Skip to main content

The Manual’s Made in America Gift Guide

made in america
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Every holiday season, we see an overwhelming influx of products made overseas. While it’s okay to give your loved one items made in China, there’s much to be said for gifts made in the U S of A. Generally speaking, purchasing American-made products is better for the environment (shorter shipping journey), better for workers (fairer wages), and just plain . . . better. They might cost a bit more than most overseas products, but they usually last longer, too. So if you’re looking to go above and beyond this holiday season, take a quick look at these fine products — all of which are made in America.

Custom Engraved Rocks Glassesrocks glass

Rocks glasses are an essential part of any home bar, whether one likes his spirits neat or, well, on the rocks. If you purchase a pair of rocks glasses from Iron & Glory, you can choose from a variety of awesome designs, including an octopus, anchor and spear, or elk skull. Iron & Glory also allows folks to create a custom engraving for extra special gifts.

$20 for 2

Recommended Videos

Madison: The Candlestick Candlecandlestick burned

Nothing sets the mood quite like a candle. They’re also essential during power outages and, of course, reenactments of pre-20th century events. This item appears to be a cylindrical candle with candlestick, but that’s not exactly the case — rather, it’s an all-wax candle shaped like a candle and candlestick. The top part supposedly burns for 4.5 hours, and the base burns for another 12. All candles are hand-cast at Revolution Design House’s Portland, OR workshop.

$24

Boxcar Planterlow res boxcar burned

If you like Revolution Design House’s shtick, but are looking for something a little more permanent, you might check out the Boxcar planter. These handsome planters are made from Ash, and come with stainless steel inserts that make a cozy home for succulent plants. Getting one of these planters is a perfect way for your loved one to add a little life to his living space.

$66

Camp Stoolcampstool_brown burned

Seating is an important aspect of camping. Though your loved one probably won’t be doing much camping for a few months, he’ll probably do plenty of sitting. Wherever your loved one wishes to sit — whether it’s at a tailgate party or in his living room — he would do well to have one of these camp stools from Wood & Faulk. It’s made of stained ash hardwood and English bridle leather, and comes with a leather carrying strap.  

$165

The Stash Leather NotebookStash journal burned

Every gentleman and scholar should have a trusty notebook in which to jot down novel ideas, grocery items, hip hop lines, what have you. If you know of a gentleman writer who is need of a handsome leather notebook, consider purchasing this tasty number from Bull & Stash. It’s made with beautiful oiled leather, and comes with 30 pages of paper bolted in with metal hardware. It’s also refillable.

$50

Draper IIIdraper III burned 2

Though Mad Men is over, its style is not. If there’s a gentleman in your life who you believe can pull off this fedora, consider getting it for him. The Draper III is made from high-quality, superior fur felt and comes in five excellent colors. Legendary hat maker Bailey was certainly around during the Mad Men era, and even provided hats for some of Hollywood’s greatest leading men, including Gary Cooper, Humphrey Bogart, and members of Rat Pack.  

$325

Makr Laptop Casemakr_laptop burned 2

If the fella in your life takes his laptop where’er he roams, then he would likely appreciate a protective case. In addition to being sturdy and durable, this 13″ clamshell case from MAKR looks real pretty. It’s made from heavy cotton duck fabric bonded to foam-lined sanded twill. As an added bonus, there’s an edge on the zipper designed to prevent the zipper from coming into contact with the device inside.

$130

Backpacker Cologne Sample Kitbig backpack cologne burned 2

We absolutely love Juniper Ridge, and will never miss an opportunity to tout their excellence. If the gentleman explorer in your life enjoys the scents of the great outdoors, he would doubtless appreciate this sample kit of fragrances distilled from wild plants of the American West. All wild plants are sustainably harvested, and Juniper Ridge donates 10% of their profits to wilderness conservation.

$35

Rogue Soapsroguesoaps_siskiyouforest burned

Though nice-smelling soap isn’t too hard to find around the holidays, Rogue Soap is pretty danged special. These soaps are inspired by some of the most beautiful spots in Oregon, including the Rogue River, Siskiyou Forest, and Crater Lake. Scent profiles include honey and oatmeal, cedar and sage, and extra-strength peppermint. For every unit sold, United By Blue will remove one pound of garbage from America’s waterways.  

$8

Ultimate American Jacketultimate 3

United By Blue is also offering a pair of uniquely American jackets that are insulated with bison fiber. If it’s warm enough to keep bison alive on the frozen wastes of Wyoming, it’s warm enough keep your loved one comfortable on his outdoor adventures. The sucessful Kickstarter campaign only has three days left, so you’ll need to act fast if you want to snag the Bison Snap Jacket or Ultimate American Jacket at a heavily discounted price.

$178 or $298

TJ Carter
Former Digital Trends Contributor
TJ Carter wears many hats, both figuratively and literally. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2011 with a degree…
Will there be a fourth season of ‘The White Lotus?’
The show's third season will be set in Thailand, and is set to premiere in early 2025.
Theo James and Meghann Fahy in White Lotus

The White Lotus was one of the biggest surprises in HBO's recent history. The series was initially devised as a self-contained story that could be filmed in compliance with COVID, and it's since become one of the most popular series in the company's repertoire. We already know that a third season is on the way and will feature another star-studded cast, but what about a potential season 4?

According to reporting in Variety, a fourth season of the show is percolating at HBO, but it hasn't officially been announced yet. “Mike, obviously — if he wants to move forward and do the four seasons — he will do the fourth season,” HBO head Casey Bloys said.

Read more
Denis Villeneuve says he ‘absolutely believes’ in ‘Dune: Messiah’ as he develops the script
The exact timing for the potential trilogy capper remains under wraps.
Timothee Chalamet in Dune Part 2

Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of Dune has been more successful than many who have loved the Frank Herbert novel for decades could have dreamed. Dune: Part 1 was nominated for a bunch of Oscars and won a couple, and Part 2 seems to be on a similar trajectory, and also far outgrossed the first installment.

Villeneuve has promised that he will return to the world of Dune one more time to adapt Herbert's sequel, Dune: Messiah, but we don't know exactly when that movie might be coming. In a recent interview with Deadline to discuss Part 2, Villeneuve was hesitant to say too much about the upcoming third installment.

Read more
Will Max’s new thriller Duster be your next must-watch show?
J.J. Abrams' newest thriller is coming soon
duster season 1 lost  star josh holloway at the 64th annual golden globe

Max has become the home to some of the most fascinating and innovative shows on TV. Fans can trust that the HBO-affiliated streamer has tons of originals and plenty of old favorites from trusted creators, and that trend will continue with their newest offering titled Duster. This thriller comes from the mind of the esteemed J.J. Abrams and stars his fellow Lost alum, Josh Holloway, as a getaway driver who must use his skills for the good of the government when the first Black female FBI agent in American history asks him for her help (the agent will be played by Rachel Hilson). The show is a period piece taking place in the 1970s. It hasn't been revealed how any of the main events of the decade will be incorporated into the plot of the series.

Like a lot of shows that have been teased for the coming months, Duster doesn't have a lot of concrete details out in the open yet. The project has been ongoing for quite some time and was delayed during the Hollywood writers and actors strikes, but a recent teaser trailer has hinted that Duster should finally arrive at an unspecified point in 2025. Here is everything we know so far about Duster.
Who is starring in Duster on Max?

Read more