Washington, D.C.— Are supply chain issues making it more difficult to find the perfect gifts for family and friends this holiday season? It’s time to buy American-made products to make your holidays bright and help create jobs here in the United States.
The Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) just released its eighth annual Made in America Holiday Gift Guide, highlighting more than 100 companies from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
“The guide seems especially valuable this year, as big box stores’ shelves are unusually bare due to supply chain issues and shortages of imported products,” said AAM President Scott Paul. “This crisis is a reminder about why it’s so important for our national and economic security that the United States is able to make stuff right here at home. Buying your holiday gifts from this guide is a good way to support companies doing the right thing – and show others they can make money manufacturing here at home, too.”
Shipping has been much more uncertain over the past year because of COVID-19, and, heading into this holiday season, retail experts are predicting more shipping delays because of product shortages.
“Locally sourced gifts can eliminate the stress over shipping, and all the gifts usually can be in your house within days,” said Paul. “Shopping locally also provides a learning opportunity for all of us as we discover amazing companies, right in our own backyard, we may have never heard about.
“By shopping Made in America this holiday season, you can help strengthen American manufacturing and support good factory jobs,” he said. “But best of all, these American-made gifts are just really cool products! We think there’s something for everyone on your list.”
AAM is also hosting a special Cyber Monday digital event with makers featured in this year’s gift guide, including Elizabeth Allen of Elizabeth Cotton, which makes its line of classic pajamas in New York, and Sukie Jefferson of Sukie’s Candle Co., which manufactures its non-toxic, vegan candles in Seattle. The event also will feature remarks from Mark Andol, founder of the Made in America Store. Click here to register.