Two local companies recently appeared in a new book entitled “Made Here, Baby!,” by author Bruce Wolk. The book features the best American-made products for kids from babies to preteens and serves as a resource for new parents.
Chickory Wood Products in Mequon, which makes wooden toys for children, and Serendipity Puzzle Company in Waukesha, which makes puzzles using 100 percent recycled fibers, water-based inks and coatings, were both listed in the book.
“We make about 80 to 85 different hand made wooden toys for children,” said John Kranitz, owner of Chickory Wood Products. “It started out as a hobby, but has gotten more and more popular as people find out about them.”
Kranitz produces high quality wooden trains, cars, planes, boats and other wooden toys out of different types of wood including cherry, black walnut, maple, oak, and hickory.
The colors are created with different types of wood, but all of the toys are completely finished and varnished.
“To be mentioned in a book like this is really good publicity for us,” Kranitz said. “It’s a very popular product once people are able to see what we’re all about.”
After an intensive research and interviewing process, Wolk compiled the guide to more than 400 small, medium and large American manufacturers of products including toys, games, puzzles, diaper bags, carriers, car seats, baby products, clothing, shoes, bedding, furniture and sporting goods.
Throughout the book, Wolk highlights the unique profile of each of these American companies and also provides a index of women-owned businesses, companies committed to green or organic manufacturing and companies which have been in business for over a century.
“Keeping your kids happy and healthy is a major priority, so it’s reassuring to know that it is possible to find safe, high quality American-made products that in many cases also offer a money-back guarantee,” Wolk said. “Consumers will also be pleasantly surprised that many of the quality products made by these companies are very price competitive.”
“Made Here, Baby!” retails for $17.95 and is available through www.madeherebaby.com and at most major online retail sites such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, and Borders. The book makes a nice gift for baby showers or can be used as a reference by anyone looking for safe, American-made products for children from newborns through teenagers, Wolk said.
