birthday of Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of the Girl Scout and Guide movements. This decision marked the beginning of the tradition. Since then, it has sought global recognition and celebration of the invaluable contributions made by Lord Baden-Powell to these influential youth organizations.

Every year, the event introduces a theme that encourages participants to reflect on issues impacting both themselves and the broader global community. The theme for this year, 'Our World, Our Thriving Future,' invites you on a journey to delve into global issues with a focus on environmental sustainability, gender equality, peace, and poverty. So, to get involved, engage in conversations with your communities about how these challenges impact women and girls globally, and explore the small actions each of us can take to create a substantial impact!

Happy Birthday Everyone!

Wednesday, February 21st, 2024

Birthdays are the annual reminder that we've successfully completed another trip around the sun – hooray! It's the one day when consuming cake becomes a patriotic duty, as we revel in a sugar-induced state and savor every delectable bite. Yet, amid the festivities and indulgent eating, let's not overlook the importance of commemorating the birthdays of our nearest and dearest.

You can never underestimate the power of and the appreciation for a birthday card! It can say so much and genuinely turn someone’s day around. Zazzle has the best customized birthday cards on the market, and the cherry on top is that we’ve got an article bursting with “Happy Birthday Quotes & Wishes for Friends & Family.”

If you feel like going the extra mile for your birthday or organizing something special for your partner or parents, we also have another amazing article “30 Awesome Party Ideas For Milestone Birthdays.” It’s like two for the price of one in Today's Moment because you've found great ways to write a birthday card and host the perfect party.

#NationalLoveYourPetDay

Tuesday, February 20th, 2024

Today is National Love Your Pet Day, which serves as a reminder that our four-legged (or winged) friends aren't just pets; they're beloved members of the family. They’re always here for us, sharing their happiness and unconditional love by giving us the best cuddles, companionship, and emotional support when we need it. Think about all the times they make us laugh by acting so joyfully chaotic when a treat or a walk is brought up! Or when they jump with excitement when we return home. All their loveable actions have our hearts exploding with joy!

National Love Your Pet Day falls every year on February 20th, and it encourages pet owners around the world to shower their companions with an extra dose of love and affection. It's a day when the world collectively says, "Let's treat our pets like the royalty they are." Whether you'll be pampering your pup with extra belly rubs, serenading your parrot with sweet nothings, or engaging in a staring contest with your enigmatic feline friends, today's the perfect day to give every pet even more attention and care.

If you're an animal enthusiast without a pet of your own, there are still other ways to contribute to this day. Consider visiting your nearby pet rescue center to donate food or treats. Exploring volunteer opportunities is another fantastic way to get involved – perhaps by dedicating some time to walking dogs or offering companionship to cats at your local shelters. Don’t forget to check out our pet collection here on Zazzle, as we’ve got some exciting pet products available! Whatever you get up to, make sure to take pictures and use hashtag #NationalLoveYourPetDay when posting on social media!

Presidents Day 2024

Monday, February 19th, 2024

Every year, we observe Presidents Day on the third Monday of February. Originally established to celebrate the very first U.S. President George Washington’s birthday on February 22nd, this notable holiday now simply reminds us to honor every U.S. President. If you work a government job, you’ll most likely get to enjoy this as a day off!

In the 1880s, George Washington’s birthday was first celebrated as a federal holiday. However, in the years that followed, people also began to observe the birthday of the 16th U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln, due to the close proximity of his birthday (February 12th) to Washington’s. Many states campaigned to have the holiday’s name changed to ‘Presidents' Day’ instead, although this was subsequently rejected by Congress. However, by 1971, ‘Presidents Day’ became the commonly accepted name of the holiday, and now all U.S. Presidents tend to be recognized and celebrated on this special day.

Though they’re usually closed on Presidents Day itself, many schools and educational institutions focus on teaching their students about past and present presidents during the lead-up to this special day. To observe this holiday yourself, why not try your hand at some fun presidential trivia? You could also brush up on your knowledge of former presidents by watching documentaries or reading texts concerning this important topic. Or, head out and attend a Presidents Day celebration or historical reenactment if there are any taking place in your area!

A Heartwarming Housewarming

Sunday, February 18th, 2024

Moving into a new place is always an exceptionally exciting time! Once you’ve completed all of the necessary home renovations and have truly settled in, the final step is to throw the best housewarming party of the year!

Did you know that housewarming parties originated centuries ago in France? The term ‘housewarming’ came from how the party guests would bring firewood as gifts in order to literally ‘warm’ up the house before central heating existed! Nowadays, however, guests usually bring homeware gifts for the new owners, such as scented candles or glassware. While the idea of having a fabulous housewarming party with all of your loved ones sounds great in theory, you may be wondering exactly where to start in regard to the planning of the event. Well, have no fear! We’ve written an awesome guide entitled “Everything You Need to Know Before Planning a Housewarming Party,” which contains a myriad of handy tips to help you plan your big new home bash. First of all, we definitely recommend picking out the perfect housewarming party invitations or sending out a digitally downloadable e-vite to your friends and family.

To discover all of our best housewarming party tips and tricks, be sure to browse through our detailed article in its entirety. We wish you the best of luck in your cozy new abode and hope your housewarming party is one you and your guests will never forget!

Kill Them With Kindness!

Saturday, February 17th, 2024

Did you know that today is Random Acts of Kindness Day? The world can be a tough place sometimes, but we can make it better by taking just one day to spread kindness all around us. Your act of kindness can be anything from bringing freshly made cupcakes to work, placing a surprise bouquet on someone's car to make their day, or something bigger like paying for someone's groceries at the supermarket.

This special day was first created in Denver, Colorado by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation in 1995. The 17th of February was chosen as the annual day by the Foundation, and on the first day it was held, they gave out flowers to strangers, created kindness jars, offered blessing bags, and much more. In 2005, Random Acts of Kindness Day went international as New Zealand adopted the tradition, holding their version on the 1st of September!

Regardless of whether you celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day on the 17th of February or the 1st of September, by participating, you're making a difference in someone else's life. While you’re performing these random acts of kindness, why not give out some thoughtful cards or wear a cheerful button? If you need help deciding what your school, workplace, or household should do for the day, you can always find ideas on the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation's website.

Smile, It’s Infectious!

Friday, February 16th, 2024

Do you have that Friday feeling? Or do you have some exciting weekend plans on the horizon? If you don’t, then consider this your cue to make some! February 16th marks National Do A Grouch a Favor Day – a perfect opportunity to sprinkle some kindness and bring a smile to someone's face, be it a friend, family member, or even yourself. Seize the moment to reach out to those around you, make plans, and uplift spirits, especially for those who might be feeling a bit down post-Valentine's Day. It's a chance to spread positivity and make connections!

If you're seeking a way to address someone's low mood today, we recommend avoiding phrases like "don't be a grouch," as the word can carry a negative connotation. Instead, consider using creative and smart approaches to lift someone's spirits. For instance, offer them a thoughtful gift like a "Don't Stress, I am Here for You" greeting card, a "Sometimes You Forget You’re Awesome" coffee mug, or an "It’s Gonna Be Okay" sign. These convey the same supportive message, acknowledging that while we may not fully understand what they’re going through, we’ve noticed something is off. Whether a person is lashing out, isolating themselves, or generally in a challenging mood, simply being kind to them can make a significant impact.

Alternatively, if a more direct approach suits the situation, explore Sesame Street's Grouch-themed products. You can find the iconic Oscar the Grouch illustrated on our products like the Oscar the Grouch Feels Grouchy Sweatshirt or the Oscar the Grouch Nope! Case-Mate iPhone Case, available in our official Sesame Street store. Choose to do something noble and bring joy to someone’s day!

One Isn’t the Loneliest Number!

Thursday, February 15th, 2024

Are you sick of the hearts and lovesick couples everywhere? Well, remember that you aren't alone, and that even though you're single, it doesn't mean you're by yourself. Now that the day for lovers has passed, it's your time to shine: Happy Singles Awareness Day! Take the time today to take yourself out for coffee, enjoy splurging on a shopping spree, or stay cozy for the night with a glass of wine and a good movie.

For many years, singles were left out of the February fun – until 2001, when Dustin Barnes decided to create a day for all his single friends to enjoy their singleness (as opposed to wallowing in their sorrow). They picked the day after Valentine’s Day to protest it, when all of the truffles and boxes of candy have been halved in price! The tradition was carried on at Mississippi State University, where the holiday grew more popular, and Singles Awareness Day was legitimately copyrighted in 2005. A census taken last year found that 46.4% or 117.6 million people over eighteen categorize themselves as single, according to the United States Census Bureau.

That's a lot of people saying they’re single; it's no wonder the day is so popular! To celebrate with your friends, why not throw an Anti-Valentines Day party? You can find everything you need on our Anti-Valentine’s Day page! So, take your fellow single friends out for drinks, or go to the movies as a group of free agents, and make sure you have a good time!

Will You Be My Galentine?

Tuesday, February 13th, 2024

February 13th is officially Galentine’s Day: a day dedicated to the act of showering your best gal pals with love and affection. Galentine’s Day is the perfect time to remind them of your immense gratitude and appreciation for the friendship you share.

Falling just before Valentine’s Day on February 14th, this unofficial yet now widely celebrated holiday actually originated from the television show Parks and Recreation. Every February 13th, girlfriends leave their husbands and boyfriends at home and all hang out for breakfast. Galentine’s Day is also a wonderful way to help make the singles in your life feel a little less lonely in the lead-up to the gigantic hallmark holiday that is Valentine’s Day itself.

Aside from the obvious exchange of thoughtful gifts and funny cards, there are many different ways in which Galentine’s Day can be celebrated! You could visit a local brunch spot with your besties, book a relaxing spa day with your friends, partake in a group sport or class together, or throw a dinner party at home. Whichever way you choose to mark Galentine’s Day this year, we hope that it’s a day filled with joyous laughter, big hugs, and, above all else, the beauty of friendship!

A Stitch in Time

Monday, February 12th, 2024

February is a national month of celebration for many reasons, but one that you may not know about is National Embroidery Month! Allow your creative side to come alive this month as you stitch a new design either by hand or by a machine. Regardless of whether you're making the design for yourself or a loved one, it's always good to create something new!

Many people don't know the difference between embroidery and sewing. Embroidery is creating patterns or pictures that consist of stitches sewn directly onto cloth, as opposed to sewing, which uses thread to create or repair clothing. The oldest surviving examples of embroidery date back to the 5th and 3rd centuries BCE. Adorning clothing with a special design has been on trend, then, for thousands of years!

To celebrate this month, you can find some amazing ideas of what to create by stopping by your local craft store or creating your own embroidered shirts or hats on Zazzle. If you're looking for creative ways to utilize those unused embroidery hoops, we have some ideas for you in our article: “DIY: Fabric Embroidery Hoops.” Before you know it, your walls (and your clothes) will be covered in amazing works of art!

Celebrating Women In Science

Sunday, February 11th, 2024

Every day, you're more than likely to use something that is thanks to a woman in science. Hedy Lamarr’s frequency-hopping technology directly led to the creation of current-day Wifi and Bluetooth technology. Another woman in science to know is Ava Lovelace, who helped revolutionize the trajectory of the computer industry – her work was instrumental in creating modern-day calculators and computers. Today's the day we celebrate all of the women who have come before, along with all the women who have yet to come, in the fields of science and technology. This year is the 8th annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science, and we can’t wait to see what the women of the future have in store for us.

Your inquisitive mind might be trying to figure out where the International Day of Women and Girls in Science started. It was created on the 22nd of December 2015 by the General Assembly of the United Nations. This year's celebrations at the U.N. headquarters in New York will focus on the role of Women and Girls in Science as it relates to the Sustainable Development Goals, which mainly focus on clean water, sanitation, and affordable & renewable energy.

Join in on the day by posting an inspirational message about women and girls in STEM with the hashtag #WomenInScience, or by wearing a scientific T-shirt in honor of women like Lamarr and Lovelace!

Gong Xi Fa Cai

Saturday, February 10th, 2024

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the beginning of the lunar new year. Each year is associated with one of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals, and in 2024, it's the Year of the Dragon. Known for its vibrant energy and auspicious symbolism, the Year of the Dragon is believed to bring good fortune and increase our courage and intelligence skills. This ancient celebration is deeply rooted in Chinese traditions and has evolved into a global festival that captivates people with its rich cultural significance.

Chinese New Year isn’t just a time for celebration and festivities; it also holds a special place in the hearts of communities, fostering connections and encouraging shared experiences. The reunion dinner serves as a focal point for families to come together and strengthen their bonds, while also symbolizing the hope for abundance and prosperity in the upcoming year. The exchange of red envelopes, known as "hongbao (红包)", is believed to bring blessings and good fortune to both the giver and the receiver. There are many other ways to mark the occasion and welcome new beginnings into your home, and we hope you have a great time doing so.

For those who partake in New Year revelry or who have friends and family who do, consider extending good wishes through Chinese New Year greeting cards. Additionally, you can express support by donning specially designed Chinese New Year t-shirts, all adorned in lucky shades of red and featuring awesome dragon illustrations!

Love The Library

Friday, February 9th, 2024

It’s Library Lovers Month! Do you love the library? During February, we recognize the integral part that libraries and library workers play in our society. Libraries are more than just places to read books; they’re often a hub for social gatherings, provide us with endless entertainment in the form of books, magazines, audiobooks, and, most importantly, they supply us with knowledge!

The very first known library can be traced all the way back to the 7th century B.C. Founded in Nineveh, which is now modern-day Iraq, this early library had around 30,000 cuneiform tablets that were organized by their subject matter. Since then, libraries have become invaluable institutions and vital parts of our communities worldwide! They offer free resources for those looking to expand their understanding of thousands of different topics, and give people the chance to further their studies and education regardless of their current financial situation. Many libraries also provide free internet access, which is another extremely useful service for many. It’s safe to say that we'd be lost without them!

To celebrate Library Lovers Month, simply head down to your local library and borrow a book you're interested in! Whether you’re partial to interesting autobiographies or prefer riveting fiction, there’s never been a better time to challenge yourself to read as many library books or listen to as many audiobooks as you can. And, if you’re lucky enough to have your very own home library, check out our stunning collection of custom book stamps and book embossers. Ready, set, read!

We’ve Got You Covered!

Thursday, February 8th, 2024

Introducing Zazzle’s collection of area rugs – forget the bland, embrace the grand! These rugs aren't just home décor pieces; they're the cool factor your space deserves.

During our research, we discovered “7 Reasons Why Rugs are Essential Home Décor.” Now, we really wish we had written this article because we've picked up a few gems from it. For example, did you know that rugs are great for soaking up sound? Plus, they have this knack for brightening up even the gloomiest spaces and effortlessly tying different areas together. There are also many 2024 design trends you can introduce into your home, such as personalized eclecticism – combining vintage furniture with modern pieces and bold color combinations and making your home look original and authentic!

Are you wondering how you'll fit our rugs in your home? Rest assured, we offer a variety of sizes, including circular and rectangular shapes, and they're suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Whether you're revamping your office, communal area, or patio, you'll discover large area rugs perfect for your living room, as well as smaller options ideal for your home office or bedroom. If you want a more personal touch, you even have the option to create a custom rug. When it comes to home décor, think of us for all your needs when it comes to incorporating “The Most Trendy Rugs For Every Room in Your Home.”

The Satisfaction of Snail Mail

Wednesday, February 7th, 2024

In the current age of endless emails, smartphones, and social media, receiving a good old-fashioned greeting card is usually a rare occurrence. Well, National Send A Card to A Friend Day is here to challenge that sentiment! This fun national day encourages us to simply sit down and write a nice message for one of our friends before posting it to them in the mail.

The exchange of physical objects to convey a greeting is a tradition that extends back to ancient Egypt and Rome, when various items were inscribed with messages of goodwill to celebrate the start of a new year. Nowadays, however, the majority of greeting cards you’ll find will most likely be made out of paper! You can also find a greeting card with just about anything on it, from the heartfelt to the hilarious. When it comes to picking out the card you’re going to send, it’s a good idea to think about what the recipient enjoys! Do they have a favorite color or favorite animal? Do they enjoy a certain sport, or absolutely love a certain type of food? Considering their unique personality will allow for an extra-thoughtful greeting card that’ll be sure to make them smile from ear to ear. With Zazzle, you can personalize the text and the imagery featured on your card to really go the extra mile, too.

So, go ahead, choose or make the perfect card for the person you’ve got in mind, and mail it out to them! You can even get your little ones involved by encouraging them to write a message in a card of their own for one of their friends. It doesn't need to be a special occasion to let someone know that you’re thinking about them!

Oh, What a Beautiful Day!

Tuesday, February 6th, 2024

Everyone loves being complimented, but only when it's genuine! This year, on Pay a Compliment Day, go beyond surface-level pleasantries and say something heartfelt and authentic.

As we celebrate this joyous day, we've pondered why some individuals find it hard to accept compliments from others. According to Readersdigest.com, people struggle to take compliments due to low self-esteem, social anxiety, or unresolved conflict from their past. Can we be frank here, though? We think you’re all amazing, hope that you find a light at the end of that dark tunnel, and urge you to realize just how great you really are! And, for those who feel content with themselves, we’ve got a few tricks for sharing those good vibes with others today!

Equip yourself with Post-its®, a rubber stamper, and a notepad; then transform them into delightful messages of joy. Sprinkle compliments like confetti, leaving behind uplifting notes on colleagues' desks, in mailboxes, or even on bar tables during your adventures. You never know what impact these random notes would have on someone’s day, so do your bit today and put a smile on their face!

For Where She Goes I've Got to Be

Monday, February 5th, 2024

We know that Valentine’s Day can require, as Esquire puts it, some "mental gymnastics." We all want to avoid carrying home a half-eaten box of chocolates, a bouquet of flowers unknowingly plucked from your neighbor’s garden, and a necklace composed entirely of Swizzels’ Love Hearts to our wives on February 14. Because of that, however, we have to think long and hard about what to choose (as well as, heavens above, what to write in that card this year).

Or do we? Your Valentine’s Day exchange doesn’t have to be such a half-hearted ordeal – not when you have our Today’s Moments team acting as your own private Cyrano. Whether you’ve only recently confessed your love for her or you’ve been confessing it, daily, since the moment you met, there’s a one-of-a-kind recommendation for every situation in our "Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her." There’s no better day than Valentine’s to spoil your girlfriend, sister, mother, or Galentine’s companion, and our personal, practical, and affordably priced products are yours to browse and customize to your heart’s content. Like our Valentine’s Day gifts for him, which we discussed yesterday, they’re not even confined to Zazzle!

According to Good Housekeeping, "celebrating love will never go out of style," but um, just in case the gifts go out of style, perhaps it’s worth checking our Valentine’s Day page each year, to keep up with evolving trends? In the lead-up to the holiday, we’ll continue to publish our favorite designs, branded merchandise, and artisan-made items on this page, ensuring that you don’t have to do the dreaded ‘car ride of shame’ to the gas station on Valentine’s eve…

A Hymn to Him

Sunday, February 4th, 2024

According to Jeff Bogle of Country Living, articles and gift guides about Valentine’s Day have, "for as long [as he] can remember [...] exclusively highlighted women on the receiving end." In other words, there’s an overemphasis on luxury bath salts, top-of-the-range perfume, and – if she’s lucky – a diamond engagement ring. Conversely, there’s very little information to be found about, um, power tools, and er, AXE deodorant? What do you buy a man, anyway?

To answer that age-old question – and to put your mind at ease, with only a week or so to go – we’ve written an article on our "Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him." To prevent you from turning up with a screwdriver and a six-pack of beer on February 14, take a look at our recommendations for dads, brothers, boyfriends, and husbands. They’re not all from Zazzle, either, as we’ve expanded our research to include video game consoles, wireless earbuds, streaming memberships, craft beer services, and multitool implements. Our own personalized Valentine’s Day gifts for him do feature as well, of course, and are the perfect answer to that other age-old question: what do you get the person who has everything?

Aptly titled New York site The Strategist argues that "a great Valentine’s Day gift strikes the balance between personal and indulgent," and we think we’ve done that here, presenting items that are unusual but usable, unique but not unpopular. And in case you were worried about us leaving out the women in our audience, don’t worry: our Today’s Moments team are, among other things, currently sampling scented candles and trying on silk pajamas…

Elmo's Moment

Saturday, February 3rd, 2024

Who’s your favorite character from Sesame Street? Perhaps it’s gentle giant Big Bird; an anthropomorphic, multi-hyphenate canary. Or maybe it’s Cookie Monster, a blue gourmand who’s made his living from indulging his voracious sweet tooth? You might even sympathize with trash-talking Oscar the Grouch – a fact which we’re sure he’ll be delighted to learn.

Of course, across the storied history of Sesame Street and The Muppets, thousands of puppets have been created (and countless memories, of course), so we know it’s a tough decision to make. For us, though, we’d have to opt for Elmo: that furry, little red toddler who’s eternally three-and-a-half years old (and who, um, celebrates his birthday today, on February 3). Despite his young age, he’s been living on Sesame Street since 1980, when he was introduced as a background character in a song called "We Are All Monsters." Although Elmo wasn’t meant to become one of the show’s main characters, performer Kevin Clash warmed to the puppet, and found Elmo’s voice when he realized that "Elmo should represent love – just kissing and hugging."

Since 2013, Elmo has been handled by Ryan Dillon, and by the way, other characters in Elmo’s family have also been introduced, like his parents Louie and Mae, and his Japanese cousin, Elmo-noske! For both the cast of Sesame Street and its intergenerational fanbase, Elmo is the embodiment of friendship, enthusiasm, and contagious giggling, and that’s why we’re proud to wish him the happiest of birthdays this February 3. Here’s to many more!

If a Woodchuck Could Chuck Wood

Friday, February 2nd, 2024

Who would have believed that, at least 137 years later, we’d still be asking a groundhog – variously known as a land beaver, marmot, and ground squirrel – to be our amateur meteorologist? Yet on February 2, and in both the U.S. and Canada, the likes of Punxsutawney Phil and Wiarton Willie continue to act as arbiters when it comes to the end of winter and the beginning of spring. What will they see today? The shadow of six more weeks of low temperatures? Or the overcast day that, curiously enough, signals brighter weather is on its way?

Groundhog Day is, as you might have once guessed, too peculiar a holiday to have been formed in a Pennsylvania vacuum. According to Don Yoder – the authority on Groundhog Day, having published a book of the same title in 2003 – the tradition has its origins in the Celtic festival of Imbolc, celebrated at the start of February and one of four cross-quarter holidays in their pagan calendar (similar to our seasons). When adapted by Christianity, Imbolc was extended to February 2, and when German settlers arrived in areas of Europe once occupied by the Celts, they brought their own medieval-themed twist. In the Middle Ages, and in countries like Germany, it was believed that bears and, in particular, badgers interrupted their hibernation to appear at this time. Upon arriving in the U.S., then, a couple of centuries later, German-speaking immigrants revised the holiday once more, and took the woodchuck as their would-be weatherman.

You probably already know that Groundhog Day, while taken seriously by its celebrants – who have even established a language known as ‘Groundhogese’ to communicate with Phil – isn’t a serious occasion; it’s meant to be fun, interesting, and marked with a generous helping of pomp and circumstance. It’s why Phil’s handlers are dressed in top hats and tuxedos and his forecast is read from an old-fashioned scroll. The idiosyncrasies of Groundhog Day also made it the perfect starting point for Harold Ramis’s 1993 comedy – and indeed, finally, for our Independent Creators, who have published an entire range of Groundhog Day-themed cards and gifts. Our prediction is that you’ll love everything you find!

Celebrating Black History Month

Thursday, February 1st, 2024

Black History Month, celebrated in February in the U.S. every year (and in October in the U.K. and Ireland), was originally conceived of as a week-long initiative. However, in 1976 – the nation’s bicentennial – President Gerald Ford expanded it to a month, urging Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." On this day and in this month, we look back at the achievements of black scholars, artists, and political leaders across U.S. history and honor the contributions of the African-American community in the fields of industry, science, and education.

Sadly, neither of the founders of Black History Week lived to see its elongation to an entire month or to witness its considerable impact on U.S. culture. In 1925, Carter G. Woodson – a Harvard-trained historian, and only the second African American, after W.E.B. Du Bois, to earn a Ph.D. at the university – along with Jesse E. Moorland, set up what is now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH®). The following February, Woodson launched the inaugural ‘Negro History Week,’ which would, by the Black Awakening and Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, gain significant traction across schools, colleges, churches, and businesses – and which would, in turn, lead to its official recognition by the White House in 1976.

Since 1928, the event has had a different theme every year, and in 2024, it’s "African Americans and the Arts." Given that Black History Month is supported by cultural organizations like the Library of Congress, the National Gallery of Art, and the Smithsonian Institution, it’s easy to get involved with this theme – whether it’s viewing an exhibition by Kara Walker, reading a novel by James Baldwin or Toni Morrison, or listening to a record by Ella Fitzgerald. Woodson’s almost-century-old project to raise awareness of black history and culture is still ongoing, and you can play your part in bringing it to fruition!