Social studies is the great catch-all.

It is where we learn about ourselves and others, as well as geography and politics.

Having already been introduced to the concepts themselves in the hallways, playgrounds and locker rooms, social studies teaches us the vocabulary and historic framework necessary to discuss and understand the needs and motives of modern society.

It is a complicated world.

Here are some social studies inspired American-made products that may not make your world simpler, but will hopefully make it at least a little more fun.

Squishy Sushi – Made in San Francisco, California

J. R. R. Tolkien said “not all who wander are lost.”

Prove him right by wearing Squishy Sushi’s  map bangle (left, $20/each) on your next adventure. (Yes, the grocery store does count as an adventure!)

If you do get lost, this bracelet will probably not show you the way home, but it will show anyone that you ask for directions that you are not only stylish, but also witty.

Nicole Cochener, the artist behind the brand, starts each bangle with a wooden form. She decoupages it with previously loved maps and then seals it making it water-resistant. (Remember water-resistant is not the same as waterproof so no scuba diving or hot tubs.)

Each bracelet is as unique as the wearer and Nicole does accept custom location requests. For more information, you will want to visit www.squishysushi.net.

Beat Up Creations – Made in Los Angeles, California

Founding fathers just wanna have fun!

You may just have to reexamine everything you know about George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. (And for that matter Walt Disney and George Lucas.) But first, you must laugh.

Angela Rossi, the slightly twisted genius responsible for Beat Up Creations, has re-imagined iconic portraits (left, $12.99 each for 8″x10″) of two of America’s most distinguished thinkers and leaders.

Her altered portraits, while wonderfully absurd, do serve to remind us that, though they accomplished much, George and Ben began life as just two average little boys. (The kind of little boys who would have likely loved Mickey and Yoda.) When viewed in that light these silly images serve as reminders that anything is possible.

You will want to get one of these. They bring both levity and inspiration. A rare and much-needed combination.

Visit www.beatupcreations.com.

Dolan Geiman – Made in Chicago, Illinois

See the USA. Everyday. On your wall.

Artist Dolan Geiman captures the rugged spirit of the US landscape through his combination of reclaimed wood, recycled house paints, and found objects. His one-of-kind pieces will make you proud to be an American and supporter of the arts.

Each made-to-order work is signed and dated and is available in either 18″ h x 24″ w x 2″ d (left, $650), 31.75″ h x 48″ w x 2″ d, or a custom size – just ask.

Dolan’s creativity does not stop at the border, however. You will want to check out his people, animals and instruments at dolangeiman.com.

Woodbury Pewter – Made in Woodbury, Connecticut

The perfect, and historically relevant, way to put the “social” in social studies.

The Jefferson Cup (left, $29), whose design is attributed to Thomas Jefferson (read here), is the ideal vessel for your late summer afternoon mint julep.

However, at 2.5″ high this cup will hold 8 oz. of whatever you choose — a favorite beverage or candy or perhaps bragging rights or congratulations. (Because the Jefferson Cup can be personalized, it often used as an award or to commemorate a special occasion – wedding, birth, graduation.)

Woodbury Pewter is a third-generation family owned company that has been making high quality lead-free pewter goods since the 1950′s. Today they still employ many 18th and 19th century pewter processes.

The next time you need a gift that does not require constant polishing and will last a lifetime, visit www.woodburypewter.com.

Oomph – Made in Connecticut*

“No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars or sailed an uncharted land” — Helen Keller.

Show your eternal optimism and perennial style with the Fenwick Chart table (left, $1,950).

Leave it to the glamorous ladies at Oomph to create a coffee table that is equal parts educational/nautical resource and household hero.

Like all of their tables, the Fenwick is made in Oomph’s Connecticut Studio. It is available in your choice of 16 luscious and highly lacquered colors with 1 of 4 NOAA charts on top. (Other charts may be available. Call for more details.)

If you are looking for a table with personality, you must visit www.oomphonline.com. With sizes ranging from “tini” to console, they definitely have something to fit both your attitude and your space.

*Not all of Oomph’s products are made in Connecticut but they are all made in the US.

Jack and Lulu - Made in USA*

Pledge your allegiance.

The stationery house, Jack and Lulu brings its sense of whimsy to these eminently practical miniature flags. (Okay, so I added “eminently” but these darling items are actually described on their label as being “practical.” In truth, it makes me love them more.)

So make your cupcakes patriotic, identify your cheese’s country of origin, or give your (toy) soldiers a reason to salute.

Each Bag O’Flags (left, $8/bag) contains 10 flags. You can choose from the Stars and Stripes, the Union Jack, The Tricolour or The Jolly Roger depending on where your loyalties lay.

Visit www.jackandlulu.com.

*Not all Jack and Lulu products are made in the US. Please read source information carefully.

Skreened – Made in Columbus, Ohio*

Let’s face it. It has been a rough couple of years.

To cope you may be longing for the excess of the 80′s, praying for the wisdom of past leaders or hoping for a brighter tomorrow.

A little Reagan-era nostalgia is certainly understandable these days. The market was booming. America was “the” superpower. Shoulder pads and hair were huge. (Okay, so not everything was better!) Until they perfect time-travel, you might want to pick up this Reagan-Bush ’84 t-shirt (left, $29.99). It cannot take you there, but it lets others know where you’d rather be.

If you prefer a bit more in-your-face approach, show you concern for the status quo with a Lincoln (2nd from left, $23.99) or Teddy Roosevelt (2nd from right, $23.99) tee. Either will show everyone what you think a real leader looks like.

With an election looming in little over a year, perhaps you are trying to stay positive. If you plan to back Obama, you will definitely want to check out what has to be one of the most subtle, and consequently tasteful, political t-shirts ever (right, $28.99  junior sizes).

Which ever perspective you choose, you will be happy to know that the design is printed on a 100% cotton, American Apparel tee. All designs are available in 10 colors and all, except the Obama tee, are shown in a vintage/fitted style.

They cannot make your 401k more valuable but the folks at Skreened can definitely help you express your point of view. Designers around the globe submit designs that are printed on goods at Skreened’s Columbus, Ohio studio.

Plan to visit skreened.com.

*Many, but not all, of Skreened’s goods are American made. Please read source information carefully.

Little Owl Designs – Made in Memphis, Tennessee

Geography meets typography.

Allie, the little bird responsible for all of the good things at Little Owl Designs, has reinterpreted the US map (left, $40).

Her version is hand-drawn and uses the letters of each state’s name to define it shape and boundaries.

The result is not only beautiful, but dynamic. Through the flourishes and manipulation of her own handwriting, Allie depicts the energy of our nation.

This print is 20″h x 30″w and is available with white ink on either a black (as shown) or blue background.

Allie’s map may not be the best choice if you are looking to plot your next road trip, but it definitely is if you are instead looking for well-executed and clever wall art.

Visit www.littleowl-designs.com.

Canopy Designs Ltd - Made in New York

What a way to go native!

Even cowboys and cowgirls will want to make room on the ranch for this exquisite light.

Canopy Designs has covered a reverse mirror bell jar pendant (left) with finely detailed black and white Native American portraits. The figures depicted are fierce and compelling.

The entire fixture is 23″h x 14″ w and would be a dramatic addition to any room.

Love the light but prefer more colorful and feminine decoration? You will want to check out Canopy’s bell jar pendant with either cherry blossoms, tulips or birds.

No matter which you choose, the bell jar pendant will definitely be the light of the party! Visit www.canopydesigns.com to see their entire product line and where to buy.

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We are more than 1/2 way through our rather zany salute to school subjects.

Hopefully you are still enjoying it.

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