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If you enjoy making things, selling handmade items can be a fun and creative way to bring in some extra money. Whether you’re selling at craft fairs, listing items online, or just sharing with friends and family, there are plenty of simple products you can make from home.
In this post, I’m sharing 7 popular things you can make and sell for extra cash, along with ideas to help you get started. Many of these can be made with inexpensive supplies and simple tools, making them perfect beginner side hustle ideas.
If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to make a little extra money doing something creative,” this post is for you! Whether you enjoy crafting, baking, or designing digital products, there are so many fun and profitable ways to turn your hobbies into income.
In this guide, I’m sharing 7 of my most popular things to make and sell for extra cash — ideas that are simple to start, affordable to produce, and proven to actually sell. You’ll also find quick tips for pricing, where to list your items, and how to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Whether you want to bring in a few hundred dollars a month or grow a side hustle into something bigger, these ideas will help you take the first step toward earning from your creativity — right from home.
Looking for some fun and simple DIY projects to make and sell for extra cash? Today, I’m sharing my most popular craft ideas you can make yourself to sell!
If you want to make some extra money, there are a lot of crafty things you can make and sell.
You can sell handmade items on Etsy, on Facebook, on Facebook marketplace, or at craft shows and craft fairs.
Check out this list of 7 popular things I have made to sell at craft fairs.
Think about what materials you like to work with and the tools you have, and come up with some ideas of you own!
There are so many fun crafts you can make and sell for some extra cash! The sky is the limit! And you can always put a personal touch on your crafts to make them super unique!
7 Popular Things to Make and Sell for Extra Cash
There are so many different crafts and DIY projects you can try. I have fun coming up with new ideas or trying a new project I see in a magazine or on Pinterest. The ideas are truly endless!
For about four years, I made handmade items to sell on Facebook and at craft fairs. I learned a lot along the way and had so much fun being crafty and making some extra cash, too!
Here are 7 of my most favorite crafts to make that also sold really well.
Feel free to make these just as they are, or completely personalize them with your own touch and flair!
Start With What You Have
If you’re thinking about selling crafts, one of the best ways to start is by using supplies you already own.
Look around your house for things like:
- extra fabric
- mason jars
- scrap wood
- yarn
- craft paper
- old picture frames
You might already have enough materials to create your first few products.
Starting small keeps your risk low while you experiment and figure out what people like to buy. Once you discover what sells well, you can invest a little more into supplies and expand your product line.
Many successful craft sellers start exactly this way — testing ideas with simple materials before turning a hobby into a side hustle.
7 DIY Projects to Make & Sell:
I hope you find some fun DIY crafts to make and sell!
Use these ideas to give you inspiration and add your own creative touch!
1. Circle Name Sign
I made this wooden circle name sign for my daughter’s nursery and love the way it turned out! These are really popular on Etsy and on Facebook.
You can make these to say anything! These can be hung on the wall, or as a door hanger!
Try a few of these:
- Welcome Home
- Home Sweet Home
- It’s good to be home.
- Welcome Fall
- Hello Spring
- Merry Christmas
- Happy Summer
Or offer to personalize these with last names or baby names. These would also be great wedding gifts!
You can also add faux flowers, greenery, and ribbon for a fun look!
Get the full step by step tutorial for the circle name signs here.
2. Wooden Coaster Sets
When I sold at craft shows, one of my best selling items was these wooden coaster sets. Many people bought this for gifts.
These would be perfect a housewarming gift, Christmas gift, birthday gift, or really anything!
Here’s a few ideas for these:
- Welcome
- Home
- Relax
- Cheers
- Gather
- Home Sweet Home
- State shape
- Last name
- Initials
I like just one word or simple designs best on these!
Get the step by step tutorial the make wooden coasters here.
3. Front Porch Sign
These front porch signs are pretty simple to make and always sold well. Plus, they are a pretty frugal project!
You can use stencils or free hand paint these.
Here’s a few ideas of things you can put on these:
- Home
- Welcome
- Farm
- Last Name
- Gather
- Happy Fall
- Merry Christmas
- Happy Holidays
- Hello Spring
Get the step by step tutorial to make these $10 front porch signs here.
4. Iron On Custom Tshirts
There is a great market for iron on or embroidered custom tshirts! You can offer these on Etsy, Facebook, or take orders at craft shows.
You will need some tools to make iron on tshirts. I love my Cricut Explore to create the iron on piece, and my heat press to apply the iron on image to the shirts.
There are tons of things you can do with iron on shirts. The sky is really the limit here! Check Pinterest for inspiration or ask customers what they would like to see.
5. Picture Frames
I loved making these rustic wooden picture frames out of scrap wood. They are simple to make, very frugal, and always sold really well.
You can get really creative with these and paint them different colors, just leave them wooden, or add different bows or embellishments.
These sold really well, especially around any holidays! Be sure to add a stock photo, so people know these are picture frames.
Get the step by step tutorial to make these picture frames here.
6. Home Decor
People love to redecorate their homes, and buy home decor for gifts. Consider making home decor for a certain style (farmhouse, modern, etc.), or making seasonal home decor.
Here’s a few ideas you could try:
- Seasonal wreaths
- Holiday door hangers
- Wooden home signs
- Table centerpieces
- Holiday signs
- Homemade candles
- Personalized family signs
- Farm artwork
- Abstract modern art
- Knitted blankets
- Outdoor decor
There are so many things you can try – search Pinterest or your favorite magazines for inspiration!
7. Ornaments
Christmas ornaments are always a popular item. People love to get new ornaments every year, and they make great small gifts.
You can make all different kinds of Christmas ornaments. Consider adding ornaments to your current product offering, or making a whole “shop” of a variety of styles of ornaments.
I loved making these tobacco stick rustic Christmas ornaments.
Get the step by step tutorial to make these here.
What Crafts Actually Sell the Best?
If you’re hoping to make extra money from crafting, it helps to focus on items that people already love to buy.
In general, the most successful handmade products share a few things in common:
- They make great gifts
- They can be personalized
- They are easy to ship or transport
- They solve a small problem or fill a niche
Here are a few categories that consistently sell well.
🎁 Personalized Gifts
Items that include a name, date, or special message are always popular because they feel meaningful and unique.
Examples include:
- custom mugs
- engraved cutting boards
- personalized tumblers
- baby name signs
🏡 Home Décor
People love decorating their homes with handmade items that feel special.
Popular options include:
- wooden signs
- seasonal wreaths
- decorative pillows
- farmhouse-style décor
🕯️ Giftable Items
Products that are easy to give as gifts tend to sell very well.
Some examples are:
- candles
- bath bombs
- handmade soaps
- jewelry
🧒 Baby & Kids Items
Baby gifts are a huge market, and handmade options are especially appreciated.
Common sellers include:
- baby blankets
- personalized onesies
- nursery décor
- stuffed animals
The best way to find your winning product is simply to start making and see what people respond to.
If you want even more ideas, check out my full list of 80 Unique DIY Crafts to Make and Sell, where I break down beginner ideas, pricing tips, and craft categories.
Tips for Choosing What to Make and Sell
When you’re deciding what to sell, look for products that:
- are easy to make repeatedly
- use affordable materials
- can be personalized or customized
- make good gifts
Giftable items tend to perform especially well because people are always looking for thoughtful presents for birthdays, holidays, weddings, and baby showers.
Where to Sell Handmade Crafts
Once you make a few products, there are several places you can try selling them.
Some of the most popular options include:
- craft fairs and holiday markets
- Facebook Marketplace
- local gift shops or boutiques
- social media
- online marketplaces like Etsy
Online marketplaces focused on handmade goods allow individuals to sell unique or custom items directly to buyers around the world.
Start small and see where your products get the most attention.
Want to learn more about starting a craft business?
Make some extra cash and enjoy being creative! Check out these awesome posts:
15 Steps to Start a Craft Business & Make Some Extra Cash
13 Ways to Improve Your Craft Business
Selling at Craft Fairs: Tips & Tricks from an Expert
Need some inspiration about what crafts to make and sell?
Check out these craft ideas!
115+ Craft Ideas to Make and Sell
15 Easy Wood Crafts to Make and Sell
The 70 Best Dollar Tree Craft Supplies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest thing to make and sell?
Simple items like candles, jewelry, greeting cards, and printable art are often the easiest to start with because they require minimal tools and materials.
Can you really make money selling crafts?
Yes! Many people start selling crafts as a small side hustle and grow it over time by finding a niche and improving their products.
Where should beginners sell crafts?
Many beginners start by selling to friends and family, at local craft fairs, or through online marketplaces.
Selling handmade crafts can be a fun way to express your creativity while bringing in a little extra income. Start with a simple idea, experiment with different products, and pay attention to what people respond to. With a little practice and creativity, you might discover a craft that turns into your favorite side hustle.
There you go! 7 DIY projects you can make and sell for some extra cash! These are all things I have successfully sold at craft fairs and on Facebook and were always popular items!
Try some of these things to make and sell for a profit!
I loved making and selling handmade items, and hope to get back into one day!
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