Are you a creative person who wants to start a side hustle or full-time business? Looking for ideas on what to sell on Etsy? Continue reading and discover popular products that start selling and making extra money!
How to make your sales successful on Etsy
When considering ways to make money on Etsy, whether you sell online or in brick-and-mortar stores, the rule of thumb is to give your customers what you want. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Therefore, reading this article is a good first step to see which products are already popular.
You can make money on Etsy. You can make money as one of the simple aspects of designing and selling products that you can design and handcraft or resell vintage items and craft supplies. It is the only items these are permitted to be sold on the platform.
Below are some tips to help you succeed in your venture!
Read the rules on what to sell on Etsy
Read and understand the rules and regulations of the Etsy platform. It is your responsibility to ensure that your store and products follow the rules.
For example, you cannot resell handmade items. If you want to list items as handmade, you will need to work on designing or creating them.
Another example is that a vintage item must be at least 20 years old.
Please choose the right product
One of the biggest hurdles to starting an Etsy business is deciding which products to sell. Start with market research – what are your customers buying? Can you improve it?
Please note that providing excellent customer service also counts as an improvement. Also, don’t forget that the first product may not be a hit. Unfortunately, you may need to go through trial and error before you land on a product that appeals to the market.
Make your product photos stand out
Etsy wants to use their photos when listing items. Commercials or stock images cannot be used. This is to ensure that the condition and quality of the items are accurate.
That said, you should not post your product with poor quality photos.
According to Etsy’s customer survey, customers decide whether to purchase items based on photos.
So, learn to take photos of great products and make your list stand out. If you need some tips and tricks, there are plenty of tutorials on how to take photos of your product over the internet.
Provides excellent customer service
Who doesn’t appreciate excellent customer service? You may have the same product, but if you communicate quickly and take care of your customers, they will stick to you.
What to sell on Etsy: 15 great ideas
Etsy is a global marketplace where many store owners have achieved success. According to Whop.com, the website had 96 million active buyers in 2024, and it’s definitely a good platform to sell your own products.
So here are popular items that consistently hit buyers.
1. Crafting supplies and tools
The Etsy Craft Supplies and Tools category lists a variety of products. The most popular items are beads, ribbons, and threads.
As a seller, your customer is another Etsy seller, so you have a huge embedded market. In addition, the products appeal to everyone who likes to make crafts as a hobby.
The best part is that you don’t have to make crafts or products that make money. You can start right away.
For more inspiration on what to sell on Etsy and how to set up your shop, check out Beadboat1 and Peggysuealso. Both shops sell craft supplies with a large selection of sales and rave reviews.
2. Craft Kit
Plus, craft kits for kids and enthusiasts are often sold on Etsy. However, it involves more work as the kits need to be put together.
However, you can start with a small kit that is easy to make, pack and ship. InkandTrinketKids has a very cute example of a shop’s craft kit.
3. Printed material
You can also make money with Etsy, which sells Printables, a downloadable design that customers can purchase and print from home. This category includes gift tags, greeting cards, coloring pages and artwork.
Many printed materials are sold as is. But many others, like invitations and business cards, are editable so that customers can personalize them.
And that’s why Etsy is advantageous because they sell printed materials. It’s more economical for customers to buy, personalize and print their own designs than buying ready-made products.
Additionally, sellers do not need to worry about storing and shipping the product.
Check out bohomeprintables for some examples of how to make money by selling prints.
4. Digital Products
Digital products are often used interchangeably with printed materials. Items may be categorized into both.
But in most cases, digital products refer to e-books, wallpapers, Lightroom Presets, WordPress themes, logos, fonts, spreadsheets, or social media templates.
You can take this idea in many directions.
For example, if you have the expertise or stories to share, you can write an ebook.
Additionally, if you have the skills, you can create business logos and marketing materials for small business owners. For inspiration, check out shops such as Katherinedream, Beckkmccormick, and Shopprshop.
5. jewelry
Jewelry is Etsy’s competitive category, but it is also one of the bestselling products. That’s because shoppers know that they can find unique pieces on the platform, such as handmade gems.
In fact, top seller Caitlynminimalist sells jewelry. But don’t be threatened. There’s also space for you.
However, in order to attract customers, your product must be high quality and trendy.
You also need to continue working on building strong brands.
For example, the shop name for Caitlyn Minimalist also describes her products.
Furthermore, jewelry is not bulky, making it a perfect item to sell. There is no need for a large amount of storage space and it is not expensive to ship.
6. accessories
Accessories provide customers with fun ways to try new trends and express themselves. They are also looking for unique items. That’s why the accessories are one of Etsy’s bestsellers.
This category covers items such as wallets, belts, scarves, and adorable baby bows. We offer a wide range of products to choose from. So you will definitely find what your customers love.
Check out Ilovelotus, and Casales for ideas on how to make money with Etsy sales accessories.
7. Vintage items
Etsy’s reputation as one of the best online locations to find vintage items is advantageous for sellers. Apart from having a global market, the platform reduces fictitious costs compared to renting booths at malls.
Etsy defines vintage as items that are over 20 years old. As you can imagine, the shop on the platform sells everything from vintage clothing to jewelry to antique lamps.
There are many ways to curate your Etsy antique shops. You can decide to sell items from a particular era.
You can also sell only similar items such as jewelry, posters, and fabrics. See Mucdesign for an example of how to set up a vintage shop.
8. Home Decoration
Are you everything about loving your home? Home decorations, whether vintage or handmade, are often sold on Etsy. This is because the platform has established itself as an online destination for customers looking for unique pieces in their homes.
Additionally, many Etsy sellers offer personalization services or employ custom orders. There are a wide range of lists, from vintage vases and custom blankets to initialized towels.
To become a successful home decorating store owner, create products that offer something different, or provide solutions to common home problems. And you can always mark it by providing excellent customer service.
Take Jillian Renede Cor and Alleyesonlumpy for ideas and see what you can do differently.
9. Journals, Planners, and Statics
Journals, planners and stationery are also some of the most popular products for sale on Etsy. A planner is useful to everyone (parents, professionals, students) who can use the organization’s systems to get things done.
Journals and stationery, on the other hand, give people a way to express themselves.
These products are used to select if you want to sell printed or physical items. However, you should consider printing, storing and shipping your physical product.
For examples of what you want to sell on Etsy, see Plannerkate1, GoodyPlanners, and HeilsadiySupply set up your shop and what products they offer.
10. Personalized items
Etsy has become synonymous with personalized items for good reason. You can get almost everything customized on Etsy. That’s what most people are looking for when visiting the platform.
Customers want a piece that means something to them and their loved ones. Even as simple as engraving your name or adding some heartwarming or funny lines.
Visit Veregift, LightningDesignstore and Wunderwunsch for ideas and inspiration. As a seller, according to Forbes, consumers will be happy to know that they are very interested in purchasing personalized products. This allows you to charge more and attract buyers.
11. Party Supplies and Decorations
The next best idea on the list of things to sell on Etsy is party supplies and decorations. Add to your party’s success, including children’s birthdays, wedding anniversary, corporate events, well thought out invitations, decorations, favors and more.
Customers will also be subjected to basic overkill events themes and decorations. So party supply and decoration is a bestseller on the platform.
So, if you’re wondering how to make money selling party supplies, run your imagination into the wild and create new party theme ideas. You can make handmade invitations, party favors, banners, centerpieces, balloons, gift tags, and more.
You can also put together a party decoration set for customers who prefer to buy everything in one purchase. Check out Jacqs Crafty Corner and Xo Fetti to see what they’re doing.
12. Wedding Products
According to Grandview Research, the US wedding industry was worth $64.93 billion in 2024.
It’s all about wedding products being advantageous and popular on Etsy. Couples are looking for unique items to celebrate their big day.
Plus, many people are using DIY products to keep their wedding budget breakdowns on track.
The wedding shop offers a wide range of accessories, including creative invitations, arrangement settings, and personalized gifts. Vinewedding is the top seller in this category. Look at their list and learn about popular items.
13. Pet items
For many, pets are the best family. That’s why customized crates, high quality pet beds, personalized name tags and colors are often sold on Etsy.
Pet care products such as bowls, leashes and grooming kits are also popular items. Maybe these ingingkoala will help you to generate new product ideas.
14. clothing
Of course, this list won’t be complete without the clothing category. Custom-made, personalized, vintage clothing is one of Etsy’s top sellers.
This is because customers are always looking for items that suit their style. So choose your niche and join the party. For ideas and inspiration, see Pintsized Premium and Kennedyclairecouture.
It is best to expand your product first by focusing on one product, such as a custom-made skirt, a handmade tee shirt, or a vintage shirt. You can help people become fashionable on a budget and find their style!
15. Organic and sustainable products
More and more people are taking steps to live sustainably.
In fact, half of consumers are buying recyclable alternatives and looking at the sustainability practices of the brands they support, according to Trax’s Shopkick.
The good thing is that there will be an increase in demand for zero waste products. If you have ideas for reusable items or organic products, please meet the demand from Etsy sellers.
For product examples, see Everydaygreen, stacykitchendecor, and cambridgeandcarlino.
Expert Tips: Manage your Etsy business the right way
To make your Etsy seller successful, start with thoughtful and creative products. Delivering something new or solving a common problem can help you grow your full-time business.
Apart from that, pay attention to your branding. The name of your store, the photos, and the words you use must be cohesive and in line with how you want to know your brand.
Finally, additional steps to add a personal touch like a simple thank you note can go a long way.
What’s the number one thing you sell on Etsy?
The #1 thing sold on Etsy is personalized items, both humans and pets, gifts, crafts and more.
Gift ideas and customized products are also inexpensive for all kinds of events, such as weddings, bridal showers, birth announcements and more.
If you’re a beginner, what can you sell on Etsy?
If you’re just starting out and newcomers, what you sell on Etsy will depend on your creative and sourcing ability. There are no items or categories that guarantee profits or success, but we recommend choosing one that is interested in selling.
If you’re a bargain hunter and are good at finding vintage items, reselling is a great way to get started. Find the best items to resell for profits considered vintage.
Otherwise, the handmade items you can come up with are worth the shot on Etsy. That’s the beauty of the platform. Make sure to do research to learn what your customers are looking for.
What is the most commonly sold on Etsy?
If you are considering what’s most commonly sold on Etsy, it’s important to know that Etsy can only sell handmade products, vintage items, and craft supplies on the platform.
If you’re thinking about what to sell on Etsy, your product should fall into one of these three categories.
What can I sell for passive income on Etsy?
There is a huge variety of things you can sell on Etsy for passive income. When you’re looking for the best passive income ideas from Etsy, think about products you can make once and sell forever.
There are so many great options, including ebooks, stock photos, craft patterns, fonts, prints and more. Printed material is like worksheets, templates, stickers, coloring pages, etc.
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If you’re looking for side hustles, learn how to make money on Etsy!
The first step to learning to make money on Etsy is to research popular products. Next is to create a high quality, original and visually appealing product.
Secondly, another key to Etsy’s success is building connections with customers. Show your face and share more about yourself. Your customers appreciate it.
Good luck with your venture. Don’t forget to come back and learn about financial health and how to save money!