Editor’s Note
This article explores the enduring appeal and growing market for handmade goods, highlighting 25 product ideas for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start a home-based business. With ecommerce driving significant growth in the craft sector, now is an opportune time to turn creativity into commerce.

Throughout history, people have made things by hand to sell. Today, in the age of global commerce and mass-produced goods, handcrafted products are still in high demand—and the market is even expanding due to ecommerce. Growing at a 10.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), it’s expected to reach a staggering $1.16 trillion by 2035, proof that it’s never been easier to sell online.
Selling handmade goods is an ideal first business for aspiring entrepreneurs. In most cases, you can make money from home with minimal upfront investment.
Ahead, explore 25 craft ideas for things to make and sell online, with suggestions for every skill level, from the beginner to the advanced craftsperson.
Bath bombs are a solid mixture of baking soda, citric acid, and additives such as essential oils that fizz in the tub. It’s a profitable business idea, with a global market estimated at $1.99 billion in 2024, and bath bombs have a low barrier to entry as a craft to make and sell.
Founders Isabel and Caroline Bercaw started Da Bomb Bath Fizzers with a few ingredients you might already have on hand (such as baking soda, Epsom salt, and essential oils), plus a few low-cost ingredients like citric acid and plastic molds. All in, one bath bomb costs around $1 to make, and they can fetch $5 to $10 each.
Packaging and branding are important for brands selling bath products, so don’t skimp on product packaging.
There are a number of different types of enamel pins you can make, like offset epoxy pins (when a thin layer of plastic is adhered to the underlying enamel), dual-plated enamel pins (when you use two different types of metals), and soft enamel pins (when you paint the recessed areas of the pin).
Try air clay or polymer clay, for example. These can harden by themselves and require you to buy only the clay and any sculpting tools. You can make everything from beads to candle holders to jewelry boxes.
Keychains are a practical accessory that everyone uses, which makes them a great entry point for new crafters. As a DIY project, they can be made from acrylic, leather, macramé, resin, or titanium.
Consider adding practical elements, like a bottle opener, a safety whistle, or a lip balm holder, to give your product extra utility.
Start at local markets and expand your reach with an online store once your packaging is shelf stable and shippable.
Regulations regarding the production and packaging of food items can be strict. Be sure you’re following all relevant guidelines.
Essential oil blends are among the simplest products to make and sell from home. Experiment by mixing skin-care-grade oils to produce and bottle your own unique scents and aromatherapy experiences.
If you buy in bulk, you can produce a five-milliliter bottle of essential oil for less than $1 and sell it for $10 to $16. Keep in mind that pricing can vary considerably between oils. If you want to use a more expensive oil, consider blending it with a carrier oil (an unscented oil like sweet almond oil) or other essential oils with complementary scents.
Success in the fragrance industry relies not only on your scents but on packaging and branding, too. Don’t rush this step!
The cost of assembling a gift basket will depend on the price of the products you include. Try to source your products wholesale when possible to secure lower prices, and make sure to account for the cost of your time in both sourcing products and assembling the boxes. You’ll also want to factor in the price of the packaging materials.
For lip balm, expect to spend at least 12¢ per tube on ingredients. The cost of tubes will vary depending on materials and quantity, ranging from about 15¢ for plastic tubes to 60¢ for cardboard tubes. Regular lip balm sells for about $5, while tinted lip balm can go for more than $10.
You can create these using a variety of materials. You might create hand-painted watercolor paper bookmarks, stamped leather markers, or resin bookmarks with pressed flowers. Because they are at a lower price point, they make excellent impulse buys or small gifts for birthdays and holidays.
The barrier to entry is low. You can sell simple laminated cardstock bookmarks for $3 to $5, or intricate metal or resin designs for $10 to $15.
Also account for hidden costs, which can add up quickly. Packaging materials, shipping supplies, licensing or permits, and website or marketplace fees all impact profitability. Even small expenses can eat into margins if they’re not planned for early on.
