Category: Blog

Updated October 2023

People born on a full moon are more likely to turn into werewolves, right? Just kidding, of course, but the full moon does affect personalities and energies. 

We may feel a heightened sense of energy or vibrancy on the night of a full moon. Police have said there’s a different vibe when the moon peaks. Doctors and nurses say that hospitals fill up faster, and more babies are delivered on a full moon compared to any other time. There must be something to it!

Here’s the truth: if you were born on a full moon, you may find that certain personality traits and tendencies are no coincidence. Like your zodiac sign, the moon phase can have much to do with your life’s journey. Here’s what you need to know about being born on a full moon and how to channel this unique circumstance to your advantage.

Full Moon Baby? This Means High Energy

Let’s state the obvious: A full moon is the peak energy phase of the moon cycle, so it’s no surprise that being born on a full moon also harnesses this energy. This is when full moon rituals are in full swing — crystals are being charged and cleansed, desires are being manifested, and creative breakthroughs abound.

This is all because of the stronger gravitational pull of the earth on the moon. Plans are coming to fruition and are in full abundance. Knowing this, it’s hardly shocking that people born on a full moon share these feelings of being energized and inspired.

A full moon is the peak energy phase of the moon cycle, so it’s no surprise that being born on a full moon also harnesses this energy.

Personality Traits for Those Born on a Full Moon

Full moon children often experience limitless contradictions, especially during the quarter moon phases when the moon is equally light and dark. Life is a delicate balancing act to maintain equilibrium between emotion and logic.

However, this type of personality also comes with many advantages:

Full Moon Babies: All the Good Things

Because of your high energy potential, you have so much power to carry you toward your greatest ambitions. No idea seems too unconventional or off-limits, so allow yourself to give in to your wildest dreams because you have the best shot of making them a reality.

The key is learning how to channel this energy. The constant battle between mind and heart can be burdensome, but it can also be the catalyst to stop spinning your wheels and move forward with a goal.

Many people are drawn to full-moon children because of their vibrance and powerful presence. You bring light to their lives, and they feel energized around you. You’re confident and active and are often considered the life of the party — all of which makes others gravitate toward you.

If you’re more of an introvert, a vibrant exterior is replaced by a subtle inner glow. People are still drawn to you but in a less obtrusive way. How you carry yourself makes people want to be around you, even if it’s not apparent.

Full-moon children are natural leaders and should take care to harness their energy in the right way. During the waning phases, you may find your energy levels also wane. This is a great time to pause, reflect, and plan your next move. If you are constantly meeting failures during this phase, take it as a sign to pull back and refocus. Take a vacation or put projects on hold until the new moon brings you clarity. During the waxing phase, you’ll feel more alive and alert, which is the ideal time to create a new project.

Full Moon Babies: All the Hard Truths

Energy can be one of our greatest assets, but it can also be difficult to control. This is especially true for full moon babies: during a full moon, the sun is located directly opposite the moon. The two are in conflict, which means that the sun (which controls your mind and logic) and the moon (which influences your heart and emotions) are at war from the moment you’re born.

These struggles often manifest throughout your life’s journey and may make you feel conflicted when choosing between what your heart and mind are telling you. As a result, you may also come off as indecisive because you have so many different thoughts and priorities pulling you in different directions. Decisions are not easy, sometimes to the point where you decide not to decide at all!

How Do I Find Out if I Was Born on a Full Moon?

Were you one of the many to be born on a full moon? Use our Moon Phase Birthday Poster creator to input your birthday and see what the moon looked like on the night you were born.

Then, personalize your Moon Phase Print to create a treasured keepsake as special and unique as you are!

Personalized Moon Prints

Ready to celebrate the exact lunar moment when you or a loved one were born? Our Personalized Moon Phase Print can do just this. Encapsulating the magic of the celestial world and our place within that, these custom art prints show the moon’s beauty from any viewpoint at any time. 

Our easy-to-use map print creator can help you make beautiful moon phase art prints that are perfect for decorating your home with personal and unique art, but can also help you create fantastic personalized gifts that loved ones are bound to be obsessed with. As well as making the moon art print super personal through the specific moon phase when you were born, you can carry on the customizing as there are six designs to choose from — check out our easy-to-use Moon Phase Art Print editor here.

You can even get the Mommy, I Love You to the Moon and Back personalized moon print to celebrate the day she became a mom — and what the moon looked like at that precise moment. 

Or maybe you’re looking for some artwork for your home or a unique gift for a friend, and you’re also mesmerized by stargazing — we have personalized art print options for constellations, too!

Different Types of Full Moon

The light and energy we get from a full moon is when it’s fully facing the earth and entirely lit up by the sun, right? But there are some lunar moments when a full moon is more than just your regular full moon, which is a bit more unusual — let’s explore these special lunar events.

Blood Moon —  is when the dazzling full moon has a red hue, which happens approximately every three and a half years. This occurs when the moon is in a total lunar eclipse, and the earth lines up between the moon and the sun. Throughout history, blood moons have been associated with chaos and change.

Harvest Moon —  is the full moon that happens at the closest point in time to the autumn equinox. Here, the moon will usually start to rise around the same time as the sun is setting — this can give the low-hanging moon a beautiful orange glow, which may appear bigger in the sky. This makes for a stunning display for moon lovers.

Super Moon — bigger and brighter than regular full moons; super moons are a fantastic spectacle. This is when there’s a full moon on the “shorter” side of the moon’s oval-shaped orbit, known as the “perigee” moon — where it’s closest to the earth. 
Find out what the moon looked like on any day, from anywhere, with our Moon Phase Checker.

Updated October 2023

Were you born on a new moon? Though the sky may have been darkened, your birth was a light in the world. And even though you likely don’t recall the blessed event or remember what the moon looked like on that day, it matters more than you might realize.

The moon’s phase can influence you throughout your life, affecting everything from personality traits to moods. This is why some people may act erratically during a full moon or why we may feel energized at certain times of the month over others. This is also true of the birth moon, as it helps to set the tone for your life’s journey.

If you were born on a new moon, here’s what you need to know (and how you can find out if you were a New Moon baby!).

Invisible Moon, Strong Influence

Even though the new moon can’t easily be seen in the sky, make no mistake that it has a powerful effect on children born under its watch.

This is the phase of new beginnings, a fitting metaphor for birth. During this phase, the moon and sun are perfectly aligned and help to establish a healthy balance early on in life. The energy in the air is low at this time because it’s considered a restorative period. Rest is critical to regeneration so you can hit the ground running at full speed.

There might not be much to see in this night sky, but stealth serves in your favor. Nothing deters you, and everything has potential.

Personality Traits for New Moon Babies

If full moons are associated with chaos and conflict, then new moons are considered the exact opposite. It’s a symbol of life coming full circle, with one chapter closing as another begins. It’s a time for growth, birth, and exploration, a strong start to an unknown journey ahead.

Remember, you can Check Your Moon Phase with our calculator to find what kind of moon you were born under!

The Good

To reflect this, those born under a new moon are often quite successful. Your heart and mind are in harmony, whereas most people experience a war between the two. This beautiful balance extends to other aspects of your life, as well. It gives you confidence because you are in tune with what you want in life and won’t be deterred by darkness or uncertainty.

You take a forward-looking and forward-thinking approach to all things in life, keeping your eye on the horizon and rarely looking back. You’re often the first to try a new idea or visit a new place, which is why most people would consider you creative. You can usually tell whether you’re going to like something because you know what you want and expect from people and experiences. As a result, you’re also quick to take action because you’re certain about what you want in life.

Want to celebrate your love for all things lunar? Create your Personalized Moon Phase Art Print here.

The Bad

Optimism is your default, though sometimes to a fault. You maintain a curious nature even into adulthood and have no trouble seeing the best in every person and situation. This can sometimes work to your disadvantage, though, as it makes it difficult for others to see things on your level and could mean getting burned by people you trust.

It’s also worth mentioning that people born on a new moon enter the world when energies are low. Your motivation serves you well to take your ideas and run with them, but you may find that energy hard to sustain, especially when newer and shinier ideas pull your focus. It’s not uncommon for you to start a new project or carry out an idea, then soon abandon it or hand it off to someone else. This can turn into an endless cycle of unfinished projects and half-baked ideas, leading you to feelings of unfulfillment — a painful reality to live for someone who knows how they want their life to be.

The Brutal

The darkness of the night sky is directly reflected in new moon personalities in the form of a lack of self-awareness. It’s hard for you to see the type of person you truly are and recognize your strengths and weaknesses. You may also struggle to see the kind of person that other people are, too.

Some good news is that you can overcome some of this brutal reality by learning how to use the moon phases to your advantage. Take time for self-reflection during the Full Moon, then use the quarter moon phases for planning your next ambitions. These are the moments when self-doubt is highest, and this can help to ground some of your ideas into realistic terms.

How Do I Find Out if I Was Born on a New Moon?

Were you born on a new moon? Use our Moon Calculator to input your birthday and location of birth to see what the moon looked like on the day you were born! You can order a Printed Moon Phase Poster.

Add Your Love of the Moon and Stars to Your Home

The beauty of the moon and stars has captivated people since ancient times — so why not continue this celebration of the celestial world within your home decor? At Positive Prints, we make it easy to create super unique art prints, showing the phase of the moon in all its glory from a particular viewpoint at a specific moment in time. Through capturing the moon in a moment in time, our Personalized Moon Art Prints, you can remember the magic of a special day, 

This is not just for people who were born on a new moon! This is our lunar-lovers bestseller — the Custom Moon Phase Print. Use our simple print editor interface to pick the time and place and see what the moon looked like at that precise moment. You can go on to choose the background color of the art print, what text is displayed, and in what format you’d like your moon phase print to be.

As well as beautifully printed or framed moon prints, you can also opt for Digital Moon Art Prints!

And what if stargazing is more your thing? Check out our Custom Star Map Prints. These can capture constellations at a special time and place — perfect for adding an interstellar feel to your home while celebrating a cherished memory! We have the Double Star Map Print, too — ideal for celebrating two magical moments in one personalized art print.
These wonderful custom prints also make fantastic gifts — create a Personalized Moon Phase Print for a loved one here!

Updated September 2023

Twinkling and mysterious, stargazing can be truly out of this world — so it’s little wonder that these bright jewels and their sparkling patterns have fascinated humans since we could first look up. But have you ever wanted to know more about these sparkling entities? This article is packed with stellar facts, so next time you wish upon a star, you can recall a little something about it.

1. Star Light, Star Bright

Did you know that all the stars we can see in the sky with the naked eye are bigger and brighter than our sun? In fact, astronomers have identified at least 12 types of stars, 11 of which are identified by a single letter (for example, O, B, A, F, G, K, M, R, N, T, and Y). These classifications are made to distinguish differences in the qualities of stars, such as their temperature, color, and brightness. For example, R, N, T, and Y stars are cooler than O and B stars.

Our own sun is a class G star, while the brightest star we can see in the night sky is called Sirius. Also sometimes known as the “Dog Star,” as it is found in the constellation of Canis Major, Sirius is a class-A star that actually shines 25.4 times brighter than the sun. 

2. Co-Stars!

It might sound unlikely or impossibly romantic at first, but it turns out that, rather than hurtling alone through the void, several stars out there have a significant other. They are known as binary stars. As you might have guessed, binary star systems are formed of two stars locked in orbit around each other, bound together in a gravitational two-step.

Waltzing through the nighttime sky, these celestial pairings aren’t even as uncommon as you might think. You won’t be able to separate them with the naked eye, but through a telescope or even binoculars, around 5-10% of visible stars turn out to be binaries. One of the best examples is found in The Big Dipper (the rear end of the constellation Ursa Major, or Great Bear). Here, the second-to-last star along “the handle” isn’t a star at all, but a pair of stars named Mizar and Alcor.

You can celebrate twin events and how the heavens appeared on two special occasions with a uniquely personal Double Star Map.

3. Constellation Prize

Did you know that, all together, there are 88 officially recognized constellations in the night sky? Most are named after animals, mythical beasts, and characters from Greek and Roman mythology. Five constellations can only ever be viewed in the northern hemisphere (the sky above the equator), and three only in the southern hemisphere (the sky below the equator).

The largest constellation by area is sprawling Hydra (the water serpent), which occupies 3.16% of the night sky, while the smallest is Crux (often known as the Southern Cross), which takes up a mere 0.17% of the heavens. Star map gifts are popular any time of year, and you or a loved one can discover just how the stars were set over your head at any time or place with our quality customizable Star Map.

4. We Are All Made of Stars!

It’s a great lyric and one of the most wonderful facts about stars! Even though there are different types and sizes of stars, they all begin with the same components. Stars form from Interstellar gas, mostly hydrogen molecules. When these clouds are pushed into a spinning motion, a small mass begins to form centrally and continues growing. The more mass it gains, the hotter it becomes. When it reaches a temperature of 100 million degrees, nuclear fusion occurs, and a star is born. 

Just over 90% of the elements that form our human bodies were formed in stars over the course of billions of years and the lifetimes of many different stars. However, it’s possible that hydrogen, which is found in all the body’s fluids, and lithium, which our body contains tiny trace amounts of, originated from the “Big Bang,” the birth of the universe, which scientists estimate occurred 13.8 billion years ago!

5. Staring Back in Time

Did you know that when we gaze at the stars, we’re actually looking back through time? That’s because even though light travels at 186,000 miles per second, because of the vast distances of space between stars, it often still takes many thousands of years to reach us. Scientists measure cosmic distances in “light years” (simply the distance light can travel in one solar year). So, for example, when we look at the star that is our closest neighbor, Alpha Centauri, light from it takes four light years to reach Earth. Therefore, we’re actually seeing how Alpha Centauri appeared more than four years ago.

The farthest-away star we can see with the naked eye is called V672 Cas, found in the constellation Cassiopeia. It lies 16,308 light years from Earth. So the light you see shining from this star originated long before organized human civilization, during the Earth’s last ice age!

6.  Guiding Star

Humans have used the stars to guide themselves on sometimes vast journeys over both land and sea. The Egyptians created the earliest accurate star chart so far discovered, which is some 3,500 years old and dates from 1534 BC.

However, although it cannot be conclusively confirmed, many experts believe the earliest depiction of the stars may have been discovered in Germany in 1979. A Mammoth’s tusk, dating from around 32,500 years ago, was found carved with what seems likely to be a representation of the constellation of Orion. 

7.  Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

We’ve all looked skyward to see a canvas of twinkling stars at some point. But don’t be fooled; those stars aren’t actually twinkling. The effect is an optical illusion caused by the Earth’s atmosphere. Because the stars’ light has to pass through so many layers of the atmosphere, which has varying densities, it can create the impression they’re twinkling.

Stars shining lower in the sky, closer to the horizon, will often appear to twinkle more than those higher in the heavens, and this is simply due to us viewing them at a shallower angle. This means we’re looking at them through a larger slice of the atmosphere. It’s the same effect that makes the moon look larger when it first rises. 

8. Stars in Your Eyes

Look up into the sky on a dark, cloudless night, and you might be inclined to think you’re looking at millions of stars. But in reality, we can only see about 2,000, give or take, at any given time. It’s true that millions of stars exist in our universe, but most can only be seen using telescopes.

The very brightest stars we can see are called 1^st magnitude and, in the northern hemisphere, include Sirius (in the constellation of Canis Majoris), Canopus (in Alpha Carinae), Arcturus (in Bootes), and Vega (in the constellation of Lyra). The faintest stars we can see with the naked eye are of 6^th magnitude. 

9. Signs in the Stars

Of course, whether we know how to spot them or not, some of the best-known star constellations are the twelve that form what we know in Western astrology as the Zodiac. Heavily influenced by astronomical observations made by the Greeks and Babylonians, the word Zodiac is even derived from the ancient Greek words zōdiakòs kýklos, which translates as “circle of little animals.”

The constellations of the Zodiac occupy a circular band in the sky that follows the path of the sun, known as the ecliptic, which means that from Earth the sun appears to pass through each of the Zodiac constellations (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces) roughly every month.  

In Western astrology, Zodiac signs have been used to define traits in differing personalities, and you can immortalize your own star sign’s uniqueness, or that of a loved one or friend, with fantastic Zodiac Wall Art.

10. Gold Star Treatment

We all know that our sun is a star, but did you know it’s actually categorized as a dwarf star? We might think our beloved sun sets the gold standard for what a star should be, yet in the grand scheme of things, the sun is much smaller than most stars in the universe. For example, Betelgeuse (in the constellation of Orion) is one of the largest stars we can see with the naked eye, is classified as a red giant, and is actually 700 times bigger than our sun.

As a dwarf star, our sun is less powerful than an average star, but the good news is that it will have a longer celestial life. The sun is already 4.6 billion years old, but it’s probably only halfway through its 9 to 10-billion-year life span.

For More Star-Studded Insights, Head Back to Our Blog or Start Creating Your Very Own Custom Star Map Poster!

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Updated September 2023

Simply can’t wait for that imminent new arrival? Already imagine you can hear the patter of tiny feet? Are you so excited that you feel you need to celebrate right now? Whether it’s a dear friend, a much-loved relative, or even your own baby that’s due, now’s the time to enjoy the great American tradition of “the baby shower.”

The modern-day baby shower first became popularized in the US after the war, in the ‘baby boom’ decade of the 1950s, and it’s a custom that’s been embraced ever since. The purpose of the baby shower was (and remains) to literally “shower a mother-to-be with gifts.” However, these were originally practical, given the myriad of items and accessories needed before embarking on a new life caring for an infant.

These days, baby showers are becoming increasingly lavish events, and baby shower gifts are certainly no longer limited to diapers and mobiles for the crib. From Gucci baby changing bags to sterling silver baby rattles fashioned by iconic New York jewelers Tiffany & Co., there seems to be no upper limit when it comes to extravagant baby shower gifts.

However, as the lucky person tasked with organizing a baby shower (a job customarily allotted to a best friend, auntie, or cousin), you might want to consider sourcing more thoughtful and personalized baby shower gifts — not to mention something that comes in well under the thousand-dollar mark!

Get the Gifting Wrapped up Early

Begin organizing a baby shower the right way by finding the ideal baby shower gift. After all, aside from the food, fun, and games, that’s what lies at the heart of the baby shower tradition. And no mom-in-waiting will appreciate any gift more than one that so obviously comes straight from the heart.

A piece of personalized artwork specially designed to celebrate your little one is a heartwarming present bound to please and will most likely find pride of place on the wall of a new nursery.

How about a unique and delightful piece of baby’s heartbeat soundwave art forever capturing the incredible sound of an unborn child growing in the womb? It is a beautiful way of illustrating a moment in time and making a memory that will be treasured forever.

Alternatively, if you’ve got a good idea of the new arrival’s due date, how about a handsome zodiac wall art poster depicting the baby’s astrological star sign and describing the new personality the parents can expect to welcome?

It’s always a sound strategy to avoid distraction by knowing you’ve got great gifts wrapped up early. Now it’s time to start planning and preparing an equally perfect baby shower celebration.

Start with the Logistics

There are a few things to consider when planning a baby shower. The first step — decide who will host it and where. Sometimes, the mother-to-be will host the shower, but a friend or family member can also host it. 

Once the host is chosen, they need to decide on a date, time, and location for the shower. If you’re on a budget, hosting the shower at someone’s home is perfectly acceptable. It adds a layer of personalization and coziness to the occasion. Or, if you have more money to spend, consider renting a small event center or restaurant party room.

Design and Send Invitations

The next step is to send out invitations. It’s best to send them out about four weeks before the shower so guests have enough time to RSVP. 

When choosing an invitation, consider the theme of the baby shower. You can buy pre-made baby shower-themed invitations and fill them out by hand. Or you can custom print invitations to match a specific theme. 

Popular themes for baby showers in recent years have included “nautical baby showers” with sailor stripes and sailing boats, “animal baby showers” featuring tropical jungle foliage and safari fun, and “book-themed baby showers” showcasing favorite picture books and characters from children’s classics.

Prep the Food

Talk to the mama-to-be to discover her favorite foods and what the baby has been craving. Light foods like fruits, finger sandwiches, crackers, and cakes are standard options. 

Also, you’ll need to bring all the accessories to go with your spread. Plates, cups, spoons, serving utensils, napkins — having everything you need on hand makes your shower flow seamlessly. 

Decorate!

There are endless possibilities when it comes to styling a shower, but we’ve gathered a few of our favorite ideas to get you started.

One popular trend is using soft and pastel colors to create a dreamy atmosphere. Pale pink, powder blue, and light yellow can all be used in various combinations to achieve this look. Add pops of color with accessories, such as flowers, balloons, or streamers, or by incorporating cheerful patterns into your decorations.

Another option is to go with a more modern vibe by using bright colors and bold prints. This can be a great choice if the mom-to-be doesn’t plan for their baby to fit into traditional gender stereotypes.

Add decor to the shower entryway, the food and gift tables, and the common areas where attendees will gather.

Plan Some Games

There are an endless number of baby shower games to play. Spread the laughter and make memories with a few of these tried-and-true games:

Dough Baby: This game is best for a more casual baby shower. Guests compete to see who can create the cutest (or funniest, most realistic, etc.) baby out of colored play dough. It’s a great chance to get creative and engage the senses.

Guess the Gender: This game is perfect for guests who ask lots of questions — they’ll get all their answers, and then some! Guests take turns guessing the baby’s gender and other questions (such as nursery colors and themes, food cravings, etc.) and earn points for each correct guess. The person with the most points at the end of the game wins a prize!

Diaper Derby: This race is always a hit with guests of all ages. Have guests race to put on a diaper on a baby doll as quickly as possible — bonus points if they can do it using one hand only!

Hand Out Shower Favors

When throwing a baby shower, one of the details often overlooked is what kind of favors to give guests. Though it may seem like a small gesture, party favors are a nice way to thank guests for coming and to send them off with a little memento from the day. If you’re stuck on ideas for what kinds of favors to give out, here are a few suggestions:

• Personalized candles or soap — A simple and elegant favor, personalized candles or soap can be customized with the name and date of the baby shower.

• Magnets or keychains — These are perfect for guests who want something small and practical that they can use every day.

• Customized cookies or candies — These make sweet and tasty party favors that guests will love. Use attractive gift boxes or bags for candy and other small items for a more elegant look and feel. 

Start Planning the Perfect Baby Shower!

Planning a baby shower can be such a rewarding experience — for mom, baby, and all of their loved ones. Use this time to capture all the sweet gestures of love leading up to baby’s big arrival!

For ideas of what to buy the proud parents once the baby arrives, check out our guide to Sentimental Gifts for New Parents.

Around the world, showing support and affection for a newly married couple with a well-chosen wedding present is a time-honored tradition.

Whether it’s gold coins in India and perfume in Sudan, or stranger gifts such as cuckoo clocks in Germany and carved wooden ducks in South Korea, the tradition of giving a gift to the bride and groom to wish them good luck and abundance for their new life together has been practiced for centuries by cultures across the globe.

Yet even today, in countries like the US, just how much to spend on wedding gifts can still cause a headache. With no real conventions on budget and no particular, traditional items to give at a ceremony, for many Western wedding guests, finding thoughtful, well-suited gifts for couples in the right price range can soon become stressful.

No wonder then that, when it comes to navigating wedding gift etiquette, many of us are eager for some assured guidance — not to mention a healthy dose of inspiration.

1. A Gift That’s Right for Everyone

Of course, when it comes to how much to spend on wedding gifts, the budget is quite genuinely “relative,” as it’s clear that a bride and groom’s close family and dear friends are likely to spend more on a wedding gift than, say, distant cousins or work colleagues.

So far, so seemingly straightforward, but there are other factors to consider, too. For example, where are the couple getting married? You may have been invited to a grand destination wedding hosted on the shores of a far-flung tropical island or within the historic grounds of a European stately home. Or if you’ve simply had to travel a long way to a couple’s hometown, you may have already incurred some serious wedding expenses by booking travel and accommodation.

Likewise, if you’re part of the bridal party and have already spent money on a bridal shower gift or been involved in attending an extravagant bachelor party, it’s perfectly reasonable to adjust your wedding gift budget to reflect this.

A solution that often proves popular among close friends and relatives who’ve already been obliged to attend prenuptial celebrations is to club together and buy a joint gift for the newlyweds. It’s a smart way to get the couple a big-ticket item they might really want while ensuring everyone involved can make a meaningful contribution without running the risk of financially overstretching themselves.

Remember, if you really do find yourself unable to buy the present you want for a couple before their big day, it’s well worth knowing that wedding etiquette allows you up to a year after a couple ties the knot to send them a wedding gift.

These days, many couples are both sympathetic and sensitive to the expenses that may be involved in attending their special day, and often, you’ll be told in the invitation that “just being there is the only gift they need.” Which only makes you want to get them something more, right? 

2. “Rules” to Ignore

To make navigating wedding gift etiquette even more confusing, there are several outdated conventions that guests these days would do well to disregard. One of the best examples to ignore, as most professional wedding organizers will be glad to tell you, is the “cover your plate rule.” This is the antique notion that the cost of a wedding gift should be calculated as equivalent to the amount spent per head on the wedding meal. It’s a concept that creates the slightly vulgar idea that the bride and groom are trying to recoup their expenses for the day while also depending on guests somehow being able to guess the cost of wedding catering in advance.

On the other hand, whereas simply giving a couple cash was often frowned on as lazy and crass (in a US survey conducted by Nerdwallet as late as 2018, just over half those polled still thought that a cash gift was unbecoming), it’s now an increasingly popular option. This is mainly because a larger number of couples in the US are getting married later in life and already have established homes and all the household items they need. In these instances, a money gift to put towards a honeymoon or a trip of a lifetime is fast becoming a more popular choice.

Need some inspiration for what to get the happy couple? Check out our 36 Gift Ideas for Newly Engaged Couples.

3. Getting Your Gift from the Registry

 For practical assistance with purchasing wedding gifts (not to mention ensuring that newlyweds get some of the things they actually need for their new lives together), most engaged couples create a gift registry, allowing them to communicate their list of gift preferences to guests before the wedding.

A gift registry should not only list preferred items; it should also list those items in a range of price brackets designed to suit all budgets. It’s a great idea for taking pressure off guests before the big day, and in fact, the idea was first instituted by the famous Chicago department store Marshall Field & Co. way back in 1924. So, at almost one century old, you could call the gift registry itself an American wedding tradition!

A gift registry will almost always come with a wishlist of items the couple would find useful or enjoy and a list of preferred stockists and brands. This means that if you can’t source an item or can’t afford something, making a contribution by purchasing a gift voucher for a specified store is always an acceptable option.

However, it’s worth bearing in mind that if you do rely on getting something from a gift registry list, you always run the risk of doubling up with other guests. We probably all know a couple somewhere who’ve begun their lives together with a drawer full of wine openers or more than one toaster.

4. There’s Nothing More Precious than a Thoughtful Gift 

Having considered all the above, it’s probably no surprise that these days, when the question of how much to spend on wedding gifts arises, many of us start thinking about a gift that will show just how much we care by going that little bit further, sourcing and creating a deeply personal memento for a couple, rather than simply spending out a few extra bucks.

As wedding industry insiders have begun to notice, today, more and more people are stepping away from the gift registry, ignoring the easy options of store vouchers or cash presents, and instead seeking a gift that comes straight from the heart. Something that, in a very special way, tells the unique story of the happy couple

A popular choice is a personalized piece of wall art, a print that not only looks great but captures something of the individual poetry that led to the newlyweds falling in love.

Why not consider a “Where We Met” Map, a visually striking piece of cartography depicting the very spot within the town, city, or state where the couple had their first fateful encounter? Or if it holds more special memories, a First Date Map, marking the place or celebrating the locations where a couple really got to know each other? For true romantics, either are sure to take pride of place on the wall of a home together, providing a talking point for visiting friends as well as a beautiful and lasting reminder of their love.

Indeed, if you believe a couple’s love really is written in the stars, then why not go all out and present them with a one-of-a-kind Star Map depicting how the heavens were aligned when they first met, when they got engaged, and when they got married? Or maybe a “Where We Met, Where We Married, Where We Live” print displaying the locations where a couple got together, tied the knot, and have now built a home? For those who cherish both sentimentality and style, the beauty of gifts such as these is that they are visually pleasing artworks that hold so much meaning for just a special few.

For guests who are keen to add personal touches through a little of their own creative input, a bespoke-made Wedding Day Photo Collage is another wonderful way to give something special to those you care about on their wedding day. Designing an exclusive, customizable wall print complete with a personalized message doesn’t cost a fortune, but it’s likely to become one of a happily married couple’s most treasured possessions. 

5. The Gift of Inspiration

No matter how a couple chooses to celebrate their wedding day, whether it’s an extravagant and glamorous event or a modest and intimate affair, at its heart, marriage is a celebration of love and commitment.

So before becoming too anxious about how much to spend on wedding gifts, the wisest course of action may be to consider that, beyond crystal decanters and high-thread-count bed linen, what most people want from friends and family is a token that expresses their true affection for them. A gift that brims with thoughtfulness and care, something to cherish through the years ahead, and which comes truly and sincerely, straight from the heart.

Need more inspiration? Check out our list of Unique and Thoughtful Mr. and Mrs. Gift Ideas they will adore.

Being able to buy good birthday presents is a valuable and important skill. If you’re one of those lucky people who find it easy to buy gifts, then…good for you! You’ll already know how the right gift can light up someone’s day.

If, like the rest of us, you find it challenging to pick out a great birthday gift, then fear not. Our guide will help you pick out something perfect every time. Gift buying is a skill, and just as with any other skill, you’ll do better when you have the right technique at your fingertips. 

Sitting comfortably? Then let’s get started. 

Understanding the Importance of Choosing Good Birthday Presents

The first step to buying great birthday gifts is to understand that committing and putting some effort into the process is essential. 

Birthday gifts are a chance to show someone you value them and are prepared to put time and effort into cultivating your relationship with that person. Throughout life, birthdays will always require a special gift, especially those for romantic partners, family members, and important friends. 

But gifts aren’t totally selfless either! According to the American Psychological Association, giving gifts activates the part of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, which creates a “warm glow” effect. 

As with many things in life, the more you put into the process, the more you get out in return. This means that the time spent thinking about and organizing a gift for a special person is well spent. 

Considerations for Selecting Good Birthday Presents

There are a few broad areas to consider when buying the perfect gift — interests and hobbies, age and relationship, quality, and budget. You can go through these in your head quickly, or you might find it helpful to jot some ideas down on paper. 

Interests and Hobbies 

The first thing to consider when getting a birthday gift is the person you are buying the gift for. It’s essential to consider the giftee’s interests, hobbies, and preferences. 

This does two important things:
1) they will likely enjoy the gift, and
2) it shows the giftee you’ve thought about them when putting the gift together. 

The best way to learn about a person’s interests is to actively listen to them. What do they speak about in conversation? What topics do they talk passionately about? You can also observe them. What do they spend their time doing? What topics are they drawn to when watching TV, reading, or browsing the internet? 

A couple of warnings here. First, remember that people’s interests change over time. Children, in particular, go through phases — what interests them at age 9 might differ greatly from their interests at age 12. Ensure you’re buying for their current interests, not those they used to have.

Second, try to vary the gifts you buy. Even someone who absolutely loves dinosaurs probably doesn’t want all their birthday gifts to be dinosaur-themed, especially not year after year. 

If you’re buying a gift for a dog lover or a gift for a sports fan, you’re in luck! We have prints for sale they’re sure to love. 

Age and Relationship

Next, consider the person’s age and your relationship with them. Some birthdays are “bigger” than others and deserve extra thought and consideration. Turning 18, for example, is more of a milestone moment (for most people) than turning 17. It can be a great time to buy a birthday gift that is more sentimental rather than practical. 

Also, consider your relationship to the giftee. As a general rule, the closer you are to the person, the more thought you should put into the gift. If you are a parent, grandparent, or partner to the giftee, you must put in more effort than you would if you were cousins! 

Budget and Quality 

It’s essential to get the budget right when buying a birthday present for someone. Spending too much, or more than you can afford, is best avoided as you might make the giftee feel guilty.

There’s no “right amount” to spend, and many people would appreciate something free, like a poem, more than a piece of jewelry. 

If you buy an object for someone, it should be good quality, though. It’s better to get a smaller gift of higher quality than a bigger gift of poorer quality. For example, a guitar player would prefer an excellent guitar strap to a rubbish guitar! 

Unique and Personalized Gift Ideas

If you’re still struggling to buy a good birthday gift for that special someone, here’s another piece of advice — unique and personalized gifts are more meaningful than generic ones.

Take one of our best-selling products, the Custom Star Map. Our Custom Star Maps show the night’s sky precisely as it looked from a specific location at one particular moment. Many people are fascinated by the stars and would love to know what the night sky looked like the day they were born, for example. 

It’s not the most expensive gift in the world, but as it’s fully personalized, it’s totally unique to the giftee, and no one else will have one like it. By adding a custom message to the print, you can create a much more thoughtful gift than the average trinket. That’s why we have over 450 five-star reviews for this gift idea! 

Shop our full range of birthday gifts, and you’ll be sure to find something unique and meaningful for your special person. All of our posters are printed on museum-quality art paper for a high-quality look. FREE delivery on all orders worldwide!

Find your moon with moon phase calculator

Every time you look into the night sky, the moon looks just a little different than it did the night before. This is because the moon goes through phases, where it shows a slightly different version of itself depending on its position in space compared to the sun. 

Many people feel a special connection to the moon, especially women. Some feel energized by the light of the moon, similar to how people yearn for the sun. The moon is said to affect life here on earth, from our moods and emotions to fertility and even life changes.  

This is why many people also choose to make decisions according to the moon’s phases. Just like the moon, we go through our own phases of growth, energy, and restoration, though many of us do so without recognizing it. Knowing which phase the moon is in can reveal the why behind how we feel and think at any given moment. 

What are the phases of the moon?

The moon has eight distinct phases, all of which are completed within a span of about 29.5 days. They are:

• New moon
• Waxing crescent
• First quarter
• Waxing gibbous
• Full moon
• Waning gibbous
• Third quarter
• Waning crescent

After the waning crescent, another New Moon appears and the cycle begins again.

Many people erroneously refer to the quarter moon phases as a half moon, as the moon looks to be only half illuminated in the sky. But because we only see half of the moon when it’s “full” since the other side is dark, the “half” moons are actually only a quarter of the moon’s surface. 

Why does the moon have phases?

Just like the earth orbiting the sun, the moon is spinning through space as it orbits our planet. Because the sun illuminates the surface of the moon, we can only see parts of the moon depending on the moon’s location in relation to the sun. 

Remember, the moon is spinning while orbiting around Earth. At the same time, Earth is spinning while orbiting the sun. Earth and the moon are not perfectly synchronized, which is why we see the moon in various stages.  

The meanings behind moon phases

Each phase is said to hold unique energies and characteristics, some of which can be explained by science and others that are more reliant on faith and belief. For example, you’ve probably heard tons of stories about people acting differently during a full moon. Hospitals claim more babies are born during the full moon phase, while police officers may agree that their days are more chaotic. 

These are common examples that are fairly consistent around the world, but the full moon isn’t the only phase where unique characteristics are evident.

New Moon Meaning

This is typically a time of restoration. Now is the time to unplug, turn off, and focus on you. 

Waxing Crescent Meaning

Scientifically, this moon phase is when the moon is starting to grow noticeably “bigger.” Now is the time to start setting intentions and preparing for new things.

First Quarter Moon Meaning

This moon phase appears a week after the new moon. This is a time of action, usually in overcoming hurdles related to the intentions you recently set.

Waxing Gibbous Meaning

Coming closer to a full moon, this moon phase represents a period of refinement. Use the increase in light to get clarity about what comes next.

Full Moon Meaning

Energies are at a fever pitch during a full moon. Emotions run high, but you can use this to your benefit as you start to reap what you sowed. 

Waning Gibbous Meaning

As the light of the moon begins to fade, the waning gibbous is a time of gratitude. Use this time to reflect on your choices and appreciate what you were able to reap during the full moon.

Third Quarter Moon Meaning

A new moon is coming closer, so use this time to prepare for release. This is often a time of letting go, whether it’s past grudges, resentment, or general feelings of ill will.

Waning Crescent Meaning

Now that just a sliver of light remains, it’s time to prepare for your restoration. Tie up loose ends on projects and think about how you will reset your intentions for the next cycle.

How to find the moon’s phase on any day

Using a moon phase calculator can help you know the moon’s phase on any given date: past, present, or future. This way, you can prioritize the right activities if you choose to live by the moon. Or, you can use your moon phase to create a stunning, unique moon phase poster to commemorate a special date.

Try our free moon phase calculator here to learn how the moon looked during your most special milestone moments!