Forgo the jumble of imports sold at most souvenir stalls for Made in USA goods that truly honor the place you visited.
You know the feeling; you’re home from your summer vacation and realize you regret not buying that one souvenir that could be welcome reminder of your adventure. Amazon’s sad scroll of cheap tchotckes is no susbstitute. How could a Made in China knicknack capture the sense of place that a locally made souvenirs offers?
Lucky for you, there’s a workaround: There are Made in America products available online that capture the same nostalgic energy you felt in gift shops left behind. Even better, these souvenirs support local workers.
Check out these Made in America souvenirs from the five U.S. cities most popular with tourists!
New York
As one of the world’s most visited cities, NYC is ready to deliver on souvenirs. But finding take-home treasure that celebrates local manufacturing takes some investigating.
While the Statue of Liberty is an iconic import, you can find replicas that are made right here though you probably won’t find them while perusing most of the Big Apple’s tourist shops. Here’s your shortcut: The official Statue of Liberty website has a curated collection of Made in USA products, whether you’re looking for a book, bust or plushie of Lady Liberty. Click on the Made in USA tab for all of these products or follow the link here.
Hopefully, you made it out to scenic Long Island on your trip, but if not, Tavern Puzzles can whisk you back to the early days of the city and America itself! Made locally by family-owned business Tucker-Jones House, Inc., these metal smithed 18th and 19th century-style puzzles are great for both entertainment and decor! Mechanical puzzles like these are not your standard cardboard cutouts, but metal components crafted into intricate solutions. A perfect vacation memory and pastime for the coming winter months.
If you’re looking for classic New York City souvenirs like bags, notebooks, stationery or apparel to show off this summer’s trip, then Maptote is the shop for you! Not only are the products manufactured in Brooklyn, but they also have additional merchandise highlighting over 50 different locations, including other cities on our list!
Miami
Miami’s diverse culture makes choosing only one souvenir difficult, so why not get exactly what you want with a personalized item from Left Coast? Left Coast sources materials from the United States and crafts it in their facility in Largo, Fla., just a few hours outside of Miami. Whether it’s keychains, home items or travel accessories, almost all products are customizable and bring that touch of Florida you’ve been missing.
Los Angeles
Just a half hour outside of Los Angeles, the iconic In-N-Out Burger was invented, but their burgers aren’t the only things Made in America! Some of In-N-Out’s merchandise is also manufactured domestically. Note that you’ll also find imported items on the iconic fast food joint’s website, but each item is clearly and individually labeled online. Be sure to look for Made in USA in the product information.
Known for their eclectic style, southern California has always been a hotspot for apparel shopping! Blue Platypus is a local brand that caters exactly to that taste! With styles giving nods to the best that 20th-century style has to offer, Blue Platypus is a great place to get a memorable wardrobe piece and bring relaxing California vibes home with you.
At the end of the day, not much can beat the smell of the salty air at the beach. No worries, black and woman-owned Sukie’s Candles is here for you! Hand poured in Southern California, these candles have scents for a cozy day at home, the nostalgia of time in the woods or will transport you back to those days on the beach.
Orlando
Orlando, Fla. is known as the “land of theme parks,” and there’s always a gift shop or two that you just can’t make it into. If you regret not getting that Disney shirt on your way out, Vintage Rare USA sources legitimate Made in America vintage clothing. At Vintage Rare USA, you’re buying high quality clothing, reducing waste and remembering your trip. Again, make sure to check product information carefully to ensure that the t-shirt you have your eye on is indeed labeled Made in USA. Each piece of clothing is checked for quality and thoroughly cleaned before being sent.
Las Vegas
What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but your souvenirs don’t have to! Bring the magic of Vegas home with cards from the United States Playing Card Company (USPCC), which makes its decks in Ohio and Kentucky. This parent company owns popular brands like Bicycle and Bee that will get you to card shark status in no time. There are plenty of different themes to choose from, so they’ll have the perfect one for you. Note that USPCC also has international factories, so check product information to make sure you’re scoring a Made in USA deck.
No game is complete without some poker chips, and though Chip Lab chips are Made in Colorado they capture the Vegas excitement. Not only are these chips Made in America, but they’re customizable. Whether your vacation was a special occasion with family and friends or a solo adventure, you can relive the magic of America’s Playground every time you play with these chips.
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.