Selling handmade products online has become a lucrative business over the past few years.
There are increasing numbers of people opting for handcrafted gifts rather than mass-produced items according to AYTM. The site also states that 30% of people surveyed reported purchasing handmade items frequently.
Surprisingly, it doesn’t take a lot to get started in the handmade crafts and gifts market and begin selling crafts online. Many times, people are shopping for simple items that you’re already making for yourself and your loved ones.
By launching your own ecommerce business that specializes in selling DIY crafts, you may be able to make a huge profit while doing something you enjoy.
Perhaps you have a lot of time on your hands and love to create. Focusing on one or two products to sell could be an amazing side job for you that would give you the resources you need to live a more comfortable life.
Whether you love sewing, painting, sculpting, designing, or crafting in other ways, there’s sure to be things to make and sell in this list of 45 DIY craft items that’ll pique your interest. We cover handmade craft ideas from six categories to mesh well with your interests and talents.
Beauty and self-care
Beauty and self-care items are incredibly popular among people of all ages and genders. Consumers all around the world are increasingly looking for organic, safe, and homemade bath and body items that they can feel good about using.
Plus, handmade bath and body products can easily be made with great ingredients that are safe enough for even the youngest members of the family.
1. Bath bombs
When people are in the mood to treat themselves, they often opt for fun, luxurious bath products like bath bombs. Made from a combination of both wet and dry components, this item is then molded into a round ball or other interesting shapes.
When a bath bomb is added to a bathtub full of water, it’ll start to break apart and release a beautiful mixture of colors and scents.
If you’ve purchased bath bombs at a brick-and-mortar store before, you know just how expensive they can be. However, because the ingredients in homemade bath bombs are so simple to find, you can easily make money in no time with a DIY version.
Depending on your recipe, you may need ingredients like Epsom salts, essential oils for scents, citric acid, baking soda, safe dye, and olive oil.
2. Lip balm
Lip balm is a great DIY item to sell all year long. Wind, dry air, and cold temperatures can do a real number on people’s skin, and the lips are no exception! Handmade lip balm is the perfect remedy to help soothe chapped lips. It’s also fairly easy to make.
Beeswax, cocoa butter, coconut oil, essential oils, and food colorings are common ingredients, depending on your recipe. Once you have your ingredients in place, you’ll only need a microwave or stove top, refrigerator, and small plastic containers.
3. Soap
Handmade bars of soap have risen in popularity over the past few years. This is due to many consumers trying to get away from the unhealthy additives in major soap brands that can sometimes cause skin irritation.
Common all-natural ingredients in handmade soaps include olive or coconut oil, lard, and sometimes even goat’s milk and essential oils for more luxurious bars.
If you decide that you’d like to start making soap to sell online, check to ensure that you’ve done your research regarding your target market. You want to be sure that the manner in which you craft your soap isin line with potential customers’ interests and expectations.
4. Sugar scrubs
Sugar scrubs are popular luxury skincare items because they provide gentle exfoliation using safe ingredients. A simple batch could include only sugar, coconut oil, and essential oils.
However, you may want to create artisanal scrubs using sweet almond oil, vitamin E for skin health, and even vanilla extract. These scrubs sell particularly well in the winter months when many people experience drier skin than usual.
They also make the perfect gift for the holiday season!
Children’s items
Shoppers often look for cute, handmade children’s items for baby showers, birthday parties, and holiday celebrations. Selling a wide range of artisanal children’s products can easily bring all kinds of new customers to your online store. The following ideas would all make great additions to your product line.
5. Baby blankets
Baby blankets are frequently standby items for baby showers. A crocheted or knitted baby blanket doesn’t take long to make, as the average blanket measures approximately 30” x 35” and fits well in a stroller or car seat.
In contrast, crib blankets should be made larger with a length of about 54” minimum so that they can easily be tucked into the crib.
6. Hair bows
Hair bows may be made of ribbon attached to plastic or metal clips or even woven onto a headband. However, hair bows for babies are typically made with elastic to fit easily around the head.
If you’re a knitter or crocheter, you may instead prefer to create things like yarn flowers and headbands that are very comfortable and stretchy.
7. Plush toys
Making DIY plush toys gives you a great opportunity to embrace the full range of your creativity and is a great option if you’re searching for things to sell and sew.
Perfect for children of varying ages, plush toys can be made to resemble animals, humans, food items, plants, and much more.
Once again, these can be sewn by hand or with a machine, or they could even be knitted or crocheted. Be aware that plush toys made for young children shouldn’t have any small parts, such as plastic eyes or noses, unless they’re securely attached.
Clothing and accessories
Shoppers looking for unique or sensational outfits often turn to ecommerce stores where they can discover one-of-a-kind items that they would never be able to find in a local department store.
Even if you shy away from sewing larger clothing items, such as pants or coats, there are still plenty of accessories that can be easy for your ecommerce business to sell on the internet.
8. Enamel pins
Enamel pins can come in any shape or style that your heart desires, making them the perfect choice for the at-home DIY crafter. However, you’ll have to be patient with the process because it’ll take several steps to complete a single pin.
Start with a hand-drawn or computerized design, create a die that will be stamped into the metal, and paint the pin with hard or soft enamel. This craft idea is also one of the best options for internet sellers who don’t want to mess with complicated shipping, as enamel pins are easy to mail!
9. Headbands
Headbands don’t just have to be for children. In fact, more sophisticated designs make great gifts or luxury accessories for customers of all ages.
Rather than using large bows, focus on rhinestones, velvet fabrics, pearl accents, and other items that’ll turn this otherwise simple item into a statement piece.
10. Jewelry
Although making DIY jewelry can be an expensive process as you purchase the initial materials, it can be an incredible investment if you plan on doing it for the long term. Online shoppers love one-of-a-kind jewelry sets.
Note that you don’t have to stick with only jewelry wire and beads. You can alternatively branch out into semi-precious stones, sterling silver, and etched pieces once you feel more confident.
Take whatever inspires you, be it nature, fashion, your favorite novels, etc., and use it to craft beautiful pieces that you’ll be proud to sell!
11. Keychains
Keychains are kind of a necessity, but they don’t have to be boring!
Handmade keychains can be crafted from a variety of materials, depending on where your interests and talents lie. For example, you may prefer to work with enamel, metal, wood or even clay.
If you’d like to start to sell keychains on the internet, consider what you can do to best accommodate your target market’s needs. You may want to offer personalization options, such as engraved dates, names, or words.
12. Printed t-shirts
Printed t-shirts have become increasingly popular around the world. People of all ages use these comfortable designs to express themselves more fully.
Screen printing is easy once you get the hang of it, and you can even create seasonal designs to keep customers coming back for more.
As far as ideas for what to print on the t-shirts, check out the internet to gain inspiration. See what’s already selling well and determine how you can best achieve success for your own business.
However, be sure that whatever design you decide to use is not already trademarked. You don’t want a lawsuit on your hands!
13. Purses and tote bags
Maybe you love to craft custom-made satchels with beautiful trimmings or large, casual tote bags for shopping trips and days at the beach. Whatever your preference, you’ll likely find it easy to find a market for these types of items with your store.
Check that you reinforce the seams and handles for all purses and bags to ensure that they don’t tear if they’re overloaded.
14. Scarves
Fashion scarves are incredibly easy to create even for the novice craftsperson. They’re also a great gift for various occasions, making them excellent crafts to sell online.
Be sure to sew slowly on your machine if you’re using a lightweight fabric, such as chiffon or a rayon blend. Winter scarves are equally quick and easy to crochet or knit, even if you opt for a special cable or box stitch.
Gifts for the home
Handcrafted items for the home are also very popular these days. Many homeowners are searching for things that’ll make their surroundings more personal and cozy. These items make amazing housewarming gifts as well.
15. Afghans
Afghans are a cozy way to turn a house into a home. One of the most popular styles these days is the quick-knitted throw that’s made with super bulky yarn. Many shoppers will pay a premium for these designs if the products are well made, and they’re a cinch to stitch together.
16. Bookends
Bookends aren’t found on the internet as frequently as other items, which makes them a great option for what your ecommerce business could sell.
Consider using stained and polished wood, painted bricks, sculpted clay, stone, or even fabric-covered blocks for unique statement pieces that are sure to sell in a heartbeat.
17. Coasters
This practical product offers protection from hot and cold beverages for customers’ furniture, keeping TV stands, desks, and more in good condition for years to come. There are a multitude of ways to create handmade coasters, and you can let your creativity be your guide.
Coasters as DIY products aren’t too difficult to craft, though you’ll want to be sure that you’re selling items with a unique motif to catch the eye of your target market.
You might use wound rope, painted tile, sealed ceramic, stitched felt, cork, or even painted wood for your next design. You could also crochet coasters with heavy-duty yarn or rope or craft thick-yet-dainty crocheted doily coasters.
18. Coffee mugs
Whether or not you enjoy ceramic crafts, coffee mugs could be the next big feature in your ecommerce store. If pottery is your thing, create mugs with unique shapes or interesting handles that can’t be found elsewhere.
However, you could also simply purchase pre-made mugs and paint and seal them with personalized words, names, or graphics for your customers.
19. Decorative bowls
Pottery fruit and flower bowls are trending these days, and your creations don’t have to be perfect to sell. In fact, customers looking for handmade products may even prefer that their purchase features slight imperfections, indicating a one-of-a-kind artisan piece.
Simply smooth them out, leave them in one-of-a-kind shapes, and paint them for a gorgeous touch. Rope bowls are another simple-yet-trendy option for what to sell online that only requires a bit of time, patience, thick rope, and glue.
20. Dry-erase boards
While it’s easy to find an array of dry-erase boards in any big box retailer these days, most of them look quite utilitarian. Dress up these otherwise plain boards with customized words, names, and dates to create rolling calendars, children’s chore charts, grocery lists, and much more.
This a great product idea if your ecommerce business aims to sell to busy customers who love to stay organized. Dry-erase boards are also perfect for customers who are homeschooling their kids and are looking for things to help make the teaching process easier!
21. Kitchen utensil holders
Kitchen utensil holders can be crafted out of metal, carved wood, pottery, or other materials. Whichever option you choose, check to ensure that the finished product that you’re selling is waterproof. This is because these holders are likely to be frequently splattered in the kitchen if there’s a lot of cooking going on.
22. Picture frames
Nearly any picture frame can be easily dressed up with a wide range of items, including rope, shells, beads, paint, and more. Another popular option these days is the mosaic picture frame made with colorful glass. These simple crafts can be as sophisticated or wild as you like yet, depending on your idea of your target market’s style.
23. Pillow covers
Pillow covers are smart items to make for your online store because they’re incredibly easy to ship. Make sure that you use standard pillow sizes so that your online customers can buy and use their own pillows.
To accommodate a wide range of customer needs, you may want to consider ideas for embroidered covers as well as outdoor covers made with waterproof fabrics. Include invisible zippers on each cover for ease of use.
24. Planters
A ceramic planter is well worth the effort to craft and sell, as these are one-of-a-kind items that let you be creative with shapes, sizes, and colors. Be sure to include a hole in the bottom of each planter so that excess water can drain.
25. Pottery
Pottery crafts have already been mentioned a few times for specific products in this list, but they’re well worth bringing up again because pottery can be used for so many household objects.
Consider which ideas work best for your unique interests and skills. You might try your hand at paperweights, pencil holders, plates, soup bowls, soap dishes, buttons, lamp bases, and holiday decorations.
26. Quilts
Quilts were once seen as old-fashioned items but are now being given new life as modern bed coverings that can be individualized with unique shapes, patterns, and colors. To reach a more modern shopper, opt for bigger prints, a minimalistic sewing design, plenty of negative space, and a modern color palette.
27. Refrigerator magnets
Refrigerator magnets are the perfect little gifts that can easily be enjoyed on a daily basis. Offer plenty of personalization options or create magnet styles that allow shoppers to insert their own photographs to increase your chances of appealing to a wide range of shoppers.
28. Scented candles
Handmade scented candles are loved because they’re a simple way to add an extra bit of coziness to any home. In addition, they don’t have to include the chemicals and artificial scents that many major candle brands include today.
With a little experimentation, you can create gorgeous paraffin wax or soy candles that contain essential oils and long-burning wicks.
29. Signage
Hand painted signs have become all the rage in homes and yards across the country. Personalize signs with last names and addresses or create pallet signs for a more rustic look. Wood, paint or stain, and a steady hand are all that you need to get started to create these stunning crafts to sell online.
30. Vases
If you’re talented in pottery or glassblowing, crafting handmade vases may be the perfect product for your online store to sell. However, you don’t have to cross this option off your list if you’re just getting started with DIY crafts.
You can also create fabric or rope-wrapped vases out of simple clay pots or even farmhouse-style looks using aluminum cans or mason jars plus a bit of paint.
31. Wooden cutting boards
Wooden cutting boards are hygienic and a favorite among those who love to cook or bake.
Make cutting boards in a variety of shapes or use different types of wood to create color patterns. Besides including a range of motifs in your cutting boards, consider offering different sizes to suit numerous customer needs.
32. Wind chimes
Wind chimes are fun to create using anything from clay, glass or metal pieces, pearls, beads, or old metal utensils. Even tall glass bottles, seashells, old keys, and padlocks can be used to create a wide range of soothing noises outdoors.
Gifts for pets
We certainly don’t want to leave craft products for pet-loving customers off this list! Pet parents love to pamper their animals with handmade items that reflect different styles and personalities.
33. Collars
With some fabric, nylon webbing, a side-release buckle, a metal D-ring, and a sewing machine, you can quickly whip up a collar for dogs, cats, or other pets.
However, to create a look that’s different from anything one would see in a traditional store, offer monogrammed or embroidered finishes, bejeweled collars, or even a stamped leather design.
34. Dog treats
Homemade dog treats are incredibly easy to make once you get the hang of the process. Many ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen are completely safe for consumption by dogs. Pumpkin, peanut butter, and numerous nutrient-packed vegetables are common favorites.
Just be sure that you’ve performed thorough research regarding the ingredients for your culinary creations. You want to avoid including anything that may have even the slightest chance of being unsafe for animals.
In addition, clearly indicate what ingredients are in your dog treats on both the packaging and on your website, leaving no room for doubt with customers.
35. Halloween costumes
Many pet lovers look forward to dressing up their four-legged friends in fun holiday looks for Halloween celebrations. If you love to sew, you can whip up these tiny outfits in no time at all.
Check out what pet costumes seem to be trending and get your creations up on your website long before Halloween so that you can achieve as many sales as possible.
Other
We’ve listed a few other categories below that are common favorites of online shoppers looking for ways to support small businesses and bring more handmade items into their lives.
This list will show you that you don’t have to feel limited by your skill set but can turn what you already love to do into a new way to make some extra money!
36. Bookmarks
Handmade bookmarks can be made with everything from lace and colorful crochet cotton to scrapbooking supplies and mixed media. Be sure to protect your paper-crafted bookmarks with laminate or a spray-on sealant.
37. Candy
If you prefer being in the kitchen rather than in your workshop or sewing room, candy making can be a sweet deal for online sales.
Ensure that you're aware of any local laws that affect where you make your candies or how you ship them. Chocolates, nostalgic hard candies, and sweets featuring flavors from around the world are popular choices online these days.
38. Digital products
Of course, you can also stick with your computer alone for your online sales. You could create handcrafting patterns, printable recipes, artwork, children’s flashcards, and much more. Once you have the original design completed, you can use it to make a crazy number of sales on a single product.
39. Note cards
Though handwritten correspondence isn’t nearly as prevalent an activity as it once was, there are still plenty of people who appreciate thoughtfully designed paper goods.
Embellish plain note cards with paint, embossing, rubber stamps, and stencils to give your customers a unique product that’ll make an impression on every person they write.
To stand out from the competition, offer to personalize your notecards with family names, dates, and more.
40. Pencil pouches
A simple pencil pouch to organize writing utensils can be stitched up with your sewing machine in well under 30 minutes once you find a pattern that you like.
Opt for sturdier materials, such as canvas, twill, and even outdoor fabrics, so that your pouches will stand up to years of being tossed in and out of bags.
41. Phone cases
Custom cellphone cases are quite popular these days, as a majority of people in the United States and around the world have mobile devices. You can grab a piece of this market by designing your own cases using digital artwork or even creating stamped leather folio cases.
42. Ring cones
If your target customers are people who love jewelry and want to take care of their pieces, this product may be an ideal offering for your store.
Ring cones are simple to make out of clay and are popular online items because they’re easy to ship. You could even use painted concrete formed in a mold for a modern design.
43. Ring dishes
In a similar vein, clay ring dishes make cute gifts for the person who seems to have it all. These tiny dishes are easy to make because they don’t have to be perfectly shaped.
This product can be crafted using all kinds of materials and can feature a wide range of designs to best suit your customers’ needs.
44. Seed bombs
Seed bombs are fun to sell online in the spring when customers are shopping for Easter and Mother’s Day gifts.
Simply mix wildflower seeds or a seed of your choice with compost and clay powder. Roll your mixture into balls to dry, and pack your seed bombs in colorful cardboard for a sustainable gift.
45. Watercolor paintings
Turn your favorite pastime into a money-making hobby by creating watercolor pictures, postcards, cards, gift tags, Christmas ornaments, and much more.
Many people love the soft look of watercolors and the splash of whimsy that these designs provide. For a more vibrant twist, add gouache (opaque watercolor) to your paintings.
Get crafting today!
Wherever your talents lie, you can take advantage of those hobbies that you already love and learn how to sell handmade items online to create a thriving ecommerce business.
Whether you want to make some extra money on the side or turn your side hustle into a full-time career, these 45 DIY craft options are sure to be a big hit on your web-based marketplace!
