Let Everybody Know Where You’re From with American-made State Keepsakes
Totes! from Maptote. | Courtesy Maptote
Lots of state-themed gift shop accoutrements are imported. Not these options.
Pop in any nearby gift store and you’re sure to find a host of merch flaunting the state you’re in. State pride is serious business, and it can be fun to buy a memento of a state you’ve lived in or visited. But too often these products aren’t even made in the United States! If you want to support American manufacturers with your purchase of a state-themed keepsake, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re looking for something to represent a trip you’ve taken or just want to flaunt some pride for your home state, here are seven Made in USA companies with state-themed options.
Maptote
Want to get in on the tote bag craze? Then you’ll love Maptote. The company is run by a husband-and-wife duo. Michael Berick has a background in cartography, while Rachel Rheingold has a degree in fashion design. The combination of their passions has resulted in Maptote, which sells tote bags with highly detailed maps of different places. Each bag is sewn in Brooklyn, New York from U.S.-sourced cotton. You’ll find bags representing places across the country, from Cape Cod and Nashville to Colorado and Seattle and beyond. You’ll even find options for international cities. These bags are a fun and functional way to show off a favorite place.
Be sure to check out our podcast episode featuring Maptote coming out on Monday, March 23! (And keep in mind that Maptote sells other accessories on its website that may not be USA-made; always check labels!)
Found Image Press
If you’ve ever seen a fun vintage design on a magnet or a postcard, you’ve probably seen a Found Image Press product. This is a gift shop staple. Founded by a husband-and-wife duo in San Diego, Found Image prints all its products in the United States. Although wholesale is the company’s specialty, you can also shop at Found Image’s website directly. It’s got a large catalog with many themes, with a huge collection of regional images. Each design is available as a postcard, magnet, greeting card or art print. A great way to adorn your home with state pride or share it with someone else!
Courtesy True South Puzzle Company
True South Puzzle Co and White Mountain Puzzles
This is a two-in-one, since both True South Puzzle Company and White Mountain Puzzles offer a variety of puzzles themed around U.S. states. What’s different is their style. True South works with independent artists to create their designs. Each puzzle is generally centered around one image and is usually 500 pieces. White Mountain, on the other hand, is known for their collages of many different images. You’ll find options featuring many eclectic signs, license plates and more. Each White Mountain puzzle is usually 1000 pieces. What both companies have in common is that they’re 100% USA-made. True South is based in Nashville and manufactures in Indiana, while White Mountain is based in New Hampshire and manufactures in Massachusetts and Indiana.
For more info on True South Puzzle Company, be sure to check out our blog featuring True South’s founder, Susan Taylor!
Sandlot Goods
Calling all sports fans! If you want a hat with your state or city on it that also subtly shows off your love for your favorite sports team, you have to check out Sandlot Goods. Its large collection of hats is simple but includes many options with various team colors. You will also officially find a licensed one, especially if you’re a fan of a university that’s near Sandlot’s home base in Kansas City, Missouri. Sandlot is committed to making each hat here in the United States — read more about its story in these blog posts! (Only Sandlot Goods’ hats are USA-made. Always check labels!)
Courtesy Oxford Pennant
Oxford Pennant
Want a more unique decor choice? A pennant flag is a cool choice. It’s a classic decoration that gives any space a preppy Americana feel. Oxford Pennant is reviving pennant manufacturing in the United States from Buffalo, New York. There are many different designs of pennants, flags and banners to choose from, including pop culture collaborations with Hamilton, Fall Out Boy and more. But today we’re focusing on state-themed gear, and Oxford Pennant sells a flag for each state with a special design. Pick out one from your state or collect one for each state you’ve been to! Check out our podcast episodes featuring Oxford Pennant here! (Oxford Pennant also sells state patches that may not be USA-made; check labels!)
North Drinkware
This last choice is far more unique. You won’t find anything with a state’s name on it from North Drinkware. Instead, you’ll find glasses with accurate 3D models of mountains molded into the base. You can browse the website by state or by mountain — options range from California’s Mt. Shasta to New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington. Each North Drinkware glass is handblown in Oregon, and each part is 100% USA-made. For anyone who loves the outdoors or just wants to highlight the natural beauty of their home state, North Drinkware might be the perfect choice.
The Alliance for American Manufacturing does not receive a commission from purchases made through the above links, nor was the organization or author paid for favorable coverage.
Labeling Note: This story is intended to highlight companies that support American jobs and that make great products in the United States. We rely on the companies listed to provide accurate information regarding their domestic operations and their products. Each company featured is individually responsible for labeling and advertising their products according to applicable standards, such as the Federal Trade Commission’s “Made in USA” standard or California’s “Made in USA” labeling law. We do not review individual products for compliance or claim that because a company is listed in the guide that their products comply with specific labeling or advertising standards. Our focus is on supporting companies that create American jobs.
For more on the Federal Trade Commission’s standards for “Made in USA” claims and California’s “Made in USA” labeling law, please also read this guest post by Dustin Painter and Kristi Wolff of Kelly Drye & Warren, LLP.
