Whether you're toying with the idea of setting up an Etsy store or are still searching for your first Etsy sale, this is the guide for you. Using research and sales volume figures, we've collated the top products you should sell on Etsy this year.
Etsy is the perfect online marketplace to see handmade crafts, vintage items and personalised gifts, so you might notice a theme appearing within this list! But rest assured, if you’re looking to make a little extra money on the side, or are committed to becoming a full-time Etsy seller but aren’t quite sure where to start, this is a great stepping-off point.
The best things to sell on Etsy to make money in 2022
1. Jewellery 💍
Handmade jewellery is always going to be popular on Etsy as items are usually well-received on special occasions such as Christmas, Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day.
If you are able to provide handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces of jewellery, Etsy is a great marketplace for you. Shoppers are opting for personalised, unique items, so despite a competitive market, if you’re able to offer something a little different, you have the opportunity to make a success of your online business through Etsy.
2. Craft supplies 🧶
No surprises here – Etsy is a home for creatives, so it’s to be expected that craft supplies and DIY craft kits are popular.
Ready-made craft kids are fun gifts for kids and amateur DIYers looking to build on their skills. Ribbons, yarn, crochet and knitting patterns all do consistently well on Etsy.
3. Journals and notebooks 📔
Do a quick search of Etsy and you’re likely to come across a listing for a notebook or journal. This market is very competitive, so if this is the item you choose to sell on Etsy, you have to stand out from the crowd. What is unique about your journal?
Offer personalisation and customisation as much as possible, as you’re more likely to then get repeat customers. Stationery lovers want to keep coming back for more, so make sure you’re giving them what they want!
4. Stickers 🏷
If you’re new to Etsy, you might be surprised to hear about the popularity of stickers. They are a BOOMING business on the popular marketplace. Again, because of the amount of competition, you have to offer something unique. Custom-made, personalised stickers should be a given option on each listing you add.
In our experience, many Etsy sellers begin by selling stickers because the overheads are smaller – once you have some basic graphic design and Photoshop skills and have bought a sticker printer, you’re pretty much ready to sell. Also, as demand for digital stickers (print at home) increases, you can make a sale without having to physically ship any items.
5. Personalised greeting cards 💌
Handmade greeting cards are a staple on Etsy and we can’t see that changing any time soon.
Unique cards give shoppers the personal touch and there are plenty of events throughout the year to warrant new product lines, including birthdays, Christmas, Valentine’s, weddings and even trending topics. If you’re able to turn around topical cards quickly, they have a great chance of becoming bestsellers.
6. Vintage items 🕯
From vintage clothing to mid-century furniture, Etsy is the home of the pre-loved. Shoppers love unusual items from yesteryear – but that can mean for the buyer higher overheads, as products are generally much more expensive in the first place.
If you’re not in a position to purchase and store large vintage items before you sell them, you’ll be pleased to hear that Etsy shoppers also look for vintage ‘style’ items – those that look similar to a vintage piece, but with a smaller price tag. Items include vintage ‘style’ posters, Art Deco jewellery and antique charms.
This is more of a niche area than some of the other items on this list, but if you’ve done your research, you could soon be seeing sales come in.
7. Handmade clothes 👗
‘Handmade’ is key for clothing items on Etsy – if you try to sell second-hand or high street clothing on your Etsy store, you’re much less likely to do well.
Novelty clothing and customised T-shirts do well on Etsy, but more and more shoppers are specifically looking for unique handmade items.
8. Handmade, organic and eco-friendly bath and beauty products 🛀
Shoppers don’t want chemically-produced beauty items so if you’re looking to break into the beauty market on Etsy, you should make and sell organic products such as bath bombs, soaps, lotions and face masks.
If you can hand-make eco-friendly bath and beauty products, you have the chance of building a successful business on Etsy.
9. Party decorations and supplies 🎈
In the eyes of shoppers, unique party decorations will make their special events just that little bit extra special. Shoppers are searching daily for one-of-a-kind party decorations, handmade items, party games and invitations.
The best thing about selling party decorations on Etsy is that shoppers are consistently looking for those types of items; they aren’t as seasonal as, say, specific Christmas decorations. Look at the opportunities ahead of you: birthdays, baby showers, graduations, hen parties, weddings, it’s a long list of events that happen across each year.
10. Wedding items and gifts 👰
If you are going to sell wedding items and gifts, you have to offer personalisation. Shoppers love it and you have a much greater chance of securing a sale if you can provide that customisation.
Whether you are a bride or a wedding guest, Etsy is a great place to buy from. Those getting married are looking for handmade invitations, decorations, bouquets and even wedding dresses, whereas wedding guests are searching in their masses for unique gifts for the happy couple.
11. Novelty mugs ☕️
This is another category that is consistently popular, especially if you’re able to come up with new, topically-relevant ideas quickly.
You don’t need to over-complicate your designs either – shoppers are often just looking for a funny or silly quote to make the recipient smile when they have their first coffee of the day!
Is Etsy the best place for you to sell?
Of course, Etsy isn’t the only marketplace for selling your products. In our comparison of Etsy and Shopify, we highlight the pros and cons of selling on Etsy. In short, its pros include:
✅ It already has an active, large customer base
✅ It’s quick to set up a shop
✅ It’s a cost-effective option for individual sellers
If you’re new to Etsy, you might be interested in these helpful tips:
How to get your first sale on Etsy