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Have you seen these yet?! PupLids are the best-in-show little trucker hats for dogs (and cats) that actually stay on, look cool, and protect your pup from the sun. So yes, they’re as fun and functional as they look, and even better when branded for your business or event. The Dunstan Group can customize Puplids with your logo or design, turning every walk, festival, or patio hang into a four-legged brand showcase. Here are 5 reasons we believe you’ll love them, too!

1. Real sun protection (they’re more than just cute)
PupLids were originally created for Buddy, a beach-loving dog with sun‑sensitive eyes, by his engineer dad and veterinarian mom—so these hats are built first for function, then for fashion. The patented design helps shield pets’ eyes from UV rays and glare, reducing discomfort and potential long‑term sun damage while they’re out on walks, hikes, or hanging by the water.

2. Designed so dogs actually wear them
The PupLid team specifically set out to fix the usual problems with hats for dogs: lousy fit, awkward straps, and hats that fly off the moment your dog shakes. These hats use adjustable Velcro chinstraps, elastic ear loops, and multiple sizes—TINY through XL—to create a secure and comfortable fit that pups and owners love.

3. Serious style and amazing “aww” factor
PupLids use the same quality materials and styling you’d expect from your own trucker hats, in fun colors, patterns, and seasonal designs like corduroy, camper styles, and holiday themes. The result is instant “Aww, can I take a picture?” energy everywhere your branded Puplid shows up—perfect for social media moments, events, and pet‑friendly business locations.

4. Built for brands, teams, and events
PupLid already partners with big names like the Kansas City Royals, Colorado State University, the U.S. Army, Pabst Brewing, and destination retailers from resort shops to brewery gift stores. They’re proven winners and a smart, on‑trend choice for breweries, pet brands, apartment communities, corporate wellness programs, charity walks, and any brand, business, or organization that loves pet‑friendly branding!

5. Easy to customize with The Dunstan Group
PupLids are perfectly designed as a premium “canvas” for custom logos and artwork, available through wholesale and custom programs. With low minimums, vibrant decoration and colors, and even matching “people” hats, The Dunstan Group can help you create a fully branded set—so your clients, team, and their pups can sport your logo in style.

Whether you’re planning a pet‑friendly event, stocking a retail shop, or looking for a promotional piece no one else in town is using, custom‑branded Puplids are a memorable way to get tails wagging. Reach out to The Dunstan Group to talk Puplids, custom decoration, and matching human hats, and let’s get your logo on the coolest dog around!

Branded merchandise in the new year will lean hard into utility, luxury, and making a real connection with the people who receive it. Think less “stuff” and more “favorite things” and you’ll be well on your way to making your marketing dollars make a serious impact in 2026. Here are a few of the trends we’ll be watching here at The Dunstan Group:

Premium, experience-driven and co‑branded pieces
There is a clear shift toward fewer, better items: premium materials, top shelf brands, minimalist design, and products that feel like retail purchases rather than giveaways. Co-branded merchandise with recognizable retail names in drinkware, bags, apparel, etc., adds instant credibility and perceived value while still keeping your brand front and center.
At the same time, “experiential” items — like those tied to events, limited drops, or unboxing moments—help you create memories, not just impressions, and encourage social sharing and word-of-mouth. Done right, these pieces become conversation starters long after the event or campaign ends.


Fully custom for a one-of-a-kind experience
Another trend gaining momentum is fully custom merchandise that starts with a blank page instead of a stock item. Rather than simply adding a logo to an off-the-shelf product, brands are designing pieces that reflect their story, values, and audience from the ground up. That can mean unique colors and materials, custom zipper pulls and tags, or functional details built specifically around how supporters will actually use the item.

The 24 Foundation’s custom backpack is a prime example: built from scratch to celebrate their event experience, it turned a “thank you” into a collectible that participants are proud to carry long after the ride is over. Projects like this blur the line between promo and true retail product, creating merch that feels exclusive, intentional, and tightly aligned with the cause it represents.

Company stores and inventory-free gifting
Alongside custom pieces, branded company stores are becoming a go-to for employers to outfit and reward their teams without turning the office into a fulfillment center. Instead of guessing sizes or warehousing stacks of apparel, organizations can host an online store where employees choose the styles, colors, and fits that work best for them. Orders are produced and shipped on demand, which dramatically reduces waste and eliminates the headache of managing inventory.

These stores also make it easy to power ongoing recognition and culture programs. New hires can receive a gift code for welcome kits, managers can reward milestones with branded gear, and remote employees can refresh their wardrobes with branded apparel that ships right to their door. The result is a cleaner process for HR and marketing, and a better experience for the people who wear the brand every day.

Hybrid-work tech and everyday utility
Useful tech continues to be one of the most kept and appreciated categories in promotional merchandise, particularly as our work and home lives stay blended. Charging cables that fit multiple devices, wireless power banks, tech organizers, and travel-ready accessories hit the sweet spot between function and perceived value.
The win in this category is pairing clean, modern branding with items that solve real problems—cord clutter, dead batteries, on-the-go meetings—so your logo quietly rides along on something people won’t leave behind.

Wellness, comfort, and “feel-good” kits
Branded wellness products—from stress-relief items and journal sets to fitness and recovery gear—are projected to grow as companies invest in employee experience and culture. Soft, layerable apparel and cozy work-from-anywhere pieces also remain top performers because they are worn often and keep the brand visible in real life and on those zoom calls.

Wellness-themed kits that bundle hydration, self-care, and comfort pieces will be especially powerful for onboarding, retreats, and client thank-yous, turning a logo into a small daily ritual instead of a one-off touch.
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If you blinked and December flew by, you’re not alone! Between wrapping-up projects, year-end celebrations, and a million to-dos, it’s easy to miss the window for holiday gifting. But here’s the good news: the season for sharing thoughtful gifts or showing your appreciation is never really over.
At The Dunstan Group, we know your brand deserves to shine year-round, not just in December. As we like to say around here, there’s never a wrong time to say “thanks!” Here are five creative ways to say it, even after the holiday orders deadline.

1. New Year, New Gear
The start of the new year is a natural time to reset, refresh, and refocus — the perfect moment to surprise clients or team members with something that helps them start off strong. Think desk calendars, branded notebooks, tumblers, or tech accessories like wireless chargers. Gifts like these set a positive tone and remind recipients that your business is ready to help them succeed in 2026.

2. Show a Little Love in February
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for romance. It’s another great opportunity to show your appreciation. Small, clever gifts like custom sweets, branded socks, cozy drinkware, or branded apparel in pinks and reds fit the season perfectly. It’s an easy way to tell clients or staff, “we value you!” A handwritten note or company-branded packaging can make these gifts even more memorable.

3. Winter Warm-Ups
Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean winter fun is. Cozy, comfort-themed gifts — like blankets, beanies, gloves, insulated mugs, and fleece pullovers — make great surprises in January and February. They also double as functional branded gear that people will actually use during the cold months.

4. Conference and Trade Show Swag
As trade show and conference season picks up early in the year, now’s the time to invest in branded materials that will shine on the road. Portable chargers, stylish apparel, and high-quality bags go a long way in leaving an impression. Planning these gifts now ensures you’re ready when spring events arrive — no last-minute rush required.

5. Spring Into the Next Season
Gratitude has no expiration date. Spring is another great time of year to connect with clients when their inboxes aren’t overloaded with holiday noise. Think fresh, colorful items — branded drinkware, golf shirts, or outdoor gear — to celebrate brighter days ahead.

Whether you’re saying “thanks” for a great year or setting the stage for a successful one ahead, The Dunstan Group has you covered. From quick-turn options to custom campaigns, we’ll help you make every moment — not just the holidays — a chance to make a real connection with your clients, team members, or potential customers.

Ready to get started? Let’s plan your post-holiday appreciation gifts today. Contact your account rep at The Dunstan Group and make your brand unforgettable in the New Year and beyond.

There are plenty of meaningful branded gifts that can still land on time, even less than three weeks out from Christmas. Late planners are not out of options; the key is choosing in‑stock items that decorate quickly, feel useful, and still reflect your brand’s personality. With the right merchandising partner and a focused product list, you can go from “we haven’t ordered a thing,” to “wasn’t that a great idea?” in just weeks.

Start with cozy, winter-ready favorites
Cold-weather comfort is always on trend this time of year, and many apparel and blanket styles are available in quick-turn programs. Think soft fleece blankets, sherpa throws, beanies, scarves, and gloves in neutral colors that work for a wide range of recipients. Add a tasteful embroidered logo or leatherette patch, and you have a gift they will actually reach for all winter long, not just during the holidays.

Apparel and cozy pieces are especially effective when you want to thank an entire team. These items also photograph well for social and internal communications, extending the impact of your gifting choice.

Lean on tried-and-true drinkware
Branded drinkware continues to be one of the useful and most appreciated corporate gifts. There are any number of insulated tumblers and bottles that look and perform like high-end retail brands. Stainless travel mugs, large-capacity tumblers, and vacuum-insulated bottles hit the sweet spot between price, perceived value, and year-round utility. Because so many of these items are stocked in classic colors, they’re ideal for rush production with laser engraving or a one-color imprint.

A holiday insert card and a small treat—like cocoa mix or a snack pack—can turn a simple tumbler into a complete gift experience without adding weeks of lead time.

Food gifts that feel branded
Treats are a holiday staple for good reason: they’re shareable, seasonal, and don’t require sizing. Branded gift boxes that feature chocolates, popcorn, cookies, or savory snacks can often be packed and shipped quickly, especially when you lean on established assortments rather than fully custom builds. Add your logo to the box band, a cutting board, or a keepsake tin so your brand sticks around after the treats are gone.

These gifts work especially well for client offices and departments that will enjoy something together in the breakroom.

Practical desk and tech upgrades
Last-minute doesn’t have to mean forgettable. Practical desk and tech items deliver daily visibility long after the decorations come down. Wireless speakers, chargers, and premium power banks are consistently popular corporate gifts.

These are perfect when you need something that feels modern and useful without being too personal. A subtle, well-placed logo keeps the focus on the recipient’s experience while still reinforcing your brand every time they use it.

How to move fast and still look thoughtful
Even if the gift itself was chosen and ordered right up against the calendar, with a focused plan and the right products, your “last-minute” holiday gifting can still look and feel like it was on the calendar all year. And even if you’ve missed all the deadlines, etc., gracing your clients and partners with a New Year’s gift can be a fun, and unexpected surprise!

As the year winds down, many of us will be caught in the rush of holiday deadlines and end of year reports – while still trying to plan for Q1 and beyond. In all of that plotting and planning, there’s one marketing tool that’s famously overlooked: co-op dollars. Whether they’re from manufacturers, distributors, or strategic partners; these funds add up to billions that go unspent every year. represent found money that can help you launch creative campaigns, reach new audiences, and stretch your marketing budget further.

Untapped Potential
Yep. Billions of dollars in co-op marketing funds go unused or are spent with little strategic intent. Lack of awareness, last-minute spending, or just plain poor planning can mean missing a powerful opportunity to reinforce your brand and deepen customer loyalty. Who’d want to waste this “found money” that can help launch cool, creative campaigns, reach new audiences, or stretch your marketing budget further.

Get Lasting Value, Everyday Impact
So why are branded merchandise and apparel items the top picks for maximizing co-op dollars? Unlike one-off digital ads, audio or video campaigns, promotional items extend brand visibility every time they’re worn or used. Your customers become walking ambassadors for your brand, whether they’re repping a custom tee or cap at their kids’ soccer game, or carrying a branded tote at the grocery store. And, when’s the last time someone said, “thank you” for a digital ad? Yes, branded merchandise can do that, too.

Popular products in 2025 reflect broader industry and consumer trends:

• Premium Collaborations: Put your name on the brands they want, like North Face, YETI, Ogio, Peter Millar, and more; to bring retail-quality value to your marketing.
• Sustainability: Eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastics, bamboo, and compostable fabrics show your commitment and reflect theirs. And what’s more sustainable than a product that actually gets used?
• Personalization: Custom designs and personalized touches elevate your gear above generic “swag,” making each piece feel relevant and valued. And yes, we do custom packaging, too!
  Tech Integration: Wearables, smart bottles, and wireless gadgets blend everyday utility with style.
  Athleisure and Wellness: Comfortable, fashionable apparel—like joggers, moisture-wicking tees, and wellness products. They’re proven choices for hybrid work and every day.

Five Tips for Co-Op Success

• Connect and Confirm: Check each manufacturer’s or distributor’s co-op program for eligible spend and guidelines. We’ve got years of experience finding merchandise and apparel that fit the bill.
• Quality Over Quantity: Invest in apparel and merchandise that recipients want to wear repeatedly. Focus on timeless colors, comfortable fits, and enduring styles and brands.
• Strategic Design: Let’s collaborate on designs that reinforce your brand—but also work within partner requirements for logos and messaging.
• Offer Variety: Mix seasonal or year-round items for sustained visibility while providing choices for different audiences and environments.
• Work with a Pro: We’ll help you select, personalize, and deliver on your branded merchandise campaigns. Our data-driven insights and industry experience give you the confidence your campaign will make an impact.

Don’t Leave Money on the Table
Co-op dollars only work if they’re spent thoughtfully. As you wrap up this year and plan for the next, let The Dunstan Group provide up-to-date branded merchandise and apparel solutions to help your business stand out, comply with partner guidelines, and stretch every marketing dollar further.
Contact us to review your co-op program, explore new product trends, and build a smarter, more engaging branded merchandise marketing plan.

Now’s the perfect time to act on your fall and holiday gifting strategy. Whether you’re recognizing employee performance, thanking clients, or gearing up for year-end celebrations; a thoughtful, high-quality gift goes a long way.

At The Dunstan Group, we love helping our clients find products that feel good and keep your brand front and center. This season, we’ve rounded up five of our favorite customizable products that check all the boxes—style, usefulness, and plenty of space for your logo.

Vail Throw
Warm, stylish, and ready for chilly nights, the Vail Throw is all about comfort with a touch of class. Perfect for fireside lounging or adding cozy vibes to a living space, this throw also offers generous space for embroidery or woven labels—making it a keepsake that reminds recipients of your brand every time they curl up with it. It’s the ideal blend of warmth and appreciation for employee awards or client thank-you gifts.

RTIC Lightweight 15 Can Backpack Cooler
Tailgates, outdoor weekends, or fall team outings—this cooler does it all. The RTIC Lightweight Backpack Cooler keeps up to 15 cans cold for up to 24 hours, thanks to high-density insulation and a food-safe liner. With an easy-access zip top and comfortable backpack straps, it’s the kind of practical gift that’s sure to get daily use. Add your logo to the front panel, and your brand goes wherever their next adventure takes them.

JBL Clip 5 Ultra-Portable Waterproof Speaker
For a gift that’s as fun as it is functional, look no further than the JBL Clip 5. Compact, waterproof, and Bluetooth-enabled, it clips easily to a bag or backpack—perfect for travel, workouts, or backyard get-togethers. With 12 hours of playtime, it’s the ultimate companion for life on the go. Add your logo, and this becomes a high-energy reminder of your brand that plays on repeat.

Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit

Bring the magic of the campfire to any table with the Solo Stove Mesa—a sleek, stainless steel tabletop fire pit that delivers a smokeless flame and modern design. It’s small enough for patios and decks, but big enough to create a cozy gathering spot anywhere. For corporate gifting, this one makes a statement: premium, thoughtful, and full of seasonal appeal. Add a custom logo or branded gift box for an unforgettable touch.

Gourmet Chocolates
Sometimes, the sweetest gifts really are the simplest, aren’t they? Check out these gourmet, customizable chocolate gifts—from beautifully packaged truffles to artisan bars and gift towers. Perfect on their own or as part of a gift bundle, these treats are universally loved and endlessly customizable. Pair them with a branded throw or cooler for a complete, high-impact gift set that feels as good as it tastes.

Why We LOVE These Gift Ideas at The Dunstan Group:
• Seasonal Appeal: Every item ties into fall and the holidays—cozy, outdoor, festive, and functional.
• Customizable Impact: Each product offers space for your logo or message, ensuring your brand shines through.
• Real-World Use: These are gifts people actually use—extending your brand’s presence beyond the holidays.
• Flexibility: From premium awards to budget-friendly gift ideas; these options can cover all your gifting needs!

Pro Tips for Better Gifting
• Order early. Supply chains and customization lead times can stretch during the holidays.
• Bundle for impact. Pair a cozy throw with chocolates, or a speaker with a cooler for themed gift sets.
• Personalize thoughtfully. Adding a recipient’s name or milestone creates instant connection.
• Presentation is everything. Branded boxes, ribbons, or inserts make every gift feel premium. Yep! We do that, too!

As we like to say around here, there’s never a “wrong” time to express gratitude. But with heart of the holiday season drawing near, there’s no better time to say “thank you” — to clients, partners, and the teams that make your business run year-round. Whether it’s a thoughtful token on a desk or a cozy gift for home; showing appreciation goes a long way. We’ve pulled together a few of The Dunstan Group’s favorite branded picks to help you show thanks in style this season.

Warm Their Hearts (and Homes) – Aurora 11 oz. Glass Candle


Create a cozy ambiance with the Aurora glass candle from SnugZ USA. With a clean glass design that’s easy to customize, it’s the perfect mix of style and simplicity. Choose from inviting scents and make it personal with your company’s logo or seasonal message — because everyone loves a little light and warmth this time of year.

“Grow” Some Gratitude – Mini Wilson Plant


There’s something wonderful about a gift that keeps growing. The Mini Wilson desk plant from DeskPlants brings a touch of green to any workspace, reminding recipients of your partnership long after the holidays are over. It’s low-maintenance and vibrant — much like the relationships you want to nurture year-round.

Cook Up Some Cheer – Sublimated Kitchen Apron


A custom apron from Terrytown is the perfect way to bring your brand to the table — literally! With full-color sublimated print options, it’s both fun and functional. From company potlucks to family dinners, it’s a favorite for anyone who loves to mix things up in the kitchen.

Serve Up Some Retro Style – Turntable Cheese Board


For a sleek and sophisticated gift, the Acacia and Slate Turntable Cheese Board from Picnic Promotions adds instant class to any gathering. The rotating design makes it as functional as it is eye-catching, and your logo engraved on the acacia wood gives it that personal, memorable touch your clients will love displaying.

Pen to Paper – Leather Journal by Oowee

Leather
Classic, timeless, and tactile — the rich feel of a handcrafted leather journal says “quality” from the very first touch. Perfect for jotting down goals, ideas, or gratitude lists, this journal makes a lasting impression. Add your logo or a heartfelt message for a truly thoughtful keepsake.