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23 Etsy Shop Ideas

Written by:

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by:

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

23 Etsy Shop Ideas

23 Etsy Shop Ideas

Etsy is a global online marketplace where crafters and small businesses can offer unique handmade items and personalized gift ideas. As of 2022, the platform has more than 100 million active buyers and more than seven million sellers. 

If you’re thinking about starting an Etsy business, you’re not alone. Some of the items you could sell on Etsy include resin art, crochet products, clothing, jewelry, candles, stickers, and more. Check out our list of Etsy business ideas and see if anything sparks your interest.

1. Candles

How to start a candle business

Candles make an excellent product to sell on Etsy for several reasons. Firstly, they are versatile and offer wide customization possibilities, such as colors, scents, and shapes, allowing sellers to offer unique and personalized products. They also have a high potential for repeat business, given that they’re consumable and need to be replaced over time.

Additionally, candles fit well into several high-demand categories on Etsy, including home decor, gifts, and wellness products. They’re relatively inexpensive to produce, lightweight, and easy to ship, reducing logistics challenges.

Finally, candles have a broad appeal: they’re popular gifts and can be targeted towards various demographics, from people seeking cozy home atmospheres to those pursuing meditation or wellness routines.

2. Crafts

How to start a craft business

Crafts are a popular choice for Etsy sellers because they embody the platform’s mission of connecting buyers to unique, handmade, and creative items. The category of crafts is broad and allows sellers to explore various mediums and techniques, such as pottery, painting, knitting, or jewelry making. Sellers can establish a unique brand identity based on their craft specialization, attracting niche markets.

Crafts also often enable customization, a factor valued highly by Etsy customers who seek personalized items. The DIY nature of crafts can be a selling point as well, with many customers supporting the individual craftsmanship and the slow, thoughtful production process.

Additionally, the cost of crafting materials can often be reasonably low, making it possible to maintain a good profit margin.

Ultimately, selling crafts on Etsy can allow you to turn a hobby into a profitable business while reaching an audience who appreciates your unique talent and creativity.

3. Resin Art

resin art business idea

Resin art is an excellent product category to consider for Etsy because it capitalizes on the current popularity of unique and stylish home decor items. Its glossy, sleek, and modern aesthetic appeals to a wide range of consumers looking for pieces that add a touch of sophistication to their spaces.

Because resin art can be used to make everything from jewelry and coasters to larger furniture pieces like tables, it allows sellers to target different price points and market segments. The process of creating resin art also leaves room for a high degree of customization, a key selling point on Etsy, where buyers often search for unique, personalized items.

Additionally, the intriguing and sometimes mesmerizing process of creating resin art can be leveraged for marketing purposes, drawing in potential customers through process videos and behind-the-scenes content.

Lastly, due to its durable nature, resin art can be shipped relatively safely, reducing the risk of damage during transit.

4. Beauty Supplies

beauty supply business idea

Selling beauty supplies on Etsy can be an excellent choice, capitalizing on the growing interest in niche, organic, and handmade beauty products. Etsy’s customer base often seeks out these unique and personalized items that traditional retail may not offer.

With beauty supplies, you can cater to various customer needs and preferences – from vegan, cruelty-free, or organic products to goods for specific skin types or beauty routines. This gives sellers an opportunity to fill gaps in the market and create products that truly resonate with consumers.

The ability to create small, artisanal batches allows for continuous innovation and adaptation to trends. It’s also an excellent way to cater to personalized customer service, offering tailored advice, and product recommendations.

Importantly, beauty supplies are often small and lightweight, making them relatively easy and cost-effective to ship.

5. Stickers

How to start a sticker business

Stickers make a great product for Etsy due to their simplicity, versatility, and popularity. They can be used in a multitude of ways, from laptop and phone decorations to additions in scrapbooks and planners.

Stickers are typically lightweight and easy to ship, leading to lower overhead costs and lesser logistics hassle. They’re also relatively inexpensive to produce, often offering attractive profit margins.

One of the greatest advantages of selling stickers is the virtually limitless room for creativity and customization. Sellers can create designs based on popular themes, quotes, characters, or custom illustrations, catering to different customer interests.

Moreover, stickers often become repeat purchases as customers look to update or replace their collections.

Finally, stickers appeal to a broad demographic, including students, creatives, planner enthusiasts, and more, which enlarges your potential customer base.

6. Crystals

How to start a crystal business

Crystals can be a profitable product to sell on Etsy due to the growing interest in spirituality, wellness, and natural elements in home decor. They are popular among those who practice meditation or energy healing, as well as those who simply appreciate their aesthetic beauty. Different types of crystals are believed to have different healing properties, allowing sellers to offer a wide range of products targeting various needs.

Crystals can also be incorporated into other items, such as jewelry or home decor, adding value and increasing potential profit margins. Since each crystal is unique in its shape, size, and color, sellers can market them as one-of-a-kind items, aligning with Etsy’s focus on unique and personalized products.

Lastly, while crystals require careful packaging for shipping, their relatively high price point can often justify the associated costs, allowing for a healthy profit.

7. Sewing Patterns and Garments

How to start a sewing business

Sewing patterns and garments are a fantastic fit for Etsy, given the platform’s roots in handmade and artisanal goods. Customers on Etsy often seek out unique clothing items that they wouldn’t find in mass-produced retail stores, providing a lucrative market for bespoke fashion.

With the ability to offer custom sizes, styles, and designs, you can meet a wide range of consumer needs, from everyday wear to special occasion outfits. This also allows sellers to tap into niche markets, such as vintage-inspired clothing or specific fashion subcultures.

In addition, the rise of sustainable and ethical fashion has made handmade garments increasingly appealing, as they often align better with these values compared to fast fashion alternatives.

While the costs and time associated with creating handmade clothing can be higher than other categories, the ability to price these unique items at a premium can help maintain good profit margins.

8. Crochet

How to start a crochet business

Crochet items are perfect for selling on Etsy due to their handmade nature and the creative possibilities they offer. They cater to a wide array of customer interests, from clothing and accessories to home decor, toys, and even unique art pieces. With the ability to experiment with different patterns, colors, and styles, sellers can offer a diverse range of products that can be customized to individual customer preferences.

Furthermore, crochet items evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth, appealing to customers seeking a cozy, artisanal aesthetic. Given the rising trend of sustainability in consumer behavior, crochet items, often made from natural fibers, are seen as eco-friendly alternatives to mass-produced goods.

Finally, crochet items can be lightweight and relatively easy to ship. While they do require a significant time investment, this craftsmanship is often valued by Etsy’s customer base, allowing sellers to price their products accordingly.

9. Balloons

How to start a balloon business

Balloons are a great product to sell on Etsy for several reasons. First, they are associated with celebrations and special occasions like birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries, ensuring a consistent demand throughout the year.

Balloons can be customized and personalized, fitting the Etsy buyer’s preference for unique and bespoke items. For instance, sellers can offer balloons with custom messages, colors, or shapes to cater to various themes and events. Balloons can also be sold in kits with other party supplies, providing an opportunity for upselling and bundling.

They are lightweight and compact when deflated, which makes shipping easier and cost-effective. The cost of production for balloons can also be low, contributing to higher profit margins.

Lastly, balloons appeal to a broad age range, from kids’ parties to adult celebrations, extending the potential customer base.

10. Essential Oils

How to start a essential oils business

Essential oils are an excellent product to sell on Etsy due to their increasing popularity in the wellness and self-care industry. They appeal to a broad customer base interested in natural health remedies, aromatherapy, skincare, and home fragrances.

The vast variety of oils and their uses allows for a wide product range, from single oil bottles to custom blends targeting specific needs like relaxation, focus, or mood uplift. Essential oils are also often used as key ingredients in handmade beauty and bath products, providing opportunities for product expansion and bundles.

They’re compact and relatively easy to ship, although care must be taken to ensure leak-proof packaging. As Etsy buyers often seek out unique and artisanal items, small-batch, high-quality essential oils can be marketed as premium, niche products, differentiating them from mass-produced alternatives.

11. Vinyl Decals

How to start a vinyl cutting business

Vinyl decals are a fantastic product to sell on Etsy due to their versatility and broad appeal. They can be used for personalizing a wide array of items, from car windows and laptops to home decor and even clothing, catering to a diverse customer base with varied interests.

The room for creative design in vinyl decals is vast, allowing sellers to offer unique and customizable options. This aligns with Etsy’s focus on personalized and bespoke products.

Vinyl decals are lightweight and easy to ship, which makes them logistically favorable. They are also relatively inexpensive to produce, often providing good profit margins.

In addition, they can be a repeat purchase item, as customers may return for new designs or replacements. Given the digital nature of design work, sellers can also offer custom orders without significant additional time investment, further enhancing their appeal.

12. Personalized Mugs

How to Start a Mug Printing Business

Personalized mugs are a great product for Etsy because they align with the platform’s focus on unique, custom-made items. Buyers often seek out personalized products as gifts for birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions, making mugs a popular choice.

Mugs can be customized in numerous ways, from names and messages to unique designs or images, catering to a wide variety of tastes and interests. They are also a versatile product, suitable for both personal use and home decor. As a daily-use item, mugs have a broad appeal and can target a large potential customer base.

Despite their fragile nature, mugs can be shipped safely with appropriate packaging. While the production costs for personalized mugs can vary, the ability to price these unique, custom items at a premium can help maintain profitable margins.

Furthermore, mugs have potential for repeat business, as customers may return for additional or replacement mugs over time.

13. Bracelets

bracelets business idea

Bracelets make a great product to sell on Etsy due to their timeless appeal and wide market base. Whether you’re offering simple, minimalist designs or intricate, statement pieces, there’s a variety of styles that cater to different customer preferences.

One of the key advantages is the scope for personalization – sellers can offer custom sizes, materials, colors, or even engravings, making them a popular choice for unique gifts. Handcrafted bracelets also align with Etsy’s ethos of artisanal and handmade products, differentiating them from mass-produced jewelry found elsewhere.

In addition, bracelets are typically lightweight and easy to ship, reducing logistics challenges. The cost of materials can vary greatly depending on the type of bracelets being made, but the ability to price unique, high-quality, and personalized pieces at a premium can help ensure profitability.

14. Sea Moss

sea moss business idea

Sea moss, also known as Irish moss, is a versatile product that has gained considerable popularity in recent years due to its wide range of health benefits. As a natural, plant-based superfood, it aligns well with the increasing consumer interest in wellness and sustainable products.

Sea moss can be sold in various forms such as raw, gel, or powder, allowing sellers to cater to different customer needs and preferences. The potential uses of sea moss are vast, including dietary supplements, skin care products, and even cooking ingredients, offering sellers opportunities for product expansion and bundling.

Despite being a consumable product, sea moss has a relatively long shelf-life, reducing wastage concerns. It’s lightweight and easy to package, making shipping straightforward and cost-effective.

Lastly, as more consumers seek out natural, holistic health remedies, the market for products like sea moss on platforms like Etsy is expected to grow.

15. Personalized T-shirts

How to start a t-shirt business

Personalized T-shirts are an excellent product to sell on Etsy for several reasons. First, they align perfectly with the platform’s focus on unique, customizable items. Buyers often search for personalized products that reflect their interests, hobbies, or a personal message, making T-shirts a versatile choice.

T-shirts can be customized in countless ways, such as graphics, quotes, or even personal photographs, catering to a diverse customer base. They’re suitable for all ages and genders, broadening the potential market.

Plus, T-shirts are often associated with casual, comfortable clothing, a style that never goes out of trend. Despite the cost of quality materials and printing, personalized T-shirts can command a higher price due to their unique value.

They’re also relatively easy and inexpensive to ship. Lastly, the opportunity for repeat business is high, as customers might return for new designs, gifts, or replacement items.

16. Bath Bombs

How to start a bath bomb business

Bath bombs make a great product to sell on Etsy due to their growing popularity in the self-care and wellness space. They offer a luxury spa experience at home, appealing to consumers interested in relaxation and pampering.

The potential for customization is vast, from colors, shapes, and scents to added ingredients like essential oils, flower petals, or even surprise trinkets. This aligns with Etsy’s focus on unique, handmade items. Bath bombs are also popular as gifts, and can be sold in gift sets or bundles, offering higher price points.

Although they require careful packaging to avoid damage, they are typically lightweight and relatively straightforward to ship.

The cost of ingredients for bath bombs can be fairly low, and the ability to price these artisanal products at a premium can ensure good profit margins. Furthermore, given their consumable nature, bath bombs have a high potential for repeat purchases.

17. Pottery

How to Start a Pottery Business

Pottery is an excellent product to sell on Etsy, given the platform’s emphasis on handmade, artisanal goods. There’s a growing market for unique, non-mass-produced items that can add a distinct touch to home decor, and pottery fits this niche perfectly.

Each pottery piece, from mugs and bowls to vases and decorative items, can be unique, showcasing the artist’s individual style and technique. This allows for a broad range of products, attracting different customer preferences. Pottery also offers opportunities for customization, which is highly valued by Etsy customers.

Additionally, pottery can be marketed as a sustainable, long-lasting alternative to plastic or other mass-produced materials, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.

While pottery can be fragile and requires careful packaging for shipping, its perceived value and uniqueness often justify higher price points, helping maintain profitability.

18. Gift Boxes

How to start a gift wrapping business

Gift boxes are an excellent product to sell on Etsy because they cater to the need for convenient, thoughtful, and unique presents. A gift box can be themed for various occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or self-care, allowing you to target different customer segments and occasions. They offer a curated experience, which can add significant value over individual items.

Additionally, gift boxes provide opportunities for cross-selling, as they typically include multiple items. Personalization is another strong selling point; boxes can be customized according to the recipient’s preferences, making them feel more special.

Although gift boxes can be larger and potentially more costly to ship than other items, their higher price point often absorbs these costs.

Finally, gift boxes appeal both to individual customers and businesses looking for corporate gifts, broadening the potential market.

19. Lip Gloss

How to start a lip gloss business

Lip gloss is a fantastic product to sell on Etsy due to the high demand in the beauty industry. Given the rising trend towards natural and cruelty-free cosmetics, handmade lip gloss can be marketed as a healthier, more ethical alternative to mass-produced items.

Sellers can create a diverse range of products by experimenting with different colors, flavors, and packaging designs, catering to various customer preferences. Moreover, lip gloss can be easily personalized – for instance, with custom flavors or colors – making them a unique gift option.

They’re also small and lightweight, leading to easier and cost-effective shipping. While the production cost for lip gloss can vary depending on ingredients, the ability to price these artisanal, niche products at a premium can help ensure profitability.

Finally, lip gloss, being a consumable product, can lead to repeat purchases, contributing to a sustainable business model.

20. Embroidery Art

How to start a embroidery business

Embroidery art is a superb product to sell on Etsy because it combines tradition with creativity, catering to customers who appreciate handmade, unique crafts. Embroidery pieces can range from small, intricate designs suitable for framing to larger works on clothing or home décor items like cushions or throws. This allows sellers to reach a broad spectrum of customers with diverse interests.

The handmade nature of these pieces often translates into a higher perceived value, which can justify premium pricing. The ability to offer personalized designs or custom commissions also aligns well with Etsy’s customer base, who often seek bespoke items.

Despite the time-intensive nature of embroidery, the appreciation for this craft and the uniqueness of each piece can ensure a profitable venture.

Moreover, due to their generally lightweight and compact nature, embroidery pieces can be cost-effective to package and ship.

21. Glitter

How to start a glitter business

Glitter products are an ideal choice for selling on Etsy due to their versatility and widespread appeal. Glitter can be incorporated into a variety of products, ranging from cosmetics and nail art to crafts, home decor, and even clothing. The shimmer and sparkle of glitter attract customers seeking eye-catching and unique items.

The customization possibilities with glitter are endless, with various colors, sizes, and finishes available. This allows sellers to offer a wide range of options to cater to different preferences and trends. Glitter can also be used in combination with other materials, such as resin, to create stunning and one-of-a-kind pieces.

Additionally, the small and lightweight nature of glitter makes it easy and cost-effective to package and ship. The potential customer base for glitter products is vast, encompassing individuals of all ages and interests, making it a lucrative market on Etsy.

22. Cricut Projects

How to start a cricut business

Cricut projects are an excellent product to sell on Etsy because they tap into the growing popularity of DIY crafts and personalized creations. The Cricut machine allows for precise cutting and intricate designs, making it ideal for various projects such as vinyl decals, iron-on transfers, paper crafts, and more.

Selling Cricut projects on Etsy offers customers the convenience of ready-to-use designs, saving them time and effort. There is a wide range of potential products, from stickers and labels to home decor items, apparel, and party supplies.

Cricut projects also allow for customization, enabling sellers to offer personalized options and cater to specific customer requests. With the ability to create digital files and print-on-demand designs, sellers can offer a large selection of options without the need for physical inventory.

Furthermore, the lightweight and compact nature of Cricut projects makes them easy to ship, reducing logistics challenges.

23. Phone Case

How to start a phone case business

Phone cases are an ideal product to sell on Etsy due to the increasing demand for personalized and unique accessories. With a wide range of phone models on the market, there is a diverse customer base to target.

Etsy sellers can offer a variety of phone case designs, ranging from minimalist and sleek to bold and vibrant, catering to different tastes and preferences. The ability to customize phone cases with names, monograms, or personalized designs is highly valued by customers seeking one-of-a-kind products.

Phone cases are relatively small and lightweight, making them easy and cost-effective to ship. They also provide an opportunity for upselling by offering complementary accessories such as screen protectors or pop sockets.

Additionally, the constantly evolving phone market ensures a continuous demand for new designs and models, allowing sellers to stay relevant and attract repeat customers.

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