Whew! I made it back alive! Costco was not that bad. Dh and I figured we'd be in line for at least an hour but nope walked right up and checked out! I over heard one employee mention that next Saturday (the 24th) was going to be a nightmare for them. I guess every one was getting ready for the game.
DH and I also "braved" the mall thing off I-90/I-39 near the Sun Prairie exit. East Town Mall I think it's called. We went to Panera for lunch. I was thinking it again would be a complete zoo, but nope! It really was not all that bad.
So over all the shopping trip was successful! I survived and we got presents for all the accounts that he wanted to get gifts for. The Pupsters also got an extra bag of Yummy Chummies Salmon treats!
FT- Finding American made stuff is getting harder and harder. And people wonder why the economy sucks and the unemployment rate is high!
Not sure what your looking for as a gift, but if your looking for useful, Lodge Cast Iron, Nordic Cookware/bake ware are Made in the USA - you can find Lodger at Gander Mountain, Target, and F&F and Nordic Cook and bake ware I have seen at Target, F&F.
Pryrex and Anchor Hocking glass bakeware and storage containers are made in the USA. Big lots, Shopko, and Target carry them. So does Wally World but I refuse to shop there. Here are a couple of good links to American Made products. It might be too close to Christmas to ship, but I find that if I stay more in the "main stream" side of things, I usually can find the same item at local stores.
You might also have luck at your local Wal Greens! Russell Stover Chocolates are made in the usa as are Whitmans Chocolates. Maybe you could make a nice Chocolate assortment? That would be a winner at the White Elephant Exchange!! Any way, hope this helps in your search!
http://www.stillmadeinusa.com/
http://www.madeinusa.org/
http://madeinusaforever.com/
And your right ABC did do a special-very eye opening. Here is a link:
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/MadeInAmerica/
