Top 16 Profitable Items to Sell on Etsy Today
Explore 16 top-selling items on Etsy, including custom t-shirts and unique vintage finds, to help you maximize profits in this thriving marketplace.
Etsy is a leading online marketplace with over 96 million active buyers, combining creativity and commerce seamlessly. Whether you're an experienced artisan or a budding entrepreneur, knowing what to sell is crucial for achieving success.
This guide highlights the 16 best products to sell on Etsy and offers practical tips to help you enhance your Etsy selling strategy.
Key Takeaways:
- Etsy excels in popular categories like handmade items, artwork, craft supplies, vintage goods, and eco-friendly products, appealing to various customer interests.
- Product success depends heavily on quality and how items are presented online.
- Use the Etsy search bar to monitor trending and best-selling products.
- Optimize your listings to boost product visibility on Etsy.
- Utilize print-on-demand services, such as Tapstitch, to simplify production and reduce overhead expenses.
1.Custom T-Shirts
While seasons may change, the demand for custom t-shirts remains strong. As a wardrobe essential that often needs replacing, they consistently rank as a top-selling item on Etsy.
With the global apparel market expected to hit an impressive $1.79 trillion by 2024, the demand for custom t-shirts shows no signs of slowing down.
No matter the niche, t-shirts resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds. From clever slogans to striking graphics or designs that highlight shared passions, a well-crafted tee can create a personal connection with your audience.
2.Artwork and Prints
The global wall art market is booming, projected to reach an impressive value of $63.61 billion in 2024. This presents a fantastic opportunity for your Etsy shop! Whether you’re offering digital art, classic posters, framed prints, contemporary acrylics, or textured canvases, wall art consistently proves to be a top choice for online sellers.
High-quality images showcasing multiple angles and close-ups are essential for product presentation. Optimize your listings with relevant keywords, such as “modern art” or “handmade oil painting,” to improve visibility in search results. Sharing your story and the inspiration behind your work helps customers connect with your art on a deeper level.
3.Handmade Jewelry
Handmade jewelry has a unique charm that resonates with many. It symbolizes significant moments, conveys affection, and brings a bit of shine to our daily routines. This enduring appeal explains why handmade jewelry consistently ranks among the top sellers on Etsy, particularly during popular gifting seasons like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day.
The global jewelry market is expected to shine even brighter, reaching $332 billion by 2026. This shows just how profitable selling handmade jewelry and craft supplies can be on Etsy. For instance, Caitlyn Minimalist, a top Etsy seller, has already made over $68 million in revenue from her listings—proof that success in this space is entirely achievable for you too.
4.Home Decor
Home decor stands out as one of the most sought-after niches on Etsy. Recent data from April 2024 reveals that keywords like "wall art" and "home decor" ranked among the top 20 most searched terms on the Etsy platform. This trend underscores the strong demand for unique and stylish home decor items among Etsy's global audience.
Customers are always looking for ways to personalize their living spaces, making customizable home decor a powerful sales driver. Offering items that can be tailored to individual tastes not only adds value but also boosts customer engagement and satisfaction.
Think personalized throw pillows, unique wall clocks, and custom candles – these are the kinds of items that customers treasure and frequently return for. These customizable products allow shoppers to create a space that reflects their personality, making them ideal for repeat business.
5.Digital Downloads
Digital downloads are a rising trend on Etsy, offering incredible convenience for both sellers and buyers. There's no need to manage inventory or shipping, and customers get instant access to their purchases.
Etsy is a great platform for displaying your digital creations, whether it's printable wall art, functional planners, or visually appealing social media templates. Without the need for physical production, your profit margins can increase, giving you the flexibility to explore new ideas and grow your product offerings.
6.Wedding Supplies and Accessories
Etsy has become the go-to destination for couples looking to add a unique and personalized touch to their big day. Its extensive wedding section offers everything from elegant bridesmaid gifts and custom wedding invitations to one-of-a-kind party supplies, making it a perfect marketplace for all things matrimonial.
The wedding industry is thriving, with the global market expected to reach an impressive $647.39 billion by 2032. Etsy plays a key role in this trend, providing couples with a unique platform to find and purchase personalized, handcrafted items that beautifully capture their love story.
7.Personalized Candles
The global candle market is burning bright, projected to reach $13.15 billion by 2029. On Etsy, personalized candles are particularly popular, offering a cozy, customized touch that adds warmth and individuality to any space.
Customers are drawn to candles that feel personal and distinctive, making them one of the best-selling items on Etsy. Offering custom scents, labels, or messages allows you to craft unique, thoughtful gifts that are perfect for occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or even a simple "just because" moment.
8.Vintage Items
Etsy is one of the rare online platforms that fully celebrates vintage items. Whether it’s pre-loved clothing or long-forgotten trinkets, your old belongings could become someone else’s cherished treasure. This top-selling category offers a goldmine for shoppers on the hunt for unique finds, while providing sellers the opportunity to breathe new life into timeless pieces.
Etsy’s vintage collection covers a wide range of items, from home decor and craft supplies to clothing, jewelry, and collectibles. If you have a passion for vintage and want to turn it into a profitable venture, selling on Etsy could be the perfect opportunity to showcase and monetize your unique finds.
Remember, quality is key. Etsy buyers are on the lookout for well-preserved, high-quality vintage items. If you're passionate about vintage treasures, Etsy offers the perfect platform to share your finds with a market that values uniqueness and craftsmanship.
9.Handmade Soaps
The demand for handmade crafts continues to grow, with the global handmade soap market reaching a frothy $158.79 million in 2023. Consumers are increasingly attracted to the unique fragrances, natural ingredients, and artisanal quality of handmade soaps, making them a standout product in the thriving handmade category on Etsy.
With limitless customization options and an emphasis on premium ingredients, handmade soaps are ideal for online sales. However, since customers can’t experience the scent or texture firsthand, it’s crucial to craft vivid and enticing descriptions that convey their qualities. Make "writing beautiful descriptions" a top priority to captivate potential buyers.
10.Pet Accessories
Pet lovers are always on the lookout for unique items for their furry companions, and Etsy is the ideal marketplace for such products. From handmade bandanas and custom outfits to engraved tags and personalized accessories, pet parents can’t resist adding a special touch to their pets' lives. These one-of-a-kind items are a big hit on Etsy, making it a lucrative niche for sellers.
If you have a talent for crafting adorable and functional pet products, this could be your golden opportunity to launch a thriving Etsy business. As a fellow pet enthusiast, you possess valuable insights into what pet owners—and their furry friends—desire. Consider designing stylish collars for new puppies, engaging toys for inquisitive kittens, or personalized accessories that highlight each pet's unique personality. These thoughtful creations can resonate deeply with pet parents, making your shop a go-to destination for all things pet-related.
11.Children's Clothing
Whether for everyday wear or special occasions, baby and children’s clothing consistently ranks as a top seller on the marketplace. From charming onesies featuring clever slogans to adorable matching sibling sets, these pieces make perfect personalized gifts and essential wardrobe staples for little ones. The appeal of unique and stylish children's apparel keeps parents coming back for more, making it a lucrative niche for sellers on platforms like Etsy.
Tap into this growing demand by offering custom designs that let parents personalize their baby’s clothing with names, photos, or adorable sayings. The possibilities are limitless, and with the high demand for unique apparel, you might be surprised at how quickly those personalized baby tees sell out from your virtual shelves. Emphasizing customization can create a strong emotional connection with buyers, making your offerings even more appealing.
12.Leather Goods
The allure of leather is timeless, with the global leather goods market projected to reach $738.61 billion by 2030. Shoppers are drawn to the luxury, durability, and classic charm of leather products, creating a prime opportunity for skilled artisans. Whether you craft bags, wallets, or home decor, high-quality leather goods remain in demand, making this category a great choice for your Etsy shop.
Handcrafted leather products like wallets, belts, bags, and personalized journals consistently rank among the bestsellers on Etsy. By designing distinctive and high-quality leather items, you can seize this growing market and draw in customers who appreciate both craftsmanship and the lasting quality of leather goods.
13.Eco-Friendly Products
The demand for eco-friendly products is on the rise, with the global sustainability market expected to expand from $28.6 billion in 2024 to an impressive $134.9 billion by 2030. As consumers become more environmentally aware, they are actively seeking sustainable alternatives, making these items a lucrative option for conscientious Etsy sellers.
With the rise of eco-conscious consumerism, the demand for sustainable products is on the rise. From reusable shopping bags and biodegradable phone cases to organic clothing, there’s an increasing appetite for items that are kind to the planet. By providing sustainable alternatives, you can tap into this expanding market and attract customers who value eco-conscious choices.
14.Knitted and Crocheted Items
Etsy shoppers are drawn to the unique charm of handmade products, and knitted and crocheted items are perfect examples. From cozy scarves and hats to delightful amigurumi creations and intricate blankets, these handcrafted treasures bring warmth and personality to any space.
As the demand for unique and sustainable fashion continues to rise, handmade clothing is gaining popularity on Etsy. Showcase your knitting and crocheting talents by crafting one-of-a-kind sweaters, cardigans, and accessories that distinguish themselves from mass-produced alternatives.
15.Phone Cases
The global cell phone case market is booming, projected to hit an impressive $13.75 billion by 2030. As smartphones become essential to our daily lives, phone cases emerge as one of the best products to sell on Etsy. They serve not only as protective accessories but also as fashion statements and canvases for personal expression.
Begin selling phone cases that combine functionality with fashion to tap into this lucrative market. These cases not only protect valuable devices but also allow customers to express their unique personalities and styles.
16.Stationery and Greeting Cards
From playful birthday cards and custom invitations to delightful thank-you notes, personalized stationery sets, and artistic journals, the options for unique paper goods are truly limitless.
Etsy shop owners can take advantage of print-on-demand services to effortlessly design and sell personalized products, eliminating the complexities of inventory management.
Showcasing your stationery creations on social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram can significantly expand your audience and highlight the artistry of your products. By leveraging the emotional resonance that greeting cards and stationery bring, you can cultivate a dedicated customer base that consistently returns to your shop for their paper needs.
How to Find Best-Selling Items on Etsy?
By combining these research methods, you'll be well on your way to uncovering the best-selling items on Etsy and establishing a successful shop of your own.
1.Check Etsy’s Trending Now Section
Etsy’s Trends section is a valuable resource, highlighting the hottest products and styles across various categories that are worth selling. This feature allows you to see what’s currently capturing the attention of Etsy shoppers in real time.
2.Get Familiar With Etsy’s Seller Handbook
Etsy’s Seller Handbook is an essential resource for sellers, offering a wealth of tips, tricks, and insights on various topics, including product photography and pricing strategies. Take the time to explore this handbook and gain valuable knowledge from Etsy's experts.
3.Research Trends
Don’t limit yourself to Etsy alone; expand your search by using platforms like Google Trends, Pinterest, and social media to identify what’s trending. Keep an eye on popular hashtags, emerging topics, and seasonal interests to discover potential product ideas.
4.Explore the Competition
Take a moment to observe what other sellers in your niche are doing. Investigate which products are performing well, analyze their pricing and marketing tactics, and identify opportunities to stand out with something unique. Don’t hesitate to explore other marketplaces like eBay for additional inspiration.
4 Tips to Run a Successful Etsy Shop
1.Sell Amazing Products
While it may seem straightforward, this principle is the cornerstone of any successful Etsy shop. Provide high-quality products that are unique, creative, and well-crafted. Consider what makes your offerings special and how they distinguish themselves from the competition.
2.Sell Multiple Items
Diversify your offerings to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. By presenting a variety of products, you can attract a broader customer base and enhance your chances of making sales. This might involve providing different styles, colors, or even expanding into various product categories within your niche.
3.Make Your Pictures Stand Out
Invest in high-quality images to present your top-selling items in the best possible light. Utilize good lighting, clear backgrounds, and multiple angles to give customers a comprehensive view of what they're purchasing.
4.Use Etsy SEO to Your Advantage
Etsy SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the key to increasing your product visibility and reaching more shoppers. To improve your chances of being discovered, optimize your product titles, descriptions, and tags with relevant keywords that your target audience is searching for.
FAQ
How to sell things on Etsy?
Getting started on Etsy is easy! Simply create an account, set up your shop, and list your products with engaging descriptions and high-quality photos. Then, begin promoting your store. For inspiration, take a look at successful Etsy sellers.
How much does it cost to sell things on Etsy?
Etsy has a range of fees that sellers should be aware of, including listing fees, transaction fees, and payment processing fees. For the most up-to-date information, be sure to check Etsy’s Help Center.
What items sell best on Etsy?
The best-selling items on Etsy fluctuate with trends and seasons, but some perennial favorites include handcrafted jewelry, personalized items, home decor, craft supplies, and vintage treasures.
What can I make easily to sell on Etsy?
For easy-to-make products, consider print-on-demand options such as t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants. You can create unique designs, while Tapstitch takes care of production and shipping for you.
What is the most profitable business on Etsy?
The most profitable businesses on Etsy and other marketplaces typically revolve around high-demand products with low production costs, such as digital downloads (like PlannerKate1) and personalized items (like ModParty). However, the secret to success lies in identifying a niche you’re passionate about and crafting products that truly stand out from the competition.
Things to Make and Sell on Etsy: Conclusion
Etsy is a treasure trove of opportunities for creative entrepreneurs. By concentrating on high-demand, customizable, and unique products, you can tap into the diverse interests of millions of shoppers. Whether it’s personalized shirts, handmade jewelry, wall stickers, party decorations, or eco-friendly home decor, the options for what to sell on Etsy are virtually limitless.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on trends, optimize your product listings, and use social media to connect with your target audience. Now, it’s time to open your Etsy account, start designing your unique products, and let your creativity shine!