Small Business

Made in the USA: Ten cool American-made products

10 Cool 'Made in USA' Products

David Endelhardt | Getty Images

After the deadly collapse of a garment factory building in Bangladesh, more people are asking questions about overseas-made products, including apparel often linked to sweatshops and unsafe working conditions.

Despite the growing appetite for domestically-made goods, finding "Made in USA" products can take some effort. Sarah Wagner is passionate about American-made products, and she turned her interest into a successful website, USA Love List. Launched in November 2011, the site is devoted to sourcing and showcasing where to buy domestically-made items, ranging from pet products to apparel. She regularly scans the aisles of big retailers, such as Costco and Target for American-made goods.

"I do think people are highly motivated by concerns of product safety and contamination," Wagner said.

While it's unrealistic to live only on "Made in USA" goods, a bit of effort can yield a variety of domestically-made choices. "There's clearly a hunger for this sort of information," said Wagner, based in Philadelphia. "Companies have no idea how much Americans want to support American businesses manufacturing at home," she said.

Click ahead to see a list of 10 nifty products—from dog food to dinnerware—curated by Wagner and the USA Love List team. And of course, all the goods are American-made.

By CNBC's Heesun Wee; Follow her on Twitter @heesunwee
Posted 8 June 2013

1. Antho, Los Angeles, Calif.

Photo: Antho

These organic, vegan, and eco-friendly products for body and home—everything from deodorant to laundry soap—don't just look and smell beautiful. They're a go-to choice for beautiful, thoughtful gifts large and small.

2, Badger, Gilsum, N.H.

Photo: Badger

Badger makes a full range of sunscreens for sports, water, babies, family, and even an anti-bug product. Each one offers broad spectrum UV protection, is chemical-free, made of all natural and organic ingredients. The products also smell great.

3. Beardition, Nashville, Tenn.

Photo: Beardition

USA Love List 's beauty editor Angie Barnes likes Beardition and she doesn't even have a beard. The company is dedicated to natural men's grooming basics that work well and smells good. Products (made from "cool people in Nashville") range from beard shampoo and conditioner to beard oil. Too metrosexual?

4. Cloud Star, San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Photo: Cloudstar

Many pet products are made domestically with lots of choices for pet owners. And Cloud Star features pet treats and grooming products, all made from domestically sourced ingredients. Products include grain-free baked biscuits and a natural dog wash shampoo. Ruff!

5. Fiesta, Newell, W. Va.

Photo: Fiesta

The Homer Laughlin China Company still makes its popular Fiesta dinnerware in the same West Virginia factory, where the line started nearly 75 years ago. This colorful, art-deco line of tableware is among the most collected in America and comes with a five-year warranty against chipping. Fiesta collectors have warm stories and memories of this durable dinnerware that's both current and nostalgic.

6. Loggerhead Apparel, Greenville, S.C.

Photo: Loggerhead Apparel

The company behind its popular polo shirts was founded in 2009 by two South Carolina natives including one co-founder, who's the grandchild of mill workers. The state once boasted a thriving textile community.Loggerhead now makes products using domestically-grown cotton—and 10 percent of revenue goes directly to local sea turtle protection and conservation. The Loggerhead Sea Turtle is an endangered species.

7. Quivvers, Whitefish Bay, Wis.

Photo: Quivvers

This start-up offers Quivver, a small, versatile pouch-bag that straps across your body and can help you carry your smartphone, wallet and other essentials. The pouch is especially handy for active athletes and travelers. And it's so much cooler than a fanny pack.

8. Second Base, Los Angeles, Calif.

Photo: Second Base

Ladies, when was the last time you bought unmentionables that were not made overseas? Exactly. Thecompany offers a line of camisoles made of ultra soft, micro modal fabric. The products are designed and made in Los Angeles.

9. Tervis, North Venice, Fla.

Photo: Tervis

Created in Detroit, and now based and manufactured in Florida, Tervis tumblers feature double-walled construction, which prevents condensation and insulates both hot and cold drinks. Dishwasher safe and BPA-free, the tumblers come with a lifetime guarantee.

10. Zkano, Fort Payne, Ala.

Zkano
Photo: Zkano

You might not think much about a simple item like socks. But Zkano does. They make their complete line of socks from start to finish in Alabama from ring-spun organic cotton. No sweatshops, chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, genetic modification, or heavy-metal dyes are involved.