Home >> T-Shirt Information
This page is designed to be a starting point with ideas for t-shirts (and other items) related to any type of reunion. Since reunions do not occur very often, it is nice to have something that will serve as a reminder of the time spent with family, friends, and loved ones. T-shirts are just one of the many things that can be used. T-shirts are also a good idea because they are useful...everyone could use another t-shirt! If you decide you don't want to do a t-shirt then there are plenty of other things that you can choose from (see below for more options).
Style
There are different styles of t-shirts and not everyone will necessarily want the same style. Having options is a good thing. Also, don't forget about babies and kids! Below are a few style ideas and other clothing choices that could be used.
- T-shirts: short sleeve, tank tops, baseball jersey type, long sleeve, slim fit tee
- Baby clothes
- Sweats (shirt, pants, jacket)
- Henley shirt
- Jackets / Pullovers (fleece, lightweight, etc)
Price Range
The price range will vary and it is a good idea to check several different places to get a good idea of what a fair price is.
- The Cost will start around $10 per item on up. Obviously if you choose a jacket or more expensive item then the cost will be higher. The cheapest route is a t-shirt (unless you are looking into doing something other than clothing, see ideas below).
- The cost will depend on how many you order, how many colors are used, and the style you choose. Usually most companies lower the cost per item if you order over a certain amount. Check with each company to see if they offer this type of discount.
- Be sure to check if there is an ordering minimum.
Colors
When choosing a color, think about the people who will be attending. If you want to do fun colors then offer white or black as an alternative as well. Not everyone will enjoy a bumblebee yellow t-shirt! Having a choice of colors is a good idea anyway. If you don't want to mess with ordering several different colors of t-shirts then stick with a nuetral color like white, black, or tan.
- Depends on the company you order from. You will be able to choose the color of the t-shirts and the color of the ink used.
How soon to order
The timeline of when to order can be tricky. Here are a few tips to consider before ordering.
- If you want the shirts to be ready at the time of the reunion then you will want to find out how long it will take to make the shirts as soon as possible. Also, have an idea of how many you are ordering beforehand.
- Some places will only take a few weeks while others may take a few months to complete your order.
- Ordering at least 2 months in advance should give enough time to have the shirts done by the time of the reunion.
- Send an order form with the reunion invitation or 3 months before the reunion (require they return the form by a certain date to guarantee t-shirts will be finished). Anyone who sends them in late will either have to wait or not get one.
- You can create your own order form or ask if the company you are ordering from provides order forms.
- Have family members send the money for their shirt when they send back the order form (having them make their checks out to the print shop directly would be easiest so you don't have to keep depositing checks to your own personal checking account).
- If you are ordering online, then you could also have the family members to go to the website and place their order there as well. Just be sure to provide them with all the information they will need for ordering purposes.
Design your own t-shirts
If you don't want to have your t-shirts made at a print company then you can always create your own. Take into consideration the length of your reunion though. If it is a short reunion then there will probably not be time for people to make their own t-shirts.
- Designing your own t-shirts would be good for small reunions, but could be done for big reunions if you so choose.
- You could either make this one of the activities at the reunion or ask for volunteers to help you make all the t-shirts beforehand.
- One way to create your own t-shirts is by using thermal iron paper. Print the design onto the paper and then you can iron on the design to a plain t-shirt. (Thermal iron paper can be found at craft store, office supply stores or hobby stores). You could create your own design or use one already made.
- Another way is to buy puff paint and other paint or decals that can be used on fabric and allow people to create their own family reunion t-shirt. You could even provide different types of clothes for them to choose from by sending a form to each family ahead of time giving them a choice from t-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, pants, blanket, pillow, etc..and then have a cost for each item (remember to take into account the cost of decorating supplies into the cost of the items). They can send you their choice and money before hand. Then you can get all the supplies needed and have it ready at the reunion for everyone to create their own.
- You could limit this activity to just the kids and have t-shirts made for adults (unless of course the adults want to make their own!).
Designs
Here are a few desing ideas to get your creative side going.
- Theme of reunion (if there is a theme)
- Things associated with the location of reunion (city landmarks or recreation area, beach, etc.)
- Family last name, year, city/state, and how many attended
- Senior High School theme shirt, have everyone's name on the back that attended (printed or signed)
- Family picture
- Theme from a favorite t.v. show, movie or spots team
- If you have your shirts made by a print company then they will also have themes that you can choose from.
Other Items
Don't want to do a t-shirt? There are plenty of other things that can be used instead of a t-shirt to mark the occasion. Here are are few things that you can use instead.
- Hats (reunion activity)
- Pajama bottoms or shorts (reunion activity)
- Mousepads
- Coffee cups
- Fleece Blankets (embroidered)
- Plates
- Picture Frames (reunion activity)
- Candles: gel or wax (reunion activity)
- License Plate cover (reunion activity)
- Stationary or Notepads