Dan Mosqueda: christmas

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"There are 293 million people living in the United States. If each one would shift $20 a month in spending from foreign made products to American made products; that would create 5 million new jobs." This statement from http://www.madeintheusa.com/ really cuts to the heart of why I’m writing about great men’s gift ideas. I’m sure the same applies to great gift ideas for women, but I’m a guy and I want to let you know what guys might want for a gift AND get people to buy American instead of the ubiquitous Chinese made junk we see every day at Wal-Mart, Target and numerous other retailers.

The funny thing is how I started thinking about this. My son loves products from AXE (http://www.unilever.com/) and I’ve grown to like them too. So, one day as I’m in the shower I notice they’re made in the USA. Hmmm. I’ve also noticed they have great gift packaging at the various retailers. Voila, a great gift idea that is most likely made in the USA.

“If you're like me, when given the choice between buying a product made overseas and purchasing one with the "Made in U.S.A." label, you'll choose to support your fellow Americans. Many of us take great pride in making an effort to purchase products made in America, by American workers, using American parts. That's why the "Made in U.S.A." label is so important. Consumers look to it as a sign of quality, and they seek it out in an effort to help fellow American workers. American businesses use the label as a selling point and source of pride.” This is a statement from U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IO).

I think the senator has a great point here: quality. I do find that most apparel made in the USA is much better than most imports. I started buying and wearing Lucky Brand jeans (www.luckybrandjeans.com) because they are incredibly comfortable, but also because they’re actually made here in America. Levi’s on the other hand has moved most of their production off-shore. I’d rather pay extra and know my money is being put to work here in America. Of course Lucky Brand Jeans also has a foundation that gives back to the community and world, that’s another plus. Another great example of quality is Ralph Lauren. Some of his products are imported, but the really good stuff is made here in America. It’s not inexpensive, but it sure is well made.

Even President Abraham Lincoln understood the importance of keeping our money at home: "If we buy the steel from Britain, we have the steel but the money is gone. If we buy the steel in the United States, we have the steel and the money, too. Such an advantage far outweighs a lower price for imported steel." Of course, I don’t think I want steel for a Christmas gift. Hmmm. Well, actually a nice Ford Mustang or Corvette might do the trick. Yep, Abe’s right on track.

President Thomas Jefferson really hits home to point by saying “He, therefore, who is now against domestic manufacture, must be for reducing us either to dependence on that foreign nation, or to be clothed in skins, and to live like beasts in dens and caverns. I am not one of these.” Neither am I!

One problem I have, being a gadget lover, is that most gadgets are not made in the USA. Often they are designed here and the profit does find its way back home to the US, but wouldn’t it be great if my iPhone was made here instead of in China? I realize all the arguments for “off-shoring” production and even some folks who think we’re helping out people around the world by doing so. This seems like a weak argument. Here’s where some targeted tax incentives on both manufacturing and manufacturing process engineering with advanced software and production techniques could make a dramatic impact.

So, the bottom line: for gifts, it’s easy to find things guys will like made in the USA. If all of us spent $20 per month on American made products, the outcome could be tremendous.
Ideas:

Clothing – this requires a lot of effort because it’s tough to find American made clothing, but it can be done. How about some great jeans or shirts, or some really nice pajamas?
Cosmetics/personal care items – this is low hanging fruit because most of these items are produced where they’re consumed. Cologne and shower products are great and they last quite a while. However, you’ll still need to be vigilant to ensure you’ve bought American.
Electronics – well, probably you’ll flounder here, BUT most software is written and made here in America. We love our video games!!! Make sure you know which platform the guy has: Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, PC, or Mac? Don’t chintz out and buy an item on sale, that just means it wasn’t too great of a program and didn’t sell well. He’ll open it, smile, say thank you, and probably never use it. The latest and greatest is always safe with me.
Cars – hey, if you’ve got the cash this is more low-hanging fruit. You might want to check the inside of the driver’s side door where it can provide information on country of origin. Some “American” vehicles are made off-shore and imported (the Chrysler Crossfire coupe is made in Germany for example).
Watches – Very tough and probably next to impossible to find. Too bad, I love watches.

Well, let’s say you can’t find the perfect gift made in the USA, than what? How about looking at countries not actively involved in planning our doom? So maybe the German made Crossfire wouldn’t be so bad. I don’t think the Swiss are out to get us, so maybe a Rolex might not be too bad. Or even looking at South and Central America where an increase in exports to the US might just help us with our little border problem. Just a thought if you run into too many dead-ends looking for American made products.
Add your gift ideas in the comments section and be sure to pass this link on.

Resources:
http://www.madeintheusa.com/
http://www.usstuff.com/
http://www.stillmadeintheusa.com/