Dad Needs a Holiday Gift! We’ve Got Plenty to Choose From.

There are lots of types of dads, and we tried to cover a few of them with selections from the 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide.

You know who’s not hard to shop for? Dads. Get us socks or a sweater, we really don’t care; we’re just trying to watch the game. But … if you gotta get dad something,  you oughta make sure it’s American-made. We’ve pulled together a handful of ideas – all from the 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide – for dads of many stripes.

For dads that like fixing (or cutting) things

Dads like keeping their blades sharp, and we’ve got the American-made tool to help them do so. Founded, owned and operated by a graduate of the Colorado School of Mines, Dan’s Whetstone in Arkansas sources all the materials it turns into files and bench stones from its own quarries. Sharpen your knives and other tools on genuine black Arkansas novaculite, one of the rarest and finest abrasive stones in existence.

Dads also like hand tools. And Michigan’s TEKTON makes plenty of ’em. This family-owned hand tool company based in Grand Rapids cuts, engraves, and polishes U.S.-sourced steel for wrenches, screwdrivers, ratchets and more. Each tool in the Made in USA collection is manufactured entirely in the United States with U.S.-made materials. Disclaimer: not all TEKTON products are American-made, but country-of-origin details are listed for every item on their website.

For dads that barbecue

Is there anything more American than a grill? No, Americans love grilling. And Americana Grills understands that. So, since 1959, this company (owned by the Meco corporation) has been making the majority of its classic grills’ components in Greeneville, Tenn. You’ll love making burgers and hot dogs in the summer months (or now). Buy one of these! Go outside and cook your food over charcoal.

For dads that like barbecue-adjacent activities

Did you know that cornhole is a professional sport? I haven’t read the demographic market studies on this one, but I’d wager professional cornhole appeals to a “dad” audience – it’s a game typically played in a backyard with a cold one in hand. But players of any skill or sobriety level will appreciate the boards from Cornhole Solutions. Based in Talbott, Tenn., this company sells boards intended for competition and more casual, backyard issues.

A very “dad” stocking stuffer

Lots of dads like whiskey. And most dads can write. If your dad checks both boxes, consider Alabama’s Bourbon Pens.Handcrafted from real bourbon barrel wood, they’re totally one-of-a-kind and made even more unique when you customize your pen with an engraving. You can even select the distillery from which your bourbon barrel pen is made! 

What if my dad is into cryptozoology?

Is your dad weird? Does he entertain the possibility that Bigfoot or the Jersey Devil exists? Has he heard of the skunk ape? Then check this out: The venerable Blenko Glass Company – which makes bowls, vases, drinkware, ornaments, water bottles and sun catchers – makes a West Virginia cryptid collector’s trio. It includes little replicas of the Grafton monster, the Flatwoods monster and (of course) the mothman of Point Pleasant.

Dad-specific furniture

Dads like cowboy hats, and they like having more than one. That’s why you (on his behalf) need to talk to the Hat Rack Guy, AKA Rich Sartain, a veteran showing his love for western decor with his American-made catalog of it. Using locally sourced wood, he crafts hat, boot, gun, bathroom and towel racks in Wyoming. Seriously, this is the place for racks. A great functional item for any house or barn.

For dads that paddle

Does your dad dream of being on the water? A Crescent Kayaks is the perfect way to get him out there. Based in Carrollton, Ga., these colorful and tactical kayaks are made with locally sourced materials. They also come a lot cheaper than other kayaks of similar quality. Crescent Kayaks doesn’t sell online, so you’ll need to find a dealer in the Southeast, Northeast or Midwest. If you live far away, not to worry: Some dealers will ship directly to your door! To learn more about Crescent Kayaks, check out our interview with founder James Derbecker on our blog.

If your dad likes the water but  is less of a tactical-kayak dad and more of a recreate-the-Lewis-and-Clark-expedition dad, you oughta check out Navarro Canoe‘s Illinois shop on the banks of the Mississippi River. This company makes beautiful boats, whether for the recreational paddler or the serious voyageur. You’ll get what you pay for from this place: Quality.

For dads that hunt

In 2012 America fell in love with the Robinsons, the reality TV stars of Duck Dynasty, which followed the family of southern outdoorsmen as they operated hunting gear company. The show’s run has ended but Duck Commander hasn’t, and its signature duck call is still Louisiana-made. A perfect gift for the duck hunter on your gift list.

South Dakota’s James Valley Company has earned a nationwide reputation among hunters for producing some of the finest lures and cover scents available. Each formula is handcrafted with premium materials to deliver proven results in the field. From deer and elk to bear and moose, these trusted scents have helped hunters create trophy-worthy moments for decades. Pair them with the company’s popular dog treats or Big John’s Ol’ West Barbeque Sauce for the ultimate outdoorsman’s gift.

The Alliance for American Manufacturing does not receive a commission from purchases made through the above links, nor was the organization or author paid for favorable coverage.

Labeling Note: This story is intended to highlight companies that support American jobs and that make great products in the United States. We rely on the companies listed to provide accurate information regarding their domestic operations and their products. Each company featured is individually responsible for labeling and advertising their products according to applicable standards, such as the Federal Trade Commission’s “Made in USA” standard or California’s “Made in USA” labeling law. We do not review individual products for compliance or claim that because a company is listed in the guide that their products comply with specific labeling or advertising standards. Our focus is on supporting companies that create American jobs.

For more on the Federal Trade Commission’s standards for “Made in USA” claims and California’s “Made in USA” labeling law, please also read this guest post by Dustin Painter and Kristi Wolff of Kelly Drye & Warren, LLP.