AAM’s 2014 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide

By Elizabeth Brotherton-Bunch
You can even find Made in America wrapping paper! The paper above is from Rifle Paper Co’s holiday collection.

There’s something American-made for everyone on your list.

Americans will spend $720 on average for holiday gifts this year. But if each of us spent just $64 on American-made goods this season, we could create 200,000 new jobs, right here in the United States!

We know American-made options aren’t always available and sometimes take effort to find. That's why we put together this helpful Made in America holiday gift guide. There's something for everyone on your list — and maybe even a few items for you, too!

Alabama: For the outdoorsman on your list, Jacksonville-based Bear and Son Cutlery offers a range of knives and related products. The company, which employs about 80 workers, announced an exclusive partnership with Remington Outdoor in July.

Alaska: Keep your canine friend warm this winter with booties, vests, harnesses and other gear from Dog Booties, which creates gear designed to keep dogs protected from the elements. Also check out Happy Valley-based Shady Dog Farm, which sells a variety of stylish leashes.

Arizona: HF Coors has been producing dinnerware since 1925, and manufactures customizable mugs, plates, bowls, dishes, platters, and other dining must-haves in Tucson. You can visit the company’s factory store or order online.

Dinnerware from HF Coors.

Arkansas: Looking to rock out this holiday? Klipsch sells a variety of top-quality speakers and sound systems that are created in the Land of Opportunity.

California: Shoemaker CYDWOQ bills itself as a place “where old world craftsmanship meets modern times.” All of its shoes, bags and belts are handcrafted in Burbank.

Colorado: Fashion designer Autumn Teneyl describes her line of feminine, bohemian ensembles as “eclectic chic.” Teneyl’s company manufacturers every garment in Colorado, and is committed to eco-friendly practices.

Connecticut: A childhood classic! Wiffle Ball continues to make its popular product in the Nutmeg State decades after inventor David Mullany created the ball after watching his 12-year-old son play baseball with a plastic golf ball and broomstick in their Fairfield backyard.

Delaware: We touted the ales produced by Dogfish Head on last year’s list, but they’re so tasty we’re including them again. The company continues to grow in popularity, so you can probably find a brew at a store near you.

D.C.: Beyonce is a fan of the chic-and-unique jewelry from Rachel Pfeffer Designs. Definitely a must for any Beyonce fan on your list — or anyone who likes fun jewelry. 

Florida: More than 900 employees help make North Venice-based Tervis drinkware products, which are designed to keep your hot drinks hot and your cold drinks cold. Tervis tumblers and other items are available at retailers across the country.

Georgia: These gifts are the bee’s knees! Athens-based Bee Natural’s “handcrafted, hand-signed beeswax Honeypot Luminary candleholders and lamps” are a great for anyone on your list. Or pick up some honey-based skin products from Savannah Bee Company that were recently touted by Southern Living.

Hawaii: Not all of us can head to warmer climates this holiday, but you can share a part of the islands by gifting an Aloha Shirt. Kahala is among the retailers that manufactures its shirts on the Hawaiian Islands.

Kahala’s “Shaping Room” shirt.

Idaho: Actress Alicia Silverstone is among the famous fans of skincare company Plum Hill, which offers lip balms, soaps, bath and body products, and even linen spray. Plum Hill’s gift and sampler sets should fit many on your list.

Illinois: Remember REVEAL, the unique photo frame we blogged about a few weeks back that is part of the effort to kick start local manufacturing in Chicago? The Kickstarter is still going, and by donating you’ll receive a frame (or several) that make perfect gifts.

Indiana: Designer Cinda Boomershine told us back in October that she was inspired to launch her handbag line after failing to find a travel bag that fit her on-the-go lifestyle. Her company, cinda b, employs about 125 Indiana workers and offers a variety of durable (and washable!) handbags, totes, travel bags and accessories.

Iowa: Scale Model Toys claims to be the “only major farm toy manufacturer actually assembling toys in the United States,” and sells agricultural-themed toys that will delight kids of all ages.

Kansas: Need something for that craftsman on your list? Wilde Tool founders Otto and Paul Froeschl invented their Original Angle Nose Pliers in the 1920s — and their product now the standard design for pliers around the world. Today, Wilde Tool offers a lifetime warranty on its wide variety of products.

Kentucky: It’s difficult to find Made in the USA bedding, but American Made Dorm is up to the challenge. The company launched in 2011 with the goal of selling high quality American-made bedding for college and boarding school students, but has expanded its line to include bedding for the home. Sister company Liz and Roo sells bedding for the nursery.

Louisiana: Actress Zooey Deschanel is among those who have donned a dress from jolie & elizabeth dress, which handcrafts all its garments in New Orleans. In French, Jolie means “Pretty” and Elizabeth translates “Promise” — and the company says its “Pretty Promise” is to continue to manufacture in Louisiana.

Party dresses from jolie & elizabeth.

Maine: Environmental sensitivity, human safety, and supporting local economies are among the pledges made by athletic apparel maker Atayne. The company’s running, biking, hiking and other gear is made from 100 percent recycled polyester, is free of chemicals and Made in the USA, from start to finish.

Maryland: Looking for a little spice this season? Gator Ron’s sauces and mixes are the perfect treat. The company’s Original Divine Bloody Mary Mix will add a flavor to that holiday brunch.

Massachusetts: The kids in your life will love a backpack from CBHStudio. The company’s backpacks, lunch totes and other accessories are sturdy and easy to clean.

Michigan: Unless you've been living under a rock, you know Shinola is transforming Detroit by manufacturing watches, leather goods, and even bicycles in the heart of the Motor City. Now the company is even going to make its watch dials in Detroit. The company’s watches are on the pricey side, but come with a limited lifetime guarantee.

Minnesota: St. Paul’s J.W. Hulme Co. says it’s been part of the Maker Movement since its launch in 1905. The company offers stylish leather goods for both men and women, and its never-out-of-style duffel bag makes the perfect gift. Like Shinola watches, the duffels are a bit expensive — but designed to last, with a lifetime guarantee.

J.W. Hulme Co.’s small duffle bag.

Mississippi: Send your friends and family a taste of the south with a gift basket from the Mississippi Gift Company, which offers a range of food and gifts from the Magnolia State.

Missouri: Songbird Essentials sells bird feeders, bird feeders and nesting boxes ideal for backyard bird watching. The company says 95 percent of its products are manufactured domestically.

Montana: The holidays typically require travel, and so does the new year as people set new resolutions. Make sure your soon-to-be traveler is prepared with a Red Oxx Safari-Beanos Bag.

Nebraska: For the budding athletes in your life, Bison makes basketball, volleyball, soccer, and football gear in Lincoln.

Nevada: What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but you can take the Made in Nevada Space Pen anywhere. The company’s pens — which write upside down! — were recently featured as part of the This Built America series.

New Hampshire: Who doesn’t enjoy bird watching? Make sure your bird watcher has the ultimate show with Duncraft’s Sky Cafe (no squirrels allowed!).

New Jersey: However you celebrate the holidays, chances are you’ll need some ice to keep your beverages cool. Mr. Ice Bucket is ideal for this task, and the company also sells wine accessories, all of which make great gifts.

New Mexico: Know someone who loved the show Breaking Bad? They’ll be sure to love this Los Pollos Hermanos T-shirt. You can also check out the entire Made in New Mexico site for gift ideas from the Land of Enchantment.

New York: While most top designers have shipped production overseas, Nanette Lepore remains committed to producing most of her contemporary label in Manhattan’s Garment District. Lepore’s garments are perfect for the fashionista on your list.

North Carolina: Socks make the best stocking stuffers, so be sure to add Farm to Feet socks to your holiday gift list. Along with being American-made, the socks are produced with 100 percent American-made materials.

Socks from Farm to Feet.

North Dakota: Add a statement piece to your summer dinnerware. Davy Pottery is one of only two full-time potters in North Dakota.

Ohio: Decades after Vitamix founder William G. “Papa” Barnard invented the infomercial to demonstrate the power of his new blender, the company is still producing its products in the United States (and with at least 70 percent American components). Perfect for the foodie on your list.

Oklahoma: Denim is always in style — and Round House is a go-to supplier for jeans and overalls for the entire family. Fun fact: The company launched in 1903, four years before Oklahoma became a state.

Oregon: For the special guy in your life, check out Portland’s Fieldworks Supply Company, which makes small-batch, hand-made shave and grooming products. The signature ingredient is Bentonite clay, which Fieldworks says is the “perfect carrier for our beneficial oils and plant extracts” and also “great at naturally drawing away grime.”

Pennsylvania: Everybody loves the Slinky! It’s the perfect gift for any age — from childhood to office life. The original Slinky is still manufactured at the company's 40-person Hollidaysburg plant.

Rhode Island: Right out of Santa’s workshop! Seven Acre Toys produces unique natural, wooden toys that are sure to delight the kiddos on your list.

South Carolina: Gifts for your pet from Paw Paws USA'Cause Lassie could use a little sass in her step. 

South Dakota: Jewelry is always a go-to gift, and All Black Hills Gold Jewelry has you covered. The perfection of detail requires that artists spend from one to eight hours creating a single piece. The exquisite tri-color gold jewelry is custom made in Rapid City.

Tennessee: It's time for toast! Jack Daniels is the oldest registered distillery in the United States. It’s not scotch.  It’s not whiskey.  It’s Jack. Cheers.

Texas:  Justin Boots has been making boots since 1879. The company says its products are "a salute to the spirit of independence, hard work, and honest-to-god authenticity of the people who pull on our boots everyday."

Utah: The messenger bags handcrafted by Ogden Made are ideal for carrying books, clothes, papers or anything else — and they're designed to last. The company notes: "We don't make bags with a useful life, we make bags that will be useful throughout your life."

Vermont:  "Stuffed with love" by a "Bear Crew" of about 170 year-round employees, Vermont Teddy Bears will delight anyone on your list.

The Vintage Christmas Bear.

Virginia: Employing organic farming and fair trade suppliers whenever possible, Valley Green Naturals produces soaps and more than 30 skin, hair and body care products free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens and petrochemicals.

Washington: Snowboarders Mike Olson and Pete Saari founded Mervin Manufacturing in 1977, and the company still builds snowboards and skateboards in Carlsborg.

West Virginia:  Blenko Glass has been in business since 1893 and is now considered is an American institution. Blenko's functional glassware, art glass, mouth blown sheet glass, dalle de verre and other  products all make for perfect gifts.

Wisconsin: Along with NFL titles, the most famous item from the Badger State is cheese, and you can find plenty of assortments. Oh, and by the way — the famous Cheesehead also is Made in Wisconsin.

Wyoming: Alexis Drake jewelry and accessories are handcrafted wearable artwork that couples the artist's western heritage with style, wearability, and simple elegance.

Taylor Garland and Meghan Sullivan contributed to this post.