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The words “made in America” convey far more than the mere origin of an item, and speak to an overall level of quality and craftsmanship that harkens back to the country’s pre-industrial revolution days when small-batch production and hand-worked goods were the status quo. While they typically come at a higher price, USA-made offerings are bestowed with greater attention to detail and often employ materials and constructions of the more high-end variety.
This not only makes for markedly more durable, long-lasting products, but it also enables American-made items to make for exceptional gifts, knowing they’re backed by a level of quality that will ensure that they stand up to years of prolonged use. Though US-made goods comprise only a very small portion of garments and gear, there’s nonetheless an enormous array of items manufactured in the States. And with the holiday season just around the corner, we thought we’d take the time to unpack our picks for the best American-made gifts for the patriot on your shopping list.
Leatherman FREE K2
Constructed from hardwearing 420HC stainless steel, the Leatherman FREE K2 is a pocketable 4.5” multi-tool that’s light in weight and heavy on features and functionality, with a suite of eight tools, including a locking drop-point blade.
Field Notes United States Of Letterpress
Field Note’s Fall 2020 quarterly drop, this three-pack of 3.5” x 5.5” 48-page EDC notebooks celebrates nine independent letterpress shops around the US that still utilize old-world printing techniques.
Smithey Ironware Co. Chain Mail Scrubber
An essential kitchen cleaning tool inspired by medieval armor, this stainless steel-constructed chain mail scrubber adds a dose of fun and style to your sink while still affording plenty of utility.
Magpul DAKA Everyday Wallet
Backed by the same rugged construction as the company’s military products, Magpul’s DAKA EDC Wallet is a durable low-profile item composed of a polymer-infused textile that’s manufactured using welded seams.
Good + Well Supply Co. Theodore Roosevelt Candle
Produced in small batches by hand in Seattle, this masculine-scented candle offers roughly 80 hours of burn time, is 100% vegan friendly, and sports a USA-grown balsa wood wick.
HELLA No. 4 Slingshot
The ultimate tool for unleashing your inner child, this HELLA slingshot is made by hand in San Francisco from natural latex bands mated to hand-selected walnut forked tree branches.
Buck Mason Slub Classic Pocket Tee
Available in four color options, this pre-shrunken Buck Mason t-shirt is inspired by vintage 1970’s garments and is cut from a breathable, lightly textured slub cotton.
D*Face Zippo Lighter
This classic American-made windproof Zippo lighter has been completely adorned in the idiosyncratic pop-art-inspired street art of London-born graffiti icon and designer, D*Face.
Standard Issue 1942 WWII Class A Comb
Inspired by the standard-issue item utilized by American soldiers in WW2, this EDC comb is made by hand in Boise, Idaho using a Missouri-sourced leather and brass construction.
Craighill Desk Knife
Milled in Wisconsin before being finish in New York City, this 5.25”-long stainless steel construction desk knife was inspired by the traditional Japanese Kiridashi knife.
Nash Motorcycle Nash Hammer
This handmade hammer is the work of Washington-based bespoke bike building outfit Nash Motorcycles and features a hickory handle and a 22oz stainless steel or aluminum bronze head.
Tactile Turn Standard Bolt Action Pen
Precision-machined from top-shelf titanium, this Texas-made writing instrument features a unique bolt-action deployment, accepts Pilot G2 cartridges, and is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Birdwell 405 Limited Edition Tropical Mission Board Shorts
This ultra-durable pair of board shorts is hand-cut and sewn in Southern California and features mil-spec black metal oxide grommets, triple-stitched seams, and a “SurfStretch” ripstop cotton construction.
Dango M2 Maverick Wallet
Built around a CNC-machined 6061 aluminum chassis, this RFID-blocking wallet boasts mil-spec bolts, hand-polished nickel plating, room for up to ten cards, and an elegant full-grain leather cover.
Rexford Rut V4 Ti Utility Tool
Despite only being 3.5” x 0.9” in size, this ultra-compact EDC tool boasts numerous integrated tools, a heat-anodized titanium finish, and is protected by a lifetime warranty.
Ka-Bar State & Union Straight Razor
Honoring the early days of Ka-Bar when the company operated under the State & Union banner, this 1095 Cro-Van steel and Micarta straight razor is modeled after the company’s items from the late 1800s.
Flint and Tinder Flannel-lined Waxed Trucker Jacket
Made in Los Angles, this trucker jacket puts a subtle yet hardwearing spin on the timeless clothing staple with a (New Jersey-sourced) waxed and weather-resistant Martexin 7oz sailcloth construction offered in eight colors.
The James Brand Hell Gap Knife
A classic American fixed-blade knife design made from modern materials, this 7.8” blade boasts a 3.8” CPM-S35VN blade paired with hand-worked Micarta scales.
Danner Mountain Pass Boots
Winter boots always make for fantastic holiday gifts, and this pair from Danner is sure to keep feet dry and toasty thanks to genuine full-grain leather uppers supplemented via a full GORE-TEX liner.
Mission Workshop Rhake VX Backpack
This ultra-premium weatherproof laptop backpack is made from dual-layer VX-21 diamond ripstop fabric and sports Fidlock magnetic buckles, a bevy of organizers, and Arkiv rail-equipped shoulder straps, amongst numerous other highlights.
Fender American Professional II Stratocaster
The latest six-stringed release from the legendary American instrument maker, this American-made guitar is outfitted with a trio of V-Mod II single-coil Stratocaster pickups, and a top-shelf 2-Point Tremolo with a cold-rolled steel block.
The 60 Best Pieces Of American-Made Gear
Interested in checking out an even wider array of goods, gadgets, and garments manufactured in the States? Then be sure to check out our guide to the best pieces of American-made gear for several dozen of our favorite home-grown items.
