Fraternity gift options are limitless.
Custom Greek paraphernalia is as much about identifying with an organization as it is an expression of creativity. There are several tried and true options, but even within them, opportunities exist for variety and individualism. And there are ways to get past the barebones crossing jacket and T-shirt. So, whether subtlety or sensationalism is your aim, Greek paraphernalia can deliver either way.
Tried & True
Consider a crossing jacket with a new spin. The key here is to be familiar enough with a fraternity's history and ideology to know what is and isn't acceptable. In making a crossing jacket that pops, subtle information and symbolism can play a big role. Take an item that holds special meaning to an organization, like the striped candy canes associated with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, or the symbolic dove of Phi Beta Sigma. Juxtapose this against the line number on the back of a crossing jacket or on the sleeve near the chapter name and pledge year. Or try a traditional fraternity crest on the sleeve of a crossing jacket or T-shirt. Another new spin on an old idea is to create shirts, jackets or hats that are two-tone with a fraternity's primary and secondary colors.
Custom-Made Gifts
An alternative to the ready-made jackets, hats and pins that are so popular would be a kit of crests, pins and iron-on patches that can be applied to plain-faced items at the new frat member's whim. This way, he can place his fraternity's crest on a shirt he already loves, or make paraphernalia with these items and a few shirts or hats in just the right color. Also consider throwing in a blanket, sweater, polo or baseball jacket for extra special gifts.
Fun & Functional
The pledging process lends itself to the deriving of nicknames over time. Let the nickname your favorite pledge has earned sparkle through in their gift. A guy named Moose might love a sports jersey in a fraternity color with "Moose" monogrammed onto the back. Dog might appreciate a novelty dog collar with his name stitched in, as might Cow, Bird, Snake, Pigeon or Worm. If Worm's fraternity mascot is the bear, then a painting of a bear with an earthworm in his grip might be just the thing. Imagination and a little knowledge is key, and with both, fraternity initiation gifts can be as charming and as individual as the recipient.
Tags: crossing jacket, crossing jacket T-shirt, fraternity crest, Greek paraphernalia, jacket T-shirt