When shopping for our homes, we usually focus on price, quality, and appearance, right? Have you ever considered where you buy your products?
Choosing American-made products supports the manufacturers, workers, and business owners throughout the country. With the holidays coming up, shopping for a new toolbox, replacing household essentials, tackling a DIY project, or searching for a gift offers plenty of opportunities to find products made in the United States.
Understand what ‘Made in the USA’ really means
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a qualified “Made in USA” claim generally means that a product is made in the United States, with all or virtually all its components and processing originating here. That includes the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories and possessions.
**Tip: An America-based company might not manufacture its products in the United States. Check where the specific product is made rather than relying on where the headquarters is based.
“Two-thirds of the U.S. economy is consumer spending, and every time you make a decision to purchase something, you’re supporting the people who made it, wherever they may be,” Kimber Lanning, CEO at Local First Arizona, said. “If you choose to buy American-made products, you are supporting and perhaps even protecting American jobs. And the more we buy American-made products, the more we keep dollars close to home and support those American jobs.”
Start with the stuff you already buy
You don’t need to purchase an entirely new set of household products to get started. Instead, think about the items you buy regularly or plan to buy again.
If you’re shopping for hand tools, hardware, lighting, building materials, or other supplies for your next DIY project, take a few minutes to research domestic manufacturers. The same approach works for kitchen accessories, cleaning supplies, furniture, clothing, and gifts. Even a small purchase is a chance to discover a producer you might not have considered.
“Oftentimes the products are a little bit more expensive, but that’s where we have to decide as Americans. You can’t have cheap labor producing cheaper products and expect us to maintain our quality of life here in the USA,” Lanning said.
Start by checking the product packaging and the website. Look for clear information about where the item is produced. The goal is to become a well-informed shopper and consider domestic options when they meet your needs and budget.
Use online resources to find American-Made products.
Finding American-made products can take a little digging, but you don’t have to do all the research yourself. Several online resources can help you narrow down your options.
The Alliance for American Manufacturing offers information about domestic manufacturing and products made in the United States. It’s a helpful starting point if you want to learn more about manufacturing and discover products you might not have considered.
For Arizonans, Local First Arizona is another useful resource. The nonprofit supports locally owned businesses and offers directories to help consumers find Arizona businesses, including makers and retailers selling locally made goods.
Shopping locally can be a great way to discover unique home accessories, gifts, and other products while supporting shops in your community. Keep in mind that locally owned doesn’t necessarily mean every product is manufactured in the United States, so check individual product details when that distinction matters to you.
Make American-made part of your next DIY
Maybe you’re organizing your garage, upgrading your outdoor space, or tackling a few repairs around the house before the in-laws descend.
Tools are a good place to start. American-made options include Estwing, Channellock, Leatherman, and Stanley. For larger projects, consider researching the country of origin for hardware, cabinetry, flooring, countertops, and other building materials. Ask retailers whether they carry American-made options.
Compare product specifications, warranties, and prices. A product’s country of origin is one consideration, but it shouldn’t be the only one. Make sure the item meets your project’s requirements and offers the durability and value you want.
“If I buy something from someone I know, I have just added money to their pocket. The same goes for buying an American-made hammer. If those hammers are made in Iowa, I’ve supported a manufacturing warehouse in Iowa that supports American jobs and makes American-made hammers,” Lanning said.
If you’re working with a contractor, bring up your preference for American-made materials early in the planning process. They may be able to identify suitable options, check availability, and explain how different products could affect your project’s overall cost.
Small shopping choices can make a difference
Shopping American-made is about being intentional with your purchases. By researching manufacturers, reading labels, and asking questions, you can make informed choices about where your money goes.
Shopping locally strengthens communities. Studies show that up to $68 to $73 of every $100 spent at a local business stays in the community, compared with less revenue retained by chain stores.
In 2025, Americans spent an estimated $3.85 trillion at local stores, and 80 percent of consumers say they shop locally to support their communities. Independent businesses also tend to contribute more to local charities, and neighborhoods with more small businesses often see less driving and less environmental impact.
Arizona alone has almost 10,000 local retailers, and you can find a few at Local Arizona’s Fall Fest in N ovember, so finding and supporting American-made and Arizona-based options should be easy. As for dealing with your crazy in-laws over the holidays? Well, we can’t help you there.
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Homeowner Handbook | #ShoppingAmericanMade
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