Fill Your Home with America’s Coolest Indie Wares

This week, we're turning our Travel Loot column over to merchandising and product development consultant Rita Mehta. After several years working for a major global retailer, Mehta was inspired to start The American Edit, a site that explores American products. She has fantastic taste — we'll take one of each please — and she was kind enough to share a Rolodex of indie shops we're now dying to visit.

There are few things I love more than travel, so I'm fortunate that my work gives me the opportunity to do so quite often. I run The American Edit, a website that celebrates the best American-made products. I typically plan my trips around independent restaurants and shops I want to visit (with a few museums or hikes thrown in), which means I'm always uncovering new and incredible brands and the shops that carry them.

Here are ten of my favorite recent household finds. Everything is manufactured in the USA and sold at small, independent shops across America.

Susan Connor block prints her collection at her studio in Brooklyn. Her denim throw is the perfect weight for cool summer nights.

Price: $195

Buy stateside: Wilson & Willy's (Minneapolis)

I have Ginny Sims' tumblers all over my house and love the colorful, whimsical prints.

Price: $40

Buy stateside: Mille (Minneapolis)

Not exactly carry-on friendly, but KKDW's planter is made in Austin and is the perfect accent piece for any home.

Price: $305

Buy stateside: Gather Home & Lifestyle (Chicago)

The MQuan Studio bowl is a much more travel-friendly option! I pick up beautiful ceramics wherever I go and keep them for our home or to give away as presents.

Price: $36

Buy stateside: The Commons (Charleston)

Another beautiful ceramic cup. This one is made by Romy Northover in New York.

Price: $28

Buy stateside: The Line (New York)

An iconic shop. I always leave with a piece of Heath Ceramics after visiting California.

Price: $24

Buy stateside: Heath (San Francisco, Sausalito, and Los Angeles)

This spice mill is made in Portland and New York and is a beautiful addition to any modern kitchen.

Price: $110

Buy stateside: Beam & Anchor (Portland)

A beautiful, unique piece from Kati von Lehman, made by hand in Portland.

Price: $38

Buy stateside: Spartan Shop (Austin)

Throughout her collection, Kelly Lambs uses simple materials in the most unique shapes.

Price: $95

Buy stateside: Mohawk General Store (Los Angeles)

Even when you're not in the mood for trying on jeans, the shop's signature scent is enough reason to visit again and again.

Price: $55

Buy stateside: Imogene + Willie (Nashville and Portland)