Wear Local. Feed Local. Stay Classic.
Merlin Classics began as a question: can technology help build a real, working business that serves communities instead of itself?
The answer turned out to be yes.
The challenge was simple: build a brand with no paid overhead, designed by creatives, run on technology, powered by community volunteers and made by best-in-class producers, and use it to support hunger relief.
What We Make
We create original art and put it on things people keep: crystal ornaments, apparel, caps, mugs, totes, candles and home goods, all made on demand to reduce waste.
None of it is random. We are an interactive community, and much of what we make began as someone's idea. If there is a fun, interesting must‑have you can't find anywhere, tell us and it may be next. Our work now reaches well beyond a single town name:
- Towns and cities, and the stories behind them
- Heritage moments and landmarks from American history
- Keepsake dog and animal ornaments
- Clubs and pastimes, from the mahjong table to the barn
- Free read-along children's stories
- Our City Stories blog and weekly educational series on Instagram and Facebook featuring our communities
How It Works
No wages or overhead are charged to operations. All IT, hosting, coding and day‑to‑day operations are contributed voluntarily by supporting members without charge. We cut our own costs to the bone so more of what we earn can go to the food banks and pantries doing the work.
Everything is made on demand. Each piece is produced when it is ordered by trusted production partners, so there is no warehouse of unsold stock.
Quality comes first. Mostly all-cotton blanks, crystal-clear glass and materials made to last, so what you buy is worth keeping or giving.
How We Give
We practice discretionary giving. From time to time, management makes contributions to hunger-relief organizations serving regions that include the communities we feature. Giving is not tied to individual transactions or products.
2026 is our first year and we are still in startup mode, so these are our first few contributions, made early and by choice, ahead of profits rather than after them:
- Kauai Independent Food Bank, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi
- Mat‑Su Food Bank, Matanuska‑Susitna Borough, Alaska
- Homes with Hope, Westport, Connecticut
- WHEAT, West Haven, Connecticut
Merlin Classics is a for-profit company, so purchases are not tax-deductible. See our Charity Policy for a full description of how we operate.
Partner With Us
We work with clubs, leagues, instructors, historical societies, museum and gift shops, and community groups. We design custom ornaments with your logo, one of our designs, or a new idea of yours, and offer club and shop programs so your members can share in what we make.
Questions We Get a Lot
Does buying a product cause a donation?
No. Purchases are not charitable contributions. Our corporate giving is independent and discretionary, and not tied to specific sales, products, or transactions.
How does your giving work?
From time to time, and at management's discretion, we may make contributions to reputable hunger-relief organizations that serve regions including the communities we feature.
Do you name recipients in advance?
No. We typically announce recipients after the fact to avoid implying that purchases will generate a donation to a specific group.
Are purchases tax-deductible?
No. You are purchasing goods from a for-profit company, not making a charitable donation.
How can an organization be considered?
Legally recognized charitable organizations, cities and towns in good standing can email merlinclassicsstore@gmail.com with "Organization for Consideration" in the subject, including name, website, service area, and contact information. Please see our Charity Policy for requirements and guidelines before submitting. Submissions are informational only and do not constitute a solicitation.
Can my club or group partner with you?
Yes. We work with clubs, leagues, instructors, historical societies, shops and community groups on custom ornaments with your logo, one of our designs, or a new idea of yours, and on member programs. Email merlinclassicsstore@gmail.com to start the conversation.
Merlin Classics is a for-profit company and is not a 501(c)(3). We may make contributions at our sole discretion as part of our corporate-giving program. This page is informational only and is not a charitable solicitation.