Etsy has evolved into a marketplace for every kind of seller—from creators of handmade goods to digital artists. Understanding what sells well can help you stand out, boost your visibility, and capture repeat buyers. This list covers some of the best things to sell on Etsy, with tips to help your items get noticed.
Key Takeaways:
- 🔎 Selling in high-demand categories like Craft Supplies & Tools, Home & Living, and Jewelry increases your chance of reaching active buyers and making consistent sales on Etsy.
- 🍊 Use tools like Marmalead to find trending keywords, demand insights, and competition levels in top-selling categories to ensure your product ideas have strong market potential.
- 🪡 Tailor your product titles, descriptions, and images to match what buyers are searching for in popular categories like personalized gifts or digital downloads, boosting visibility and attracting more buyers.
Table of Contents:
- Benefits of Selling on Etsy
- How to Choose a Product to Sell on Etsy
- Sell Like the Top 1% on Etsy
- Researching Profitable Product Ideas for Etsy
- Top 15 Best Things to Sell on Etsy to Make a Profit
- Tips for Optimizing Your Etsy Product Listings
- Pricing Strategies for Maximizing Your Earnings on Etsy
- Top Selling Etsy Products During the Holidays
Benefits of Selling on Etsy
Etsy’s unique marketplace appeals to small businesses and individual creators alike, with a global reach of up to 92 million active buyers. Its platform supports sellers by offering built-in tools for customization, listing promotion, and payment processing, making it a top choice for individuals looking to turn a hobby or passion into a profitable venture.
By the end of 2023, Etsy’s gross merchandise sales reached $3.6 billion, with some of the top 1% of sellers making upwards of six figures.
Etsy also stands out for its emphasis on handmade, vintage, and unique items—a focus that attracts a customer base interested in supporting small businesses and independent creators. This makes it especially profitable for sellers in niche categories who want to reach audiences outside of traditional eCommerce giants.
→ Related: You Won’t Believe How Much You Can Make Selling On Etsy
How to Choose a Product to Sell on Etsy
Selecting the right product can make a significant difference in your Etsy success. Before deciding on what to sell, consider the demand for your product, competition level, and alignment with your personal skills or interests.
- Target Audience: Identify who your buyers are and what they value.
- Profit Margins: Ensure your product can yield sufficient profit after fees and costs.
- Scalability: Choose a product that’s easy to produce consistently.
- Shipping and Storage: Account for size, weight, and storage needs.
Sell Like the Top 1% on Etsy
If you’re looking for the best thing to sell on Etsy, these popular product categories from the top 1% provides valuable insight. Categories like Craft Supplies & Tools and Home & Living dominate because they cater to broad buyer needs and offer versatility in product options.
Jewelry and Paper & Party Supplies also hold strong positions, reflecting trends in personalization and gifting, which are highly appealing to Etsy’s customer base.
By exploring these top categories, sellers can identify popular niches with high demand, making it easier to develop products that resonate with buyers.
Products Sold by the Top 100 Etsy Sellers
- Craft Supplies & Tools: 37%
- Home & Living: 22%
- Jewelry: 13%
- Paper & Party Supplies: 9%
- Art & Collectibles: 8%
- Clothing: 3%
- Weddings: 2%
- Bath & Beauty: 2%
- Toys & Games: 1%
- Electronics & Accessories: 1%
- Pet Supplies: 1%
- Accessories: 1%
→ Related: These Are the Top Etsy Product Categories with the Most Searches
Researching Profitable Product Ideas for Etsy
Effective market research is crucial to finding the best things to sell on Etsy. Start by exploring categories and best-selling items on the platform to identify patterns in demand. High-engagement keywords in popular categories, such as “personalized jewelry” or “home decor,” can indicate a strong market.
Another step is to evaluate the probability of success by checking out competitor shops and seeing how similar items perform. Look for unique angles or customization options that could make your product stand out in a saturated category.
Using tools like Marmalead can streamline this process by providing keyword search volumes, engagement rates, and trend insights. Marmalead’s data on search demand and product performance can help you predict what products have the best chance of succeeding in Etsy’s competitive marketplace.
Top 15 Best Things to Sell on Etsy to Make a Profit
#1. Jewelry
Jewelry consistently tops Etsy’s best-sellers list. Think unique, handmade pieces that tell a story. Current trends show that personalized, sustainable, and minimalist jewelry remain popular. Styles like birthstone pieces, nameplate necklaces, and stackable rings perform consistently.
Jewelry sales on Etsy peak during Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and the winter holiday season.
Marketing Tips:
- High-quality photos are key to showcasing your jewelry’s details. Consider using lifestyle shots to show buyers how it looks when worn.
- Offer customizable options to attract gift-givers and consider adding new styles based on seasonal color palettes.
Potential Profit:
- Cost: $5–$25 (materials like metals, gems, packaging)
- Revenue: $20–$100+
- Profit Margin: Medium to High, especially for custom or premium materials.
#2. Craft Supplies
Craft supplies attract a broad range of buyers, from DIY hobbyists to professional creators. Eco-friendly, bulk, and unique supplies like vintage buttons or hand-dyed yarns are in demand.
Craft supplies have steady sales year-round, with peaks around back-to-school and holiday crafting periods.
Marketing Tips:
- Offer varied pack sizes to appeal to both casual and bulk buyers.
- Include keywords focused on specific crafts or materials, like “eco-friendly yarn” or “bulk candle-making supplies.”
Potential Profit:
- Cost: $1–$10 per unit (bulk materials, packaging)
- Revenue: $5–$50+
- Profit Margin: Low to Medium, depending on whether items are sold in bundles or individually.
#3. Home Decor
Home decor items, especially those with a boho, minimalist, or vintage flair, are highly sought after on Etsy. Personalized signs and decorative pillows perform well.
Home decor peaks around major holidays, spring (for home refreshes), and back-to-school dorm decor season.
Marketing Tips:
- Incorporate popular themes like “boho wall art” or “minimalist decor.”
- Use high-quality images with styled scenes to help buyers visualize items in their homes.
Potential Profit:
- Cost: $10–$50 (materials like wood, fabric, and paint)
- Revenue: $30–$200+
- Profit Margin: Medium to High for custom items or limited editions.
#4. Pet Supplies
Pet owners search for custom pet items like collars, toys, and personalized portraits. Breed-specific and holiday-themed products sell well.
Pet products have consistent demand year-round, with holiday spikes as pet owners buy gifts for their pets.
Marketing Tips:
- Include seasonal designs to attract repeat buyers, such as holiday-themed collars.
- Use breed-specific keywords and popular pet phrases.
Potential Profit:
- Cost: $5–$20 (materials like fabric, tags, packaging)
- Revenue: $15–$50
- Profit Margin: Medium, with increased margins on personalized items.
#5. Personalized Gifts
Personalized gifts are popular for various occasions. Items that can be customized for weddings, birthdays, or holidays consistently perform well on Etsy.
Personalized gifts peak around major gift-giving holidays, especially Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day.
Marketing Tips:
- Use keywords targeting gift-giving occasions.
- Offer design variations to appeal to different buyer preferences.
Potential Profit:
- Cost: $10–$40 (base product, customization tools, packaging)
- Revenue: $25–$100+
- Profit Margin: Medium to High, especially for unique customizations.
#6. Stickers
Affordable to produce, stickers are popular among artists. Buyers are drawn to stickers with themes like pop culture, hobbies, and motivational quotes.
Stickers sell steadily year-round, with back-to-school and holiday peaks.
Marketing Tips:
- Create themed sticker packs to attract niche buyers.
- Use close-up images to showcase quality and detail.
Potential Profit:
- Cost: $0.20–$2 per sticker (printing, vinyl, design time)
- Revenue: $2–$10 per sticker, or $10–$30 for sticker packs
- Profit Margin: High, especially when sold in themed bundles.
#7. Digital Products
Digital products, like planners and SVG files, are popular due to their affordability and instant accessibility. Organizational tools and digital artwork perform well.
Digital products peak in January (for planners and calendars) and during back-to-school shopping.
Marketing Tips:
- Use mockups that show how buyers can use your products.
- Consider bundling related items for added value.
Potential Profit:
- Cost: $0 (design time only; no physical materials)
- Revenue: $5–$30 per download
- Profit Margin: Very High, with no recurring production costs.
#8. Vintage Items
Vintage items like clothing, accessories, and decor are always sought after on Etsy. Items from the 80s and 90s are especially popular.
Vintage items see steady interest year-round, with peaks in fall and holiday seasons.
Marketing Tips:
- Be specific in descriptions about size, condition, and material.
- Use nostalgic keywords or era descriptor.
Potential Profit:
- Cost: Varies ($5–$50+ depending on item)
- Revenue: $15–$200+ depending on rarity and condition
- Profit Margin: Medium to High for sought-after or rare items.
#9. Wedding Essentials
Products like invitations, favors, and decor are highly searched on Etsy, especially in trending rustic or boho themes.
Wedding products peak from February through August, coinciding with wedding season.
Marketing Tips:
- Offer customizable options to allow personalization.
- Include keywords that include popular wedding styles.
Potential Profit:
- Cost: $5–$30 (paper, inks, decorative items)
- Revenue: $20–$150+
- Profit Margin: Medium to High, especially for personalized or themed items.
#10. Digital Art & Prints
Digital art and prints are popular on Etsy as they allow buyers to purchase unique artwork affordably. Minimalist designs and motivational quotes sell well.
Digital art sees steady demand with spikes around holidays.
Marketing Tips:
- Include mockups to show printed art displays.
- Use keywords for art styles, themes, and sizes.
Potential Profit:
- Cost: $0 (design time only; optional mockups)
- Revenue: $5–$40 per download or print
- Profit Margin: Very High, with no material costs.
#11. Drinkware
Custom mugs, tumblers, and wine glasses with funny or inspirational quotes are popular.
Drinkware peaks during holiday seasons, particularly Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
Marketing Tips:
- Highlight options for customization, and include relevant keywords.
- Use high-quality images to show clarity and material quality.
Potential Profit:
- Cost: $5–$15 per item (mugs, tumblers, printing)
- Revenue: $15–$50
- Profit Margin: Medium, with higher potential on custom designs.
#12. Homemade Beauty Products
Natural and handmade beauty items are popular for buyers seeking unique alternatives to mainstream brands. Vegan and organic items are especially popular.
Homemade beauty products have steady demand, with holiday gift peaks.
Marketing Tips:
- Emphasize natural ingredients and eco-friendly aspects.
- Include keywords related to the product’s benefits.
Potential Profit:
- Cost: $2–$15 per item (oils, essential oils, containers, labels)
- Revenue: $10–$50+
- Profit Margin: Medium to High, especially for natural or organic products marketed as premium skincare or wellness items.
#13. Baby Clothes
Personalized and organic baby clothing is popular, including milestone outfits and gender-neutral designs.
Baby clothing has consistent demand, with holiday peaks and increased interest during baby shower season.
Marketing Tips:
- Offer customization options like name embroidery.
- Use popular keywords like “organic baby onesie.”
Potential Profit:
- Cost: $5–$20 (clothing base, embellishments, packaging)
- Revenue: $20–$60
- Profit Margin: Medium, especially for personalized items.
#14. Cards & Notebooks
Unique greeting cards and motivational notebooks are popular on Etsy. Cards peak during major holidays, while notebooks see steady demand.
Marketing Tips:
- Offer theme-based packs like “holiday card bundle.”
- Include keywords for specific occasions.
Potential Profit:
- Cost: $0.50–$5 (paper, printing, binding for notebooks)
- Revenue: $5–$20
- Profit Margin: Medium to High, depending on customization and design complexity.
#15. Printables
Digital products like planners and checklists are popular on Etsy, appealing to buyers who want organization tools.
Printables peak in January and during back-to-school but have steady interest year-round.
Marketing Tips:
- Offer different formats to cater to various printing preferences.
- Bundle similar items to increase sales.
Potential Profit:
- Cost: $0 (design time only)
- Revenue: $3–$20 per download
- Profit Margin: Very High, with no production or shipping costs.
Tips for Optimizing Your Etsy Product Listings
To attract buyers, you’ll need to optimize your Etsy listings for search by using clear, high-quality photos, descriptive titles, and relevant keywords.
- Use High-Quality Photos: Showcase your product from multiple angles, and use lifestyle images to help buyers visualize its use.
- Craft Clear, Descriptive Titles: Include key product details like size, color, and material to help your listing appear in relevant searches.
- Incorporate Relevant Keywords: Use popular keywords in titles and descriptions to align with common search terms.
- Add Detailed Descriptions: Describe the benefits, unique features, and care instructions for your product to answer buyer questions and increase conversions.
- Leverage Tags Wisely: Use all available tags to target niche searches, including seasonal and occasion-based tags when relevant.
Pricing Strategies to Maximize Your Earnings on Etsy
Finding the right price point involves understanding costs, competition, and perceived value. Consider strategies like market-based pricing and bundling. Or, check out our Complete Guide to Etsy Pricing for a deeper understanding of all your options.
Example Etsy Pricing Breakdown :
Let’s say you’re selling a handmade soy candle and want to set a profitable price. Here’s an potential breakdown:
Production Costs:
- Materials: Soy wax, wick, fragrance oils, jar, label: $4.50 per candle
- Seller’s time: 15 minutes per candle at $20/hour = $5.00
Etsy Fees:
- Listing fee: $0.20
- Transaction fee: 6.5% of selling price
- Payment processing fee: 3% + $0.25
Shipping Costs:
- Packaging materials: $0.50
- Average shipping cost (buyer-paid): $5.00 (USPS priority)
Calculating the Price:
- Total Base Cost (production + time + fees): $10.20
- Selling Price (to ensure profit): $22.00
After fees (estimated at $1.85 for transaction and processing), you’re left with around $10 profit per candle. By considering all costs and leaving room for a reasonable profit margin, you can set competitive yet profitable pricing.
Top Selling Etsy Products During the Holidays
Selling holiday-specific products on Etsy can significantly boost visibility and revenue, as shoppers actively search for unique, seasonal items.
Holidays like Christmas, Halloween, and Valentine’s Day see huge spikes in buyer activity, with Etsy reporting increased traffic and transaction rates during these times. By aligning products with holiday themes, colors, and trends, sellers can tap into this high demand.
Boosting holiday sales means knowing what shoppers are looking for during peak seasons. For more, check out our holiday-specific guides:
- Christmas: Top Selling Holiday Gifts on Etsy
- Halloween: Top Selling Halloween Products on Etsy
- Fall: Top Selling Fall Gift Guide
Over to You
Choosing the right things to sell on Etsy depends on your strengths and interests, but starting with what’s in demand gives you an edge. Focus on quality, presentation, and niche appeal to create products that resonate with buyers.
And always keep an eye on trends to stay ahead in Etsy’s competitive market. Marmalead is the go-to Etsy search tool, designed to help you find product ideas that are in-demand right now. Give it a shot for yourself!
As always, happy selling!
One reply on “Top 15 Best Things to Sell on Etsy to Make A Profit”
The best things you can sell on Etsy are those which sell best and provide profit for etsy, an it is neither vintage or handmade but cheap made in china ware. Etsy is far away from being an honest platform it once was….