Made in America Challenge

[HarlansHollowFarms]

Well, so far I have got Fiesta Ware, Kitchenaid, Buck knife, and All Clad (be careful, Emerilware is made in China for All Clad, and some of the accessory items are too).

Last year I started getting our kids ( in their 30's) gifts that will last them a lifetime. So now on Christmas and birthdays I purchase one thing for their collections (some of the dinner and cookware are expensive), but I can do one piece at a time!

 

[mandelyn]

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Extra money? The furniture market here as tanked and I can get a great quality piece of oak for the same or less than the brand new, right-off-the-boat counter part made of soft wood or fiberboard.

I've been busy swapping out furniture for Antiques... they'll at least hold their value and last forever. I've been getting 6 drawer high boy dressers already refinished for $80-$100 at auction.

We got this really cool Walnut piece from the 1800's, lower cabinet has a ton of storage, upper part has a filing system inside. $350! 15 years ago, that piece would have been a lot more.

We buy American when we can, no challenge needed. More often than not though we buy used. Electronics is the hardest part.

 

[HarlansHollowFarms]

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Foreign does not = not an American, many are citizens. Also, many are correspondents from other countries, reporting on World News!

Lets not start arguments, lets put America back to work! Buy American Made!

 

[peepacheep]

Great idea! Thank-you for posting this. Our Christmas gifts this year will be mostly hand knit and home canned. This is a wonderful reason to support the local chocolate maker!

 

[HarlansHollowFarms]

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Oh yea....got to love the local chocolate!

And it is good for you!

 

[Frogdogtimestwo]

I just received a Pampered chef order and made sure all products I purchased were made in the USA (many of their items are not) 60.00 worth. Just bought doggy diapers off Etsy that was 30.00.
Home canned goodies for gifts, check!
I am trying to shop local this year for all my stocking stuffers, and major purchases have been American made this year even if they cost more!

This type of threads have been going to many emails, blogs, and forums, I hope they continue so we can make a difference.

 

[Avalon1984]

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Foreign does not = not an American, many are citizens. Also, many are correspondents from other countries, reporting on World News!

Lets not start arguments, lets put America back to work! Buy American Made!

Thank you, from a fellow "foreigner".

 

[vfem]

I make some GREAT stuff right here in the good old USA! In fact, I'm trying to make my business grow here in this small town so I can start employing people, and get contracts with family farms so they have a little stable income from us they deserve with all their hard work! We also buy most of our jars and stuff are made in the USA. I have a long list of places I can purchase from who sell American made for my business. So you are getting a double whammy on your purchase.

I do think everyone should double check what they buy and NOT think twice if it says Made in the USA. This year, I have traded, bought and sold on Etsy.com. All handmade, you can shop specificially in the US and the prices are amazing! SO you are supporting lots more great artists, bakers, craftsman and eco friendly movements by shopping there as well.

I have easily gone over the $64, and I'm going to goto a shop here in town that sell sports items, and I'm going to make sure the last few things I get her for Christmas are made here.

It really is easier if you stay away from Walmart... less work weeding through what is, and what isn't... if you know what I mean!

 

[magistradomina]

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Foreign does not = not an American, many are citizens. Also, many are correspondents from other countries, reporting on World News!

Lets not start arguments, lets put America back to work! Buy American Made!

 

[Avalon1984]

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X2. We are building our farm and were able to keep a farmhand around the entire year for the first time. At least one less person off the streets and with a job. We buy our grain and supplements from the local grain elevator place and it has worked out well. I support local farmers buy purchasing their grain, hay and straw all year long and in turn, they can have as much composted horse manure for free as they want. Whatever is left will be given to the general public for free. Makes great fertilizer. Aside from that we skipped Christmas this year so no worries about non-American made gifts.