Our annual Made in America Holiday Gift Guide has become a beloved tradition here at the Alliance for American Manufacturing. Without question, it is the most popular thing we do all year, and our team always discovers new and amazing products we haven’t heard about before.
But the list has taken on a new meaning this year, given the economic challenges facing the United States in the wake of COVID-19. Tens of millions of Americans are out of work and countless companies, large and small, already have gone out of business. It’s going to be an especially challenging holiday season for so many people, and a make-or-break time for many American makers.
We believe that, if you have the means, buying local is one simple way to help your neighbors. When you buy something that is American-made, you support U.S. jobs and reinvest your money right back into the local economy. Previous studies have found that if every American spent $64 on American-made items this holiday season, we would create 200,000 new jobs!
This year’s gift guide includes items from every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Many of the items come from reader suggestions, and we aimed to include a variety of ideas, and at different price points. Everything can be ordered online, but given COVID-19 shipping issues, we encourage you to shop early!
We think there’s something here for everyone on your list, but if you still can’t find what you are looking for, check out the Made in America Directory or our previous gift guides, which are linked below. Please share the list with your family and friends, and on social media by using the hashtag #MadeinUSAGifts.
We hope that you and your loved ones have a safe and healthy holiday season.
Alabama
Stormi Steele has become a star in the beauty world thanks to Canvas Beauty, her line of natural hair care products. The Black-owned company specializes in helping its clients strengthen and grow hair, and offers a variety of products for both women and men. Canvas Beauty’s Starter Set is a great gift idea.
Bonus: The leash and collar sets from Country Brook Petz are a useful gift for the furry friends in your life, and come in a number of fun patterns. The company is part of Country Brook Design, which makes a number of webbing products in the United States. Reader Pick
Alaska
Born of a true Alaskan survival story, Alaska Paracord Designs’ Alaska Survival Bracelet has all the critical tools needed to start a fire, even in brutal Alaskan weather, all handily packaged into a bracelet you can keep with you at all times. This serious survival tool comes with a military-spec 550 paracord that’s 17 feet in length, a custom-machined military-grade fire steel, ceramic knife scrapper, waterproof waxed jute tinder, and a whistle to call for help.
Bonus: Celebrate the bounty of Alaska’s incredible wilderness with smoked salmon and antler chews for you four-legged friend from Alaskan Antler Dog Chews.
Arizona
Americano Peanut Butter began when owner Jeff Malkoon was volunteering with a nonprofit relief agency in Uruguay. Malkoon realized that the all-natural peanut butter found in Uruguay tended to be on the sweet side, but also lacked in nutritional value. When Malkoon moved to Arizona, he and his wife Denise created a natural peanut butter in their home kitchen. It is now carried in more than 300 retail locations, and the Malkoons are continuing their mission to create happiness and reduce poverty by doing proceeds of their delicious peanut and almond butter spreads to the Fund for Americas initiative.
Arkansas
Playing with blocks is great fun, but Westwork Designs doesn’t make your typical block set (though they’ll make that for you too – they also take custom orders). Instead, Westwork Designs are blocks for budding architects. Put together a castle or a cathedral, build your own skyline. Each piece is handmade and designed with an attention to detail.
California
As any parent of young children knows, a good night’s sleep for baby is important for the whole family. To get it, they need comfortable pajamas – and CastleWare’s got them. Check out their line of sleeper bags, which come in summer-weight rib knit, fleece for the fall, or winter-weight velour. Made in Los Angeles! Special mention: if you want jammies for the whole family, you should check out Brian the Pekingese. They’ve also got American-made cotton facemasks, which you can never have enough of these days.
Bonus: Flint and Tinder started out a decade ago when its founder couldn’t find a decent pair of underwear at the department store, and also discovered that everything he found was imported. Now the company offers a full line of men’s clothing. Many of its signature items, like its wax-lined trucker jacket, are expertly crafted in Los Angeles, but some stuff is imported, so be sure to check the label. Reader Pick
Added Bonus: Dog Hoz Toys come straight outta Ojai, where owner Mike Deering makes these super tough toys out of retired fire hoses. It’s Dog “Hose” Toyz. Perfect for a tug of war! Reader Pick
Colorado
Zometool is an award-winning scientific construction set consisting of geometric toys that allow users to build a variety of creative models and projects. Zometool is manufactured in Denver, and has been utilized in projects overseen by Nobel scientists and NASA engineers, but it also provides a fun learning opportunity for kids.
Bonus: The Hunter Company has been manufacturing handcrafted leather goods in Westminster for over 67 years. The company crafts a variety of products, including holsters, belts, and other accessories. The late actor John Wayne is among those who used the company’s products. Reader Pick
Connecticut
Luke’s Toy Factory is a winner of Learning Magazine’s Teachers’ Choice Award in the preschool category for its line of eco-friendly toy trucks. The company specializes in turning things like walnut shells, maple sawdust and coconut shells into toy fire engines, construction vehicles and garbage trucks that come apart and can be put back together, like a 3D puzzle. All of the company’s products are made in Connecticut using sustainable materials from American manufacturers and vendors. You can find the company’s products on their website or via retailers like Target.
Delaware
Win holiday gift-giving with this sit-stand desk! Challenge Program (CP) Furniture’s gorgeous, handcrafted wood convertible desks will instantly uplift any home office. But, even better, when you give a CP Furniture desk, your gift-giving goes even farther. All proceeds from the company’s sales are re-invested into a Wilmington nonprofit that provides vocational training for at-risk youth. Reader Pick
Bonus: Like many small businesses, decorative sign seller JennyGems came close to collapsing when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. But rather than let hopelessly snarled overseas supply chains doom her company’s future, owner Jennifer McMillan invested big in Made in USA. Purchasing state-of-the-art technology for her Harbeson facility, McMillian took a gamble that’s paid off with sales for her charming Made in USA home décor signs skyrocketing.
Added Bonus: Founded by an avid guitar player who just so happens to also be an engineer with a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, you can rest assured that Lawing Musical Products’ guitar pickups are crafted with precision. Give the guitar player in your life the best possible musical experience with a pickup that promises to eliminate any of the hum that so plagues electric guitars.
District of Columbia
Hooked and Loopy creates creative crocheted stuffed animals, toys and soft sculptures for babies, kids and kids at heart. Each piece is handmade by designer Sarah Potter from 100% cotton yarn, and some even depict famous characters or historical figures.
Bonus: One Eight Distilling is named after Article One, Section Eight of the U.S. Constitution, which established the District of Columbia to serve as the nation’s capital. The D.C.-made bourbon uses local ingredients to manufacture its various offerings, and the company is the first grain-to-glass whiskey in the District since Prohibition.
Florida
Tervis has been making double-insulated tumblers since 1946 that keep your favorite drink icy cold or your coffee warm and tasty. The stainless-steel tumblers, water bottles, wine glasses and beer mugs are manufactured at the company’s facility in Venice, Florida. Tervis is now offering a line of Baby Yoda-themed tumblers for all you Star Wars fans. Tervis also offers its Customyzer, where you can create your own designs.
Bonus: Golden Kettle Candy is a continuation of the Anas family tradition of homemade fudge and caramel recipes from Michigan, now made in Sarasota County. All confections are handmade in copper kettles. The company’s varieties of Florida-made fudge will make you believe you are at Michigan’s Mackinac Island, where chocolate lovers know fudge is king. Reader Pick
Georgia
A wooden deck is a nice addition to any home, but to keep it looking handsome you need to clean between its boards. Deck maintenance was in mind when George Willison made what turned out to be The Deck Tool’s prototype 10 years ago. Its stainless steel blade is made in Pennsylvania, its 4 ft lacquered pine handle comes from North Carolina, and it’s assembled in the Peach State. Only $19.95, and very handy! Reader Pick
Bonus: The Atlanta-based and Black-owned lifestyle brand Rochelle Porter Design is known for its colorful line of activewear. Now, the company has a new line just in time for the holidays running with global décor retailer West Elm. The best part about it? These table runners, tea towels and pillow covers are all American-made from sustainable materials. Find it here.
Hawaii
Banana Jack is a family-owned company that manufactures authentic Hawaiian clothing for men, women and children. All of Banana Jack’s clothing is made in Honolulu, and the company has the capacity to make about 4,000 classic Hawaiian shirts every month, which can be shipped around the world.
Bonus: Want something from the Aloha State but not sure what to buy? The Made in Hawaii Festival brings the full experience of Hawaii straight to your home. The festival includes a variety of products including clothing, accessories, fine arts and native arts, pet products, home décor and more, all manufactured in Hawaii by different companies. Reader Pick
Idaho
All of Idaho Candle Company’s handmade, paraben-free soy candles are made in Boise, including the “Le Boobé” candle, which began as a fundraiser for breast cancer research but now supports a number of charities. The company also offers its “Le Bois” lifestyle collection, which includes a number of great gift ideas. Reader Pick
Illinois
With an emphasis on social justice themes and Black culture, Reformed School’s home goods and accessories, made from recycled or repurposed materials, are seriously timely but also whimsically stylish. This Black-owned business does Chi-town proud.
Bonus: If “The Nightmare Before Christmas” plays on repeat for a special someone on your holiday list, we’ve got the perfect gift for you! Resurrect Halloween with truly frightful masks, costumes and accessories handmade just outside Chicago in Melrose Park by family-owned Zagone Studios.
Added Bonus: With contrasting glazed and unglazed surfaces and elegant geometric shapes, Eshelman Pottery’s cups, bowls and servingware are works of minimalist art. But, perhaps more importantly, they’re also eminently functional. All the company’s wares can be safely used in the microwave, dishwasher and oven.
Indiana
If you’re the kind of person who has ever wondered why you can’t have a seat not poolside but in the pool itself, then the folks at Aqua-Rita had you in mind when they woke up today. This adjustable, easy-to-assemble table is safe for all pools and all pool liners. Put a swim-up bar in your backyard pool! Reader Pick
Bonus: The people at Fountain Alley Body Care really know their natural soaps. Made along the Ohio River in Madison, all of the ingredients in Fountain Alley’s soaps start off as food grade – and all of its soaps are considered “fragrance free,” though they naturally smell great. They have a whole line of products for the person who values knowing what goes into the items that make up their bodycare regimen. Reader Pick
Iowa
Although the term “Yo-Ho” may conjure up thoughts of a tasty ice cream treat, this company has nothing to do with food. Ice and snow, however, are at the base of Yeoman & Company, which has been manufacturing snow shovels and agricultural tools for the past 87 years. Located in Monticello, Yeoman products like its “BustR” shovels are designed to perform better and last longer than imported rivals. Yo-Ho has even made tools to clear the decks of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. Reader Pick
Bonus: Blu Track is a premium, patented, flexible, two-laned toy racetrack that is not pre-configured, so children and adults can create their own racecourse for Matchbook-type cars. Tracks can be a straight run or a more creative design with several loops for toy-car racing pleasure. Blu Track is made from 100 percent U.S. materials and manufactured with 100 percent U.S. labor, and is often used by teachers to spark innovation from students.
Kansas
It can be tough to find American-made ride-on vehicles for youngsters, but Dirt King USA has been making tricycles in WaKeeney since 1989. An affiliate of Midwest Contracting and Manufacturing, Inc., the company’s tricycles are so durable that they are often sold to daycare centers. Dirt King USA also makes a wagon.
Kentucky
For Pete’s Sake Pottery began when Susan Brown quit her retail job to be a stay-at-home mom and found herself painting for fun. It soon became a full-fledged business. Two decades later, Brown is still at it, overseeing a line of hand-painted pottery products that range from holiday-themed ornaments and décor to Chinoiserie, vases, baby gifts and personalized pieces.
Louisiana
Crafted from broken gold, copper, brass and bronze drum cymbals that have been cut and polished, Secondline Jewels’ bracelets, earrings and necklaces are imbued with NOLA’s creative energy. For jewelry that’s extra special, Secondline’s limited edition Signature Line allows you to purchase cymbals played by famous drummers with 50% of proceeds donated to the drummers’ chosen charity.
Maine
Flowfold creates handy pouches for coins and cash made from materials that keep the elements out. Many of the company’s products feature RFID Blocking Technology, which blocks electronic signals to keep valuables like credit cards safe from card skimmers. Flowfold’s line is ideal for carrying credit cards, cash, IDs and all other daily essentials close at hand, and make a great stocking stuffer. Reader Pick
Bonus: Jack & Mary Designs transforms recycled sweaters and wool into fun and unique fashion accessories like mittens, scarves and hats for men, women and kids. Based in York, the company has been around since 2004 and has been profiled by the Today Show and Oprah Magazine.
Added Bonus: Kim’s Calendars is a family-owned business started at Kim’s kitchen table 28 years ago. Kim sells decorative calendar holders with stenciled designs, including maps, monograms and custom work. The company also provides yearly calendar inserts, which may be especially helpful during these times of the COVID-19 pandemic when many of us lose track of what day it is. Reader Pick
Maryland
You could call ’em toys, but the monsters and cats and giant eyeballs made by Cotton Monster are more like sculptures. Their creator, a Baltimore native and graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art, makes them all by hand from recycled clothing and scraps of fabric. These are super cool and playful, and no two are exactly alike. Check them out on Etsy.
Massachusetts
Goodwear USA has been manufacturing clothing made from U.S.-grown cotton for men and women since 1983. Founder Stephen Liquori launched the brand after growing frustrated with the low-quality T-shirts available at the time, and set out to create a heavyweight shirt that would hold up after several uses. Today, the company operates out of Boston and offers a variety of tees, sweatshirts and more for men, along with sleepwear for women.
Bonus: American Bench Craft manufactures handmade leather goods including wallets, bracelets, belt bands and belt loops, and even offers dog collars for your furry, four-legged friends. All of the company’s products are designed and made in Wilmington.
Michigan
GRAMMAR artist and founder Sarah Abend makes her line of sculptural jewelry at a studio based in the Wolverine State. Each piece of jewelry is hand cut, assembled and produced in small batches, and the brand GRAMMAR caters to those who are passionate about leading ethical lives and supporting small businesses. Reader Pick
Bonus: Dale & Blue is a family-owned company based in Detroit that makes creative luxury goods that are also eco-friendly, including face masks, pillows, pouches and more. Many of Dale & Blue’s products are one-of-a-kind.
Minnesota
Dress up clothes are a great way to encourage kids to be creative, especially during cold winter months when playing outside isn’t always an option. Fairy Finery makes dresses, capes, fairy wings, adventure wear, shields, hats and crowns, and more to help your little one transform into a superhero, knight, princess, wizard, magician, and more.
Bonus: Do you have someone in your life who rides a motorcycle? Check out the apparel and related gear from Aerostich. All of the company’s products are all handcrafted in Duluth and promoted as “a piece of equipment,” rather than a fashion statement, designed to make riding easier and safer. Reader Pick
Mississippi
Thimblepress’ whimsical Push-Pop Confetti is exactly the explosion of joy that can upgrade your stocking from fine to fabulous. So beloved is Thimblepress’ signature confetti, hand mixed in the company’s Jackson studio, that the company also sells bulk bags in addition to an array of Made in America Push-Pop Confetti variations, stationary and home goods. Be sure to check the label, as some items may be imported.
Bonus: For the avid outdoorsman on your list, Steel Outdoors’ firepits, deer feeders and deer blinds offer true Made in America quality with the attention to detail and customizability that big name brands just can’t match.
Missouri
Gokey USA has been manufacturing boots and footwear for an astonishing 170 years, and have been the preferred choice of outdoorsman and first responders, firefighters, hunters and soldiers since they were worn by famous outdoorsmen like Teddy Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway and Dwight D. Eisenhower. The company’s rugged boots are perfectly suited for the outdoors, and Gokey is the only footwear company of its size to provide custom made oxfords, hiking shoes, Snakeproof boots or upland boots in various weights.
Bonus: One a cold winter morning or as an after-dinner treat, nothing goes better with a cup of warm coffee than St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake. Park Avenue Coffee makes their version fresh to order, and this St. Louis original comes in 73 different flavors, including the original Mom’s Traditional.
Another Bonus: We all realize the holidays are going to be a bit different this year. But one socially distanced tradition to keep going – or perhaps begin – is to complete a Missouri-made jigsaw puzzle. Founded in 1963, Springbok Puzzles is the oldest and most respected brand-named puzzle in the United States, and some of the company’s finely cut puzzles have even become collector’s items.
Montana
The creator of this line of pet tools is a former equine dentist who, through her work, paid a lot of attention animal grooming behavior – which is how you get such an intuitive design to the SleekEZ. They’ll keep any animal in your care looking good, and a nice scratch is a good way to bond, too!
Bonus: Yama Mountain Gear’s line of hiking gear is designed to be simple, thoughtful, and very environmentally friendly – this company has a stated goal of being carbon neutral by 2023. This is elegant stuff, made just outside Missoula for long walks up the trail.
Nebraska
The Cordial Cherry offers a variety of chocolate and truffles that are made in Nebraska by a team of four chocolatiers. The company also manufactures chocolate wine bottles and other items, including chocolate fruits, chocolate nuts and business gifts.
Bonus: Nebraska In A Box makes for a fun gift idea. The box contains some popular items representative of the Cornhusker State, including Kool-Aid, Omaha Steaks Original Beef Jerky, Eileen’s Colossal Cookies, and more.
Nevada
The sunglasses made by Tahoe Timber are designed with mother nature in mind, with frames handcrafted from sustainably sourced wood or bamboo rather than plastic. The company’s Driftwood Collection floats in the water, so you won’t lose your shades if they drop into the lake. Tahoe Timber also sells a line of customizable wooden accessories, including pocket knives and watch bands.
Bonus: Know a new mom or a mom-to-be? Yawning Mama makes postpartum wear that is designed to be both cute and cozy. The Reno-based company’s line of tees, bras and camis also make it easier to breastfeed more comfortably, including in public.
Added Bonus: Black-owned Arrow + Phoenix says functionality is always the goal with its swimsuit designs. What that means is you are going to feel as great as you look in one of the company’s bikinis or one-pieces. The company’s products are made in the Silver State by a New Orleans native with an eye for design who grew up always searching for a comfortable swimsuit top.
New Hampshire
Heralded as one of the best hiking bootmakers by National Geographic, Gear Patrol and other publications, Peter Limmer & Sons offers the absolute finest workmanship – the kind of quality you can only get from custom-made boots. In operation since 1925, the family-operated company has brought the craftsmanship of the founder’s native Bavarian Alps to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where the legacy of supreme durability and reliability continues. Note that though Peter Limmer & Sons specializes in custom boot-making, the company also offers boots in stock if you’re hoping to shod your favorite hiker as soon as possible.
Bonus: As aesthetically pleasing as these made in Nashua bibs are, they’re also utterly practical. Inspired by modern cloth diapers, Bourgeois Bib owner Jamie Bourgeois, a certified nurse midwife, backs every bib with a luxurious bamboo blend of terry cloth or a 100% waterproof polyester PUL fabric that’s BPA and phthalate free, with a middle layer of highly absorbent cotton flannel, and a top layer of cotton in a stylish designer print.
New Jersey
You can find Scotch Porter, the popular line of men’s beard, hair and skincare products, both online and at retailers like Target. The Black-owned business got its start when founder Calvin Quallis opened a barbershop in his Garden State neighborhood and began crafting products that were both non-toxic and non-carcinogenic. He named his new company after his favorite drink, Scotch, and his favorite musician, Gregory Porter.
Bonus: In 1989, DR Strings re-introduced hand-made round core guitar strings to the general market, bringing back the dulcet tones only heard by hand-made strings. Dozens of top musicians have used them ever since, including Sting, Melissa Etheridge, Adam Clayton of U2, Conrad Lozano of Los Lobos, and Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath, These are not your typical machine-made strings; string winders take six months to learn their craft. What is the point of having a top-quality guitar with machine made strings that lack the depth of sound your axe can provide? Reader Pick
Added Bonus: Pen Company of America claims to be the only U.S. maker whose entire line of pens and markers are Made in America. The Shea family began in the writing instrument industry in 1928, making fountain pen nibs in New York City. The company moved to Jersey City, N.J. when the ballpoint pen refill became popular in the 1950s. When almost every other pen manufacturer moved offshore during the 1990s, the Pen Company of America purchased Rotary Pen and remained dedicated to its roots of American manufacturing. They make more than 650,000 pens weekly, and are the largest maker of USA made ballpoint pens and markers in the nation. Reader Pick
New Mexico
The bath and body soaps, balms, ointments, joint rubs, eye creams and lip blooms created by Janecka are all handmade in small batches. This Albuquerque skincare company is very conscientious about what goes into its products – it even maintains an ingredient list on its website.
New York
MADE*HERE NEW YORK manufactures blankets, sweaters, home accessories, and baby products made from American-made cotton. Founder and CEO Karyn Villante worked as a designer in the fashion industry for years before taking a break to raise her two daughters. She was inspired to launch the company after one of her girls wore one of Villante’s designs and encouraged her to make sweaters once again. Some of her products are now sold by West Elm. Reader Pick
Bonus: Veteran-owned Burham Woodworking is a crafting company out of Panama that specializes in creating handmade wood items, including shot glasses, cups, plates and bowls. Reader Pick
Added Bonus: Looking for a more natural way to keep the house tidy this holiday season? Organic Chix makes a line of biodegradable and eco-friendly cleaning products, including laundry soap, surface cleaner, face mask spray, alcohol-free hand sanitizer, and more.
North Carolina
Many of the colorful dresses, tops, skirts and leggings designed by Looking Glass Clothing Company are manufactured in the United States, and most of it is done locally in the Tar Heel State. The brand is the brainchild of two moms, who each have two little girls, and wanted to create clothing their little ones would actually love to wear.
Bonus: Greenwich Bay Trading Co. has been making soaps and spa essentials since 1962, and its products are often found at inns, luxury B&Bs, spas, and specialty shops. The family-owned company doesn’t offer direct ordering via its website, but you can find its products via retailers like Amazon. Reader Pick
North Dakota
Stir-crazy adults and crafty kids alike will adore Bear Creek Felting’s needle felting kits, composed of felt milled in North Dakota from local sheep. With a variety of kits attuned to skill levels that vary from “Super Easy Beginner” to “Advanced Beginner,” the only challenge will be choosing which adorable felt sculpture to gift. Will it be a charming snowman, trendy llama, darling dinosaur, etc.? There’s a kit to appeal to every taste.
Bonus: Handmade in Fargo, Bowed Bison Boutique’s hair accessories and earrings for girls and women bring pizazz to any outfit. Monthly subscription boxes for hairbows or earrings are also available.
Ohio
For truly classic American-made kitchen glass and bakeware, Anchor Hocking has been serving America with its classic, dependable products since 1905. For more than 100 years, Anchor Hocking has been continually developing its line of kitchen products for serving meals and beverages for all occasions. Its pure glass has a non-porous surface that does not absorb like plastic and is healthier for your family and better for the environment. After 115 years, Anchor Hocking is still being manufactured at its original location in Lancaster, and is represented by the United Steelworkers. Reader Pick
Bonus: Perhaps the only thing that will bring a bigger smile to your face than watching your infant laying in the crib is to see a Happy Groundhog stuffed animal snuggled up right beside them. These eco-friendly handmade lovable plush critters, monsters and pillows with a heart are handmade in Cincinnati.
Oklahoma
Are you looking for a good birdhouse in 2020? You know the answer to that: Yes. Well, Birdhouses by Mark’s got ’em. This animal enthusiast handcrafts all kinds of charming aviary animal shelters – and feeders, too. Birdhouses, bathouses, butterfly houses, and bee houses are all available, as are custom orders. Not everything for sale is Made in America, but most is – and it’s all clearly labeled on the website.
Oregon
Steady Ceramics creates gift-ready mugs, bowls, jewelry and more out of clay. The company started up in 2016 in Portland, and all of the company’s products are still made and decorated by hand. Additional items include candles, platters, and jars, which can also be customized.
Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh’s Knotzland uses textile discards, which most often wind up in landfills, and transforms them into stylish bow-ties. The Black-owned company got its start in August 2014, when founder Nisha Blackwell lost her job as a barista and decided to “brew her own ideas.” Knotzland has rescued 3,000 pounds of textile waste since its launch, including from partners like the Pittsburgh Opera, and in 2018 was named the “Best Local Brand” in Pittsburgh by The Manual. Reader Pick
Bonus: Zimmerman Shoes got its start in 1962, when Milo Zimmerman purchased Kepner Scott, a children’s shoe factory that had been in business since 1888 (!!!) in Orwigsburg. Zimmerman had worked in kids shoemaking his entire career, and wanted to make a shoe that was better than the products found on the market. Today, the company remains family-owned and operated, and continues to make durable, heirloom quality shoes your kids will love.
Added Bonus: Chalk is a favorite pastime for young and old alike. The handmade, eco-friendly, small batch sidewalk chalk made by Twee makes a perfect stocking stuffer or kids’ gift. The chalk comes in unique, colorful designs, shaped to look like everything from macarons and donuts to planets and pizza.
Puerto Rico
With the mission of contributing to Puerto Rico’s social transformation through manufacturing, footwear brand Isleñas partners with a nonprofit vocational training and manufacturing organization for women in Puerto Rico to produce its espadrilles in-house. The shoes themselves are ultra-chic, but also ultra-comfortable with pillowy memory foam insoles. And, because Isleñas sells directly from its factory to consumers, its prices are consistently far below traditional retail.
Rhode Island
Mack and Hound sells locally sourced leather goods such as wallets, bags, and journals. Mack and Hound is a one-man show as Ryan, the maker-owner of the company, takes great care in each product he makes, sourcing supplies from as close to the shops as possible and keeping his products clutter-free. He feels there is no unnecessary need for pockets, zippers and buttons. All leather is full-grain and sourced from nearby states, while threading comes from Lewiston, Maine. Every hide is unique and features different natural grains and wrinkles.
South Carolina
Loggerhead Apparel was formed in 2009 with a couple of goals in mind: To generate business for South Carolina’s historic textile industry and to aid conservation effort for the loggerhead turtle, which nest on the state’s coastline. In fact, the company advertises on its website that 10 percent of revenue from the sale of Loggerhead Apparel shirts is donated to local conservation causes. Reader Pick
Bonus: If you’re a trucker, or even if you’ve ever hauled something big and bulky in the back of rented van, you know that having strong and sturdy straps and tie-downs to keep your cargo safely in place is an absolute must. USA Ratchet is based just outside of Greenville, and it carries a full line of American-made cargo control products for flatbed trailers and interior vans. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for, contact the company: It’ll custom build any strap or net to your specifications. Reader Pick
South Dakota
Harmony Creams Soaps manufactures a variety of goat milk soap, all made by hand. The company’s products don’t contain any chemical preservatives, artificial colors, or fragrance oils, and only whole ingredients are used. Harmony Creams Soaps also makes a line of natural oils, body wash, and lotion.
Tennessee
Yukon Outfitters’ Made in USA hammocks withstand rigorous testing, suspending 1,200 pounds of concrete for 12 days, though the hammocks themselves remain ultra-light. The company’s hammock selection includes over 40 different prints and a variety of styles. However, be aware that Yukon Outfitters does also sell imported goods, so be sure to check labeling.
Bonus: Founded by artist Kathleen Armour Walker, Tennessee Pewter handcrafts sophisticated dining ware and jewelry that are destined to become heirlooms. The company’s creations, made in Somerville have graced the pages of some of the South’s most popular magazines, including Southern Living and Garden & Gun.
Texas
The overalls, pants, coats, dresses, sweatshirts and other creations from The Hey Gang bring to mind the Little Rascals, and are designed with “utility, function, and timelessness” in mind. About 80% of the company’s products are made in the Lone Star State, with the rest out in sunny Los Angeles. The company also offers women’s clothing, and many pieces can be customized with a name to add a personal touch.
Bonus: San Antonio Shoes Inc., also known as SAS, has been manufacturing footwear since 1976. Today, the brand is known for its line of comfortable shoes, which now includes walking and athlete shoes, pumps, flats, sandals and boots. Check the label, though, as some pairs are made in Italy. Reader Pick
Added Bonus: We’ve featured a lot of great sock companies on this list over the years, but what makes swaggr socks unique is how they are made – from 91% plastic water bottles. According to the Houston-based company, each pair of its socks contains at least two recycled water bottles. Reader Pick
Utah
The built-to-last mountain bikes by Fezzari Bicycles are designed, engineered and assembled in Lindon, Utah, at the foot of the Wasatch Range. If you want a bike that can take a beating on an off-road trail, look no further.
Bonus: Folk artist Eric Dowdle has been creating art for two decades, and is known for depicting rural landscapes, playful cityscapes and portraits of families alongside “dowdle clouds” and “dowdle mountains.” Now Dowdle has a new show on Amazon Prime, and you can purchase one of his pieces for yourself (including Made in USA jingsaw puzzles!) via his website. You can even upload a photo to create your own custom Dowdle artwork.
Vermont
Much of America’s finest wood is culled from trees in the Northeast part of the U.S., and Vermont is no exception. J.K. Adams has been creating quality handmade carving boards since 1944 in Dorset. J.K. Adams is a second-generation family-owned company that makes carving boards, bowls, and servers that are meant to be used from generation to generation. While the company no doubt would like you to make a purchase every year, it also knows there are J.K. Adams carving boards being used this holiday season purchased 40 years ago. How is that for confidence and quality? Reader Pick
Bonus: With so many of us stuck at home in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the tradition of knitting has made a bit of a comeback, and DyakCraft has the supplies you just may need. Located in Chester, DyakCraft polishes, buffs and fine tunes its wooden knitting needles. All components are U.S. sourced. You have the time, so make a purchase early so you will have that flashy Christmas sweater finished before Santa arrives. Reader Pick
Added Bonus: We can never guess what the weather is going to bring, but it is a pretty safe bet that many of us will soon see snow. If you are the winter wonderland outdoor type, you will want to check out Dion Snowshoes, a collaboration between medal winning snowshoe racer Bob Dion and NeviTREK Snowshoes. Ideal for racers, winter hikers, general outdoor enthusiasts and first-timers, each pair of Dion Snowshoes are made by hand in Vermont and upstate New York. Reader Pick
Virginia
Founded by two University of Virginia graduates who sought to manufacture the finest ribbon belts through the best construction practices, Barrons-Hunter has been producing belts for men and women, as well as key fobs and pet accessories, in Virginia since 1986. With both classic styles appropriate for the most elegant occasions and whimsical styles that celebrate beloved animals or hobbies, Barrons-Hunter accessories stand the test of time.
Bonus: When she founded her clothing company, Virginia Dare Dress Co., in 2016, Rebekah Murray set out to create the kind of dresses she so desperately wanted – clothing that was “timeless, feminine, and practical” and could be fully functional in her life as an ardent traveler and professional photographer. She’s achieved that with dresses that have the timeless elegance of vintage silhouettes without any of the fussiness. Even better, many of the company’s dresses boast pockets, a far too rare practicality in women’s clothing. Committed to ethically manufacturing clothing of the highest quality, Murray recently transitioned from production in Guatemala to Virginia, where she can bring a personal touch to every piece.
Washington
The speakers made by Blumenstein Audio are a little pricey – but rest assured, you’ll get your money’s worth via beautiful design and audio quality. This is a gift for the audiophile in your life. Every speaker, subwoofer and amp is handmade by someone who thinks a lot about the complexity of sound.
West Virginia
Mountain State natives will love the designs put together by Sustain U, which makes eco-friendly T-shirts with West Virginia themes. But the company, a project of the nonprofit Coalfield Development Corporation, also makes custom clothing. In recent years, Sustain U has helped outfit companies like Ford and Ben and Jerry’s, along with sports leagues like Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Bonus: This isn’t the first time we’ve included FiestaWare on this list. But we’re shining the spotlight on the United Steelworkers-represented tableware company once again because we think its iconic vibrant colors may provide needed light during at the end of a dark, difficult year. FiestaWare is also one of the brands most often recommended to us by readers, not surprising given its loyal fan base. Reader Pick
Wisconsin
C.C. Moo is a specialized but important clothing line catering to families with infants and toddlers that must be fed with a G-tube. In 2015, Anna Olson gave birth her son, Caleb, only to find out just before leaving the hospital that Caleb had a rare genetic disorder that required him to be fed daily through a G-tube for survival. Anna and her husband, Luke, had to wake and undress Caleb every time they needed to hook up the tube, which created a host of difficulties. So, they launched C.C. Moo in the hopes of offering stylish and discrete clothing that also makes life a little easier for families like theirs. More than 350 conditions require tube feeding and nearly 500,000 patients use tube feeding today, 43% of which are children.
Wyoming
Looking for a keepsake that is one-of-a-kind? Daniel Miller Leather makes custom leather creations including picture frames, leather framed mirrors, leather accents for furniture, custom cowboy gear and more. The products are handmade in Wyoming, and although the designs take some time to complete, you can rest assured that the products you receive are made right here in the USA.
Previous Editions of the AAM Made in America Holiday Gift Guide:
2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014
AAM’s Cathalijne Adams, Jeff Bonior, Elizabeth Brotherton-Bunch, Monique Mansfield and Matt McMullan authored the 2020 AAM Made in America Holiday Gift Guide. Special thanks to Kieran Daly and Maria Gallagher at Winking Fish for creating this year’s gift guide graphic.
Full Disclosure: The Made in America Holiday Gift Guide is intended to highlight companies that support American jobs and that make great products in the United States. We rely on the companies listed to provide accurate information regarding their domestic operations and their products. Each company featured is individually responsible for labeling and advertising their products according to applicable standards, such as the Federal Trade Commission’s “Made in USA” standard or California’s “Made in USA” labeling law. We do not review individual products for compliance or claim that because a company is listed in the guide that their products comply with specific labeling or advertising standards. Our focus is on supporting companies that create American jobs.
For more on the Federal Trade Commission’s standards for “Made in USA” claims and California’s “Made in USA” labeling law, please also read this guest post by Dustin Painter and Kristi Wolff of Kelly Drye & Warren, LLP.