Welcome to the new Great American Gift and Paper Co.--a simply American made lifestyle boutique. Since 2001, I have searched the main floors and deep in the nooks and crannies at markets from coast to coast for unique finds to fill my boutiques. Year after year, I kept plugging along buying a mix of products, but, more often than not, I found myself gravitating to specialty items made right here in the USA. In 2012, an idea occurred to me: "why not all made in the USA"? The more I thought about it, the more I fell head over heels in love with the notion. Imagine a shop where customers never have to turn over a product to find out where it was made.
By Spring 2015, I couldn't contain my love for this idea any longer. I had to create it. I couldn't resist attempting to accomplish the task of bringing together an entire store of made in the USA goods. I keep wondering if anyone besides me really cares? If the choices are easily accessible, would it make a difference? Is it just a matter of convenience? Well, it's time to find out.
So, here it is. No more wild goose chase! By fall 2015 my dream came true-- The Great Gift and Paper Co. became The Great American Gift and Paper Co.-- a boutique branded and dedicated entirely to Simply American Made (now you know where SAM comes from) is open for business. Please take a look around. You can trust that I have curated the best of the best here at The Great American Gift and Paper Co.. You will find beautiful picture frames made in New York that would make a lovely gift; newborn baby layette that is made in Texas; and wall art made in Pennsylvania to dress your walls. It's ALL right here at your fingertips. And there is so much more to come. We can't wait to share it all with you!
To be clear, The Great American Gift and Paper Co. strictly requires that our manufacturers create their end-products here in the USA. We realize that some of the pieces and parts are imported because somethings just aren't made in the USA anymore and never have been. We believe that any company running in America is a step in the right direction. If you are that customer that wants only goods made in America with no parts imported, then we are not your store. Keep in mind that we are not trying to tip the global economy off its axis-- GA just asks that you consider looking to American made first.
There is evidence from east to west that the Made in America movement is gaining momentum. Our mission at The Great American Gift and Paper Co. is simple: it is to inspire you to look to buy made in the USA first. Just as President John F. Kennedy once said, "One person can make a difference, and everyone should try". This is me trying. I hope you will join me in making this dream come true.
Kindest,
Chris Williard, creative director
The Great American Gift and Paper Co.