Profitable DIY Projects: Top 25 Products to Create and Sell in 2025
Imagine a world where handmade goods were the cornerstone of commerce. Salted fish traded for fur, feed grains exchanged for a block of wood carved into a toy horse, and watermelon seeds grown into full-fledged fruit sold at a roadside stall. These transactions laid the groundwork for the small businesses that still thrive today, selling goods made by hand at craft shows, online marketplaces, and through ecommerce stores.
Starting a business selling handmade goods is an accessible option for aspiring entrepreneurs, requiring minimal upfront investment and the ability to work from home. Below are 25 products that can be made and sold from home, catering to every skill level from beginners to advanced craftspersons:
1. Bath bombs and handmade soaps
2. T-shirts and printed merchandise
3. Jewelry
4. Curated subscription boxes
5. Candles
6. Sweets
7. Art and prints
8. Digital products
9. Enamel pins
10. Traditional handcrafted goods
11. Lip balm
12. Pottery and clay objects
13. Pet supplies
14. Music
15. Photography
16. Woodworking projects
17. Tote bags
18. Sauces and condiments
19. Fragrance and essential oil blends
20. Paper products
21. DIY tutorials and online courses
22. Personalized gifts
23. Gift baskets and boxes
24. Natural cosmetics
25. Posters
Whether you’re a beginner looking to start your first DIY craft business or an experienced artisan seeking new ideas, these products can inspire you to create and sell handmade items online. With the right product and a target audience in mind, you’ll be ready to launch your own online store and start selling your unique creations. To safeguard your craft business from potential civil suits arising from the use of your candles, it is important to take necessary precautions. This includes ensuring proper labeling, safety measures, and instructions to minimize the risk of injury or fire damage. Although you don’t need fancy equipment, it is important to ensure that your setup meets industry and safety standards. Starting a business with oils, spices, and hot sauces is a simple idea for new business owners. Get inspired by Jing Gao on Putting Community Ahead of Competition and get started with a complete guide on how to start an online store.
Tips for success in this industry include starting at local markets and expanding to an online store once your packaging is shelf stable and shippable. It’s important to follow government guidelines regarding the production and packaging of food items to ensure safety.
Other simple ideas for new businesses include fragrance and essential oil blends, paper products, DIY tutorials and online courses, personalized gifts, gift baskets and boxes, natural cosmetics, and posters. Each of these ideas has its own set of tips and strategies for success, such as focusing on packaging and branding in the fragrance industry, planning collections around holidays for paper products, and complying with industry regulations for natural cosmetics. Consider these ideas and tips when starting your own business venture.
Factors to consider when choosing what to make and sell
When deciding what to make and sell, there are several factors you should take into consideration:
- Your skills: Consider what you are already good at, whether it’s making jewelry, taking photos, or baking. Utilizing your existing skills will help you produce items more efficiently and avoid having to start from scratch.
- Market demand: Before creating anything, research what people are interested in buying. Explore platforms like Etsy, Instagram, and local craft fairs to gauge popular trends. You can also gather feedback from friends and family to understand potential customer preferences.
- Production costs: Calculate the expenses involved in sourcing materials and the time required to create each item. If the production process is time-consuming and the profit margin is low, consider exploring other product ideas that offer better returns.
- Personal interest: Choose a product that aligns with your passions and interests. Enjoying what you create is crucial for sustaining motivation and enthusiasm as you grow your business. Avoid pursuing ideas solely based on market demand if they do not align with your personal preferences.
Make it, sell it!
There are endless opportunities to generate income by crafting and selling your own products online. To identify the ideal business idea, strike a balance between your skills, interests, and market demands.
Home-based businesses serve as a great starting point for aspiring entrepreneurs. Begin as a side venture to gain experience before fully committing to entrepreneurship. By setting your own schedule, earning extra income, and experiencing the satisfaction of building something with your own hands, you can embark on a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.
Feature illustration by Eugenia Mello
Things to make and sell FAQ
What are some things to sell from home?
There are numerous items you can sell from home to generate extra income, such as DIY crafts like knitted scarves, soaps, baked goods, bath bombs, crochet items, and costume jewelry. These products are relatively easy to create and sell as they require minimal specialized skills and equipment.
How do I find popular things to make and sell?
To discover trending handmade items, utilize platforms like Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube for inspiration and tutorials. Additionally, leverage tools like Google Trends and industry reports to identify high-demand products. Consider seasonal trends when launching your business, as product popularity may vary throughout the year.
What handmade things make money online?
The profitability of handmade goods online depends on factors such as market demand, pricing strategy, and unique value proposition. Develop a business plan and financial forecast to assess the potential profitability of your handmade products.
How do I price crafts and handmade goods?
Establishing retail prices for crafts involves considering material costs, labor expenses, overhead, and adding a markup. Additionally, factor in the uniqueness and perceived value of your products. Established artists can command higher prices due to brand reputation and demand.
Where can I sell my handmade products?
You can sell your handmade products through various channels, including online platforms, in-person events, and ecommerce stores. Consider setting up your own online shop, selling on marketplaces like Etsy, and participating in local craft markets to reach a wider audience.
Given statement: “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”
Rewritten statement: “The speedy brown fox leaps over the sluggish dog.” sentence: The cat quickly climbed up the tree.
Rewritten: The cat swiftly ascended the tree.
