It May be November, but We’re Grilling Anyway

A selection of items from Made in America gift guides current and past to stock your next barbecue.

Is it almost Thanksgiving? Yes, and if you’re hosting we’ve got that covered for you. But is it time to look ahead to the summer months and a backyard barbecue? Also yes Here’s why: Everyone likes a BBQ, it’s good to plan ahead, and there are selections from our recent Made in America gift guides that will have you ready to grill and chill. Lets go through ’em.

The grill(s)

From the 2025 gift guide: Is there anything more American than a grill? Americana Grills certainly doesn’t think so. Since 1959, this company (owned by the Meco corporation) has been making classic grills in Greenville. You’ll love making burgers and hot dogs in the summer months (or, depending on how warm it is where you live, even in the winter!). In an environment where the manufacturing of many grills has been outsourced, Americana Grills is keeping it right here.

From the 2018 gift guide: Cookshack’s grills and smokers, designed and manufactured in the barbeque heartland, are definite splurge items, but you can rest assured that Cookshack’s professional-quality equipment is beloved by pitmasters around the world for good reason. 

The tools

From the 2023 gift guide: Cutco has been making kitchen cutlery in Olean, New York since 1949. The knives made by this union-represented manufacturer are backed by a lifetime guarantee. Naturally, that includes free sharpening. Get ’em sharp to carve up a bird for your holiday table. Specifically, Cutco also sells an American-made barbecue set that includes a spatula, turner and fork.

The non-beer alcoholic beverage conveyance

From the 2019 gift guide: The no-glass wine glass from HaloVino is made from the same plastic resin as baby bottles and is free of harmful chemicals found in many plastics. These stemless, stackable glasses are great for both indoor and outdoor use because they help prevent spills. These tumblers also float, so you can confidently sip your favorite drink while lounging in the swimming pool (more on that later). HaloVino glasses are also shatterproof, 100% dishwasher safe and recyclable. 

The tool you’re gonna need if you’re having shellfish

From the 2025 gift guide: It doesn’t get more Maryland than crab. What better way to celebrate your love for this seafood haven than with The Sheller? Invented by musician Shelby Blondell, this ingenious product doubles as a mallet and picker for crabs and a bottle opener. Super valuable if you’re looking towards some outdoor gatherings this summer and ready to chow down on crab, lobster or oysters.

The furniture

From the 2023 gift guide: As American as apple pie, Lawn Chair USA captures the nostalgia of an American summer with its Made in Florida aluminum folding chairs. Available in five sizes and more than 30 colors, the family-owned company welcomes custom orders if you have your heart set on a certain color combo. Don’t forget to also get a cup holder to accessorize your lawn chair!

The furniture that goes in your pool

From the 2023 gift guide, it’s the one-and-only: Have you ever found yourself cooling off in your backyard pool and thought, “man, I wish I could get my patio furniture in here with me so I could really relax.” Well good news: The makers of the Aqua-Rita table thought the same thing. Put one of their tables in the water with you and presto, you’ve got the fundamentals of a swim-up bar. Pretty neat!

The amusements

From the 2025 gift guide: My colleague already highlighted this one in a Thanksgiving essentials list, but I’m reclaiming it here, if only so I can point out that, like chess boxing, cornhole is a professional sport. Cornhole players of any level or sobriety can appreciate the boards from Cornhole Solutions. Based in Talbott, Tenn., Cornhole Solutions sells boards intended for competition and more casual, backyard issues. They’re a little pricier, but these boards are built to last!

From the 2022 gift guide: Emsco Group makes over 16 product lines, from winter products like sleds, snowboards, shovels, and scrappers to cleaning products to furniture and outdoor accessories. Emsco Group, which is represented by the United Steelworkers, also makes a disc golf set (if you’ve got a bigger backyard).