The 2018 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide
We’ve made a list, checked it twice – and are excited to share it with everyone, naughty or nice!
The Alliance for American Manufacturing is thrilled to unveil our 2018 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide, which features picks from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. As in past years, the guide includes a variety of gift ideas at every price point and shines a spotlight on companies that support U.S. jobs and the local economy. The best part? Many of the ideas come from readers like you!
We think there’s something for everyone on the list. But if you still can’t find what you’re looking for, head over to our Made in America Directory, where you can search for gift ideas by state or product type. You can also check out past gift guides, which are linked at the bottom of this year’s guide.
Happy Holidays – and happy shopping!
—Team AAM
ALABAMA
From the Cotton State comes the aptly named Red Land Cotton, makers of 100 percent North Alabama cotton bedding, bath towels and home décor. This family luxury linen business is entirely Alabama grown and manufactured, giving credence to “Sweet Home Alabama.”
Bonus: Earthborn Pottery produces a full line of dishes, plates and bowls that are all handmade and reflect Alabama’s natural colors, including the deep red of the fertile Alabama soil.
ALASKA
Apocalypse Design has been outfitting adventurous Alaskans since 1983, and its clothing and gear are made to be used in the planet’s toughest conditions. If you are looking to stay warm in below-freezing temperatures, this is a must-stop shopping site. All products are manufactured in Fairbanks.
ARIZONA
Cheri’s Desert Harvest has an eclectic mix of affordable products ranging from skin oils harvested from the Arizona desert to fruits, syrups and mixers that will give you that Southwest desert feel and taste. Products contain no artificial flavoring, coloring or preservatives. Reader Pick
Bonus: Based in old-town Scottsdale, Giving Bracelets offers affordable leather bracelets and leather handbags. The bracelets are made from the leftover leather used to manufacture the bags, and 10 percent of each purchase goes to charity.
ARKANSAS
Bourbon & Boots, a southern lifestyle brand, creates unique gifts that are artisan-inspired and full of maker-quality craftsmanship. The company was formed as an alternative for consumers looking for unique heirloom quality gifts instead of typical mass-produced goods. Bourbon is not on the menu, but there are plenty of entertainment and whiskey- related items for the bourbon connoisseur.
CALIFORNIA
In Los Angeles, Blue Platypus is creating an extraordinary line of women’s dresses and outerwear at unbelievably affordable prices. All are manufactured in the City of Angels.
Bonus: Berkeley-based Ann Marie Skin Care makes eco-friendly, all-natural skin care products that retail for less than $50. Reader Pick
Meanwhile, Tree Hut watches and wooden sunglasses are manufactured in San Francisco and are quite affordable, considering the classic designs. The watch bands and housings are American-made, but the inner workings of the watch movements are sourced offshore.
COLORADO
If you are the creative type or just want a specific design, you will love Little Colorado’s unfinished toddler furniture. You can customize the chairs, tables, toy boxes or bookcases for your little one, and you will be supporting a company that is American-worker friendly.
Bonus: Laura Mercer worked in New York’s fashion industry before returning home to Colorado to start her jewelry line Mercer and Jayne, which is named after two streets in NYC. Mercer’s jewelry is designed and crafted using only semi-precious stones, gold fill and sterling silver metals.
CONNECTICUT
Sepe Farm, LLC is a small lamb farm in Sandy Hook that raises lamb and shears the wool to manufacture luxurious blankets, scarfs and throws. The lambs are raised stress free and eat softer grasses, which makes for a much finer wool that is used to manufacture its apparel.
Bonus: Paula Parisotto handbags are a natural and eco-friendly material derived directly from the bark of the cork oak tree. Cork, believe it or not, is soft, durable and highly-resistant to water. While the bags are handcrafted in Connecticut, the cork is sourced from Portugal. Reader Pick
DELAWARE
Cinderella -- that would be Danielle Cinderella -- developed a line of baby accessories like baby-teething products, pacifiers, toys and jewelry after having her second child. She has, as the name of her business suggests, been Getting Sew Crafty. Her handmade products can be found at baby stores throughout the United States.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
French-American designer Eva Calonder creates vibrant patterns and turns them into accessories, home goods, art prints and greeting cards. Her company, Printed Wild, handcrafts its wares in Washington, D.C., and the materials used are eco-friendly.
Bonus: For even more unique gifts made in the nation’s capital, check out Shop Made in DC, a retail outlet in the Dupont Circle neighborhood that features the offerings of city’s many makers.
FLORIDA
It is often difficult to find a safe place to put your refreshments or personal belongings at the beach. Yellow Dog Table of Pensacola solved this problem by creating a small plastic table that can be assembled in one minute. The table comes in an easy-to-carry pouch and retails for $20 to $30.
Bonus: 4Ocean makes unisex bracelets from recycled materials removed from the world’s oceans. Bracelets are made in Florida, and every purchase funds the removal of one-pound of trash from the ocean and coastlines. Reader Pick
GEORGIA
Tiger Woods is back, and he is doing it with Georgia-made Bridgestone golf balls. While Woods has had a long association with Nike, when the company discontinued sports equipment to concentrate on apparel, Tiger turned to Bridgestone. It seems to have served him well, as he led the British Open on the final day and won his first tournament in five years at the Tour Championship.
HAWAII
There are no shortages of surfboard makers in Hawaii, but Timpone Hawaii Surfboards have gained a faithful following since Jeff Timpone opened his surfboard manufacturing shop on Maui in 1989. His surfboards are eco-friendly and known for their high performance while keeping up with changes in the industry. Mahalo!
IDAHO
Fans of The Deadliest Catch TV show will appreciate Cordova Coolers, founded by onetime series regular Captain Scott Campbell Jr. A little pricey, but you get what you pay for, as each cooler comes loaded with features like top-mount lid latches and built-in bottle openers -- and a lifetime warranty.
Bonus: Ask any runner who’s felt it in their feet and knees after pounding the pavement, and they’ll tell you: Nearly as important as the workout is the recovery. And there are few better recovery footwear companies than Idaho-based Telic. These anatomically correct sandals will get you right in no time. Reader Pick
ILLINOIS
An excellent gift for those who are happy in the kitchen. The woodworkers at John Boos & Co. make excellent butcher blocks and cutting boards at their Effingham facility. They’re skilled at working with steel, too. Be sure to check out their shelving and countertops.
Bonus: In an unassuming building outside of Rockford, products are made that can transport you out of this world: Excellent telescopes, completely American-made. Astro-Physics, Inc. has been making telescopes and accessories since 1975, and almost every optic, gear and circuit board are made from scratch to guarantee quality.
INDIANA
Aardvark Straws calls itself the original paper straw, based on an 1888 patent for the first paper straw ever. Here’s a few facts about the paper drinking straws from Fort Wayne: They’re non-toxic, BPA-free, elemental chlorine-free, durable, compostable, labeled sustainable by the Forest Stewardship Council… and made in America.
Bonus: From Valparaiso – Indiana’s vale of paradise – comes the second-oldest wood bat-maker in the country. The Hoosier Bat Company can customize your stick however you’d like. The company is also licensed by Major League Baseball; that’s why, over the years, you may have seen Frank Thomas or Sammy Sosa swinging a Hoosier bat.
IOWA
A good, durable sock is hard to find – unless you’re familiar with Fox River, a privately-owned hosier mill in Osage, Iowa. Fox River has been making socks since 1900 and employs 200 people today. They make great-fitting, quality socks for any occasion and climate.
Bonus: Need some durable landscaping lights with a modern look? Want ’em solar-powered? YEP Lights is the product for you. This small company from Cedar Falls makes them with all kinds of designs – with a hand-drawn collection, and another for Iowa-located colleges. Reader Pick
KANSAS
There may not be a chocolatier as ubiquitous (and delicious) as Russell Stover, which has been satisfying sweet-tooths since 1923. These sweets are made in two Kansas facilities (Abilene and Iola), along with one in Corsicana, Texas. Find the treats at your local retailer, or visit the company’s website to locate the nearest factory outlet store.
KENTUCKY
A deck of cards is a staple item for any home, and the United States Playing Card Company makes plenty to pick from. Crafted in Kentucky and available via a family of brands, there’s an American-made deck for any scenario and occasion you can imagine.
Bonus: Do you have a bowler in your life? Get ’em ready to make a run at 300 with an Ebonite bowling ball, union-made in Hopkinsville. No sales online, unfortunately, but you can visit their site to find a pro-shop carrying Ebonite near you.
LOUISIANA
Bergeron Woodworks makes some truly unique picture frames, boxes, mirror frames and trunks from reclaimed wood, rescued from an eternity in a landfill. Each piece is its own work of art – and designer David Bergeron does custom orders, too.
Bonus: Based in the Big Easy, Tchoup makes stylish backpacks and shoulder bags from materials sourced entirely within the United States. Want a new look instead of the same old backpack? Look no further than this brand.
MAINE
Rancourt & Co. started as a family business making moccasins in Lewiston in 1967. The firm changed ownership in the ’90s – but the Rancourts bought it back in 2009 to ensure the company stayed in Maine. The move paid off, and this handsewn footwear brand is still made in Lewiston.
MARYLAND
According to its website, Treason Bag Company formed after its founders met at a Fells Point bar and became friends (and business partners) over a few glasses of whiskey. This Baltimore-based bag company is very urban chic. Check out the company’s backpacks, shoulder bags and duffels for a one-of-a-kind look.
Bonus: These jewelry pieces are truly one of a kind and out of this world. Lauren Beacham and Brittany Elbourn of Yugen design and create their jewelry in rural Maryland, coming up with some remarkable space-themed items. Reader Pick
MASSACHUSETTS
Adirondack chairs, benches, wine and coat racks, or swings, SkiChair can make any of them out of skis, snowboards, skateboards, golf clubs, or hockey sticks … you name it. You won’t see many pieces of furniture like those that SkiChair makes, and they come with a five-year warranty.
Bonus: Not every New Balance sneaker is Made in America (check the label before buying) but the Boston-based company maintains more manufacturing in the United States than any of its competitors, as well as American-made line easily searchable on its website. Excellent and stylish shoes that are worth a look.
MICHIGAN
From toy cars to play kitchens, American Plastic Toys has you covered when it comes to toys for your kids. You can find the company’s products at major retailers, including Walmart, Family Dollar, and Walgreens. With so many places to buy, holiday shopping for your kids couldn’t be easier.
Bonus: Made in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Iverson snowshoes are unlike any other, known for their timeless quality, rustic style and respected name. From exploring woods in your own backyard to tackling mountain trails, Iverson will help you stay active in the cold winter months.
Uncle Goose’s handmade blocks are a classic gift that your kids can use to have fun and learn. Not only does Uncle Goose artistically craft traditional alphabet blocks for a variety of languages, the company offers sets with themes ranging from dinosaurs to constellations. All materials are sourced around the Great Lakes. Reader Pick
MINNESOTA
Founded in 2009 by Lacey Lybecker, A Greener Kitchen offers kitchen textiles produced from fair-trade certified, organic cotton, all designed by one of America’s eco-friendly textile artisans. These affordable textiles are durable enough to be used in any home or business.
Bonus: Handmade in Minneapolis, Blue Claw Co.’s travel bags combine the best available materials with unparalleled craftsmanship to create stylish, functional bags. Their bags, which all conveniently fit in most airplanes’ overhead compartments, are ideal for weekend trips and long trips alike and built to last a lifetime.
MISSISSIPPI
Inspired by nature, A’Marie’s Bath Flower Shop designs rich, flower-shaped soaps i
Infused with essential oils and natural moisturizers sourced from the Brandon area. Each soap is delicately made by hand, and no two are the same. Relax and unwind with these beautiful products.
Bonus: Viking’s line of quality cooking and kitchen appliances includes stoves, ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves and even grills, and many of the company’s products are still made or assembled in its hometown of Greenwood. The Viking name is respected by chefs everywhere -- even celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey approves!
MISSOURI
Each Erin Keary sterling silver ring is handmade with care by designer Erin Keary and Phillip James with responsibly-sourced silver. Inspired by natural textures and lines, these unique rings are both elegant and timeless.
Bonus: Since 1990, Niles Bottle Stoppers has designed and made bottle stoppers with character. Perfect for keeping your favorite bourbon or wine fresh, Niles will add a little flair to your kitchen as well. Choose from endless wood, glass and stone options. Reader Pick
MONTANA
These aren’t your average garden tools. Designed and created by Montana blacksmith Tuli Fisher, Fisher Blacksmithing garden tools provide durability and functionality with style. Anyone with a green thumb in your life is sure to appreciate this thoughtful gift.
BONUS: Sheep to shelf. That’s what has made Duckworth into one of the best wool brands in America. All of Duckworth’s wool is sourced, spun, dyed and knitted in the U.S. At AAM, we can’t get enough of Duckworth’s amazing quality, style and durability -- and neither will you.
NEBRASKA
Known as “Blue Collar Gourmet” for their quality and affordability, Bakers Candies make the perfect stocking stuffer for the sugar lovers in your family. Got a Huskers fan in your life? Gift them Bakers Candies’ officially licensed University of Nebraska Huskers Box.
NEVADA
There’s no going around dogs’ instinct to dig, even if it means they tear up their own beds. Zen Den designs and manufactures pet beds meant to withstand your dog’s digging, saving you money in the long run, and the many patterns of the beds bring a splash of color to any room.
Bonus: Born in a small southern Italian town, Pasquale Iovinella brings generations of textile experience to the U.S. His ties and pocket squares are unlike any other, and any Pasquale Iovinella product is sure to stand out for its original patterns and unmatched quality.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Hampshire Pewter offers some of America’s most beautiful pewter Christmas ornaments, jewelry and other products. This family-owned, family-operated business takes pride in its handcrafted goods. Hampshire Pewter will bring a special touch anywhere, be it your Christmas tree or your kitchen. Note that though all ornaments and the vast majority of Hampshire Pewter's other products are made in Somersworth, some items are imported from Canada.
NEW JERSEY
Serratelli hats are known throughout the country for their unmatched materials and respect for the cowboy spirit. No one knows hats better than this family-owned business, and each Serratelli hat is designed to last a lifetime.
Bonus: Although it makes a variety of parkas and peacoats, American Trench is best known for its classic trench coat, made right in the heart of the Garden State. The unmatched quality and timeless style of these coats will last decades, and the company’s wool socks and shirts are guaranteed to keep you warm as well. Reader Pick
NEW MEXICO
Inspired by the high desert of New Mexico, Kei and Molly handprints kitchen textiles in a rainbow of colors with the goal of supporting jobs for local immigrant and refugee women. Choose from the company’s affordably priced aprons, dish towels and pot holders to add style and functionality to your cooking space. Though all Kei and Molly products are silkscreened in Albuquerque, the material for their flour sack towels are imported.
NEW YORK
Featured on the Today show and ABC News, Zandra Beauty, founded by 18-year-old Zandra Cunningham, offers natural beauty and body products with a teen empowerment edge. Since Cunningham began the business, Zandra Beauty has won multiple awards and is now sold in major retailers such as Walmart. Reader Pick
Bonus: Talk about a unique gift! From unicorns and dragons to dolphins and dinosaurs, Zooheads’ 3-D printed animal showerheads will make bath time even more fun for kids (or anyone who is a kid at heart). These showerheads come in a broad pallet of colors that will fit seamlessly in any bathroom.
NORTH CAROLINA
Brothers Duncan, 10, and Hayden, 7, developed Two Bros Bows’ eye-catching, kid-friendly bow and arrow sets with their mother’s initial loan of $50. Four years later, their archery sets, manufactured just outside Charlotte, are sold in over 1,200 stores worldwide. Clearly, this toy has hit the bull’s eye.
Bonus: North Carolina-based BRÖÖ enriches its natural hair and body care products with Asheville’s Highland Brewing’s pale ale, imbuing it with the B vitamins, proteins and minerals that feed lustrous hair. BRÖÖ is not only affordably priced, but also widely available at major retailers like CVS and Walmart.
NORTH DAKOTA
With a variety of themes, including holiday designs, Dakota Steel Art’s colorful windspinners are mesmerizing. Though laser cut and manufactured in Mantador, some components of the windspinners are not made in America.
Bonus: Ada’s Handcrafted Baskets celebrate the beauty of natural wood and the artisanship of basket-making with highly functional baskets designed for everyday use.
OHIO
As the largest manufacturer of preschool and toddler toys in America, Step2 offers a wide array of toys and furniture for children as well as handy home products. Founded in 1991, Step2 has grown dramatically, supporting over 800 full-time employees in two Ohio factories.
Bonus: “Spreading Cleveland Pride One T-Shirt at a Time” is the motto of Cleveland Clothing Co., which makes apparel and accessories that celebrate the home city of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ninety-eight percent of the company’s products are Made in America and printed in Cleveland, and what isn’t produced domestically is sourced through Ohio companies.
OKLAHOMA
Cookshack’s grills and smokers, designed and manufactured in the barbeque heartland, are definite splurge items, but you can rest assured that Cookshack’s professional-quality equipment is beloved by pitmasters around the world for good reason.
Bonus: Need a gift for the college sports fan who has everything? Gameday Ironworks has the answer. Their signs, hitch covers and lanterns let your fan showcase their team and American craftsmanship all at once. If you’re looking for something truly one-of-a-kind, the company offers custom work.
OREGON
For the activist who also finds time for a manicure, Claws Out vegan nail polish is the perfect choice. The names of the polishes alone, such as “Matriarchy” and “Liberty,” are sure to please, along with the activist brand’s commitment to ethical manufacturing.
Bonus: Jiffyloc’s tools and poles are a DIYer’s best friend. Manufactured with aircraft-grade aluminum and fiberglass in Portland, family-owned Jiffyloc lets you skip the ladder and get your painting or cleaning done without mess or fuss, even when tackling those hard-to-reach ceiling edges. Reader Pick
PENNSYLVANIA
Zippo’s craftsmanship has made the lighter legendary, a reputation cemented by the company’s lifetime guarantee that “it works, or we fix it free.” With an endless variety of designs and styles, there’s a lighter for everyone. Reader Pick
Bonus: Begin a family holiday tradition with Byer’s Choice Ltd. Carolers. These heirloom-quality sculptures of carolers, handmade in Chalfont, will instantly usher in the holiday season. Reader Pick
RHODE ISLAND
New England prep is pitch perfect at Kiel James Patrick – think cozy flannels, nautical knots and elegant pearls. Celebrating American craftsmanship and New England’s heritage, the brand manufactures nearly all of its jewelry in Pawtucket and produces the remainder of its offerings in America.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Bringing haute couture flair to the southern staple, Brackish’s vibrant feather bowties have garnered attention from celebrities like Blake Lively, Bill Murray and Terrence Howard. Though exquisitely patterned by real bird feathers, beauty is not pain at Brackish – the feathers used in these handmade bowties are sourced from molting birds.
Bonus: The Original Hammock Shop has been handweaving hammocks since 1938, but the tradition of hammock-making on Pawleys Island began in the 1800s. Harken back to the days of summer with these strong, but comfortable weather-resistant hammocks.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Since 1973, Forever New has set out to provide the highest quality organic and biodegradable garment care products, insisting on “All the Best” ingredients. Today the company’s hypoallergenic, phosphate-free detergents are world-renowned for their gentleness on even dry-clean-only clothing.
TENNESSEE
Diamond Gusset Jean Co. has been making denim for men and women since 1987, dedicated to crafting jeans that are both durable and comfortable. The company offers a variety of denim styles, including its Defender line that is made with motorcycle riders in mind. Reader Pick
Bonus: This family business, now in its third generation, has handmade guitars since 1928, sustaining the traditional methods that mass-produced instruments have long put aside. Custom Delgado guitars are made with heart and soul, as the company produces just a few dozen each year.
TEXAS
It used to be that most people received nice cookware for the first time when they got married. But Made In set out to change the game, creating a direct-to-consumer business model offering high-quality cookware at an affordable price. Top Chef’s Tom Colicchio was so impressed by the company’s offerings he became an investor.
Bonus: Founded in 1976, SAS Shoes is known for its soft, high-quality leather, and crafts everything from walking shoes and sandals to pumps and boots. The company is family-owned and prides itself on its a loyal workforce – 42 percent of its employees have been on the job for over 15 years. Reader Pick
UTAH
The yogi in your life will appreciate the Made in USA options offered by Hugger Mugger, including mats, bolsters, cushions and even clothing. These trendy yoga accessories are stylish and affordable, priced well below imported options offered by other brands. Reader Pick
Bonus: Love the outdoors — or know someone who does? Check out ULA Equipment, which makes high-quality backpacks, duffle bags and accessories that are ideal for hikers, campers, backpackers and more. The company’s American-made products are sold all over the world, including in China, Japan and throughout Europe.
VERMONT
Storing leftovers is a must during the holidays, but plastic wrap doesn’t always cut it — and is bad for the environment. Bee’s Wrap is a healthier, more sustainable food storage option. Washable, reusable and compostable, use Bee’s Wrap for your own holiday celebrations, or gift it to the foodie in your life.
VIRGINIA
No two bags made by Hamilton Perkins Collection are the same, as each are crafted from recycled materials like plastic water bottles and billboard vinyl. Creator Hamilton Perkins raised money via Kickstarter in 2014 to launch the company, and its eco-friendly, stylish bags are now sold in more than 75 retailers in North America and Europe.
Bonus: Shockoe Atelier blends the tradition and craft of the great European luxury houses with “a distinctly American point of view.” The brand’s high-end denim jeans and other apparel are made in Richmond, and the company takes pride in employing immigrants.
WASHINGTON
The name says it all for Rite in the Rain. The 102-year-old company’s affordable line of pens, paper, notebooks and more are all designed to withstand the toughest weather conditions and are even used by the Department of Defense.
Bonus: The adorable baby bedding from Washington-based American Made Brand is sourced and manufactured throughout the United States, with cotton coming from the South, spinning, dying and weaving taking place in the Carolinas, and fabric bolting happening in Seattle.
WEST VIRGINIA
There’s something for everyone in the family from Gurkee’s, which has been making its line of handcrafted rope products in the U.S. since 1984. Although best known for its line of sandals and belts, Gurkee’s also makes leashes and collars for pets.
WISCONSIN
While Green Bay is best known for football, it’s also home to Au Naturale cosmetics, which prides itself on creating “vegan, organic, paraben free and ethical makeup.” It’s also super stylish and functional, and the company has been featured in top fashion publications like Vogue and Allure.
WYOMING
The line of G-Fusion Knives offered by Jackson Hole’s New West KnifeWorks are Made in America using high-tech, American-made steel. The colorful handles also help set these knives apart. Reader Pick
Bonus: Family-owned and operated, Mountain Meadow Wool is dedicated to preserving the ranches of the American West. It operates the largest full-service spinning mill in the West and sells everything from yarns and fiber to apparel and home goods.
…And Don’t Forget the Wrapping Paper!
Headquartered in Hawaii and made in Washington state, Wrappily prides itself on creating fun wrapping paper that is also eco-friendly, and even offers customers the option to create custom patterns. Meanwhile, the fabric bags made by Philadelphia’s VZ Wraps are completely reusable; creator Isabelle Vesey launched her company after getting tired of wasting so much wrapping paper during the holidays.
