I’ve owned four Leatherman’s (including the original version made over 35 years ago) but this little Leatherman Squirt is easily the most handy, since it lives on my keychain. For me, it’s more useful than the pricier Leatherman Micra because it has needle nose pliers with built-in wire cutters too, which I use a lot. Plus, it has a better two-sided file. Small, light, perfect for Amazon boxes, filing your fingernails or defusing a bomb (always cut the red wire!) Perfect stocking stuffer for a man or woman. All Leatherman tools come with a 25 year warranty. Built in Portland, Oregon. Find it at Amazon…

Got a little person you want to buy a made in U.S.A. gift for? Ditch electronics and get them a Lincoln Logs Set instead! Did you know they were invented by Frank Lloyd Wright’s son, John? Lincoln Logs are still being made the exact same way we remember and now they have returned to USA manufacturing. For over 60 years, they were made overseas in China, but since 2014 they have moved manufacturing back to Burnham, Maine. Enjoy the fun and nostalgia of this awesome toy. 100 Year Anniversary Collectible tin, real wood, build a cabin, no electronics.  Find it at Amazon…

I’m impressed with the ergonomics and pinpoint precision of these little tweezers. As a woodworker, I get lots of splinters and these perform perfectly! Uncle Bill’s Sliver Gripper’s small size and wider width let me grip close with accuracy – an intuitive tool that just feels right. Good for small work like tick removal, sewing or grabbing a brush hair out of a paint project. They click into a tip guard making them perfect to keep on a keychain. Made from high quality spring-tempered American stainless steel. Lifetime guarantee. Grab a three pack and give them for stocking stuffers. Find it at Amazon…

Over and over, I find myself returning to LL. Bean for their high quality gear. For 30 years our family has bought shirts, sweaters, boots, and their rugged canvas utility work pants (highly recommended). While not everything from Bean is made in USA, many of their items are – such as their iconic rubber-soled “Bean Boots”. They’re made in Maine and are the best boots for cold and wet weather. Even my daughter has Bean boots for college (because they’re trendy too). Looking for a great gift? Try an L.L. Bean Gift Card. You really can’t go wrong. Find it at Amazon…

Stuck bolt, seized shaft, rusty metal part? For years I’ve applied WD40, PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench with hit or miss results. This month, I tried Kroil (formerly called Aerokroil) and it is far superior, in fact it’s a bit amazing in its abilities. I work on boat engines, chainsaws and repair our John Deere tractors. Recently, I had a frozen muffler nut that would not budge until I hit it with Kroil. Worked! Everyone from aircraft mechanics to plumbers gives it 5 stars – because it works like no other. Also lubricates, prevents rust, removes corrosion and sticky stuff too. Proudly made in Nashville, Tennessee since 1939. Editor’s Choice. Find it at Amazon…

Honestly, I’m surprised how much I use this little trimmer. Just rotate the bottom back and forth and feel the hair effortlessly disappear. The Groom Mate Platinum XL Nose & Ear Trimmer is substantial for its tiny size. While not as quick as my battery powered trimmer, but with no batteries to worry about it works fast and flawlessly (and without a sound). I now have one in my desk drawer and another in my Dopp kit. Since it’s made of solid stainless steel this will last maybe, forever? Comes with a leather case, cover and a cleaning brush. The perfect mens stocking stuffer gift. Proudly manufactured in Ohio. Lifetime warranty. Find it at Amazon…

My wife and I love Bosch, Amazon’s streaming crime series. So much so, she said, “You know, you’d look good in one of those bracelets… like his”. Since I love anything nautical his Rope Sailor Bracelet fits my taste. Harry Bosch is played by actor Titus Welliver, an interesting guy and a Connecticut native. He prefers to buy almost everything locally. I’d like to think that his bracelet was made by Mystic Knotwork in Connecticut, the oldest knot shop in the United States. He wears the natural white double braid version (there is also a wider triple braid version if you prefer). Be calm, be cool, be like Harry Bosch. Find it at Amazon…

Careful, this book is inspirational and may cause you to start a business! Let My People Go Surfing tells the story of Yvon Chouinard, the founder of perhaps the most respected company on earth, Patagonia, Inc. (update: Chouinard gives his whole company away to fight climate change.) From his humble California beginnings making climbing equipment he recounts the hurdles, frustrations and wins of his environmentally responsible company. Yvon was a poor student, avid fisherman, and a climbing legend. Later in business life he made tough “do good” choices he believed in and ultimately others followed, turning his company into a hard-fought success. Amazing read! Audio book is excellent too. Editor’s Choice. Find it at Amazon…

Unlike other packs, the Wanderer only gets better looking with age. The Canvas Duluth Wanderer Backpack is essential for hikes, weekend adventures or for day-to-day. Spacious top-loading main compartment cinches with a leather drawstring through metal grommets, closes with leather straps riveted for reinforcement. Outside pocket for water bottle, front pocket for phone, snacks and essentials. Thick cotton straps are comfortable and durable. Made by hand in Duluth, Minnesota. Lifetime warranty. Perfect American made gift! Find it at Amazon…

It’s hard to find boots for men that are high quality, rugged and good looking. Out of the midwest comes Thorogood Boots. They might seem new, but this employee-owned American manufacturer has been making men’s footwear in Wisconsin USA, since 1892 – that’s over 130 years of fine boot making. A little more expensive than your usual boots from China, but consider that these are an investment in owning handmade “lifetime boots” made by skilled craftsmen. We like all colors including tobacco, but their Crazyhorse brown is our a new favorite around the shop. Find it at Amazon…

I’ve kept a Fisher Space Pen in my front pocket for years. It’s perfectly balanced and fits into a pocket for every day carry. Originally designed for NASA, this pen writes on wet surfaces, dry surfaces, upside down, in extreme heat or cold (-30F), underwater and even in zero gravity. Closed it’s a short 3.75 inches, but for writing it grows to a comfortable 5 inches long. Made of brass and steel with a tungsten carbide tip. The replaceable ink cartridge lasts 3 times longer than most pens. Comes in many colors – our choice is the matte black with clip. Lifetime guarantee. Perfect EDC gift for a friend (or yourself). Made in USA. Find it at Amazon…

Enjoy the beauty of America’s national parks with a vintage travel poster. Size is 11″ x 17″ and features an iconic grazing bison at Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park in full retro colors. Lantern Press also has matching sized Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, Zion and more. Give a room or hallway the American explorer vibe. Remember your cross country vacation or plan the next adventure. Give as a fun gift to use for home, office or in a bedroom. These art pieces come in a poster tube ready for your frame of choice. Find it at Amazon…

Every morning, we fill our AeroPress and brew what we think is the world’s richest, most flavorful coffee. Connoisseurs can debate the finer points of pour-over versus French press, but our choice is the American made AeroPress. Invented by a Stanford professor, this method makes coffee with low acidity and without bitterness or grit, all in about one minute. Try an AeroPress and discover rich coffee flavor, perhaps the best you’ve ever tasted. Designed and manufactured in USA from eco-friendly, recyclable materials. Highly recommended. Find it at Amazon…

Each Ultimate Pint Glass has over 100 individual “nucleation points” laser-etched on the bottom, which give the CO2 bubbles a place to grip and then release constantly while you drink. The smaller bottom is perfect to hold and reduces heat transfer from your hand, the bowl shape allows the beer to “open up” and the wider lip makes it both easier to drink and allows the aroma to float to your nose. Sold singly or in a six pack (each of the six glasses has a different name so you can tell whose is whose). Bonus: These glasses stack for better storage. Perfect gift for the beer lover! Find it at Amazon…

SOLD OUT. Add this black gem to your keychain and never lose your keys in the dark again. Spot your keys from over 30 feet away. Attach to anything and find your gear when you need it. The Glow Rhino Tritium Glow Fob is a work of art machined from black nitride coated stainless steel that has a vial of real Tritium that illuminates brightly in the dark. The science of Tritium’s radioluminescence is fascinating. Does not need to be charged by the sun (unlike other cheap glow-in-the-dark items). Never needs batteries. Waterproof. 100% reliable. Built in the USA. “Great stocking stuffer”. Find it at Amazon…

The Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 is a solid starter bike that looks old-school aggressive and rides smooth. No need to shine this bike – it’s mat finish for that unshaven look. The mid-control seating is comfortable for a daily driver. Engine is the ultra reliable 883 cc Evo – and it gets the job done. Stock muffler is too quiet for our taste, throw on some straight shot Vance & Hines Short Shot pipes for a better sound. Shown is the 2018 in blacked-out mat “Industrial Gray Denim”. Most Harley’s are made in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania or Missouri. Learn more at Harley-Davidson…

There’s a reason Barnett’s Biscotti gets so many five star reviews – their homemade baked goods are delicious. Straight out of New Jersey come these Yum Yum Gourmet Biscotti Treats. Whatever you do, don’t attempt to sample any or you’ll find you can’t stop at eating just one. Gourmet biscotti are perfect with hot coffee or in the evening with a glass of wine. This variety gift pack comes in a handsome looking package, but tastes even better. Made from all natural ingredients – no additives, no preservatives and no trans-fats. Highly recommended. Find it at Amazon…

The 17” Mystic Knotwork Sailor Knot Wreath is handmade by the oldest knot company in America. It is both a handsome and versatile gift for the sailor or nautical type. It can be hung year round, dressed up for the holidays or laid flat as a table centerpiece. Perfect gift for the lake house, beach house or ocean condo. If you’re not familiar with Mystic Knotwork, they are an award-wining U.S. company located in Mystic, Connecticut (the same famous nautical town from the movie Mystic Pizza). Each Turk’s Head wreath is handmade from 44 feet of manilla rope. Limited quantities available. Find it at Amazon…

Wear a hat similar to the one on The Life Aquatic – like the crew and Captain Zissou aboard his ship the Belafonte. This hat is 100% wool and stretches to fit most. It’s the perfect hat to wear out on your boat, private island or just in the woods (perfect protection during hunting season). If you’ve not seen this movie, it’s a classic with Bill Murray and Owen Wilson. Note: Klaus’ hat has a pom pom. Ned’s has a stoplight patch. Bill’s is plain. Debate rages on color – it’s red but looks orange. Rent the HD or watch the official trailer. Made in USA by Filson. Find it at Amazon…

The Surefire Titan Plus Ultra-compact Keychain Light has crazy output for it’s small size. On high, it projects 300 lumens for 1 hour straight. On low it goes for 7 hours. Imagine illuminating over 200 feet with a tiny 3.5 inch light (same length as a business card). Made of nickel plated brass, rechargeable NiMH battery included, real world USA lifetime-warranty. A little more expensive, but easily 3 times better performance than most Chinese brands. Manufactured in Orange County, CA. The ultimate EDC keychain gift for the American made man or woman. Find it at Amazon…

We’ve owned a stainless steel Leatherman Multitool for many, many years. The Leatherman Sidekick is the updated, more ergonomic version which includes the 14 most popular and useful tools all-in-one. The new spring action pliers are awesome, plus, the one-hand access is a great improvement. This is Leatherman’s best-selling model. Makes for a great value and an excellent made in USA gift. Comes with an integrated pocket clip, stainless caribiner, plus a separate nylon sheath to attach to your belt. 25-year warranty. Made in Portland Oregon. Find it at Amazon…