Rawlings Baseballs
Even the most casual baseball fan will know Rawlings. The brand has supplied baseballs to the Major Leagues since 1977, as well as selling to casual players. However, Rawlings has moved most of its production to Costa Rica, so the American-made baseballs are now few and far between.
Many products declare themselves to be “American-made”, but are they? With increased tariffs, difficulties manufacturing, and companies going bust, many previously American products are now made overseas or no longer made at all. Here are some American-made treasures to hold on to.
Barbie Dolls
What little girl didn’t play with Barbies? The iconic Mattel doll has long been one of the most famous American toys around, but the company now manufactures its dolls in China, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Hopefully the smash hit 2023 movie has convinced you to keep your classic Barbies!
Classic Levi’s
Levi’s are quintessentially American. Or they were… until 2003. The brand’s final American manufacturing facility, based in San Antonio, closed, and the previously American-made Levi’s were sourced from other countries instead. Classic Levi’s are the only physical reminders of that era.
Radio Flyer Red Wagons
Do you remember riding around in a Radio Flyer Red Wagon as a child? If so, you’d best hope your parents still have it! These once-loved American outdoor toys have actually been manufactured in China since 2004, when they became too expensive to produce on American soil.
Craftsman Tools
You could fix anything with Craftsman tools, and while you still can, they aren’t what they once were. In 2023, Craftsman officially closed its doors in the US, citing the lack of a viable market as the reason. However, these hand tools remain some of the best in the business.
Fisher-Price Toys
Fisher-Price toys were a staple in many households from the 1960s right up to the 2000s. If you still have any in your possession, they’ll no doubt make you feel sentimental. These are the perfect keepsakes to pass on to your own children.
Ray-Ban Sunglasses
Ray-Ban is one of the most iconic sunglass brands in the world, but many young Americans don’t realize that it was started right here in the US. In 1999, it was sold to an Italian eyewear manufacturer, making every pre-1999 pair of shades an American-made treasure.
Chuck Taylor Converse All-Stars
You can’t get more American than basketball legend Chuck Taylor! Unfortunately, after being purchased by Nike in 2003, the Taylor-inspired Converse All-Stars are now manufactured in Asia to save on costs. That’s why it’s important to honor their origins when you wear them.
American Girl Dolls
American Girl dolls were massive in the 1980s and ‘90s, and if you still have one, you should hold onto her! After decades of success, American Girl dolls have been altered and renamed multiple times, which is slowly erasing their cultural legacy for younger generations.
Oneida Silverware
Silverware may remind you of your grandparents, but there’s a reason they treasure their old cutlery. Brands like Oneida Limited designed knives, forks, and spoons that would last for decades. We think that silverware from a 145-year-old company is well worth keeping!
Fender Guitars
Any musician knows that both Fender and Gibson make some of the best guitars on the market. They’re an example of true American craftsmanship. But Fender now outsources much of its manufacturing to other countries, so if you own an “American Series” Fender, don’t let it go.
Etch A Sketch
If you want to take a walk down memory name, get out your Etch A Sketch! Though this drawing toy is now owned by Canadian company Spin Master, its entire manufacturing history took place in Ohio. It’s probably the most unique toy you can own.
L. L. Bean Boots
L.L. Bean boots remain some of the best-selling American-made footwear for their unique design, durable construction, and premium finish. Even so, we don’t see them as often now as we used to, so people with classic L.L. Bean boots should bring them back!
Melissa & Doug Toys
Who’d have thought that a company founded in a couple’s garage would go on to become such a big success? Melissa & Doug Toys produces some of the most precious wooden, plush, and educational toys in the US, and these American-made delights deserve to be treasured.
Henri Bendel Bags
Henri Bendel helped to put the US on the luxury fashion map with its stunning bags. Unfortunately, the company was dissolved in 2019, but that doesn’t mean that we should let its legacy die. Henri Bendel bags remain the epitome of New York chic.
Kodak Cameras
Keen photographers know that Kodak cameras can’t be beaten, and it’s about time that other people realized that, too. We should be photographing memories properly, just like we used to before the invention of phones, and keeping old Kodaks is the way to do it.
Woolrich Jackets
If you own a Woolrich jacket, you’ll know what true comfort feels like. These soft garments have long showcased the US’ strong craftsmanship, but the brand now outsources most of its manufacturing to save money. As a result, domestically-produced jackets are now more valuable.
Dell Computers
Though it may seem unlikely, you will come to regret trading in your old Dell computer prematurely. While they lack the slim sophistication of brands like Apple, Dell laptops are still some of the best in terms of functionality and affordability. And, even better, they’re American!
Hush Puppies
There’s nothing wrong with choosing comfort, but with Hush Puppies, style is also guaranteed! These shoes are considered a classic of American style, and they deserve to be showcased. If you own a pair, don’t let them sit in your closet unworn and forgotten about!
Black & Decker Drills
It’s universally accepted that Black & Decker drills are iconic. However, after merging with Stanley Works in 2010, the brand’s newer drills have been a bit of a letdown. The older ones, which many Americans were proud to buy, have become all the more valuable.
G. I. Joe
If girls had Barbie, then boys had G.I. Joe. These small action figures are perfect examples of what made classic American toys so great. The “Retro Collection” in particular is now very valuable, so think twice before you disregard your old toys.
Huffy Bicycles
Huffy is one of the best-known American bicycle brands. However, once it became near-impossible to mass-produce affordable bikes in the US, Huffy began manufacturing overseas, resulting in its modern bikes routinely disappointing, especially when compared to the older models, which should be preserved.
New Balance Sneakers
New Balance has become one of the most famous footwear brands in the world, cementing America’s place as a leading athletics manufacturer. Although, New Balance sneakers are now mostly manufactured in China and Vietnam, so you’ve found a rare treasure if yours are American-made.
Lionel Trains
Model trains are growing in popularity again, which is great news for those who still own vintage Lionel trains! The US became something of a legend for these models, which depicted iconic moments in American history, and many people don’t know their true value.
Oldsmobile Cars
Nothing screams “American classic” quite like an Oldsmobile car. What was once one of the most iconic American automobile brands now no longer exists, and it’s becoming rare to see one on the roads. If you love American cars, consider fixing up your old Oldsmobile.
IPods
Back in the early 2000s, everyone had an iPod. However, not many people have held onto them over the years, choosing smartphones instead. But those who still own iPods are the real winners because these small devices could now be worth hundreds!
Apple II Computers
Speaking of old Apple devices, anyone lucky enough to still own an Apple II computer could be sitting on a goldmine! Though they look useless compared to the lightweight Macbooks we know today, many collectors buy these ‘70s devices for thousands.
Milwaukee Tools
Another of the best American toolmakers is Milwaukee Tool, and we’re lucky that the brand is still in business. With so many tools now imported and subpar in quality, we must cherish American-made products like Milwaukee tools that still put quality first.
Art Van Furniture
Even up to ten years ago, Art Van Furniture was making some of the best furniture on the market, so what happened? In 2020, the company filed for bankruptcy and abruptly closed its doors. Luckily, Art Van products are made to last, so you can hold onto your furniture for a long time.
Motorola Smartphones
Not everybody needs or wants a smartphone that costs hundreds of dollars. For many people, Motorola is a great brand, and we think it deserves more appreciation. Not only is it American, but it also produces some of the most attractive and long-lasting phones on the current market.
Floyd Couches
With cheap, imported furniture becoming the norm, we want to take a moment to celebrate Floyd. This American company makes some of the best couches around, and you’ll regret getting rid of yours for a cheaper alternative. The comfort and quality is unmatched!
Pontiac GTOs
While many consider the Ford Mustang the most iconic American muscle car of all time, the Pontiac GTO was the car that truly started it all. Many collectors would kill to own one, so if you’re still lucky enough to have one, don’t take it for granted.
American Apparel “Made in USA” Clothes
Given its name, it makes sense that American Apparel became famous for its US-manufactured clothing. However, over time, more and more of the brand’s products have been produced overseas, leaving the old “Made in USA” clothes as the last of their kind.
Pound Puppies
Pound puppies became instant collectibles in the ‘80s, with their plush bodies and adorable big eyes and ears. However, as American children have moved on to newer plushies, like Squishmallows, only older generations truly understand the beauty of the Pound Puppy.
Vintage American Flags
You can’t get more American than the American flag, but even the strongest patriots may not know that most American flags are now imported. If your American flag is vintage, then you’re in possession of a real treasure. You can tell when a flag is truly vintage; it’ll only have 48 stars!
