Imagination Playground
Providence, Rhode Island
About Imagination Playground
When renowned architect David Rockwell designed life-size toy building blocks, he tapped a Rhode Island foam factory to bring his product to market in 2009. Children’s museums and play spaces around the country eagerly snapped up Imagination Playground’s Big Blue Blocks. But, in 2018, the company’s executives sought to lower prices by offshoring against Rockwell’s wishes, so that Rhode Island factory fought back. Now, they’re still going strong as a Made in USA company. Although much of Imagination Playground’s products are intended for wholesale, you can also find smaller blocks to purchase for your home’s playroom!
Intrism
Worthington, Ohio
About Intrism
Intrism is an American manufacturer of 3D wooden marble maze puzzles that you build, play, and display. The brand is dedicated to creating high-quality, fun, and challenging marble mazes that are perfect for families and individuals.
Based out of Columbus, Intrism supports our local economy by manufacturing all its products in the United States. “We believe in the value of American craftsmanship and are committed to producing products that are built to last,” said Intrism’s Farhan Zaveri.
K’NEX
Hatfield, Pennsylvania
About K’NEX
Since 1992, over 39 billion parts for the K’NEX building toy system have been made in the United States. K’NEX rods and connectors are manufactured at an eco-friendly manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. The company prides itself on connecting science, technology, engineering, arts, and math with imagination.
Kaleidoscopes to You
Manly, Iowa
About Kaleidoscopes to You
In 1982, Kaleidoscopes to You was created and started making kaleidoscopes out of stained glass. They had a few store locations, one in the Mall of America, but in 1998 they made a company decisions to sell their kaleidoscopes only online. All of their kaleidoscopes vary in size, price, and dimensions, but are all made by a skilled artisan. Be sure to check labels, though, as the website does sell kaleidoscopes made elsewhere.
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Liberty Puzzles
Boulder, Colorado
About Liberty Puzzles
For the past 20 years, Liberty Puzzles in Boulder has been designing, manufacturing, and distributing heirloom-quality wooden jigsaw puzzles. Born out of a family’s bonding over the challenges of connecting the pieces, Liberty Puzzles are designed to bring the intricacy, craftsmanship and beauty of classic wooden jigsaw puzzles to both children and adults alike.
Little Tikes
Hudson, Ohio
About Little Tikes
This is one of those that require checking the country of origin label, as not everything made by Little Tikes is Made in USA. But the childhood mainstay continues to make many of its products at its factory in Ohio, including the legendary Cozy Coupe, and has a special section on its website dedicated to its American-made offerings.
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Lowercase Toys
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
About Lowercase Toys
Brenna Davis started her career as a speech language pathologist. During sessions with her clients, she noticed that parents were often unsure how to best support their children’s progress. She decided to create her own toys for her sessions that were simple and encouraged open-ended play. The toys were a huge hit, helping her clients develop their speech language skills. They worked so well that Brenna decided to start her own company making and selling them. Lowercase Toys sells felt toys made of materials from recycled water bottles. They’re designed to help with development by encouraging kids to explore different ways to play with them. And all the toys are made in Milwaukee, Wisconsin!
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Luke’s Toy Factory
Danbury, Connecticut
About Luke’s Toy Factory
Luke’s Toy Factory is a winner of Learning Magazine’s Teachers’ Choice Award in the preschool category for its line of eco-friendly toy trucks! The company specializes in turning things like walnut shells, maple sawdust and coconut shells into toy fire engines, construction vehicles and garbage trucks that can be disassembled, like a 3D puzzle. All of the company’s products are made in Connecticut using sustainable materials from American manufacturers and vendors. You can find the company’s products on their website or at retailers like Target.
Made In The U.S.A. General Store
Branson, Missouri
About Made In The U.S.A. General Store
The Made In The U.S.A. General Store in Branson sells everything from toys to tools, including big-name products like Tervis and Lodge. Everything for sale in the 6,000 square foot space is American-made, and as its name implies, the outlet is reminiscent of a friendly, old school general store rather than the sterile big box stores that dominate the retail landscape today. Be sure to stop by when you are in Branson.