Made in America: Holiday gift ideas flow in from New Hampshire to Arizona
Made in America gift ideas are pouring in from viewers around the country as World News Tonight anchor David Muir showcases small businesses during this holiday season.
In snowy North Conway, New Hampshire, the Christmas Loft sells handmade ornaments made by artists across the nation. Owned by Greg Vander Veer and Stephen O’Farrell, the company employs 40 workers during the holidays.
These are some of our most popular ornaments in the store – Heart Gifts by Teresa, Vander Veer said, showing off an array of ornaments with special handwritten messages.
The company Heart Gifts by Teresa is based in Kannapolis, North Carolina, and is owned by Teresa Thibault. The team consists of eight painters working year-round to create ornaments with hundreds of unique designs. They say one artist can make as many as 175 ornaments a day.
Another Made in America gift idea comes from Plano, Texas, where the company Seasoned Straws is based. Founded by Julie Drake and Ben Rutz, the company has 10 workers and sells straws with holiday flavors like Peppermint, Pumpkin Spice, Espresso Chocolate, and Cinnamon Sugar.
Straws don’t seem to do a lot – so I thought, add a kick, add a spice, add a flavoring, Rutz said, explaining the origin of the business idea.
The ingredients used for the flavored straws come from all over the country, including New Jersey, Tennessee, and Florida.
For those who enjoy Indian food, there is a gift idea from Kumar’s Garden, based in Chandler, Arizona. Owned by Mehulkumar and Dharati Chaudhari, the company specializes in curry leaf plants. The team is made up of eight workers and says it ships 20,000 plants a year.
Everything we source, from seed to the materials for boxing and shipping, is all made in America, Mehulkumar said.
This holiday season, viewers of World News Tonight are discovering unique and handmade gift ideas from small businesses across America. From North Conway, New Hampshire, to Chandler, Arizona, entrepreneurs are showcasing their products that are proudly made in the United States.
One such business is the Christmas Loft in snow-covered North Conway, New Hampshire. Greg Vander Veer and Stephen O’Farrell, the owners, are featuring handmade ornaments crafted by artists from different states. Heart Gifts by Teresa, owned by Teresa Thibault from Kannapolis, North Carolina, is among the most popular brands sold at the Christmas Loft. Eight painters work tirelessly throughout the year to create intricate designs on these unique ornaments. With one artist producing up to 175 ornaments daily, Heart Gifts by Teresa has become a favorite among customers seeking heartfelt and one-of-a-kind gift options.
Meanwhile, in Plano, Texas, Seasoned Straws is revolutionizing the concept of drinking straws. Julie Drake and Ben Rutz founded the company, employing ten workers who handcraft straws infused with enticing holiday flavors. Peppermint, Pumpkin Spice, Espresso Chocolate, and Cinnamon Sugar are just a few of the irresistible options available. Drake explained the inspiration behind the business idea, saying, Straws don’t seem to do a lot – so I thought, add a kick, add a spice, add a flavoring. Seasoned Straws sources its ingredients from various states across the country, including New Jersey, Tennessee, and Florida, ensuring a diverse and delicious experience for customers.
For those who appreciate the flavors of Indian cuisine, Kumar’s Garden, based in Chandler, Arizona, offers an exciting gift option. Mehulkumar and Dharati Chaudhari run the business, specializing in curry leaf plants. With a dedicated team of eight workers, they manage to ship an impressive 20,000 plants annually. Kumar’s Garden prides itself on sourcing every aspect of their products within the United States, from seeds to packaging materials. Mehulkumar affirms, Everything we source, from seed to the materials for boxing and shipping, is all made in America.
As the holiday season ramps up, consumers are eager to support local and small businesses while finding unique gifts for their loved ones. The selection showcased by World News Tonight demonstrates the talent and creativity thriving in different corners of America, from the snowy slopes of New Hampshire to the sun-drenched landscapes of Arizona. With ornaments that hold sentimental value, straws that add flavor to every sip, and exotic plants for culinary enthusiasts, these Made in America gift ideas capture the true spirit of the season.
