21 Best Things to Sell on Etsy to Make Money

Etsy has become one of the world’s most popular online marketplaces for creative entrepreneurs. Known for its handmade, vintage, and one-of-a-kind items, it attracts millions of buyers looking for something unique, personalized, and crafted with care. Whether you’re an artist, designer, hobbyist, or small business owner, Etsy provides an excellent opportunity to turn your passion into profit.

But not everything sells equally well on the platform. With so many shops competing for attention, choosing the right product category is essential for standing out and generating consistent income. That’s why identifying the most profitable and in-demand items is the first step to success on Etsy.

In this article, I’ll walk you through 21 of the best things to sell on Etsy to Make Money that have proven popular, sustainable, and money-making. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to expand your current offerings, this list will help you find the right niche and inspire your next best-seller.

21 Best Things to Sell on Etsy to Make Money

  1. Handmade Jewelry
  2. Printable Wall Art
  3. Wedding Decor & Accessories
  4. Stickers & Decals
  5. T-Shirts & Apparel
  6. Candles
  7. Home Decor
  8. Personalized Gifts
  9. Pet Accessories
  10. DIY Craft Kits
  11. Baby Products
  12. Digital Planners & Templates
  13. Eco-Friendly Products
  14. Holiday Items
  15. Resin Art
  16. Crochet & Knitted Goods
  17. Bath and Body Products
  18. Vintage Items
  19. Artisanal Food Products
  20. Invitations & Event Printables
  21. Phone Cases & Tech Accessories

1. Handmade Jewelry

Handmade jewelry remains one of the most profitable categories on Etsy. It offers a wide variety of options, including minimalist designs, bohemian styles, engraved initials, and birthstone pieces. Many buyers are drawn to personalized options for gifting or self-expression.

As a seller, you can work with materials like silver, beads, resin, or polymer clay to create unique products. There’s also potential to scale with collections or offer matching sets. Eye-catching photography and custom packaging can help your brand stand out in a saturated market.

2. Printable Wall Art

Printable wall art is a digital product that requires no shipping or inventory, making it ideal for passive income. Buyers love the instant download feature, allowing them to decorate their spaces quickly and affordably.

You can design prints for home offices, nurseries, living rooms, or dorms. Trending styles include typography, boho patterns, abstract art, and motivational quotes. Since this is a scalable product, you can sell one design hundreds of times. With tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator, even beginners can start creating high-quality prints.

3. Wedding Decor & Accessories

The wedding market is a consistent goldmine on Etsy due to high demand for custom, meaningful items. Products like personalized vow books, bridal party gifts, seating charts, and cake toppers are always in style. Couples look for unique, handmade elements that add a personal touch to their big day.

You can also offer themed collections, such as rustic, boho, or modern. Weddings happen year-round, giving you the opportunity for steady sales. Pricing is often higher in this category, allowing for better profit margins.

4. Stickers & Decals

Stickers are easy to produce, affordable, and appeal to a wide audience, from planners and scrapbookers to students and small businesses. You can offer physical stickers or digital sticker sheets, both of which are popular. Niches like mental health, humor, animals, and pop culture perform particularly well.

Since stickers are lightweight, they’re inexpensive to ship globally. With a cutting machine like Cricut or Silhouette, you can create high-quality, custom designs at home. Repeat buyers and bundle deals can help grow your shop quickly.

5. T-Shirts & Apparel

Selling t-shirts and apparel is a great way to turn your graphic design skills into cash. With print-on-demand services, you can offer custom clothing without managing inventory or shipping. Niche-focused designs like mom life quotes, funny sayings, or astrology themes tend to sell best.

You can also expand into hoodies, sweatshirts, or baby onesies to reach different audiences. High-quality mockups and trendy fonts give your shop a polished, professional look. Offering personalization or limited-edition designs adds value and urgency to your listings.

6. Candles

Handmade candles are loved for their calming ambiance and gift appeal. You can experiment with different scents, container styles, and wax types like soy, beeswax, or coconut. Scented candles with themes like “Book Lover,” “Cozy Cabin,” or “Relaxation Blend” attract niche buyers.

Offering eco-friendly packaging or reusable containers can boost your appeal to sustainable shoppers. Candles are a great product for repeat business, especially if you brand your scents and create seasonal collections. Customers often buy candles as gifts, so presentation is key.

7. Home Decor

Home decor products on Etsy thrive because people are constantly updating and personalizing their spaces. Items like macramé wall hangings, rustic signs, boho pillows, and handmade vases are consistently in demand. You can cater to specific trends or color palettes to align with interior design aesthetics.

Offering customizable options, such as names or dates on decor pieces, increases buyer interest. Home decor also makes excellent gifts, especially for housewarmings or holidays. Strong product photos in styled environments can help convert casual browsers into buyers.

8. Personalized Gifts

Nothing beats the emotional appeal of a personalized gift. From monogrammed mugs to engraved cutting boards and custom photo keychains, these items make great presents for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.

Buyers love the ability to add names, dates, or special messages that make the gift one-of-a-kind. Personalized products often command higher prices because they feel more meaningful. To stand out, offer stylish fonts, clear customization options, and quick turnaround times. This niche is perfect for building customer loyalty and repeat purchases.

9. Pet Accessories

Pet lovers are passionate shoppers who enjoy spoiling their furry companions. Etsy is a popular platform for buying custom collars, engraved tags, pet clothes, and even portraits. Offering breed-specific items or funny pet-themed sayings can help you carve out a niche.

Consider eco-friendly materials or matching sets for pets and owners for extra appeal. Personalized items like name tags or pet bowls are especially popular. With pet ownership on the rise, this category has long-term growth potential.

10. DIY Craft Kits

DIY kits are perfect for customers who enjoy crafting but need guidance and materials in one package. These can include embroidery kits, candle-making sets, watercolor boxes, or clay modeling kits. Craft kits are great for gifting, homeschooling, or self-care activities.

Be sure to include clear instructions and all the essential tools to ensure a smooth experience for your buyers. Eye-catching packaging and beginner-friendly designs will attract a wider audience. These products also perform well around holidays and birthdays.

11. Baby Products

Etsy shoppers love buying adorable and personalized baby products, especially for baby showers, birthdays, or new parents. Items like custom baby bodysuits, soft blankets, milestone cards, and nursery prints are consistently popular.

Eco-friendly and organic materials are highly valued in this category. You can also design gender-neutral or minimalist collections to appeal to modern tastes. Custom name prints and handmade baby toys also make thoughtful gifts. High-quality images and a soft, gentle branding style will help connect emotionally with buyers.

12. Digital Planners & Templates

Digital products like planners, trackers, resume templates, or wedding planning guides sell well because they’re instant and reusable. These items appeal to students, professionals, small business owners, and even teachers. Once created, they can be sold infinitely without restocking or shipping costs. You can design your files for apps like GoodNotes, Notion, or Canva, depending on your target audience. Offering bundle deals and niche-specific planners (e.g., fitness or financial) can boost your income. Well-designed covers and clear previews help improve your click-through rate.

13. Eco-Friendly Products

More buyers are looking for sustainable alternatives, making eco-friendly products a fast-growing Etsy niche. Think reusable beeswax wraps, cloth grocery bags, compostable packaging, and wooden toothbrushes. Offering handmade, plastic-free, or biodegradable items helps build trust and loyalty. Many customers are willing to pay a premium for products that support a greener lifestyle. Your brand story and packaging should reflect your eco-conscious values. Adding tags like “zero-waste,” “sustainable,” or “green living” helps with Etsy search visibility.

14. Holiday Items

Seasonal and holiday-themed products sell rapidly when timed right. Examples include custom ornaments, Halloween costumes, Thanksgiving place cards, and Valentine’s Day gifts. You can create yearly collections to build returning customers who come back each season.

These products often have strong emotional value and are bought for both home decor and gift-giving. Planning for production and marketing is essential to capitalize on traffic spikes. Using festive packaging and keywords can boost your visibility during seasonal search surges.

15. Resin Art

Resin products are eye-catching and can be molded into a variety of unique and artistic pieces. Popular options include resin coasters, bookmarks, keychains, trays, and jewelry. You can add elements like glitter, dried flowers, gold flakes, or even personalized initials to make each item unique.

Resin art is ideal for creating luxury-looking pieces with a modern or boho aesthetic. Because each product is handmade, customers value the originality and craftsmanship. Clear, glossy product photos and videos really help capture the shine and detail of resin.

16. Phone Cases

Custom phone cases are a functional product with endless creative potential. You can design cases with trendy patterns, inspirational quotes, artwork, or personalized names. These items are particularly appealing to younger buyers who want something unique to match their personality.

Print-on-demand services allow you to sell without holding stock, and you can offer cases for multiple phone models. Consider bundling cases with matching accessories like pop sockets or screen cloths. Keeping up with phone release dates helps you stay ahead in this niche.

17. Stationery & Notebooks

Custom stationery adds a personal touch to daily routines and is popular for gifts, school, or home offices. Items like personalized notepads, gratitude journals, wedding invitation sets, and greeting cards do well. You can cater to specific audiences like brides-to-be, teachers, or business owners.

Hand-drawn illustrations, foil accents, or motivational quotes enhance the visual appeal. Digital versions are also an option for instant downloads. Clean, styled product photography gives your stationery a high-end feel.

18. Mugs & Drinkware

Custom mugs are a classic Etsy bestseller, especially when paired with funny sayings, cute illustrations, or personal messages. You can sell to multiple niches like coffee lovers, pet owners, teachers, or newlyweds. Offering matching sets or seasonal designs (like Christmas or Valentine’s mugs) increases sales opportunities. Using a print-on-demand partner makes the process scalable without worrying about inventory. Great packaging can turn a simple mug into a memorable gift experience. Think about including options like travel tumblers or wine glasses to expand your reach.

19. Sewing Patterns & Crochet Kits

If you’re skilled in sewing or crocheting, selling your original patterns or complete DIY kits can be very profitable. Buyers love being able to create something beautiful with your guidance and materials. Kits for making plush toys, clothing, home decor, or amigurumi animals are particularly popular.

Offering both digital and physical formats allows you to cater to all skill levels. Include detailed instructions, photos, and beginner tips to ensure a positive experience. Sharing finished examples from your community also builds trust and social proof.

20. Party Supplies

Custom party supplies are always in demand for birthdays, baby showers, graduations, and holidays. You can create printable invitations, banners, cupcake toppers, and party favors. Personalization is key in this niche, with names, dates, and age-specific themes being big selling points.

Offering matching bundles makes it easier for customers to plan entire events. You can focus on digital downloads or sell physical decorations, depending on your setup. Targeting niche themes (like dinosaurs or fairies) helps you stand out in search.

21. Art & Illustrations

Original artwork and illustrations give your Etsy shop a unique, creative edge. You can sell physical prints, canvas art, or downloadable files, depending on your preference. Custom portraits, especially of families, pets, or couples, are highly valued and often purchased as gifts.

Digital illustrations of pop culture icons, fashion figures, or dreamy landscapes are also trending. Make sure your art style is consistent and recognizable across listings. Investing in high-quality mockups helps you present your work in a professional, polished way.

Tips for Success on Etsy

1. Focus on a Niche

Etsy shoppers love specialized stores. Instead of selling a little bit of everything, focus on a specific product type or theme, such as boho jewelry, minimalist prints, or eco-friendly baby items. A niche helps you attract loyal customers, build brand identity, and stand out in Etsy search results.

2. Optimize Your Listings for SEO

Use strong keywords in your product titles, descriptions, and tags. Think like your customer—what would they type into Etsy’s search bar? Use tools like EtsyHunt, eRank, or Marmalead to discover high-ranking terms. Well-optimized listings have a much higher chance of being found and clicked.

3. Take High-Quality Photos

Great photos are essential. Use natural lighting, simple backgrounds, and multiple angles to show your product clearly. Include styled shots that show how your product fits into a lifestyle. Clear, professional images build trust and are often the difference between a click and a scroll-by.

4. Offer Excellent Customer Service

Quick responses, fast shipping, and a friendly tone go a long way in building a positive reputation. Address customer concerns politely and professionally. Satisfied customers often leave glowing reviews, which are critical for growing your store’s credibility and visibility.

5. Encourage Reviews

Etsy’s algorithm favors shops with high ratings and frequent reviews. After a sale, politely ask your buyer to leave a review. You can include a handwritten thank-you note or a small bonus (like a discount code for their next purchase) to encourage feedback and repeat business.

6. Keep Your Shop Updated

Stay active by regularly adding new products, updating photos, or tweaking your descriptions. Etsy rewards active sellers with better visibility. Follow seasonal trends and holidays to keep your store relevant and fresh throughout the year.

7. Price Strategically

Do some research to understand how similar products are priced. Factor in your materials, time, Etsy fees, and profit margin. Avoid underpricing—many buyers on Etsy are willing to pay more for quality, handmade, or unique items. Consider offering free shipping by including the cost in your price.

8. Use Social Media to Drive Traffic

Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok are perfect for promoting Etsy products visually. Share behind-the-scenes content, customer photos, and product demos to create engagement. Link your shop in your bio and use hashtags to reach a broader audience.

9. Offer Personalization Options

Buyers love customized items—whether it’s names, dates, colors, or messages. Offering personalization not only increases your value but also allows you to charge more. It’s also one of the best ways to make your product stand out in a competitive market.

10. Analyze Your Data

Etsy provides powerful shop analytics to help you understand what’s working. Monitor which listings get the most traffic and sales. Use that data to refine your strategy, improve underperforming listings, and double down on best-sellers.

FAQs About the Best Things to Sell on Etsy to Make Money

What are the most profitable items to sell on Etsy?

Handmade jewelry, digital downloads, personalized gifts, wedding items, and home décor tend to be among the most profitable categories on Etsy. Digital products are especially cost-effective since they have no inventory or shipping costs.

Do I need to make the products myself?

No, but Etsy prefers items that are handmade, vintage (20+ years old), or craft supplies. You can also use production partners for printing or manufacturing, but you must disclose that in your shop. Many sellers successfully use print-on-demand services for items like mugs or t-shirts.

Is selling on Etsy free?

It’s not free, but it’s affordable. Etsy charges $0.20 to list an item, a 6.5% transaction fee, and additional fees for payment processing. There are also optional costs like Etsy Ads or Offsite Ads if you want to promote your listings further.

How can I stand out in a crowded marketplace?

To stand out, focus on a specific niche, use eye-catching photography, write compelling product descriptions, and optimize your listings with strong keywords. Branding, customer service, and product uniqueness also play a major role in building loyalty and visibility.















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