Are you looking for some of the best Etsy shop ideas? Whether you’re just getting started or looking to change things up, there are plenty of great options.
So whether you’re just getting started on Etsy or looking for ways to take your business to the next level, we’ll explore products to sell on Etsy, including where to look for inspirations and tips to make your products stand out from other Etsy shop owners.
Why Open Your Own Etsy Store?
Opening your own store is a great way to showcase your creative work and make a profit while doing so. Not only will you have complete control over the products you sell online, but you’ll also be able to set your prices and build a following of loyal customers.
Etsy makes it easy to get started and offers plenty of helpful resources for running your business.
Opening an Etsy store does not require any special crafting skills. In fact, many stores on Etsy are run by business owners who do not create any of the products they sell (such as thrift store items or print-on-demand). If you have a strong interest in a particular topic or field, there is a good chance that you can find a niche market on Etsy to sell to.
With a little effort and planning, you can have your very own successful Etsy store!
Home Decor
The home decor market is on the rise globally. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the time we spend indoors increased, leading people to want to decorate their living spaces and invest more in their surroundings.
Profitable home decor includes wall prints, vinyl wall decals, cushion covers, decorative storage boxes, and farmhouse signs.
Look through Pinterest trends and home magazines for inspiration.
Examples
Jewelry
Jewelry-making supplies are often inexpensive, making them an excellent profitable craft to sell. So what kind of jewelry should you be making?
Most customers looking for jewelry on Etsy are fashion-conscious. It’ll be essential for you to take current fashion trends and styles into account.
Flip through current fashion magazines or search “jewelry” on Google Trends.
Examples
Candle
Candles are trendy and easy to make. There’s a demand for various types of candles, from celebrations to everyday use. So what kind of candle should I make?
Eco-friendly/organic candles are rising, making soy wax candles a great place to start. To add some uniqueness to this, here are some ideas:
- Candle therapy
- There’s increasing popularity of using candles for therapy to relieve pain, headache, anxiety, and depression. Look for aromas that support physical and mental health.
- Travel using candles
- Scents can take us anywhere, and smells often trigger memories. Why not create candles that will help remind people of a particular place or country?
Examples
Wedding Gifts and Items
Small weddings or micro weddings became the trend for weddings due to COVID-19. With this, people started looking for wedding cards, decorations, and gifts to add a personalized touch.
You might ask, won’t micro weddings go away in the future? Tracy Taylor Ward, an N.Y.C.-based wedding planner, commented, “I do anticipate that a lot of people will come to realize that a smaller wedding was always the best fit for their needs, and they no longer will feel the need to have the big party just for the sake of doing what was more popular.”
Etsy shoppers are looking for unique wedding decorations and items to reflect their personal style or gifts for the new bride and groom. Look for wedding themes and ways to personalize things like monograms. Keep an eye out for wedding trends.
Example
Bath Bomb and Bath Tea
More people are now taking baths as their self-care routine. Bath bombs and bath teas help take bath time to the next level. Making bath bombs are relatively simple. Mix the ingredients and press them into bath bomb molds. Some ideas include:
- Spiritual cleansing bath bomb
- Pinterest saw a 180% increase in searches for spiritual cleansing baths. Include florals or herbs in your bath bomb to create a unique spiritual cleansing experience.
- Bath tea
- Bath teas are tea sachets filled with herbs, flowers, salt, and much more added to the warm bathwater. Unlike bath bombs, they’re easy to clean up and have several benefits, such as combating stress and helping soothe muscle aches.
Example
Wall Art
Wall art is a great way to add personality and style to a room. It can be used to showcase interests or to create a focal point in the space. People are also looking for wall art because it’s a versatile decor option that can be easily changed or updated as needed.
When it comes to selling wall art, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, think about your target market. Who is your artwork meant to appeal to? Once you have a good idea of your customer base, you can start thinking about the kind of art you want to create.
Are you looking to sell prints or originals? What style do your pieces fall into? Once you have an idea of what you want to create, it’s time to start marketing yourself.
Platforms like Etsy make it easy for artists to sell wall art. So if you’re looking for a way to make extra money or simply share your artwork with the world, selling art is a great option!
Example
Party Supplies
If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to make extra money, starting an Etsy shop selling party supplies could be the perfect option.
Not only is this type of business a lot of fun to run, but it’s also relatively simple and inexpensive to get started.
They are also seasonal items, which can be good or bad, depending on what time of year it is.
Supplies can be seasonally relevant or general party supplies that people can use all year round. Either way, they are a fun and popular item to sell.
Example
Party Favors
Party favors are small gifts or tokens of appreciation that are given to guests at a party. These little presents can be anything from candy and stickers to keychains and t-shirts.
They’re a fun way to appreciate guests for coming out to celebrate together, and they often help to set the tone for the rest of the day.
Some fun and unique party favor ideas that could be sold through an Etsy shop include customized fortune cookies, personalized candy bars, or even individualized chocolate.
Example
Baking Supplies
By selling baking supplies on Etsy, you can help other bakers bring their creations to life. Baking supplies are versatile and can be used in all sorts of recipes, so you’ll have plenty of product options to offer your customers.
When it comes to baking supplies, there are tons of different items you could sell. However, some of the most popular items include cake pop supplies, cookie cutters, cake pans, cupcake liners, decorating tips and tools, and more.
So if you’re looking to start an Etsy shop specializing in baking supplies, these are a few items you should start selling!
Example
Paper Crafts
These crafts are a great way to make money because they are relatively easy and inexpensive to make, and people love them!
Crafts can be made from recycled materials, which is excellent for the environment. They can be personalized for each customer, making them unique.
One easy way to explore what crafts to sell is by taking a look at your own personal interests and passions. Perhaps you love spending time in nature, admiring the beauty of flowers and plants. In that case, you could create paper-flower bouquets or wreaths made out of paper!
The sky’s the limit when it comes to crafting with paper, so get creative and see what ideas come to mind.
Example
Greeting Cards
Selling greeting cards on Etsy can be a profitable business and a great way to share your creative talent with the world.
You could sell cards for all occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, and Easter.
You could also sell cards in your own business that are specifically designed for special occasions, such as love cards or congratulations cards.
Examples
Digital Products (Digital Downloads/Digital Printables)
Digital products and digital printables are versatile Etsy shop ideas. They can be sold in a variety of formats, such as PDFs.
And since they’re delivered electronically, there’s no shipping required! This makes them a good business idea for busy entrepreneurs who want to start and run their businesses with minimal overhead costs.
There are a variety of digital products and digital downloads you can sell to make a profit. Some digital printable ideas include:
- journals
- planners
- graphics/templates
- themes/plugins
- Lightroom Presets
- adult coloring books
- sewing patterns
Examples
Printed T-shirts
Printed shirts are highly customizable and can be designed to reflect the Etsy buyers’ unique styles or personalities.
They’re versatile and can be worn for a variety of occasions. You could sell funny t-shirts with funny slogans on them.
You could also sell graphic t-shirts with cool custom designs on them. As long as your shirts are unique and exciting, you should be able to find buyers online.
They are affordable and can be sold at a profit margin that works for you.
Example
Print On Demand Products
Print-on-demand products are items that can be printed once an order is placed. Products can include things like t-shirts, tote bags, and phone cases.
With print-on-demand products, you don’t have to worry about inventory. You simply create the design and upload it to the print-on-demand site; they will take care of the rest.
These companies will just require you to pay for the cost of the product and shipping fee once an order is made.
There is no risk involved when selling Print on Demand products. If a product doesn’t sell, you don’t have any leftover inventory you need to eliminate.
Plus, you don’t have to spend money upfront to start.
Phone Case Covers
There is a huge market for phone case covers, and it is constantly growing. Everyone needs one, and there’s always a new style or trend to keep up with. So there’s a lot of potential for sales.
Example
Handmade Clothing
Handmade clothing is unique, and finding something truly special in stores can be challenging. When you sell handmade products, you’re offering customers a one-of-a-kind item that they won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Additionally, handmade clothing tends to be of better quality than most mass-produced clothing, so customers can feel confident that they’re getting a high-quality item when they buy from your shop.
Examples
Fashion Accessories
Fashion accessories are a great way to make money because they are affordable and versatile. They can be worn with a wide range of outfits, making them the perfect addition to any wardrobe.
You could sell fashion accessories such as hats, headbands, belts, and hair accessories.
Example
Handmade Bags
Handmade bags are a popular item on Etsy, and they can be profitable to sell if you create a well-branded shop.
Bags are also relatively easy to make, so this is a good option if you’re looking for an initial product to sell.
You could sell handmade bags made out of natural materials like cotton, linen, and wool. You could also sell colorful and fun bags made out of different types of fabric.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to boost your Etsy shop sales, consider selling a reusable tote bag.
Example
Personalized Gifts
There are many reasons why you should sell personalized gifts on Etsy. Since personalized items are unique, they are sure to stand out from the crowd and be appreciated by the recipient.
They can be customized for each customer to include any specific design and are perfect for any occasion.
Gifts could include anything from monogrammed towels to engraved wine glasses. Anything that feels special and unique is sure to please the recipient.
Example
Vintage Items
If you’re looking for products that are not in the handmade category, why not sell vintage items?
There are a few reasons why selling vintage items is a great idea. First of all, these items are unique.
They also have increased in popularity in recent years, so there’s a growing market for them.
Lastly, selling them allows you to recycle old items and gives them a new life. If you can’t find any items at home, go to your local thrift shop and sell them on Etsy.
Wood Products
Wooden products have a natural feel to them and are perfect for rustic or traditional decor. They can also be personalized with names, dates, or other unique details.
In fact, you’ll see many wood products, such as wood signs, on the list of the best-selling items on Etsy. There’s a huge demand for wood products, so this is a great niche to explore.
Example
Baby Clothes
Consider selling baby clothes if you’re looking for creative Etsy shop ideas. There’s a big demand for cute and trendy clothes, and with a little effort, you can create a successful shop.
One great thing about selling baby clothes is that there are so many different ways to do it. You can focus on designing your own unique line of clothes.
The key to success when selling baby clothes is to make sure you’re offering something that people want.
Do your own research and figure out what styles are popular right now, then create designs that reflect those trends.
Be sure to market your shop well and keep your prices competitive; people are willing to pay a premium for high-quality clothes, but they still expect to get a good deal.
Example
Craft Supplies
Selling craft supplies is a perfect Etsy shop idea for those that don’t want to create handmade crafts.
They’re a great way to make money because they tend to have a high-profit margin.
People who like to do crafts need supplies, so there is a constant high demand for them.
Craft supplies include jewelry supplies, unique fabrics, zippers, and beads.
People are always looking for innovative ways to use these materials in their homemade projects.
Examples
Crochet Patterns/Kits
Believe it or not, there are many Etsy users that buy crochet patterns and kits! Not only are crochet kits a popular item, but they are also easy and inexpensive to produce.
By selling crochet kits, you can attract Etsy users who are looking for a “do it yourself (DIY)” product.
Examples
Stickers
Stickers sell well on Etsy, and it’s one of the top-selling items on Etsy. If you look at the top-selling stickers on Etsy, you’ll see that people are willing to pay for personalized and custom stickers such as address stamps or logos.
How do I make a sticker at home? First, create a design for your sticker with free online designing tools such as PicMonkey and Canva or invest in software like Procreate and Adobe Illustrator.
Print your design onto sticker paper like vinyl or paper with a laser printer. Cut them out, and you’re done!
I recommend using a cutting machine such as the Circuit Maker or Cricut Explore 3. It’ll save you so much time.
Examples
Soap
Handmade soaps have been popular for years. There’s an increase in concerns among people regarding harmful chemicals, and people are looking for organic/natural soaps that are gentle on their skin.
A great place to start is making a natural/organic soap and adding your unique element on top of that. Unique elements might include original scents, herbal mixtures, surprise elements inside soap, etc.
Examples
Gift Box/Baskets
Gift boxes and baskets are a great way to convey messages and will never go away. Most gift basket purchases occur during holidays, so a holiday-themed gift basket may be a great idea.
Another idea is to create personalized gift baskets for weddings/engagements.
Examples
Christmas Decorations
Did you know that the average person spends about $269 on Christmas decorations? The Christmas decoration market is expected to grow continually, making it the perfect craft to sell.
People are willing to buy something unique for decorations. Ideas include Christmas wreaths, personalized ornaments, and garlands to decorate the fireplace.
Go to home decor shops such as At Home and see what kind of Christmas decor people buy or HGTV for inspiration.
Examples
Pet Items
Pet owners are most likely to be willing to spend money on pet items. Ask people with pets what kind of items they would likely buy or see what they already have.
Personalized products such as name tags, collars, and bowls are a great place to start.
Example
Crystals
Selling crystals can be a very profitable business, especially if you know how to target your audience correctly. Crystals have been used for centuries for healing, meditation, and attracting positive energy.
People are drawn to crystals’ beauty and spiritual significance, making them a popular item among metaphysical shoppers.
People are also looking for crystals to help them with everyday stress and severe health problems.
You could try incorporating them into jewelry or other accessories, cut them into specific shapes, or create a home decor item with them.
Whatever you do, make sure you’re promoting your crystals in a way that sets them apart from the competition.
Examples
Etsy Store Tips
#1 Take Eye-Catching Photos Of Your Product
A picture is worth a thousand words. You need to catch the audience’s eye with a bright and clean product photo.
In an Etsy survey, 90% of shoppers said that the quality of the image of a product is critical when making a purchase decision.
Study photos of top-selling products on Etsy or enroll in a product photography course on Skillshare with a free trial.
#2 Can I Buy This At Walmart?
Okay, it doesn’t have to be Walmart, but this is a great question to ask yourself when coming up with any product. You should be making something that is unique that you won’t find elsewhere.
#3 Research Research Research
Research is vital when it comes to selling items. You need to know what Etsy Customers are looking for and find products that are not too competitive to make sales.
I have to admit that researching is hard. There’s so much information online that it can get pretty overwhelming. Here are some tools and places that I recommend going to when researching.
Alura
Are you looking for an easy way to find profitable products? Alura is an Etsy tool I highly recommend using if you’re starting an Etsy shop. There are countless reasons why you need Alura for your Etsy shop.
Perhaps the most important reason is that Alura makes it easy to find high-demand, low-competition products with its product seeker feature.
Alura will not only help you in the research process but also in the marketing process of your Ety shop. The keyword finder feature makes sure that you’re targeting the right products and keywords in your listings.
Keyword research helps you understand your customers and what they are interested in. This, in turn, can help you create better content and products for your Etsy shop. Additionally, using the right keywords can help you rank higher on search engine results pages, which can bring more traffic to your shop. Doing keyword research can help you find new and profitable keywords to target.
This all-in-one Etsy tool will also help optimize your Etsy shop for better listing ranking by giving you actionable steps to take in order to increase your ranking.
Etsy’s Seasonal Tips
Etsy puts together a trend guide for each type of product using its own data. They share specific trends for each kind of product category and cross-category trends. Etsy’s Seller Handbook is full of advice and inspiration that will definitely help when running your Etsy shop.
Magazines
Yes, you can search online for information, but magazines are a great place to find inspiration and trends.
You can undoubtedly flip through magazines in-store, but what I love to do is borrow digital magazines from my local public library. Check if your local library has digital magazines.
Another great way is to sign up for Kindle Unlimited. With Kindle Unlimited, you not only get to access current magazines but eBooks as well. You can always try it with the free trial and see if you like it or not.
#4 Be Better Than Your Competition
Yes, the uniqueness of your product is essential but don’t forget the small parts.
Let’s say that two shops sell identical items and you decide to buy from both. You open one of the boxes and find your item placed inside. You open the next one and find your item in a white cardboard box with the business name printed, a card, and a freebie sample. Which store would you buy from the next time?
There are many ways to stand out from your competition, from packaging, product photo, and sample freebies.
Yes, it does require more effort, but these small efforts make a real difference.
#5 Pick One Etsy Shop Idea
Don’t sell all sorts of products in one store. There are a few reasons why you should do this.
First, when you’re focused on one type of product, you can become an expert in that area. You’ll know everything about creating and/or selling that product, from identifying patterns to pricing your items correctly. This expertise will help you attract buyers and set your store apart from the competition.
Second, focusing on one type of product can create a cohesive brand for your store. Your brand should be consistent across all of your Etsy shop – such as your Etsy shop name to the banner- so that customers know what to expect when they visit your store.
A cohesive brand will help customers trust your store and feel more confident about buying from you.
So, if you’re considering creating an Etsy store, consider specializing in one sort of product. It may be more difficult to get started, but it will pay off in the end!
If you do want to sell different types of products in the idea list, I recommend opening an Etsy store for each.
#6 Sign up for Canva
Canva is an online platform that lets you easily create beautiful designs. I love using Canva to create marketing materials for my Etsy shop. With Canva, you can create professional designs for your Etsy shop without having to learn complex software or hire a designer. The templates are easy to use, and there are a ton of images and fonts to choose from.
You can even design your brand logo using premade logo templates in seconds! Canva also makes editing images a breeze.
Canva is also great for those considering print-on-demand products and digital products because they have a wide variety of mockup templates you can choose from!
If you’re looking for an easy way to create beautiful designs and photos, I highly recommend signing up for Canva.
You can use Canva for free, but I recommend signing up for Canva Pro instead. With Canva Pro, you’ll have access to premium templates, fonts, photos, and tools that will help create beautiful designs. Sign up for Canva Pro from this link to get a 30-day free trial!
What Next?
That’s it! Those were some Etsy business ideas and tips to make your product stand out. Now it’s time to pick a craft and do your own research to add your own twist to the product. Read through magazines or look through Pinterest for ideas and get started.
I hope you found this blog post helpful. If you did, please save it and share it with your friends.
