It’s a treat to discover Made in America options for the scary holiday.
Editor's Note: We originally ran this blog ahead of Halloween way back in 2014. The advice still applies, so we've updated where necessary and are sharing it again.
Here's Michael Jackson's Thriller to get you in the spooky spirit:
It’s close to midnight and something evil’s lurking in the dark — but it’s all in good fun, so long as that something is American-made. It’s truly scary just how much foreign-produced Halloween fare there is on the market, but it’s a treat to discover there are still plenty of Made in the USA options to help plan your fun fright-fest.
Candy
Many confectioners have moved their operations overseas in recent years, but there still are a number of American-made treats that will delight trick-or-treaters. The American candy king remains Hershey’s, which makes a number of its treats — including Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Twizzlers, Kit Kat bars, and Mounds — at facilities across the United States. Hershey’s Kisses and Milk Chocolate bars are still created at the company’s factory in Hershey, Pa.
But there also are a number of other confectioners that make their candies in the USA. Hot Tamales, Mike and Ike, Peanut Chews, and Peeps (if you like your Easter candy early) are all made by Just Born at factories in the United States. Meanwhile, Goetze continues to make its Caramel Creams and Cow Tales in Baltimore, the city where it launched way back in 1895.
Looking for more candy ideas? USA Love List has a good roundup, and the AFL-CIO has a list of Made in America options that are also union-made.
Costumes
Need a last-minute costume for your little trick-or-treater? California-based Heritage Costumes has made costumes for a number of top Hollywood studios — and the company offers same-day shipping on all of its Made in the USA products. There are a wide variety of costumes for kids and adults, along with accessories such as wigs, hats, and even makeup. Southern California residents can check out the costumes at the company’s retail store in Torrance.
Miami-based Little Baron also makes a line of children’s costumes, many of which can be purchased on Amazon.
Meanwhile, American Apparel’s 2014 2016 Halloween line features adult costumes with a feline motif — some of which, we warn, are slightly NSFW.
Decorations and Party Supplies
Celebrate the harvest by following tips from Brooklyn-based Susty Party, which makes most of its eco-friendly products in the United States (and all in North America). You can find Susty Party plates, bowls, cups, napkins, silverware, and other items at retailers like Whole Foods Market and Wegmans.
Looking for more traditional Halloween décor? Norton’s USA sells a wide-variety of Halloween-themed items, including paper goods such as napkins and plates to artificial pumpkins and gourds to creepy portraits. Can’t make it to the company’s store in Barrington, Ill.? Norton’s ships nationwide.
Meanwhile, Martha Stewart has a few American-made ideas how to make your Halloween gathering a good thing, including using Ball mason jars for serving brews (she suggests Owl’s Brew tea — but we’ll point out that there are plenty of delicious craft brews out there if you’re looking for something a bit stronger). Ball also offers a number of holiday-themed tips on its Pinterest page.
This post is by no means exhaustive — let us know if there’s something we should add to the list by sending us an email at [email protected] or a message on Twitter at @KeepitMadeinUSA.