Out of Chaos an organizing newsletter
Amanda’s 11th Annual Made-in-the-USA Holiday Gift Guide
Despite the articles I’ve read in the New York Times on the end of shopping, I know you (and myself) better than that. Here’s this year’s gift guide to try to put our shopping dollars into the hands of local artisans and businesses committed to trying to keep manufacturing alive, here in the USA.
A few days ago, while strolling through the Columbus Circle Market, I met Kate T. Williamson, whose company, This Night makes beautiful socks inspired by her time living in Japan, and manufactured in Catawba County, NC. As a child, didn’t think socks were such a great Christmas gift, but now I love both to give and receive them. The great thing about socks is that you always need them, and even the most straight-laced among us can be playful from the ankle down.
Another American-made clothing brand I’ve discovered this year is Dapper Classics. More stylish than Brooks Brothers, this father-son business has committed to manufacturing in the USA, offering socks from North Carolina, shirts from New England and ties and trousers from New York City—all indeed, quite dapper.
Have I mentioned how much I love the Preserve colanders my husband gave me for my birthday? Eco-friendly, great design and made in the USA. While I was hunting for my colanders, I discovered Architec, a company that makes eco-friendly serving bowls in a zero-waste facility in Minnesota. I can’t decide whether I like the red or the marbleized style better, but luckily I have more than one chef on my list.
In all the years I’ve been compiling this guide I’ve never been able to include a friend’s business before, but this year my friend, Hilary Snell, has turned her hobby into a career, selling her beautiful mittens and cunning miniature-sweater ornaments at LockwoodKnits on Etsy. Not only are Hilary’s wares American made, they’re made right here in Inwood!
And what holiday is complete without a little chocolate? On my tour through the Columbus Street Market I met Daniel Joseph Corpuz, who is about to be a big star now that “School of Chocolate,” a cooking-contest show he competed in, has dropped on Netflix. I haven’t watched the show yet, but whether he wins or loses, I can tell you his chocolates are delicious works of art and, unlike other artistic chocolatiers I’ve met over the years, Daniel isn’t from Brooklyn—he’s from Staten Island!
Whoever is on your list this year, try to keep it local, keep it meaningful, keep it practical, and remember the best gifts are those that can be shared and disappear—like chocolate!