Marble King in Paden City, West Virginia, produces nearly a million marbles a day and has a rich history in marble manufacturing.
Marble King in Paden City, West Virginia, produces nearly a million marbles a day and has a rich history in marble manufacturing. black tourmaline palm stone
Several popular products have their origin right here in West Virginia. Fiesta Dinnerware, for example, is produced in the Northern Panhandle. But here's another interesting one that you might not have been aware of: billions of the world's marbles started their lives in West Virginia. Several of West Virginia's marble factories have moved or closed over the years, but Marble King, located in Paden City, still cranks out nearly a million of these little round balls of glass per day.
Marbles have been a popular component of a variety of pastimes for many, many years. From Chinese Checkers to marble shooting competitions to marble racing, generations of children (and adults) have known hours of fun thanks to marbles.
And many of those marbles that have brought such fun to so many originated right here in West Virginia, at Marble King in Paden City.
Founded in 1949 in St. Marys, West Virginia, the company relocated to Paden City after a fire destroyed the original factory in 1958.
Marble King produces nearly a million marbles a day, and their popular products have been featured all over the nation.
The company has always been a leader in marble production, manufacturing the first U.S. made "cat's eye" marble and developing the first "marble veneering" process, in which a less expensive glass could be used for the marble's core and covered with a finer colored glass.
The variety of products Marble King has to offer is astounding: not only do they have dozens of different colors of marbles for sale in their online gift shop, but you can also order many other marble related products, from mazes and marble runs to t-shirts and jewelry.
While Marble King's in-person gift shop is currently closed for the 2020 season, you can still purchase all of their products at their online gift shop.
And check back frequently, as they do hope to re-open their on-site gift shop when possible!
If all this talk of marbles has you feeling nostalgic for the good old days, plan a time soon to revisit your childhood (and bring your friends and family along) with a game night featuring authentic, made-in-West-Virginia marbles.
Did you play with marbles growing up? Were they West Virginia marbles? If not, you can order some from Marble King here. What were your favorite marble games? Let us know in the comments!
If this profile of Marble King has sparked your curiosity about products with West Virginian origin, you might also find this article about other things that come from West Virginia interesting!
Take a look at some of the best gifts on Amazon with your favorite traveler in mind.
Take a look at some of the best gifts on Amazon with your favorite traveler in mind.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
My mom always said that you could never buy presents too early, especially with the holiday season on the horizon. I say, the sooner the better, and buying online, to me, is ideal. I am a busy single mom of two kids, so convenience is key. With a few clicks of the mouse, you can throw the perfect items for your friends, coworkers, and loved ones into a virtual cart, pay with your credit card, and sit back as the boxes, almost like magic, start appearing at your door or in your mailbox within days!
These days, most of us use Amazon for its convenience, deals, and hard-to-find items you most likely won’t find at brick-and-mortar stores. Whether you start your holiday shopping now or wait until somewhat last minute (but not too last minute, or you might not get what you ordered in time!), we are taking a bit of a headache out of the decision-making process and helping you out with some of our favorite travel products that make great holiday gifts. Here are some of the best gifts on Amazon with your favorite traveler in mind:
A good gift doesn't have to be expensive, and luckily, there is an endless inventory of unique and useful travel gifts under $25 on Amazon. Whether it's a journal or an item that will make traveling easier, these inexpensive travel gifts are sure to delight the recipients.
If you're anything like me, you document your travels. I can't tell you how many travel journals I have filled over the years — it's a lot! And yes, I am still delighted when someone gives me a brand-new travel journal as a Christmas gift. I revel in the excitement of travels I have not yet been on. Not only is a travel journal a must-have item for any traveler in your life, but it can also be a great source of inspiration to them.
What I like about this particular journal is that it's organized so that you can include 10 trips. There's also a keepsake pocket for each trip, where you can add ticket stubs, photos, and other memorabilia.
Nearly every time I'm at the airport for an early morning flight, I find myself wearily making my way to a coffee shop in the terminal for a caffeine fix. Almost always, I have a rolling carry-on with me. After getting my coffee, I have to hold it in one hand while rolling my luggage behind me. But how's this for convenience — a luggage travel cupholder for a suitcase? To me, this is a game-changer! Not only can this handy item hold a coffee cup but also a water bottle, your phone, and even a tablet. I'll be adding this to my holiday wish list this year. How about you?
If someone you know needs a visual to see how many states they've visited, then a scratch-off map is the perfect gift! Not only that, but it's incredibly satisfying to scratch off a destination after visiting. I have a scratch map and absolutely love seeing how many places I've visited and all the places I have yet to go. This U.S. scratch map by TRAVELISIMO comes with 25 accessories, including stickers and flags, and is conveniently packaged in a tube to prevent the map from getting wrinkled or damaged.
I've been looking all over for a compact mirror with lights that I can travel with, and I finally found it! This Lighted Travel Makeup Mirror is only 4x4.9 inches, so it can easily be stowed in a handbag or a makeup bag. It can also be magnified up to 10 times, has LED lights, and can be recharged with the included charger. How convenient!
The next few items are among the best travel gifts from Amazon under $50. These gifts are still quite affordable for a nice present that's both useful and takes a bit of the headache and discomfort out of traveling.
Whether you're on a short or a long-haul flight, organization is the key to comfort. I often find myself getting up to search my stowed carry-on for something I need, but I wouldn't need to do that if I had this Airplane Pocket Organizer. Just slip it over your seat's tray table and organize everything you need for your flight (i.e. phone, chapstick, earbuds, tablet, water bottle, etc.). It's also water-resistant and machine washable, so you can clean it between flights. Speaking of clean, this convenient item provides a clean space for working and eating since it slips easily over the tray table. This may be my new favorite travel item from Amazon.
Of all the travel accessories I own, this Wayfarer Travel Wrap by Happyluxe, a small business that happens to sell on Amazon, is among my favorites. Made of TENCEL™ fabric, it's super soft and great for taking a nap on a plane or in a car on a long road trip. This 68-inch-by-35-inch wrap can be used as a shawl, a blanket, a poncho, or a scarf and comes in a variety of colors. Not only do I love its super soft feel, but its multiple functions. This is a must for any traveler!
The Odyssey Travel Pillow, also by Happyluxe, is soft, machine-washable, and perfect for any avid traveler. It can be used as a neck or head pillow for comfort. At 17-by-13 inches, it can be compressed for easy packing.
I never knew I had water bottle envy until a friend of mine pulled out this water bottle. I was amazed! Like a scratch map, this National Parks of the USA Bucket List Water Bottle allows you to track the national parks you've visited. But instead of scratching them off, you'll add one of the included waterproof stickers. Pretty awesome, right? This water bottle is made by Wondery Outdoors, a small business led by women.
If your gift-giving budget is a little higher, let's say for a child, a parent, or your favorite aunt or uncle, here are a few of the best travel gifts from Amazon that are under $100:
Packing cubes are another essential for any traveler in your life, and this set comes in a variety of colors and designs including U.S. National Parks. With seven compression cubes in the set, your favorite traveler's luggage will be well-organized.
Tech is always a good gift to give during the holidays, especially something like new earbuds. Not as pricey as Apple AirPods but working just as well are these Soundcore Sport X20 Earbuds by Anker that cost under $100. Not only are they noise-canceling, waterproof, and sweatproof, but they can rotate and hook around the ear which prevents them from falling out. Any frequent flier would love these on a plane!
Enjoy both style and function with this roomy WITZMAN Carryon Travel Backpack. This great gift item is made with nylon fabric on the outside and has a black polyester lining along with decompression foam to keep electronics safe. With several pockets, you can pack your laptop, a tablet, and many other items for traveling. With a removable strap, it can even be converted into a duffle bag. Best of all, it has an external USB charger port and an internal charging cable to attach your own power bank for keeping your electronics charged at all times.
One of my favorite parts about Christmas morning is seeing what I got in my stocking. I love finding all sorts of wonderfully small gifts, don't you? If you're on the hunt for fun and functional travel-related stocking stuffers for family and friends, take a look at these:
If you know someone who travels internationally, this International Travel Adapter is a must-have. I used to carry around a bag of adapters and plugs in my luggage, but this is really all you need when traveling overseas. This is the only adapter I brought with me during my last trip to Europe, and my only regret is that I hadn't purchased it sooner. This adapter covers 160 countries, has four USB slots, a power range between 100V and 250V, and can charge up to five devices at once.
If you know someone who owns Apple products like an iPhone, an iWatch, or AirPods, this 3-in-1 charging device is the perfect stocking stuffer. It's foldable, portable, lightweight, and compact, making it ideal for travel .
Do you know someone who loves visiting U.S. National Parks? Well, maybe they'd like a set of field notes in their stocking! Measuring 3.5 inches by 5.5 inches, they can easily be carried in a backpack or even a pocket. Each one has 48 pages and is covered in leather. There are also several national park field notes 3-packs to choose from, or you can order the entire collection!
This highly-rated toiletry bottle set is TSA-approved, BPA-free, and leakproof. The squeezable bottles are made of silicone and come in a clear bag for easy packing. There's also a wide variety of colors to choose from for the perfect stocking stuffer.
Remember, the holidays will be here before you know it! We hope that this guide to the best gifts on Amazon helps make gift-giving a breeze this year.
If you need even more ideas for gifts for travelers, our editors have hand-picked their favorites! Happy holidays!
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
natural bentonite cat litter Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product