13 Best-Selling Etsy Side Hustle Ideas To Make Extra Cash in 2024

Etsy is the go-to marketplace for all things unique, handmade, and vintage.

But it’s not just a shopping site! It’s a goldmine for creative entrepreneurs looking to make some extra cash – whether as a side hustle or as a full time business!

Personally, I’m a huge fan of Etsy. It’s my first port of call when looking for gifts,  because I know I can always find unique products, while supporting small businesses.

But also because of the insane potential for building your own business!

Thinking of starting your own Etsy side hustle? Here are 13 best-selling Etsy shop ideas to inspire you!

What can I sell on Etsy?

Anything you sell on Etsy has to fall into three broad categories: handmade, vintage, or craft supplies.

Vintage is defined as ‘over 20 years old’. ‘Handmade’ is a pretty broad description. It no longer refers just to traditional, physical crafts like pottery or crochet. It can be anything unique that you have designed by yourself.

That includes digital products such as design templates, print-on-demand products, and more!

So as you can see, the range of products you can sell on Etsy is huge! As long as there’s some creative element that you have added yourself, pretty much anything goes.

And that means that no matter your talents and interests, you can carve out a niche on Etsy.

Why is Etsy a great side hustle?

Etsy is a stellar side hustle for so many reasons. 

First off, it’s perfect for anyone who loves getting crafty and creative. If you’re into making handmade goodies, quirky digital designs, or hunting for vintage treasures, Etsy’s your playground.

One of the best things about starting an Etsy side hustle is that it doesn’t cost a fortune to get started. Opening an Etsy shop is super affordable, with just a small fee to list your items.

Etsy does take an additional transaction fee when you make a sale, but there’s almost no upfront investment. You can dip your toes in without breaking the bank and scale up as your shop grows.

Plus, Etsy has a built-in audience full of eager buyers. The website has an astonishing 500 million monthly visitors. In 2023, their revenue was $2.748 billion –  a 10% increase on the previous year.

This means you have a great chance of getting eyes on your products, simply by listing them on Etsy!

Of course, you do have to follow best practices such as Etsy SEO (search engine optimisation), but it’s so much easier getting customers on Etsy than launching an independent website.

Etsy also makes it very easy to manage your shop. It has a seller app, many user-friendly tools and built-in marketing features. From Etsy ads to SEO tips, they do try to make it easy for you to succeed.

Because after all, when you make money, Etsy makes money!

In short, Etsy turns your creative skills into profit with minimal expense and hassle. What’s not to love about that?

13 best-selling Etsy side hustle ideas

There are literally endless types of product you can sell on Etsy. But just to start you off, here are 13 top Etsy shop ideas that sell well and are beginner-friendly.

Printables

Printables are basically digital files that the customer prints themselves at home.

It’s a massively popular niche on Etsy right now – and it’s also an excellent side hustle idea.

Selling printables on Etsy is a smart way to make passive income with minimal effort. 

Once you create the design, you can sell it over and over again—no shipping, no inventory, just digital downloads! 

It’s perfect for creative types who love designing but don’t want the hassle of physical products.

Another advantage to selling printables is that there are no start-up costs. You don’t need any fancy equipment. You can create your designs using free programs such as Canva.

Here’s a quick list of a few popular printable ideas:

• Planners and Organisers
• Budgeting Templates
• Calendar Pages
• To-Do Lists
• Printable Wall Art
• Wedding Invitations
• Party Invitations
• Greeting Cards
• Recipe Cards
• Fitness Trackers
• Habit Trackers
• Colouring Pages
• Kids’ Activities
• Self-Care Checklists
• Travel Itineraries

… But the possibilities are literally endless.

For more ideas, see my post 175+ Digital Products To Sell!

You can also check out this free ebook. It has a list of best-selling digital products by month so that you can capitalize on seasonal trends.

The party and wedding niches are especially popular on Etsy. Think beautiful invitations, party banners, seating charts, or even games for bridal showers and birthdays. 

Customisable printables are a big hit too—customers love being able to personalise their own event details. You can do this by sharing a link to a template on Canva or on a separate platform like Corjl.

I have taken this awesome printables course that breaks down in a lot of detail exactly how to sell printables on Etsy.

If you’ve got some basic design skills and a good eye for trends, printables can be a fun and profitable Etsy side hustle!

Stickers (physical or digital)

Stickers are another fun and creative Etsy product idea with tons of potential. 

Stickers are small, affordable, and super popular for everything from decorating laptops to personalising journals.

Stickers are a hit with planners, scrapbookers, and stationery lovers. They make great gifts or stocking stuffers. And it’s a niche that tends to have loads of repeat customers!

Cute custom designs are what really sell. You can create themed sticker packs around anything—vintage florals, adorable animals, or even niche interests like gardening or gaming. 

If you’re not an artist, motivational or funny quotes are a niche to look into. It’s easy to make a simple quote look cool using the cute fonts and text effects in Canva.

There are two routes to go down with stickers: physical or digital. (Or why not both?)

Either way, you’d start by creating your sticker designs using programs like Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, or Canva. You’ll need to ensure your designs are high resolution (at least 300 DPI) for the best print quality.

To create physical stickers, you’ll need special sticker paper that’s compatible with your high-quality printer. There are different types of sticker paper, such as glossy, matte, and clear. You can cut them out with a cutting machine like a Cricut or Silhouette.

You can also use print-on-demand services to handle production. 

Digital stickers are even easier—customers download them instantly, and you’re done! No packaging, no trips to the post office. 

People buy digital stickers to use in digital planners, journals or note-taking apps such as GoodNotes, Notability, or Procreate. Digital planners are growing in popularity, and there is huge demand in this niche!

Here’s a cute tutorial on how to start an Etsy sticker shop on a budget:

Custom T shirts

Selling print-on-demand T-shirts on Etsy is a fantastic way to dive into the world of fashion without the hassle of inventory. 

You design the graphics, and the print-on-demand service handles the rest—printing, packing, and shipping.

Got a witty slogan or a funky design? Turn it into a T-shirt (or mug, or phone cases, or hoodie etc etc) and let the magic happen. You don’t need to worry about upfront costs or unsold stock, which means less risk for you.

As with printable products, you can use free software like Canva, so there are zero expenses upfront.

Popular print-on-demand sites like Printful, Printify, and Teemill integrate seamlessly with Etsy. You upload your designs to these platforms, and they automatically sync with your Etsy shop.

When a customer places an order, the print-on-demand service takes care of everything—from printing the T-shirt to shipping it straight to your buyer.

Simply upload your designs to a print-on-demand platform, choose your shirt styles, and voilà! Your creations are ready for sale. 

I have a print-on-demand side hustle on Amazon (see my results here!) and it really is such an easy and fun side hustle. Syncing my designs with Etsy is definitely on my to-do list.

Handmade jewellery 

Fancy turning your bead obsession into a money-making venture? Handmade jewellery is a top seller on Etsy. In fact, the number one top-selling Etsy shop at the time of writing was a jewellery shop, with an astonishing 61,618 sales in 30 days!

You can start small and scale up as you go. Begin with simple designs using affordable materials. As you gain confidence and customers, experiment with pricier gems or metals.

Remember, uniqueness is key on Etsy.

Think about your niche. Maybe you’re all about minimalist pieces or perhaps you’re mad for colourful boho styles. Whatever your jam, make it your signature.

Don’t forget to snap gorgeous photos of your creations. On Etsy, it’s all about the visuals! A well-lit, nicely staged photo can make all the difference.

My pet peeve is when jewellery sellers only show the item lying on a table so you don’t get a true idea of size. I want to see it on a real body! 

You can also now upload video listings on Etsy, which is great for showing off a sparkle.

Custom pet portraits 

One of the reasons that Etsy is so popular for gifts is the potential to sell personal, customised art!

So if you want to make good money on Etsy, look for niches that tap into this demand – such as custom pet portraits!

Whether you’re handy with a paintbrush or a whiz with digital tools, there’s a big market for pet-tastic creations. From realistic oil paintings to quirky cartoon-style digital drawings, you can render your customers’ furry friends in your own style.

Start by showcasing your style with a few sample portraits. Use your own pets or ask friends if you can draw theirs. Include different breeds and styles in your portfolio to showcase your versatility.

Pricing can be tricky, but don’t sell yourself short. Factor in your time, materials, and skill level. 

You can offer different options – maybe a quick digital sketch for budget-conscious buyers and a detailed traditional painting for those wanting to splash out.

Communication is key here. Make sure you get clear photos of the pet and understand what the owner wants. A happy customer means glowing reviews and more business.

So, grab your tablet or easel and get ready to unleash your inner pet Picasso!

Personalized wooden signs for home decor

Home decor is another of the top-selling categories on Etsy. Personalized wooden signs are a relatively easy, but extremely popular Etsy product idea!

Rustic farmhouse-style signs are having a moment, but sleek modern designs sell too.

Start simple with pre-cut boards and basic lettering. As you get the hang of it, you can branch out into more complex designs or even custom shapes.

Personalisation is another possibility here. Family names or important dates are popular options. Just make sure your listings clearly explain what can be customised and gather all the right info from the customer.

Don’t forget about seasonal items. “Spooky” signs for Halloween or “Ho Ho Ho” for Christmas can give your shop a festive boost.

Of course, this niche does require some upfront investment in materials and tools. If you are already into woodworking and have some tools such as a basic mitre saw and sander, you will be able to launch your Etsy shop for a low cost.

Eco-friendly reusable products 

Going green is not only good for our planet, it’s also on-trend – and that means profitable! Eco-friendly reusable products are all the rage on Etsy.

Beeswax wraps, cloth napkins, reusable shopping bags – these are all relatively easy crafts to make, even for beginners, and they are perfect to sell on Etsy!

Start with something simple like cloth napkins. They’re easy to sew and come in handy for every meal. Plus, you can have fun exploring fun fabrics for every taste and season.

Feeling a bit more adventurous? Try your hand at beeswax wraps. They’re a brilliant alternative to cling film and not too tricky to make once you get the hang of it.

Don’t forget to highlight the eco-benefits in your listings. Shoppers love knowing how they’re helping the environment with their purchase.

Consider offering sets or bundles. A starter kit of reusable products could be just the thing to get people hooked on the zero-waste lifestyle.

Remember, in this niche, packaging matters. Keep it minimal and eco-friendly to match your products. Your planet-loving customers will thank you!

Vintage clothing and accessories

So far we’ve talked about products you design and make yourself. But don’t forget, another key market on Etsy is vintage products.

If you have an eye for fashion and love digging up a bargain in the charity shops, perhaps reselling vintage clothing and accessories on Etsy could be your perfect side hustle!

From swinging ’60s mini dresses to ’90s grunge jackets, there’s a market for every era. The key is to know your stuff and find those hidden gems.

Start by raiding your nan’s attic or hitting up local charity shops. You can also monitor Vinted, eBay and Marketplace for bargains.

You will need to employ a bit of retail arbitrage – which is basically buying low and selling high. Keep an eye on rival Etsy listings so you know the going rates.

When listing your finds, details are crucial. Era, measurements, condition – it can be a risk buying vintage, so buyers want to know everything.

And don’t try to hide the flaws – vintage lovers understand that a bit of wear adds character, but they don’t want to feel caught out by an undisclosed stain.

Photos are essential. Show off those vintage labels, close-ups of fabrics, and shots of the item being worn if possible.

Consider specialising in a particular era or style. Being known as “the go-to shop for ’70s boho” can help you stand out in a crowded market.

Remember, cleaning and minor repairs can boost an item’s value significantly. A little TLC goes a long way in the vintage world!

Custom embroidered items 

Got a thing for thread and needle? Custom embroidered items are another great idea to sell on Etsy!

Start small with embroidery hoop art. From funny quotes to cute animals, or abstract designs, there’s a market for all kinds of designs.

You can also try your hand at embroidering clothing. A simple design on a plain tee or a fully customised denim jacket is something truly unique that Etsy buyers value. My friend Laura did this for a while and made around £400 per month – read my interview with her here.

This is also a niche that lends itself to personalisation. Offer to stitch names, dates, or special messages. People love one-of-a-kind items that tell their story.

Consider showing your process in your listing photos. Buyers love seeing the craftsmanship that goes into handmade items. This is one reason people come to Etsy – they want to support small makers and know that their item was stitched by a real person, not a factory.

You could offer DIY kits too. Many folks want to try their hand at embroidery but don’t know where to start. You could be their guiding thread!

And, in cross-over with the printables/digital products niche, you can offer digital embroidery patterns for recurring income.

3D printed objects 

With a 3D printer, you can quickly create unique and custom products.

You can design all sorts of items, from home décor and jewellery to practical gadgets or even cosplay props. 

The best part? You can print on demand. No need to hold lots of stock or deal with complicated manufacturing.

Plus, 3D printing is eco-friendly when using biodegradable materials like PLA filament. Buyers love sustainable options!

Of course, this niche does require a bit of upfront investment. But it’s not as much as you might think. You can get 3D printers for under $300. Not a huge start-up cost compared to traditional businesses. 

If you enjoy experimenting with designs and have a bit of tech know-how, selling 3D printed items could be a fun and profitable Etsy side hustle.

Handmade candles

Selling handmade candles with unique scents or designs on Etsy is a bright idea—pun intended! 

Candles are always in demand, whether for setting the mood, gifting, or just making a space smell fab.

You can experiment with different fragrances, colours, and shapes to make your candles stand out. Think seasonal scents like pumpkin spice in autumn, or calming lavender for stress relief. 

Add in funky designs, like marbled wax or candles shaped like cacti, and your creations will practically sell themselves.

Plus, it’s not rocket science—making candles is fairly easy, and you can start with small batches. 

And don’t forget, personalised labels or quirky packaging are a hit with buyers who want something one-of-a-kind.

Handmade candles are always in demand, and with the right scents and designs, you can carve out your niche on Etsy easily!

Handcrafted wooden toys or puzzles

Selling handcrafted wooden toys or puzzles on Etsy is a fantastic way to combine craftsmanship with nostalgia. 

Parents love wooden toys—they’re attractive, eco-friendly, and have that timeless charm that plastic just can’t compete with.

You can make all sorts of fun creations, from animal-shaped toys to brain-teasing puzzles. 

The real magic happens when you offer customisation. Think personalised baby gifts like wooden name puzzles (my go-to gift for a new baby!), keepsake blocks, or cute little cars engraved with a child’s name. These are perfect for baby showers or first birthdays.

Wooden toys are not only safe for kids but also stylish enough to be displayed in nurseries. And with the handmade touch, you’re offering something that’s truly unique, which parents love.

Of course, you will need some woodworking know-how and specialist equipment such as a laser cutter. If you already have these, turning them into an Etsy side hustle can be highly profitable. 

Plus, who doesn’t love a good toy!

Custom illustrated family portraits

Selling custom illustrated family portraits on Etsy is a heartfelt and creative way to make people smile—while earning a tidy profit. 

Everyone loves a personalised touch, and what’s more personal than a custom family portrait? Add in custom elements like a family’s favourite hobbies or iconic outfits, and it becomes a keepsake they’ll treasure forever.

Another spin is to use objects to represent each family member. For example, their birth flower, a shoe, a shirt from their favourite sports team, or an item linked to their hobby. You can offer your customers a selection of icons to choose from. Creating this kind of image is quicker and easier than drawing individual portraits. I’m talking something like this:

Personalised portraits are always in demand, and people love hanging them in their homes. Plus, they make amazing gifts! 

If you’ve got an eye for illustration, this side hustle could turn your passion into profit while creating lasting memories for families.

FAQs on selling on Etsy

How much does it cost to start an Etsy shop?

Starting an Etsy shop is relatively affordable. Opening the shop itself is free! Listing fees are $0.20 per item you want to sell. When you make a sale, Etsy charges a transaction fee of 6.5% of the item’s selling price (including the shipping cost). 

You also need to consider the cost of shipping materials, which you’ll need if you’re selling physical products (but not digital products such as printables). 

Additional costs may include marketing expenses, like running Etsy Ads or promoting your shop on social media. Of course, this is optional.

Overall, the startup costs for an Etsy side hustle are manageable, especially if you start small and scale up as you go.

Can I make a full-time income with an Etsy side hustle?

Yes, some sellers do make a full-time income on Etsy! 

Here are many testimonials from people making a decent income just from printables on Etsy, with one mom making over $77,000 in 2023.

That said, it depends on several factors. 

Your success will depend on your niche, the quality of your products, your marketing efforts, and how much time you invest. In order to build a substantial income, you’ll need to do solid research into your niche, learn how to market you products, and commit to growing your shop. Some sellers recommend uploading new products daily. 

While it’s definitely possible to turn Etsy into a full-time gig, it’s important to have realistic expectations and be prepared to put in the work.

How do I stand out on Etsy with so much competition?

To stand out on Etsy, find your unique selling point. This could be a special product feature, a niche market, or a distinctive style.

Develop strong branding to create a memorable and professional shop appearance. High-quality photos, engaging product descriptions, and excellent customer service also help.

Focus on a specific niche where you can offer something unique and build a loyal customer base.

Regularly updating your shop and experimenting with new designs can also keep your offerings fresh and attractive.

What are the best ways to promote my Etsy shop?

There are lots of ways to promote your Etsy shop!

Social media marketing is crucial. Plus, it’s free! So it’s great to get extra exposure as a beginner. Share your products on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest. 

Don’t burn yourself out trying to promote everywhere at once. Try to understand the platform where your audience is most active, and focus on that. 

If you have the budget, consider collaborating with influencers to tap into their follower base. 

Etsy SEO is also important; use relevant keywords in your product titles and descriptions to improve visibility in search results. 

Additionally, consider running Etsy Ads to move your listing to the top of the search results and attract more buyers.

Many Etsy sellers like to run ads for a little while when they launch a new product. Once you have a few sales and reviews under your belt, you will start to rank higher in the search results organically.

Do I need any special tools or equipment to start?

The tools you need depend on what you’re selling. 

For digital products, you’ll need design software like Adobe Illustrator or Canva to create your designs. There are many free options, so this is a low-cost niche to start out in.

For physical products, you’ll need relevant crafting supplies or equipment—like a 3D printer, Cricut or laser cutter for custom objects, or a sewing machine for handmade clothing.

Don’t forget packaging materials for shipping!

Overall, start with what you can afford and invest in additional tools as your business grows.

Wrapping it up

As you can see, Etsy is full of great side hustle ideas to help you turn your creativity into cash!

If you’re a crafty and creative person, Etsy gives you the perfect outlet to start a side hustle – and potentially even a full time business.

Whether you’re making custom jewellery, designing fun printables, or creating unique T-shirts with print-on-demand, there’s potential for every skill.

So, get your ideas together, open your shop, and start turning your passions into profits. Etsy is ready for you to shine!

If you’re interested specifically in the printables niche on Etsy, I do recommend the Gold City Ventures E-Printables Course. They have a free workshop you can check out here:

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