Made in America Christmas Gifts
As we continue to try to claw our ways out of a bad economy, more and more American's are considering ways to single-handedly stimulate the economy. Many are latching on to a World News with Diane Sawyer news report that states, "The average American will spend $700 on holiday gifts and goodies this year, totaling more than $465 billion... If that money was spent entirely on US made products it would create 4.6 million jobs... If each of us spent just $64 on American made goods during our holiday shopping, the result would be 200,000 new jobs."
TAP, an organization that stands for Tolerance, Americanism and Patriotism, asks Americans to make a pledge to buy American Made goods. They encourage us to "Make an effort to buy goods made in America. The country and jobs we save will be our own. A list of companies that manufacture in America can be found here ." Some items you may already recognize that are promoted by TAP, include Craftsman Tools, Bag Depot, Lehman's, Made In Vermont, and Union Jean & Apparel Co.
In addition to these items, here are some additional steps you can take to buy American this Christmas:
Think local services this Christmas. Gym memberships, a housekeeper for the day, or a gift certificate to a local restaurant certainly helps local business.
Consider home grown items. You can purchase a real Christmas tree, which is always American made, and visit the farmers' Market for canned jams, jellies, and breads.
Enjoy events together. Instead of buying your grandchildren a new computer game, spend the money on tickets to a ballgame, the golf course, a show, or an amusement park. Your time is much more valuable than anything you can buy them, you will be using local services.
Even if you feel toys are a must, there are some popular items that are American Made. Little Tikes, and Slinky are made in America. K'NEX building sets and Little Colorado furniture and playhouses will keep them busy for hours. L.L. Bean is great for clothing items and camping gear, and Highlights for Children will keep them reading all year long.
As a wife and mother of teens, I have a few American made items on my own Christmas list. Keurig, while it has a Dutch name, is an American company, in Reading MA. My husband's wish for this single serve coffee machine will be granted. It will be a little more difficult for my teens who covet all things electronic. But they will also receive tickets to shows or events their choice.
The list of items you can purchase American Made is endless. Check out http://www.americansworking.com/ for more made in America Products you can purchase as Christmas gifts.
TAP, an organization that stands for Tolerance, Americanism and Patriotism, asks Americans to make a pledge to buy American Made goods. They encourage us to "Make an effort to buy goods made in America. The country and jobs we save will be our own. A list of companies that manufacture in America can be found here ." Some items you may already recognize that are promoted by TAP, include Craftsman Tools, Bag Depot, Lehman's, Made In Vermont, and Union Jean & Apparel Co.
In addition to these items, here are some additional steps you can take to buy American this Christmas:
Think local services this Christmas. Gym memberships, a housekeeper for the day, or a gift certificate to a local restaurant certainly helps local business.
Consider home grown items. You can purchase a real Christmas tree, which is always American made, and visit the farmers' Market for canned jams, jellies, and breads.
Enjoy events together. Instead of buying your grandchildren a new computer game, spend the money on tickets to a ballgame, the golf course, a show, or an amusement park. Your time is much more valuable than anything you can buy them, you will be using local services.
Even if you feel toys are a must, there are some popular items that are American Made. Little Tikes, and Slinky are made in America. K'NEX building sets and Little Colorado furniture and playhouses will keep them busy for hours. L.L. Bean is great for clothing items and camping gear, and Highlights for Children will keep them reading all year long.
As a wife and mother of teens, I have a few American made items on my own Christmas list. Keurig, while it has a Dutch name, is an American company, in Reading MA. My husband's wish for this single serve coffee machine will be granted. It will be a little more difficult for my teens who covet all things electronic. But they will also receive tickets to shows or events their choice.
The list of items you can purchase American Made is endless. Check out http://www.americansworking.com/ for more made in America Products you can purchase as Christmas gifts.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.
Published by A. Hermitt
Andrea Hermitt is an artist by nature and an educator by necessity. As a homeschooling mom of 10 years, she stays current in all things educational, and cutting edge to help her homeschool her children, and... View profile
- Enjoy Shopping for Unique Christmas Gifts in Fairfax County, VirginiaHoliday shopping can be relaxing and enjoyable. Surprise loved ones with educational, edible, or environmental gifts from local historic sites in Fairfax County, Virginia.
- Top 5 American Made Hybrids Under $30,000American made hybrids are beginning to gather momentum will this be a trend or the wave of the future.
- Safe Toys for Girls this Holiday: Gifts Not Made in China Although the recalls of Chinese-made toys are scary and might be frustrating, you can find toys and fun items for girls that are safe to play with. Just use your imagination so your children can use theirs!
American-Made ---- or NotI decided to check my house to see what I have that is American-made. Most of my furniture is made here. However, most appliances are not, and many cannot be replaced because th...- American Made Christmas Gifts for ToddlersA partial listing of catalog sites that sell delightful Made in the USA toys for toddlers
- American Made Christmas Tree Ornaments
- A Made in America Christmas in the Season of Sharing
- Five Christmas Gifts to Save America's Economy
- Christmas Made in the USA
- Christmas Toys for Children, Not Made in China
- A Guide to Practical and Affordable Christmas Gifts
- Unusual Christmas Gifts that They will Remember
9 Comments
Post a CommentWell written article with great job Laura Everly
Great article, it links a site where you can get a listing of products or firms that do made in America, take a look. If people want jobs to do well then firms that actually have jobs in the States, and more importantly, the products they sell should be the focus of the Statian dollar.
http://voices.yahoo.com/occupy-wall-street-has-created-global-movement-of-10291449.html?cat=3
Excellent article! Today people are buying like new items at thrift stores. I have the best clothes,Sag Harbor,Coldwater Creek, designer purses, and all from the thrift stores!
What a great effor this will be. Very enlightening article. I think we should all follow!!!!
L L Bean? Unfortunately most of their products are now produced outside the USA, too. *sigh* You still need to read the labels closely on everything.
I like the idea of giving certificates for local businesses or restaurants, tickets to performances, and such. Making/baking gifts is nice, too, if you're talented, or giving local products, especially if you're in a region that has a specialty - wine, fruit, candies, decorative items ...
Most of my Christmas presents were at the Salvation Army thrift store where I vollunteer. Even if these items were not made in America, at least the companies and countries that made them are not getting the money - that money is going to help the needy right here in our country. NEW items - some with the tags still on them (one sweater was marked $42!) and lots of gift quality books.
Used to go through catalogs - but when you call the companies and ask where the items were made, you find that most are made in China or some other country. No. thanks. Did buy two items from L.L. Bean - "Made in America"!!! Want to buy athletic shoes? Only ONE company in the USA - New Balance.
Of course, I am one of those who puts on her glasses and checks the tags in stores - gotta read the very fine print to see where most things are made.
I knew this would be a very short list.
I would like to see more American made products on the shelfs because I would rather
pay more so I wouldn't have to buy something made from China, but its really hard to find
something made here any more.
Great tips! This was just what I was looking for.