The Dunstan Group

News

Build Your Brand — One Block at a Time

Looking for a fun, unexpected way to connect with clients, customers, or event guests? LEGO-style branded Infinity Blocks are a fun, creative way to make your brand click. They’re fully customizable, colorful, clever, and designed to engage people of all ages. Here are five reasons they’re building buzz with businesses looking for something fresh in their marketing mix.

1. They’re Nostalgic — and Instantly Recognizable

Who doesn’t love the click of a building brick? Infinity Blocks tap into that childhood joy of creating something from scratch — and that instant recognition makes your branded piece fun, approachable, and familiar. When clients or event guests see these, they’re already smiling before they notice your logo.

2. They Invite Hands-On Engagement

Infinity Blocks aren’t just something to hand out — they’re something people can actually interact with. Unlike a pen or keychain, these encourage users to play, stack, and display. That tactile element sparks conversation, draws people to your booth, and keeps your brand quite literally in their hands long after they leave.

3. They Make Memorable Corporate Gifts

Tired of the same old stuff? Infinity Blocks offer a lighthearted and meaningful way to recognize clients, employees, or partners. Whether displayed on a desk, used as part of a playful team message, or built into a custom gift box, these blocks remind people that your brand values creativity and connection. Get it?!

4. They’re Customizable and Collectible

Each block can feature your logo, company colors, or custom message, and the fun really grows when you mix and match designs. Think of a campaign where each event or milestone adds another block to the collection — a smart way to encourage ongoing engagement and brand loyalty.

5. They Build Buzz at Events and Trade Shows

Want to stand out on a crowded show floor? Infinity Blocks draw people in with an open invitation to test, build, and play. They’re great conversation starters — and when attendees walk away with a branded piece that clicks together with others, they’ll remember where they’ve been and who they met.

 

At The Dunstan Group, we love finding creative ways to make brands more engaging — and Infinity Blocks fit that mission perfectly. Whether it’s for client gifts, internal recognition, or trade show giveaways, these customizable bricks let you build your brand — one block at a time.

The Ability Experience: When Philanthropy Gets Real

Christy Harrison knows a thing or two about motivation and mission. She’s the Managing Director of Chapter Engagement for The Ability Experience, the in-house philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. Her job is to help more than 160 chapters move beyond “we support a cause” and into real relationships with people with disabilities in their local communities.

“I always say The Ability Experience and Pi Kappa Phi are the best combination because our men are literally able to get dirt under their fingernails in service and philanthropy,” she told us. “It’s not about writing a check and sending it to an organization where you never see the benefits. They get to be a part of the disability community and show that disability doesn’t mean inability.”
That hands-on connection, she’s learned, is what turns an obligation into a mission. And that mission requires the right tools – the kind students would actually want to wear, talk about, and work for.
That’s where this partnership really takes off.

Raising the Bar with Incentives
Launched at this year’s Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers, Christy and her team brought something new to the table: sharp-looking custom rope cap with The Ability Experience logo front and center.

Each philanthropy chairman got one, right there on the spot. Generally, the young people participating in this conference aren’t allowed to wear caps. But this was different. It wasn’t just swag; it was a signal. For the rest of the weekend, that cap became a quiet conversation starter, a badge of leadership – and the spark for one of The Ability Experience’s biggest fundraising jumps yet.

Christy’s team wanted to measure fundraising in a way that celebrated chapters big and small. Total dollars told one story, but dollars per man told another. A chapter of 40 men that raised 10,000 dollars deserved just as much recognition as a chapter of 200 raising the same amount.

So, they built a new incentive around a very special hat:
• Hit 250 dollars per man, and your chapter earned custom hats.
• Hit 500 dollars per man, and you unlocked a special version with The Ability Experience’s class hand circle logo in your university colors.

It Sounded Simple. And it Worked!

At Pi Kappa College, each philanthropy chairman checked in and received one rope cap as a gift and a challenge. It was the only hat allowed to be worn on Sunday – something small that made it stand out. By the end of the weekend, Christy could see it working.

“They came to their final session with their hats, and we just saw it really start conversations,” she told us. Other students wanted to know where they got it, what it meant, and how they could get one, too.

Back home on their campuses, the hats became the centerpiece of a year-long success story. Christy and her team “breadcrumbed” the incentive, sending updates like:
• “You’re so close to 250 – how can we support you?”
• “You hit it! Congratulations. We’ll mail your hats out now.”

Some chapters hit the 250 dollars per-man mark in the spring. Many reached it in the fall. Other chapters – including College of Charleston, Texas Christian University, and Louisville – pushed all the way to 500 dollars per man to earn the fully custom version.

“Incentives like this don’t replace the mission,” Christy said, “but they really can amplify it when the item tells the story and feels special.”

When The Mission Shows Up in the Wild
Christy likes to tell students that fundraising can come from anywhere. You just have to be willing to talk about what you’re doing.

One evening, she was sitting alone at a bar near the University of Mississippi, watching a game. Two sorority women came over – partly to make sure she was okay, partly out of curiosity. Christy told them what she did with The Ability Experience.

Their response: “Oh my god, can we donate?”

She pulled up the fundraising app on her phone. A small conversation turned into a gift, and another story she could take back to students: the more visible you are, the more you talk about your cause, the more opportunities appear.

The hats and shirts play into that same idea. Worn on campus, at chapter meetings, and during recruitment, they’re a low-friction way to put the logo – and the story behind it – in front of people who might never hear it otherwise.

A 10X Jump – “That Screams Success!”
Christy’s fall travel schedule included a “call-a-thon” at Ole Miss, where she helped students run a concentrated, one-hour fundraising push. In that single hour, they raised 17,000 dollars. By year’s end, that chapter had raised 60,000 dollars – up from just 6,000 the year before. The tools had changed. The conversations had changed and so had the results.

For Christy, the custom pieces from The Dunstan Group were part of that shift. The shirts and hats gave students a reason to talk and a way to show what they stood for. Just as important, they felt current.

“I always appreciate how The Dunstan Group’s entire team is so aware of trends because they change so incredibly quickly,” she said. “This hat was something that motivated them 365 days a year. That screams success and engagement in my mind.”

Christy’s goal for 2026 is simple to say and complex to execute: get The Ability Experience brand out there in as many creative ways as possible, while deepening students’ connection to the mission. She wants them to walk into recruitment, into class, into their communities with more than a logo: she wants them to carry a story they’re proud to tell.

That’s where the partnership with The Dunstan Group fits. The right cap, the right shirt, in the right style, can become a talking point, a motivator, a reward, and a reminder of why the work matters. And for the thousands of Pi Kappa Phi members across the country, that rope hat is now exactly that – a daily reminder that their effort, their fundraising, and their service are changing the way society sees people with disabilities.

Imperial Headwear: A Classic Brand With Modern-Day Marketing Clout

Some brands just have “it”—that mix of comfort, on-trend style, and everyday wearability that makes people reach for them again and again. Imperial is one of those brands, and it’s a go-to favorite here at The Dunstan Group.

Here are five reasons we love Imperial headwear and apparel—and why your brand is going to love having Imperial as part of its marketing mix, too!

1. Built for a lifestyle, not just an event
Imperial shines in the golf world, but their styles don’t stop at the 19th hole. You’ll see their hats and apparel at tournaments, team outings, weekends at the lake, and just running errands around town. That kind of lifestyle appeal means when we put your logo on Imperial, it doesn’t live in a drawer—it gets worn in the real world where your brand gets noticed.

2. Comfort and fit people actually notice
We’ve all had “giveaway hats” that never quite fit right. Imperial is the absolute opposite of that kind of hat. Their caps are known for soft, comfortable fabrics, thoughtful fits, and lightweight builds that feel good all day. When your logo is on a piece that people forget they’re wearing—in the best way—that’s a win for your brand!

3. On-trend styles with vintage vibe
Right now, Imperial is one of those “hot” names people recognize, especially in golf and lifestyle circles. From rope hats and performance caps to vintage-inspired looks and clean, minimal designs, their lineup feels modern without trying too hard. When you choose a brand that’s already in demand at retail, your branded merch and apparel feels more like a favorite purchase and less like a promo.

4. Tons of branding potential
Imperial gives us a strong and versatile canvas to work with. There are options for classic front embroidery, subtle tonal logos, patches, and more, so we can match the look and feel of your brand. Whether you want bold and sporty, understated and elevated, or somewhere in between, there’s an Imperial style that fits—and we’ll help you pick the right one.

5. Beyond hats: apparel and lifestyle pieces that just work
Yes, hats are the star of the show, but Imperial also brings great apparel and lifestyle pieces into the mix. That makes it easier to build out a cohesive look for your event, team, or company store—starting with headwear and expanding into other items that carry the same quality and feel. It’s a simple way to make your brand look pulled-together without overcomplicating the process.

Ready to see what Imperial could look like with your logo on it? Ask us to show you more from Imperial, and we’ll help you pick the pieces your people will want to wear again and again.

Greyson: Customizable Luxury Lifestyle and Active Apparel

If you want a retail-level, luxury look and feel to your branded apparel, ask The Dunstan Group about Greyson. We are proud to provide these elevated golf, lifestyle, and corporate pieces that you and your clients actually want to wear. Here’s why we believe Greyson is a perfect fit!

1. Luxury retail prestige with room for your brand
Greyson is an established luxury golf and lifestyle brand trusted by top athletes like Justin Thomas and Jon Rahm, with a reputation for technical innovation and elevated design. When you co-brand with a name like Greyson, your logo gains instant credibility and perceived value. That means gifts and uniforms feel more like a favorite retail purchase.

2. Performance that fits real life
Greyson is built on performance-driven apparel that moves seamlessly between the golf course, the yoga studio or gym, office, travel, and everyday life. Polos, pants, and layers are designed for comfort, mobility, and all-day wear, so they work just as well during a round of golf with clients as they do in a Monday meeting. They’re pieces you, your team, and your clients will reach for again and again.

3. Elevated style that matches modern brands
From refined new arrivals to seasonal collections, Greyson leans into sophisticated, modern styling rather than “typical” corporate apparel. That means a premium canvas for any company that wants a sharper, fashion-forward look in their branded apparel and gifting programs. Your team and clients get apparel that looks and feels current, polished, and on-brand. We believe that’s perfect for leadership teams, client VIP kits, special events, trade shows, and more!

4. Consistent quality and premium materials
Greyson’s collection is defined by luxury golf and active wear, built with premium materials and superior tailoring and construction. Consistency matters when you’re investing in branded apparel for high-value clients, sales teams, or executive retreats. When you choose Greyson through The Dunstan Group, you know you’re putting your logo on pieces that will hold up, look great, and – most importantly – be worn again and again.

5. A flexible line for many use cases
Because Greyson blends menswear and womenswear, golf and lifestyle, cold‑weather classics and year‑round essentials, it gives you a versatile apparel line to fit all your branding. Need a cohesive look for a company golf event? Check. A polished collection for your sales team? Check. How about premium holiday gifts? Check and check! The Dunstan Group can guide decoration and your Greyson product selection so everything feels intentional and on-brand, every time.

These Hats are Totally Pawsome

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!

Trendspotting 2026 for Branded Merchandise and Apparel

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.
# # #

Missed the Holiday Deadline? Here Are 5 Ways to Keep Spirit Going

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.