Seek the Unexpected for a Delightful Holiday
Supporting American-made goods isn’t just a nice slogan—it’s a real commitment. When we choose products made at home, we’re investing in quality, integrity, and meaningful work. We’re choosing to support people, not faceless factories; to preserve skill, not lose it.
At Artisan Shop USA, we’re proud to showcase makers who care deeply about their craft. These aren’t mass-production lines; they’re passionate individuals working with purpose. American leather home decor products, wood‑crafted games and toys that feel solid and intentional, candles poured in small batches, and skin-care items like goat milk cleansers and magnesium creams made with thoughtful ingredients.
Each of these makers is rooted in a tradition of doing things right. Their work is safe, healthy, and built to last.
That matters—and not just for how things feel in our homes. Choosing American-made is also about national resilience. For too long, we’ve outsourced too much manufacturing. In doing so, we've lost more than jobs—we’ve lost control, security, and independence.
Why that matters:
There is a real danger in relying heavily on foreign manufacturing, especially when it comes to safety. For example, there have been longstanding problems with lead in toys made abroad. Studies have found high levels of lead in paint on some toys sold through Chinese platforms. In fact, in the mid-2000s, millions of toys were recalled because of lead paint contamination—the kind that can lead to irreversible health issues in children.
Congress even highlighted the problem, noting that “toys … from China … contain high amounts of lead paint” and that exposure can cause learning disabilities, brain damage, and kidney failure.
Beyond toys, there have been significant dangers in medicine manufacturing. In one tragic example, the blood thinner heparin, manufactured using raw materials processed in China, became contaminated—and over 80 people died, while hundreds more were seriously injured.
I know how real this is. It’s not just an old news story for me—my own mother was a victim when medications her pharmacy used came from overseas. She was nearly poisoned, and that was a very difficult time; we nearly lost her right then.
Here’s the thing: bringing manufacturing back home isn’t just a political or economic move—it’s personal. It’s about feeling safe. It’s about choosing health. And here’s a challenge for all of us:
Let’s try something new this season—something American-made that surprises us. Instead of settling for what’s easy and cheap, let’s look for safe, healthy options crafted by thoughtful makers. When choosing gifts or everyday items, let’s pause and ask: Who made this? Where was it made?
When we choose American-made—whether it’s quality beef jerky, garlic-stuffed olives made in the South, themed coffee mugs, a book, or aluminum-free deodorant—we’re not just buying things. We’re creating new traditions. Strengthening our communities. And building a more independent, resilient country.
That’s a powerful decision. Let's make it together starting right here with discount code FRIEND25.
I’m Lauren—a writer, educator, and novelty quilter with over 30 years of experience in service and sales. I’ve taught high school English, worked as a journalist, and now run Artisan Shop USA, a marketplace supporting handmade artistry and the sharing of faith, family, and country. I’m also a wife, mom, and lifelong lover of storytelling.