It’s gonna be a big one. If you’ve got gonna display your patriotism, make sure it’s American-made.
The 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding is only a few weeks away! It’s gonna be a bigger party than usual. So we’ve compiled a list of essentials for a celebration of the Land of the Free (and Home of the Brave). From patriotic apparel to an All-American barbecue, our curated list has everything you need to mark Independence Day in style. And, to support domestic manufacturers and workers, everything on our list is Made in America.
Barbecue Must-Haves
More than any day of the year, the Fourth of July calls for a barbecue. While I won’t digress into the best way to smoke meat, these Made in America products will ensure that your cookout is a a star-spangled success.
When choosing an outdoor grill, Americana Grills consistently impresses with quality craftsmanship at an affordable price point. Known as the “Home of the Original Square Grill,” this Tennessee-based manufacturer has been a family favorite for more than 60 years. Ranging from charcoal and electric grills to smokers, Americana Grills makes it easy to find a model suitable for every skill level.
If you’re looking for a gas grill, you can’t go wrong with Modern Home Products, which invented the first gas grill in 1960 in Antioch, Ill. Check out their online grill quiz to find out what’s best product for your cookout.
Not sure what barbecue flavors everyone prefers? Don’t sweat it. Blues Hog makes sauce and rub variety packs spanning nearly 20 award-winning flavors to appease even the pickiest eaters. Made in Washington, Mo., all products are made with natural ingredients that have won more awards than any other sauces on the market!
When it comes to grilling supplies, Liberty Tabletop in Sherill, N.Y. is the only domestic manufacturer of stainless-steel flatware. Their Premiere 20” 3-Piece Barbecue Set includes a stainless steel 15” two-tine fork, 20” slotted turner, 20” BBQ tongs and a lifetime warranty to withstand any grill.
Cups and Coolers
Stay cool while sipping from a patriotic tumbler or water bottle from Tervis. Manufactured in Florida, Tervis cups keep your drink cool in hot, humid weather. While they have an entire America250 collection, my favorites are the America250 All Over water bottle and the Patriot’s Best Friend tumbler. (Dog lovers, you’ll thank me later) Both products are double-wall insulated and have a lifetime guarantee to ensure that they will survive any holiday celebration. While Tervis has an amazing Made in the USA collection, it’s important to note that some other products, especially those containing steel, are not American-made.
To store beverages through the summer heat, Grizzly’s We The People hard cooler keeps drinks cool while nodding back to our nation’s founding document. Proudly made in Decorah, Iowa, this 20-quart cooler fits two dozen 12 oz cans with five pounds of ice and is equipped with a lifetime warranty. Its construction is resistant to rot, dents and leaks.
For a soft cooler instead, Tennessee-made AO Coolers has the Expedition Canvas Can Cooler. Available in various sizes and in 10 bold colors, this thing will hold ice for 24 hours in 100-degree heat. What makes this even more of a great buy is the lifetime warranty on the inside liner and top zipper.
Lounging
For taking a seat while watching fireworks, The Patriot Classic Chair from Lawn Chair USA is sure to match the red, white and blue displays. Made in South Florida, its rust-free and UV-resistant craftmanship can endure any weather.
Apparel
For cooler evenings watching firework displays, it doesn’t get more patriotic than Whalerknits’ Bristol American Flag Sweater. Made to order in Fall River, Mass., this sweater is 100% cotton and produced by an eight-generation family-owned company.
Want to rep the flag on more than just a tote bag? Flag Shirt’s Mens Patriotic Classic Polo Shirt is clean cut, moisture-wicking, and its classic look makes it wearable year-round. The company operates out of Sunrise, Fla., and if you make a purchase, don’t be surprised to receive a thank you call from the owner, Stephen Stern!
To keep the sun out of your eyes or just prefer the look of a baseball cap, the Official America 250 Logo Baseball Hat is American- and union-made.
Another great cap option is Sandlot Goods’ Made in USA Arch Dad Hat. While many manufacturing and sourcing materials are often hidden online, this hat proudly boasts its domestic origins.
Sunglasses are a summer staple, and Randolph Eyewear handcrafts sunglasses in Massachusetts that are built to last. A longtime military contractor, the company’s style has made a lasting impact on civilian- and military-grade eyewear. One of the company’s best-sellers, the Randolph Military Aviator, has been worn by military pilots for over 50 years.
I for one, love to spend the Fourth of July on the water, but running in and out of the bay does a number on my everyday sandals. Thankfully, Okabashi makes waterproof and machine-washable flip flops that manage to be both stylish and comfortable. My favorites include the Shoreline Slim Women’s Flip Flops and Surf Men’s Flip Flips. All Okabashi flip flops are also slip-resistant, vegan, cruelty-free, 100% recyclable and have a 2-year quality guarantee.
Misc.
If your furry friends are joining in on holiday festivities, Cycle Dog has patriotic toys, leashes, collars, harnesses and travel bowls.
For those celebrating at the dinner table, look no further than The Fiesta Tableware Company’s Americana Collection. Ranging from bowls, plates, mugs and glasses made in West Virginia.
Popular among veterans, law enforcement and government entities are challenge coins that bear the insignias of specific organizations. The U.S.A. 250th Anniversary Challenge Coin is such a collectible that celebrates our nation’s heritage. While it’s minted at the oldest private mint in the US, other items on their website may not be American-made, so be sure to check item descriptions before purchasing.
American Flags
The Fourth of July would not be complete without our nation’s flag on display, and flag makers are expecting a record-breaking year for production.
The Valley Forge Flag Company, one of the oldest flag manufacturers in the country, produces flags across South Carolina and Wyomissing, Pa. While the brand does not sell directly to consumers, their flags can be found at most major retailers across the country, including Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s and Walmart.
On the other hand, Valley Forge owns Elizabeth Ross, which produces luxury flags that are directly available to consumers online. Available in a variety of sizes and styles for indoor and outdoor use, Elizabeth Ross produces what are widely considered to be the highest base-grade flags.
Check out our recent profile of Valley Forge Flag (and Elizabeth Ross) here.
Annin Flagmakers, meanwhile, has been in business since 1847 and its flags have been at events from Abraham Lincoln’s presidential inauguration to the American bicentennial in 1976. Annin manufactures in Ohio and Virginia, and has released an America250 flag line for specialty orders. FYI: Similar to Valley Forge, They don’t sell directly to consumers, but rather through a line of local retailers in each state.
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.