39 best-selling handmade items for money in your pocket | 2025

The best-selling handmade items for online sales strike a balance between creativity and everyday usefulness. 

For example, a personalized cutting board engraved with a family name outsells generic kitchen tools because it’s both practical and sentimental. Handmade candles, soap sets, organizers, and jewelry earn consistent demand across reselling websites like Etsy and eBay. 

Use crosslisting tools like Nifty to sell your products across multiple marketplaces, automating relists and tracking sales in one place. 

We’ll walk you through the 39 best-selling handmade items for 2025 and show you how to turn a craft into a steady income.

Best-selling handmade items 

The best-selling handmade items combine artistry with practical uses that buyers enjoy for daily use or give as gifts. These products solve problems while offering customization that mass-produced goods cannot match. 

Folks who craft these handmade items sell them on reselling websites like Etsy, eBay, Amazon, or Mercari. Soap makers can produce soap at low cost and sell three-packs on Amazon for $11, earning a solid income when scaled.

The following categories and items provide opportunities to earn a strong income from handmade products:

Handmade home goods that sell well

Handmade home goods that sell well offer functional design and personal touches that transform everyday spaces into customized environments. Buyers purchase these items to replace mass-produced alternatives with unique pieces that reflect their style preferences. 

Here are some handmade home goods and products that sell well: 

Soy candles, wax melts, and accessories

Soy candles and wax melts sell strongly in handmade fragrance markets. They provide clean-burning alternatives to paraffin, and artisans craft unique scents rarely available in stores. For instance, makers use essential oils and natural wax bases to create blends that attract health-conscious consumers. 

A small-batch candle maker offering seasonal scents like “autumn harvest” or “winter pine” builds repeat buyers who purchase for home use and gifting.

1. Seasonal scents

Seasonal scents create predictable buying patterns that candle makers use to earn consistent revenue year-round. Spring lavender, summer citrus, autumn spice, and winter pine attract buyers who purchase candles to match home décor. 

Many customers prefer seasonal scents like “pumpkin spice” or “fresh pine” because they connect them with holidays and celebrations. Seasonal candles can sell on Etsy for as much as $30 or more.

2. Candle label templates

Candle label templates provide professional product presentations that rival commercial brands. Digital templates let makers add names, scent descriptions, and safety warnings without hiring designers. 

When candle makers purchase templates, they receive plug-and-play labeling, allowing them to focus on their craft. Template systems reduce production time from hours to minutes while maintaining professional quality, which supports premium pricing.

3. Recycled or repurposed candle jars

Candle makers who use recycled or repurposed jars can cut material expenses and attract eco-conscious customers who actively seek sustainable handmade products. Mason jars, wine bottles, and vintage teacups create distinctive packaging as buyers value unique, eco-friendly choices.

Vintage mason jars can sell for over $20 on Mercari.

Home decor and wall art

Home decor and wall art generate sales because buyers seek affordable ways to personalize their spaces without carrying out significant renovations. Handmade pieces meet size and color needs that mass-produced items cannot match, while offering customizable options for home décor. 

For example, a maker who offers custom farmhouse signs with names or quotes attracts buyers seeking décor that reflects their values and style.

4. Handmade tapestries

Handmade tapestries reflect design trends that appeal to students, young professionals, and renters who may not have the means to paint walls or install permanent décor. Tapestries transform blank spaces into cozy environments while remaining removable for temporary living situations.

Makers who create tapestries in neutral colors, such as cream, sage, and terracotta, attract buyers seeking versatile pieces that complement their existing furniture and color schemes. These pieces can sell for a few hundred dollars on Etsy.

5. Printable quotes

Printable quotes generate income because digital products need no shipping and can be reproduced infinitely after initial design. Inspirational phrases, Bible verses, and motivational sayings sized for frames appeal to buyers seeking affordable wall art that aligns with their values. 

Makers with graphic design know-how can bundle their art into themed collections. Instant downloads cater to impulse buyers, providing quick access, and enable sellers to scale their operations without inventory or production constraints.

6. Clay or wood hanging pieces

Buyers pay premium prices for clay or wood hanging pieces because these materials show quality and durability unmatched by printed alternatives. Ceramic planters, wooden shelves, and carved pieces add texture to walls while serving functions that support higher prices. 

Makers using natural materials attract customers who value authenticity and craftsmanship. They take orders and engrave quotes or names into pieces, making each artwork unique. Custom-made wooden pieces on eBay can range from $30 to $150.

Coasters, trays & kitchen crafts

Coasters, trays, and kitchen crafts succeed in handmade markets because they solve daily problems while serving as decorative elements that buyers use frequently in social settings. 

These items protect furniture surfaces and organize kitchen spaces while showcasing personal style preferences that guests notice during entertaining occasions.

7. Resin trays

Resin trays attract buyers seeking storage that mimics marble or agate at affordable prices. Makers use dried flowers, gold leaf, or pigments to create patterns that attract buyers seeking Instagram-worthy serving pieces. 

Artisans use different colors of epoxy resin to give trays a glossy finish. These trays sell on eBay for under $20 to over $50.

8. Marble-look coasters

Marble-look coasters follow luxury home trends without the weight or cost of real stone. Makers use polymer clay, alcohol inks, or printed designs to create marble effects. Ceramic tiles protect furniture while adding sophistication to tables. 

The classic marble look fits styles from modern to traditional, giving coasters broad appeal and steady sales year-round.

9. Personalized cutting boards

Personalized cutting boards appeal to those looking for wedding or housewarming gifts. Artisans use laser engraving or wood burning to add names, dates, or quotes on bamboo or hardwood boards, which serve functional and decorative roles. 

Many buyers believe that personalization adds value that mass-produced options cannot match. These items sell between $11 and $100 on Etsy.

Handmade beauty and skincare products

Handmade beauty and skincare products attract customers seeking natural alternatives to chemical-laden commercial brands. Customers can also purchase customizable formulations for specific skin concerns. 

Small-batch creators develop targeted solutions using organic ingredients that address individual needs like sensitive skin, acne, or eczema.

Natural soaps

Customers seek chemical-free alternatives to detergents that irritate skin. Makers use plant-based oils, essential oils, and botanicals. They combine these ingredients with oatmeal and honey bars for dry skin and other conditions.

11. Scented and unscented options

Makers use identical base recipes for both versions to reach more customers and cut costs. Unscented bars serve the needs of folks with allergies or other medical conditions. Buyers who enjoy fragrances purchase scented bars. 

Many soap makers on Etsy sell in packs of 3 to over 50 bars. Expensive soaps start at $4/bar.

12. Botanical or exfoliating formulas

Botanical or exfoliating soaps use herbs, coffee grounds, or pumice to add texture and perceived skincare benefits beyond cleansing. Lavender, rose petals, or oatmeal create gentle exfoliation. Coffee grounds and sea salt attract buyers who want stronger scrubbing for rough skin. 

Makers boost visual appeal by embedding colorful botanicals or marbling exfoliating particles through soap bars. Use advanced photo editing tools to accentuate textural elements, and you can sell this soap for about $8/bar on Etsy.

13. Handmade soap packaging

Soap makers must package their products. Many makers prefer making soap bars over packaging, so they don’t have time to make their own packaging. Creating soap packaging meets this demand, especially with sustainable materials like biodegradable paper and ink. 

Well-designed packaging lets makers charge retail prices. Many soap makers prefer packaging because their customers see added value, especially when compared to unwrapped soaps.

Bath bombs & soaks

Bath bombs and soaks combine low material cost with high perceived value. They offer customers an affordable luxury experience they can enjoy at home. For example, a $2 bath bomb made with basic ingredients like baking soda and essential oils can sell for $8–$12 on eBay. 

14. Bundled sets

Bundled bath bomb sets can outsell single products by 40–60% because many customers see more value in packaged collections. Packages that combine complementary scents or themes, like a “Spa Night” trio with lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile, can appeal to more buyers.

15. Specialty themes (e.g., stress relief, sleep)

Themed bath products address specific customer needs, targeting wellness trends such as anxiety relief or better sleep, using lavender for relaxation or peppermint for energy. Individual sleep bath bombs sell for around $8 on Etsy, with 9 packs going for around $25.

16. Color and scent combinations that perform well

Exotic colors like purple lavender, pink rose, and blue eucalyptus have an Instagram appeal while providing pleasant scents. These pairings match visual appeal with aromatherapy benefits, creating instant customer recognition. A swirled purple-and-white lavender bomb photographs well and delivers the relaxation customers expect from that scent.

Lip balms, scrubs, and body butters

Lip balms, scrubs, and body butters offer high margins as they’re cheap to produce. These products meet everyday skincare needs with natural ingredients that customers can’t easily replicate at home. On Mercari, many of these products sell for under $20.

17. Custom flavors

Custom lip balm flavors like “birthday cake,” “candy-cane latte,” and “vanilla Easter egg” create unique appeal and justify higher prices than standard mint or cherry. These goods target customer preferences and seasonal trends. 

18. Body scrubs

Body scrubs offer excellent profit margins with simple ingredients like salt, pumice, and oils that customers recognize as premium spa treatments. They provide immediate tactile satisfaction and visible results that justify $25 price points on Etsy.

19. Body butters 

Folks pay premium prices for body butters due to their silky texture and long-lasting moisturizing benefits that customers can't achieve with drugstore alternatives. These rich formulations work by combining expensive-seeming ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil.

Jewelry and accessories that consistently sell

Jewelry and accessories rank among the most reliable handmade categories. Certain styles sell year-round regardless of seasonal trends. This category addresses universal needs, including everyday wear, gifts, and self-expression. On Etsy, pieces like sterling silver stacking rings can sell for $15–$25, while those featuring exquisite artisanal design can fetch over $80.

Clay earrings

Clay earrings offer lightweight comfort and endless design possibilities that appeal to fashion-conscious buyers. They combine low material costs with high perceived value, as customers associate handcrafted polymer clay with artisan quality and uniqueness.

20. Unique shapes and colors

Distinctive shapes like teardrops, hexagons, and leaf forms with trendy colors outsell basic round or oval designs. This differentiation creates pieces that customers view as one-of-a-kind art, not mass-produced accessories, which sell for over $30 on eBay.

21. Lightweight, hypoallergenic hooks

Surgical steel or sterling silver ear wires justify premium pricing and reduce customer complaints and returns. This quality approach builds customer trust and encourages repeat purchases from buyers with sensitive ears.

Beaded bracelets and stack sets

Beaded bracelets and stack sets give customers affordable ways to personalize looks for any outfit or mood. This category combines individual bracelets into cohesive collections and can encourage multiple purchases to increase average order value.

22. Personalization 

Personalized beaded bracelets with initials and zodiac signs connect emotionally with customers. This customization strategy transforms simple bead designs into keepsakes that customers see as personal statements. Sets of 3 or 4 personalized glass-bead bracelets can sell for about $10 or more on Etsy.

23. Match-with-anything color schemes

Neutral color palettes, featuring whites, grays, golds, and earth tones, stand out because customers perceive them as versatile wardrobe investments. This approach works by reducing purchase hesitation, as buyers know these pieces will complement multiple outfits and remain stylish in the long term. 

Handmade necklaces

Handmade necklaces are a high-value jewelry category because precious metals and gemstones fetch premium pricing. This category positions handcrafted pieces as alternatives to designer jewelry while preserving authenticity and customization. Well-crafted pieces featuring rare stones can sell for several hundred dollars on eBay.

24. Wire-wrapped stones

Wire-wrapped stone jewelry combines crystals with artisan style. Customers see these pieces as both wellness tools and accessories. These pieces showcase natural gemstones in wire settings, highlighting unique stone traits while displaying handmade skill.

25. Astrology-themed jewelry

Astrology-themed jewelry, such as constellation necklaces and zodiac rings, attracts buyers seeking personal meaning in their accessories. This niche targets young Millennials and Gen Z, who often use astrology for identity and self-expression.

Apparel and wearables

Apparel and wearables provide handmade creators and sewing enthusiasts with recurring customer opportunities across various demographics. Makers who create handmade clothing can appeal to several audiences, like new parents, eco-conscious shoppers, fashion-minded professionals, and gift buyers.

This category relies on unique designs, premium materials, or customization that mass retailers cannot replicate. On Etsy, handmade pieces range from $15 to over $100.

Custom embroidered clothing

Custom embroidered clothing transforms basic garments into personalized keepsakes that customers treasure and rarely replace. This personalization works by adding names, quotes, or custom designs to hoodies, shirts, and jackets, making them unique. 

26. Sweatshirts with quotes, names, or locations

Personalized sweatshirts featuring quotes, family names, or hometowns tap into self-expression and a sense of belonging. This customization transforms $12–$15 wholesale sweatshirts into keepsakes that customers wear often and recommend to their friends.

27. Trending fonts and thread combos

Modern script fonts paired with trendy thread colors like rose gold, sage green, or dusty pink create embroidered pieces that appeal to style-conscious customers. This aesthetic approach works by staying current with social media trends and color palettes that photograph well for customer sharing and organic marketing.

Crochet and knitwear

Crochet and knitwear rank among the highest-value handmade categories because customers recognize the time and skill required to make these intricate pieces. This category relies on craftsmanship that machines cannot replicate, which justifies premium pricing for items that showcase texture, pattern complexity, and artisanal expertise. 

These pieces range from around $80 to several hundred on Etsy.

28. Granny square tops 

Granny square tops hearken to crochet revival and boho fashion trends, appealing to younger customers who see these vintage-inspired pieces as unique statement garments. This nostalgic approach combines traditional techniques with contemporary styling. A colorful granny square crop top made with $12 in cotton yarn can sell for $20–$30 on eBay.

29. Cottagecore clothing accessories 

Cottagecore clothing accessories, such as mushroom-shaped purses, flower crown headbands, and fall sweaters, tap into the romanticized rural aesthetic. This trend creates whimsical pieces that photograph beautifully for lifestyle content while offering customers tangible connections to idealized simplicity.

30. Seasonal products

Seasonal crochet items like Halloween pumpkin hats, Christmas stockings, and spring flower crowns generate predictable sales spikes. This timing strategy creates urgency and relevance, which justifies higher prices when customers prioritize availability over cost. For example, Ugly Christmas sweaters are a thing on Etsy, and can sell for nearly $100 per piece.

Tote bags and pouches

Tote bags and pouches are ideal entry-level products with low costs, quick production, and universal appeal. This category provides practical solutions that customers use daily while showcasing creative style or niche messaging.

31. Blended canvas bags with custom prints 

Canvas bags with blended designs or screen prints transform basic totes into personalized accessories. Customers treasure and reuse them, creating walking ads for makers' brands. This customization approach can keep production costs low and turnaround times quick. Handmade canvas bags that blend wax canvas and leather can sell for over $150 on Etsy.

32. Niche designs (book lovers, teachers, plant moms)

Niche tote bags with references like “One More Round” for Brazilian jiu-jitsu enthusiasts or “Plant Mom” are excellent gift ideas for hobbyists. They speak directly to customers' identities and interests.

Handmade pet products that perform

Handmade pet products tap into the nearly $261 billion pet industry, where devoted pet owners consistently prioritize their animals' comfort. This category works by combining functional design with personalization options that mass-produced pet products can't match.

Bandanas and collars (for dogs and cats)

Bandanas and collars are the easiest entry points to handmade pet products. They offer quick production and universal appeal that drives steady sales. These accessories are functional and showcase personality, requiring minimal sewing and inexpensive materials. Handmade dog collars sell for about $10 a piece on Etsy.

33. Seasonal drops 

Seasonal pet accessories like Halloween costumes, Christmas bandanas, and sports collars create predictable sales spikes. Makers can plan inventory and capture heightened spending, as many pet owners desire to include pets in festive activities.

34. Monogrammed options

Personalized pet accessories with names or initials transform basic collars and bandanas into keepsakes. Pet owners see them as essential identity markers for companions. These accessories create emotional attachment and perceived uniqueness. 

Pet toys

Pet toys let handmade creators combine creativity with functionality. Pet owners often seek safe alternatives to mass-produced options with harmful materials. This category emphasizes natural materials, durability, and interactive features. For instance, handmade doggy tug ropes go for $20 on eBay, while handmade catnip toys start at around $5 per piece.

35. Catnip blends and felt play pieces 

Catnip blends appeal to cat owners seeking replacements for toys that may contain harmful materials. These handcrafted options use premium catnip, polymer-free fabric, and wool felt, designed for pet safety.

36. Dog rope toys

Health-conscious dog owners seek rope toys made from natural fibers. They want durable chew options that also remove plaque and tartar during play. This dual-purpose approach positions rope toys as entertainment and oral care tools.

Digital handmade: Printables and templates

Digital handmade products, such as printables and templates, offer crafters a scalable income with minimal material costs, shipping, and inventory management. This category uses graphic design skills to create downloadable resources that customers can print and use immediately. One-time creative investments generate passive income through repeat sales.

Planners, journals, and wall art

Planners, journals, and wall art are top digital handmade categories. They combine high demand, zero material costs, and unlimited scalability that attract budget-conscious crafters. This category targets productivity-focused customers and home decorators who prefer affordable DIY options over retail alternatives. 

37. Budget planners and wedding binders 

Handmade budget planners and wedding binders are always in demand because they bring both organization and personalization to big milestones. By customizing sections for expenses, timelines, and notes, you can market these products as functional keepsakes that simplify planning while adding a creative touch.

38. Journals and diaries 

Journals and diaries offer opportunities for handmade sellers, since buyers seek unique designs that reflect personal expression. Adding digital features that appear like hand-stitched bindings, decorative covers, or themed prompts makes them feel more valuable. Downloadable journals and diaries can sell for under $1 on Etsy.

39. Abstract art, personalized prints, kids’ room sets

Abstract art and personalized prints cater to home décor buyers or fashion enthusiasts who want distinctive pieces. Handmade kids’ room sets with themes like animals, nature, or storybook motifs create a cohesive look. 

You can print abstract digital designs onto garments, which are some of the best items to sell on Poshmark. Clothing featuring unique digital prints can sell for between $10 and $80.

Picking the right marketplace: Where handmade items sell best

Selecting the right reselling website is a key factor in determining whether your handmade products sell. Each platform has its own audience, fee structure, and level of competition, which directly impact visibility and profit margins. 

Here’s a look at some of the leading reselling marketplaces for folks offering handmade merch:

• Etsy: Etsy is ideal for independent crafters, jewelry makers, and artists. Its audience actively searches for unique, lifestyle-driven items, which makes it easier to charge premium prices if your branding and photography resonate with shoppers.
  
  
• Amazon Handmade: Amazon Handmade offers exposure and scalability but lacks the close-knit community feel of Etsy. It’s a strong choice for makers ready to handle high demand, since Amazon prioritizes speed, logistics, and competitive pricing.
  
  
• eBay: eBay works best for artisans who produce one-of-a-kind items or small runs without plans to scale. Its marketplace is geared toward buyers looking to make big purchases, making it suitable for artisans who create custom, premium-priced pieces, but less effective for cultivating long-term, repeat customers.
  
  
• Poshmark: Poshmark focuses on fashion trends, making it perfect for handmade clothing, trendy jewelry, or upcycled pieces. Its social shopping features, like shares and styling tips, resonate with Gen Z and younger Millennials who enjoy interactive, community-driven shopping experiences.

5 tips to stand out in competitive handmade niches

Tips to stand out in competitive handmade niches are to personalize your products and offer high-quality photos. Following these tips helps you build a consistent and in-demand brand. Follow these pointers to stick out:

1. Offer personalization (even small touches): Adding personalization, even something as simple as initials or a short phrase, makes products feel uniquely tailored to each buyer. Customers view these as meaningful upgrades, which lets makers charge higher prices while building stronger emotional connections.

2. Use lifestyle photography: Lifestyle photos show products in real-life settings, helping buyers imagine how they’ll fit into their homes or daily routines. Always edit your images so they appear professional on reselling websites. 

3. Stay consistent with branding and packaging: A cohesive look across tags, labels, and packaging builds instant recognition and makes your shop feel professional. Consistency reinforces your brand identity, makes your products memorable, and creates a polished unboxing experience worth sharing on social media.

4. Collect reviews early through bundle promos or loyalty cards: Offering bundles at a discount or slipping in loyalty cards encourages happy buyers to leave reviews. Early testimonials build social proof, which makes new shoppers feel more confident when they buy from you.

5. Use a tool like Nifty to crosslist: Crosslisting tools like Nifty let you post the same products across multiple marketplaces with minimal effort. This expands your reach, increases exposure, and gives each listing a better chance of selling. You won’t need to manage multiple platforms manually.

Manage your handmade items across platforms with Nifty

Seeking a platform for marketing your best-selling handmade products? Don’t just list your products on one website — list them on several reselling websites. Manage your items with Nifty, a crosslisting tool that lets you organize your inventory across eBay, Etsy, Mercari, Poshmark, and Depop (more coming soon!). 

Here’s why more resellers go with Nifty:

• Turn photos into listings: Take a picture and Nifty’s AI builds a polished listing with SEO-friendly titles, detailed descriptions, hashtags, and completed fields.

• Offload daily work: Relist, share on Poshmark, schedule posts, and bulk-update prices — all scheduled in advance.

• See what’s working: Track sales, fees, top performers, and slow movers in one dashboard so you know where to adjust and grow.

Start organizing your handmade items today with a 7-day free trial and learn how Nifty can help you increase sales.

FAQs

1. How do I know if my handmade product will sell? 

You’ll know if your handmade product will sell by testing demand before investing heavily in materials. Start with small batches, list them on Etsy or eBay, and pay attention to which items generate the most clicks and sales. 

2. Can I sell homemade beauty products legally? 

Yes, you can sell homemade beauty products legally, but you must follow labeling and safety regulations that vary by country. In the U.S., the FDA oversees cosmetics, which means ingredients and claims must comply with their standards. Many Etsy soap makers succeed by using natural oils, safe packaging, and clear ingredient lists to build customer trust.

3. Where should I list handmade items: Etsy, Poshmark, or eBay?

You should list handmade items on multiple platforms to maximize your reach. Etsy attracts buyers seeking unique artisan pieces, Poshmark works for fashionable clothes and accessories, while eBay suits one-of-a-kind or limited-run items. Manage all your listings from one place with a tool like Nifty.