You should know why you might be paying a little bit extra for Kleynimals.  Kleynimals toy keys and flatware were always made in the USA from USA sourced stainless steel.  While going through the process of
creating the toy keys, I knew that I could probably have them manufactured in China (like the other metal keys on the market) and save some money.  However, it is important to me (and hopefully to you too) to have toys and products that are American made for a number of reasons.  I want to ensure that high quality, safe materials and fair labor practices are used in the manufacturing process.  I also want to support the American economy.

From inception, Kleynimals has sourced small, independent, American companies to help with manufacturing.  For the first four years of existence, I “piecemealed” the manufacturing out of my home.  I received parts from two family owned companies.  I then drove the American made parts back and forth between assembly, welding and cleaning in small batches.  Kleynimals were assembled and washed by a local non-profit
organization that supports people with developmental and intellectual disabilities living self-directed lives (Providence). They were welded and polished by a talented man  (also a proud Veteran and a good friend) in Baltimore, often times with the assistance of his daughter.  This process was truly a Labor of Love.

Starting in 2015, I was fortunate to find an American company that could do all of the manufacturing under one roof, thus saving me a lot of driving and sorting, and allowing me to meet a larger demand.  Kleynimals were made in upstate New York by Sherrill Manufacturing, another independently owned company with a strong commitment to creating American jobs.  You can read a great article about their story here:  NY Times – Setting a Made-in-the-USA Table

Making toys in the USA has not been easy. I encountered another hurdle in 2023 that led to more evolutions in my manufacturing. From 2023 until 2026, Kleynimals toys are made in combination with the very first company that manufactured for me in Evanston, IL and Sherrill. It felt like full circle.

Sadly, the process is time consuming and challenging for all of the companies involved. In 2026, at another crossroads, I learned that neither Sherrill or Ward could continue manufacturing my products, nor could I find any other USA based companies that would take me on. The best alternative I could find was manufacturing my keys in Mexico with American steel. My first batch of keys from Mexico will arrive in late 2026. My flatware, jangles and rattle inventory are still made in the USA.

Thanks for being with me on this journey that posed many challenges over the years. I continue to do my best to persevere because of the enthusiasm of customers like you.