Out of Chaos an organizing newsletter

Amanda’s 10th Annual                Made-in-the-USA Gift Guide

Last week I urged you to give experiences and support the arts in lieu of gifts this year, and while I know it’s nice to have a few things to wrap and stick under the tree, it doesn’t mean we have to surrender to Amazon. One way to make your dollars count is to support neighborhood stores and help small businesses survive by shopping local. You can also support the economy by buying goods made right here in the USA.  I’ve been squirreling away ideas for this newsletter all year, without ever leaving my chair, and for better or for worse, you can buy them that way too.

I never knew that my fabulous jadeite cake stand (a gift from my husband) was made in the USA. Turns out Mosser Glassware has been making glass in Ohio for over 50 years. I could go nuts with the hobnail, vintage-y glasses but these nesting bowls are cool and modern looking.

For some reason, despite all my efforts to not get catalogs in the mail, I received one from the Vermont Country Store recently. It’s full of made in the USA things, including some very funny items that will make perfect stocking-stuffers. They have both Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific shampoo, which brings me right back to 1975, and Tangee, a lipstick my mother used to tell me about, but I had no idea still existed, much less was made in the USA. If you prefer organic skin care, check out Naturally Susan’s artisanal products, made in New York City.

The Japanese fabrics are what make Blade + Blue’s shirts unique. Made in the Bay area, I even got a hand-signed card with my order last year. They’re serious about responsible sourcing and excellent craftsmanship, and I love that.

Last year my husband bought me some yoga leggings from Yoga Democracy, and I love them so much that when he asked if I wanted another pair for my birthday this year, I said, “yes, please.” They’re made in Arizona from recycled materials.

I don’t know about you, but after the year we’ve had, I feel like I need super powers. I’m pretty sure Amber Poitier’s leather cuff would make me feel like Wonder Woman. Her jewelry is super-light, super-cool and made in New York City.

My husband would want Guittard’s Nonpareils just for the green tin they come in, and who doesn’t love a nonpareil? Made in California since 1899.

Apparently, since “The Queens Gambit” has been such a hit, the only chess set you can find this holiday season is a chocolate one from Li-Lac, Manhattan’s oldest chocolate house.

Don’t overdo it. Make your gifts meaningful, but have a little fun—you deserve it. To quote Auntie Mame, “We need a little Christmas!” (and Chanukah! and Kwanza!).