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Coziest Gifts Ever 

Looking for that one gift that can satisfy nearly everyone on your gift list? The Oprah Magazine lists blankets among its “Coziest Gifts Ever.” We’d agree! Is there anything more perfect than kicking back on a cold evening under a warm, cozy blanket. Here are some of our favorites here at The Dunstan Group; all of which can be customized with your brand!  

Pro Vision Plush Throw

The unbelievable softness of this plush throw combined with full color, edge to edge graphics creates a stunning gift that enhances any brand, team, or event. With only a 1 piece minimum, you can create the perfect gift for anyone, no matter the occasion. Also, great to showcase your team win or create a trading card type of blanket to commemorate each player.  50″ X 60″ soft, plush throw.

The Cabin Throw

This single layer Velura™ Cabin Throws are perfect to snuggle up in and complement fall and winter colors perfectly. This 100% polyester fleece is easy to care for, and it’s a BIG 60″ x 70″, so there’s plenty of warmth to go around. In classic colors for fall and winter and built for long-lasting good looks year after year. 

Velvafur Throw

Add designer elegance to any home with this faux fur throw.  Innovative fabrics provide luxury and function. A fantastic accessory to drape on a bed or favorite chair and an energy saver on a chilly evening. Warm yet lightweight.  Plush, high pile faux fur for a throw unsurpassed in softness and quality. Machine washable.  50″ x 60″ 100% polyester fleece.

Sport/Travel Premium Fleece Blanket

A functional and versatile pillow/blanket combo including a 50″ x 60″ Kanata fleece blanket inside a handy, fleece, zippered carrying case. Blanket has self-hemmed edge and the carrying case has micro cord trim in black. This fleece is warm, thick and durable. Brushed on 2 sides for softness, 2 sides non-pill sheared finish for longevity and optimum appearance. Ideal for throwing in the car for emergencies, or for passenger comfort.

Sweatshirt Sport Hoodie

It’s like your favorite sweatshirt that’s been transformed into a blanket! The ultimate game day accessory that you can now wear and wrap up in, whether you’re in the stands, or watching the game from the comfort of your own living room. It has 1 button at the neckline for easy on and off, plus a convenient hood to help cover you up in cool weather. 50″ x 60″, 50% cotton/50% polyester, with LOTS of room for decoration available on the backside.

Better with Time 

Wine, certain cheeses, your 401(k) ― even your favorite jeans; they all seem to get better with time. Same can be said for your holiday gift planning. Most of us can appreciate the adrenaline rush of a last-minute opportunity. But adrenaline doesn’t cut it when it’s time to create a one-of-a-kind custom holiday gift experience. 

Know what works? You guessed it; time. If you’re reading this the day it drops, that means you have 61 shopping days until Christmas. And a full two months can mean the difference between a gift giving experience that is truly out-of-the-box, and one that simply “checks the box” on your holiday gift list. 

Here are some starting points for you to consider to make this your BEST gift-giving season EVER! 

Inventory Popular products are often sold quickly especially during the holiday season.  If we can’t get our hands on it, we can’t decorate and get to you in time for your gifting.  – something along these lines.

What’s your “In Hands” date? In other words, when do you need to have your branded merchandise or apparel in YOUR hands in order to get it to your customers and friends. Let’s work backwards from this date.

Do you need to see a sample first? With so many products and options, maybe you need to lay eyes (and hands) on the product before you can commit to it. Budget time for that, too! 

Less than Minimums. Some products require a minimum number of units to be ordered. Got your heart― and your budget ― set on a particular item but need fewer than the minimum order? Again, extra time gives us the room to get creative to get you what you want. 

Custom boxing and packaging. Yes, The Dunstan Group can do that for you, too! Our BrandBuilders Box can create a unique presentation experience for your one-of-a-kind holiday gift.  

If this all has you wondering about how the whole process works, we totally get it. A lot goes in to getting you exactly what you’re looking for. We’ve streamlined the process by answering some of your most-asked questions here. 

Celebrating Camp Blue Skies and 10 Wonderful Years

Parenting a special needs child is hard work, but there IS help. But after your special needs child is no longer a child, what then? That’s the question Dick Sesler asked once his son, Brent, became an adult. What now?

This idea was Sesler’s spark for starting Camp Blue Skies, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The mission of Camp Blue Skies is to keep the learning and the fun going well into adulthood through recreation, socialization and life skills education.

And like childhood, the first 10 years have come and gone quickly.

“It goes faster every year,” says Sesler with a chuckle. “It’s still an enormous undertaking every year, but something we’re really proud of.”

Listen to our interview with Dick Sesler on the award-winning BrandBuilders Podcast!

What started with one week at the YMCA’s Camp Harrison, south of Wilkesboro, 10 Octobers ago, has now expanded to two one-week camps in North Carolina, two one-week camps outside of Atlanta, Georgia, and a weekend after Thanksgiving at the YMCA’s Camp Thunderbird on Lake Wylie.

“The camps keep filling up, so we have to keep expanding,” says Sesler. His son, Brent, still attends the camps and is even known as the “mayor of Camp Blue Skies” for his outgoing personality and welcoming demeanor.

There is a small cost for campers, but sponsors and donors underwrite most of the expenses, and the foundation holds three fundraisers a year to make hosting the camps possible. That is a year-round job for Sesler, and one he relishes.

The Dunstan Group has been on board with Camp Blue Skies from the very beginning. Sesler was introduced to The Dunstan Group Founder and President Scott Dunstan by friends, “before the first T-shirt was printed,” says Sesler, and their relationship has grown as the camp has grown.

The Dunstan Group is now the sole provider of T-shirts, water bottles, cinch sacks, and lanyards that every camper gets when they come to Camp Blue Skies. Beyond that, The Dunstan Group provides unique branded items and apparel for the camp store as another way to support the mission and give campers more ways to remember their fun-filled week.

“We’ve had so much fun working for Camp Blue Skies over this past decade,” says Dunstan. “Their passion for providing camping experiences to adults with developmental disabilities is energizing to be a part of.”

Dunstan knew Camp Blue Skies would want to celebrate its 10th anniversary in a big way, too. The Dunstan Group worked closely with Sesler for special themed gear for the occasion, provided giveaways, and even sponsored the 10th Anniversary Jubilee! The relationship is one that both Sesler and Dunstan value for its mission and its outcome.

“It’s a relationship of creativity and trust and execution,” says Sesler about The Dunstan Group’s work. “Those three end up with really good products that are thoughtful, creative, exciting, and fun.”

“We’re honored to be a small part of their growth and branding story,” agrees Dunstan. “We look forward to continuing to grow with them as they expand their mission.”

Want to learn more about Camp Blue Skies? They’d love for you to visit, volunteer, or support their work:  https://campblueskies.org

 

Always In Season: Plaid

Like most people, we love a list. And we got a real kick from a recent list that ranked Charlotte among US cities with the most plaid among its men’s fashion. (More on that in a minute!) We think Charlotte’s got plenty of style, and it’s sure fun to see our names on the list. Now it looks like we have a reputation to uphold, so here are some of our new favorite fall looks — in plaid, of course— with customization options that are always in season!

Plaid Flannel Pants

These classic flannel pants a fashion-forward item with plenty of comfort and room for custom embroidery. The 4.3 ounce, 100% ring spun combed cotton means they’re incredibly soft. The yarn dye plaid keeps the color looking great wash after wash. Features an elastic waistband with tape drawcord for a perfect fit.

Port Authority® Long Sleeve Gingham Easy Care Shirt

A fresh alternative to a solid-color shirt, the Port Authority gingham check pattern is office-ready, and more than suited for comfort and style for after-hours. Crafted in an Easy Care blend, this poplin style resists wrinkles and features bias-cut details. In men’s and women’s cuts and a variety of color palettes that will coordinate with any logo.

Plaid Trucker Cap

Here’s fresh take on one of our best-selling caps. This classic trucker cap style is packed with quality details and the fit you’ve come to expect from our customizable caps. This one comes in 40+ colorways, too! Perfect for embroidery or sew-on patch placement; it’s easy to see why this one remains a best-seller and favorite cap for teams, fans, and brands alike.

Plaid Cabin Throw

We love this single-layer Velura™ Cabin Throw with its timeless look of buffalo check and plaid. It’s rustic, warm and versatile, and a perfect fall and winter essential. This decorative and functional Cabin Throw makes a perfect gift, or an extra cozy blanket on the bed or sofa. Snuggle up in these wonderful buffalo check and plaid blankets that complement fall and winter colors perfectly.

Men’s Plaid Hiking Combo

Double up with this sock and cap combo that features 1 pair of Men’s USA made Merino Wool blend socks decorated with a 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ applique on each sock, and a marled knit beanie cap decorated with a 2″ x 4″ or 3′ overall applique featuring your same design. It’s a great combo for fall and winter or holiday gifting. Now with an all-new option to add an embroidered holiday satin gift bag!

Like we said, plenty of options to uphold our reputation among the nations best! And in case you’re still wondering how Charlotte ranked among the cities with the most plaid, here’s that piece from Charlotte Stories and the men’s clothing subscription service, Trendy Butler. Enjoy!

Top-five cities with the most plaid:
#1 St. Paul, Minn.
#2 Everett, Wash.
#3 Charlotte, N.C.
#4 Bronx, N.Y.
#5 Minneapolis, Minn.

Carolina Jubilee is Now Made in the Shade


Farm-to-fork is a great catch phrase and an even greater ideal for sustainable agriculture, but as the saying goes: the devil is in the details. How do you keep local farms in business when urban areas – who clamor for fresh, locally-produced food – are gobbling up urban farmland instead?

Enter Carolina Farm Trust. The Trust helps farmers by purchasing farm equipment, leasing or buying farmland to preserve it, and reaching out to customers who can support local foods with their buying habits. Their current efforts are helping four local farms in the Charlotte region and several others across North Carolina with their efforts to be sustainable and provide local products that balance agricultural needs with their regions’ explosive growth.

The Dunstan Groups sees the importance of keeping local farms viable as an essential part of our community, and is stepping up to help the Carolina Farm Trust with its fundraising event, the Carolina Jubilee. The Dunstan Group donated a tent with the Carolina Farm Trust logo for the Jubilee’s organizers, along with stickers that can help market the event that raises money for the Trust.

“We’re all about relationships and doing good for our community,” says Dunstan Group founder and President Scott Dunstan. “We love their mission to increase the availability of healthy and fresh foods for everyone and decided to ‘provide the shade’ for their upcoming Carolina Jubilee by donating the tent.” Donations like this one are an ongoing part of the Dunstan Group’s mission to build the communities around them through relationships and lending a hand where it’s needed.

Zack Wyatt, the founder of Carolina Farm Trust and creator of the Carolina Jubilee, is grateful for the generous gift. He calls the Jubilee a “labor of love.” Both the Trust and the Jubilee spring from Wyatt’s love of the farmland he grew up on in northern Virginia. As he saw farms disappear, he realized agriculture was “on life support,” he decided to do something about it.

“We want to rebuild the farming infrastructure, make local farms affordable to the community,” says Wyatt. “We’re focused on rural community but also urban farms to support urban areas.”

Wyatt picked Van Hoy Farms in Harmony, NC, (Iredell County) for the Carolina Jubilee because it’s in a rural area that’s centrally located to the region’s largest cities — Charlotte, Asheville, Hickory, and Greensboro/Winston-Salem. Wyatt thought that was a good place for NC residents to learn about farming without going too far from home.

“We want to get people out of the city into the country and relate,” he says. “We were trying to connect people with food and where it comes from — in a venue that’s easy, approachable, and fun, to celebrate Carolina agriculture and the affiliates with it.” The two-day festival will include food from Carolina farms, local breweries, and some tasty cocktails.

It’s a goal as simple as the food we eat, and Dunstan Group is happy to throw a little “shade” — and awareness — to bring everyone to the table.

The Carolina Jubilee is September 27-28 in Harmony, NC. Find out more and buy tickets here: https://thecarolinajubilee.org/

Hats You’d Actually Want to Wear

A certain Carolina Panthers quarterback has gotten some looks — and some headlines — about his post-game fashion over the years. But Cam’s most recent headwear selection had us wondering whether the trend would take off, and if anyone else could actually pull it off. (OK, not really.) But it sure made us look at our selection of all-new caps and hats you’d actually want to wear! 

Pro Round Crown Cap 

We love this new Pro Round Crown Cap with its quilted, buttery soft front panels. It features soft, tea-stained mesh back panels for a broken-in feel right out of the box. A pre-curved bill completes the look and feel. The foam structure front and plastic snap back provides for a great-fitting cap. We’re certain this will be a hot one for the fall and winter season. 

Low Crown Stars and Stripes Cap 

Here’s a look that never goes out of style. This great, new take on Old Glory compliments any brand or logo with its subtle addition of stars and stripes. In black as shown, we think it’s a perfect platform for any full color logo to really “pop!” Its low crown makes a great-fitting cap for most head sizes. Soft mesh back panels complete the look and feel. 

High Crown Wool Blend 

Consider this high crown wool blend cap a blank canvas and creative space for your logo, brand, or message. Thinking big, billboard style? This could be the cap for you. Or if you’re looking fo the platform that will support your leather or woven patch (we do that, too!) then this could be your cap, too. Bottom line, this cap is a real utility player. Let’s talk about how it can score points with your audience. 

Now for something completely different 

It’ll get cold eventually, right? Be ready to stand out with your brand out in this ski style toboggan that’s as much about fun as it is function. This acrylic knit cap features a contrasting jacquard stripe and coordinating tassels for a unique look. The white sherpa lining makes it a great choice for any kind of winter weather activity, or just braving the cold in style. 

Pom Pom Toboggan 

This traditional Pom Pom Toboggan is a true classic. It’s contrasting jacquard stripe pay off on top with a two-tone pom. Its cotton and acrylic knit makes for a warm, cozy cap that’s both comfortable and versatile. There’s plenty of room for logos, embroidery, or even a patch. One size fits all, and looks just as good on ladies and gents. 

 

BrandBuilders Spotlight: Open Streets 704

One in a series of case studies highlighting creative projects, imaginative clients, and remarkable results.

The Client:

The Open Streets 704 program hosts twice-yearly events that “open” Charlotte city streets connecting neighbors and neighborhoods for an afternoon of fun, free activities they can enjoy with their entire family. The event is based on successful Open Streets festivals in cities around the world, which encourage people to live healthier, better-connected lives by allowing them to explore local neighborhoods in a way that’s just not possible by car.

The Challenge:

With an eighth event approaching, Open Streets 704 feels like it’s a regular on Charlotte’s spring and fall “must do” calendars. But introducing the concept of open streets took some creativity on behalf of The Dunstan Group. Branded merchandise would need to be functional, of course, but would also need to communicate basic “what, when, and where,” information, while giving recipients the idea of what the event was all about. With events and activities spread out over several miles, and many different neighborhoods, branded merchandise would need to do more than market a logo — it would have to encourage an idea of people-powered activity for every age and background.

The Big Idea:

Among a suite of promotional items including banners, key keepers, and reusable cups, the branded Frisbees and blinking bike lights were runaway hits at other outdoor festivals and functions leading up to the first Open Streets 704 event. Customized printed coasters were another fun and functional promotion that served as a nod to the participating local breweries along the route. Staff and volunteer t-shirts helped participants and wayfinding signs helped reinforce the brand during the event.

The Reaction:

Clearly, folks got the message about Open Streets 704! The semi-annual events draw more than 30,000 people outside and into the streets. Participants say they’ve discovered new neighborhoods and businesses along the routes, and are more willing to walk, ride a bike, or visit a park as a result of being a part of Open Streets 704 events. Businesses agree they’ve gotten more exposure – and new customers – from Open Streets 704.

“Open Streets 704 is truly an event anyone can participate in,” said Eleanor Shell, one of the program organizers. “Open Streets 704 crosses neighborhood boundaries, and reaches out to our entire community to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to get out, meet new people, see new places, and have fun.”

“The Dunstan Group really understood the vision of the event for what we are hoping to create in our community, and to carry over that same feeling from one afternoon to the rest of the year.”

Weather the Weather this Fall 

The calendar says fall is just about here, and cooler (and sometimes wetter) weather won’t be too far behind. Have your team, group, clients, and customers ready to weather the weather with these great customizable jackets and vests from The Dunstan Group! 

Sport-Tek ® Ladies Triumph Cowl Neck Pullover

This double knit, cotton-rich pullover is a triumph with integrated pockets, thumb holes, and rubberized zippers for a modern look and feel. The cotton/poly double-knit fleece has a luxurious feel, and the drop tail hem and drop shoulder provide for a great-looking fit. Tag-free label for a bother-free feel, even when zipped. Includes a zippered front pocket for essentials when you’re on the go. 


OGIO ® ENDURANCE Stealth Full-Zip Jacket

Here’s a great full-zip jacket for active pursuits that’ll look great no matter where you’re headed. The OGIO ENDURANCE Stealth Full-Zip Jacket features stay-cool wicking technology for excellent moisture management. Black binding around the hood and cuffs ensure a superior fit, making this a great choice for most body types. Front pockets with mesh lining and a zippered chest pocket provide just enough on-board storage. 

Eddie Bauer ® Shirt Jac

Midweight jacket warmth meets collared shirt style in this shirt jac that blurs the line between the great outdoors and indoors. Features a snap-front closure and snap cuffs, and a drop-in left chest pocket. Contrast Eddie Bauer heat transfer logo on the right hem won’t conflict with your logo and branding. Made of 100% polyester fabric and 1.8-ounce, 100% polyester fill for warmth. Water-resistant with a PU coating, too. 

Men’s Traverse Stripe Half Zip

With its 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex blend, the CB DryTec Traverse is an all-around versatile piece. Features moisture-wicking fabric with UPF 50+ for excellent UV protection, too. Solid at collar, sleeves, cuffs, upper front and back, and stripe at lower front and back panels. Includes a zipper chin guard, with open bottom for a clean, unfussy drape over any shirt. Silver CB pennant heat transfers at back half moon. 

Dri-Duck Compass Vest

Don’t depend on bulk when you need gear that’s fit to keep you warm and dry. The Compass vest is a smarter way to fend off cold weather, forgoing bulk for a high-performance all-season layer. The Compass is built with Dri-Duck Smart Shell™ sweater fleece technology that combines the warmth of fleece with the outdoor-ready features of bonded softshell. As functional as it is comfortable, the Compass was engineered to perform best when wind and rain are in the mix.

Dri-Duck Torrent Rain Jacket

There are hundreds of waterproof jackets out there, but this one is built with a little more intention than the other guys’. Dri0-Duck took the time to line the Torrent from hem to hood with a mesh that allows the jacket to move and breathe. It’s built from a premium nylon that isn’t crunchy or noisy while you move. Use its adjustable hem, hood and cuffs to determine how much protection you need at any given time—it’ll hug gloves, protect your waistline and keep your head dry, even over a hat.