Leslie welcomes back Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, for a preview of the newly released 2025 'Made in America Holiday Gift Guide.' (link: https://www.americanmanufacturing.org/blog/the-2025-made-in-america-holiday-gift-guide/)
 
This year's guide makes it easier than ever for shoppers to find U.S.-made products and support American workers this holiday season.

New polling released with the Gift Guide shows overwhelming demand for locally made goods, with 81% of Americans saying they’re as likely or more likely to buy American-made products this year. The vast majority (83%) of shoppers say they would buy more Made in USA goods if these products were more widely available. The Gift Guide bridges that gap, connecting consumers with the craftsmanship, quality and well-paid jobs that come from buying Made in America.

In its 12th year, the 2025 Guide features 148 manufacturers and makers from across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. There’s an American-made gift for everyone, with finds ranging from model airplane kits and stocking stuffers to jewelry and grills.

Shoppers can browse the guide by state or product category, and a new segment this year highlights brick-and-mortar stores specializing in state-made goods for in-person shopping. Additionally, AAM’s Made in America Directory spotlights 873 companies and their products that are not featured in this year’s Guide.

Leslie and Scott highlight five of the companies and their gift offerings for just a taste of the guide.  Here they are:

1 - WicR
2 -  Alaska Glacial Essentials Skincare
3 - Made-Plus Footwear
4 - High Strung Studios
5 - Cycle Dog

Lastly, Leslie and Scott talk about Project MFG. What's Project MFG?  Think Top Chef — but for welders, machinists and engineers. Ray Dick, founder of Project MFG and creator of the YouTube reality show 'Clash of Trades,' is inspiring the next generation of manufacturers through hands-on competition and community engagement.