So, how did you do on Black Friday? If you don’t have all of your gift giving wrapped up yet, I’ve got a few ideas for you this week. One of the perks of my job is rubbing elbows with companies and lots of smart people who have such great ideas to share, including great gift ideas.
Small Business Saturday, which follows Black Friday, was created to celebrate small businesses across the country, encourage shoppers to spend locally, and is the perfect time to feature American-made gifts. So check your list twice this year and see if you can #ShopSmall and buy #MadeInUSA.
Gifts Made in America
Once Upon a Time Creations is located in Malvern, PA, and transforms your gently worn clothing into cherished keepsakes, like pillows, ornaments, loveys, and memory quilts made from T-shirts or other clothing. What a great way to preserve memories, reduce clutter, and showcase something that you can enjoy every day!
I never thought I’d put this on the top of my list, but after winning a KitchenAid stand mixer
last year, I’ve become hooked on this American made classic.
Here’s another product I had no idea is American made: Maglite
. Every house needs at least one.
I was thrilled when the Association of Personal Photo Organizers (APPO) chose to source the beautiful LegacyBox here at home. It holds over 2,400 photos in using 10 separate compartments and an over-sized enveloped, all in and acid-free and lignin-free environment, perfect for long-term in-home archival. You can order one directly from me, and even add on photo organizing services if you’d like.
Just yesterday, someone in the stores was admiring my Tote Buddy, which organizes my re-usable shopping bags. Have you seen how clever this is? (Sorry, this giveaway is long over, but this information is still relevant.)
Need a stocking stuffer? O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Cream 
is perfect for anyone you know who uses their hands. Um, that would be all of us. I put it on every time I leave the house during the winter.
I am smitten with this goop. Then I learned it’s on #21 on the Amazon Home improvement list, and #4 in HBA Hand cream and lotions. Here’s why:
- Absolutely Odorless
- Non- greasy
- Hypoallergenic
- Guaranteed Relief in Days
- Safe for people with Diabetes
- Made in the USA
Looking for something guaranteed to be unique and inspiring, by definition? Then check out this powerful artist right here in our region. I’ve been watching her career for the past few years, and she inspires me!
http://moniquekendikiansarkessian.com/ http://www.pinterest.com/moniqueksarkess/my-artwork-portfolio/
I don’t get to talk fashion very often here on the organizing blog, but I just love the fresh retro fashions (is that a thing?) from ModCloth. New Vintage. Mid century modern. This picture doesn’t do them justice. Super cute dresses for every day, shoes, fashion accessories and even decor for the home. And unlike some sites, you can easily tell which items are imported and which are made in the USA (not all are, I’ll be honest, although the company founders are from Pittsburgh). Let me know what you think.
There’s LOTS more where those ideas came from, of course. So many amazing businesses fall into the Made in USA category, Shop Small category, or both. Whenever I’m in the mood, I spend time skimming my two favorite sources on made in USA goods. You can always find something interesting, useful, whimsical, or new at both of these great sites:
Be sure to follow along this week to get all the goods on this year’s gift guides as they are released:
Gifts inspired by Giving Tuesday
Gifts that Aren’t Clutter
Gifts Anyone Can Make (And Be Proud Of)
And see if inspiration hits you from our previous list of 50+ Gifts that Aren’t Clutter.
The FTC wants me to keep this all above board and let you know there are affiliate links in this post, but that just means I’ve made it easier for you to click and buy those items that catch your fancy. None of these companies have approached me to hawk their goods. I only take the time to write about awesome stuff that I genuinely love so that you can love it, too.
