Looking to make some extra money without diving into a complicated business setup? Etsy might just be the perfect place to kickstart your side hustle dreams.
Known for its supportive community and focus on unique, creative products, Etsy makes it easy for anyone with a skill, idea, or passion to turn their hobby into profit.
Whether you’re into crafting, creating digital products, or have a knack for sourcing vintage treasures, Etsy gives you the tools to reach millions of buyers worldwide.
And the best part? You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—just find what works for you and run with it.
In this post, we’re covering 20 exciting side hustle ideas you can start on Etsy today.
Whether you’re a creative at heart or prefer more practical ventures, there’s something here for everyone.
So grab a notebook, and let’s explore the side hustles that could help you make extra cash while doing something you actually enjoy!
Digital Product Side Hustles
Digital products are one of the most profitable and low-maintenance side hustles on Etsy.
Once you’ve created them, they can be sold over and over again, making them perfect for anyone looking to generate passive income.
Plus, there’s no need to manage inventory or shipping. Here are five digital product ideas you can start with today:
Table of Contents
1. Printables
Printables are one of the most popular digital products on Etsy because they’re versatile and appeal to a wide audience.
- Examples: Budget trackers, meal planners, fitness logs, goal-setting worksheets, and wedding planning checklists.
- What You’ll Need: Design tools like Canva (great for beginners) or Affinity Publisher for more advanced layouts.
- How to Start: Research what’s trending on Etsy by browsing the bestseller lists in the printables category. Focus on solving a specific problem, like organising finances or planning events.
- Tips for Success: Create bundles (e.g., a wedding planner set) to increase your average order value and use keywords like “instant download” in your titles to appeal to buyers.
2. Digital Art Downloads
Digital art downloads are perfect for creative individuals who love design but don’t want to deal with physical printing and shipping.
- Examples: Abstract wall art, inspirational quotes, printable photo sets, and kids’ room décor.
- What You’ll Need: A design platform like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Procreate for iPad.
- How to Start: Stick to popular niches like minimalist designs, boho styles, or seasonal themes. For example, during Christmas, you could sell holiday-themed wall art.
- Tips for Success: Offer multiple sizes for each piece of art (e.g., 8×10, A4) to cater to customers worldwide. Highlight that customers can print them at home or through professional services for convenience.
3. Social Media Templates
If you’re skilled at creating clean, professional designs, social media templates are a goldmine on Etsy.
- Examples: Instagram post templates, Pinterest pin designs, and Canva-ready branding kits for small businesses.
- What You’ll Need: Canva Pro for seamless design creation and sharing.
- How to Start: Target specific audiences like coaches, bloggers, or Etsy shop owners who want to streamline their content creation. Research the latest trends in social media aesthetics to make your designs stand out.
- Tips for Success: Create a demo video showing how easy it is to customise your templates, then upload it as part of your Etsy listing.
4. Notion or Airtable Templates
Notion and Airtable are booming productivity tools, and templates for these platforms are in high demand.
- Examples: Business planning dashboards, habit trackers, content calendars, and personal finance trackers.
- What You’ll Need: Familiarity with Notion or Airtable and an eye for functional yet aesthetic layouts.
- How to Start: Focus on solving a specific problem, like helping small business owners organise their workflows or students track their study schedules. Browse existing Etsy listings to find gaps in the market or areas where you can improve.
- Tips for Success: Use a clean, modern design style and showcase your templates with screenshots or short videos that highlight their functionality.
5. E-Books or Guides
If you have expertise in a particular area, selling e-books or guides can be a profitable side hustle.
- Examples: Step-by-step guides for starting a side hustle, meal prep e-books, or niche-specific guides like “How to Monetise Your Instagram.”
- What You’ll Need: A word processor like Google Docs or Scrivener to write your e-book and Canva or Affinity Publisher for formatting.
- How to Start: Pick a niche where you have experience or can research thoroughly. Make the guide as actionable as possible by including checklists, templates, or additional resources.
- Tips for Success: Design a high-quality cover and create a short, engaging description for your Etsy listing. Add value by offering buyers a bonus, like a free worksheet or cheat sheet.
Digital products are a fantastic starting point for your Etsy side hustle. They’re scalable, affordable to create, and cater to Etsy’s audience of buyers looking for instant, unique solutions. If you’re ready to start selling, choose one of these ideas and start creating today!
Handmade Product Side Hustles
Handmade products are at the heart of Etsy’s charm. If you enjoy crafting and creating, this category offers endless opportunities.
Handmade goods not only allow you to showcase your creativity but also attract buyers looking for unique, personalised items they can’t find elsewhere.
Let’s explore some of the most profitable handmade side hustle ideas you can start today.
6. Jewellery
Jewellery is one of Etsy’s top-selling categories, and for good reason—it’s timeless and highly customisable.
- Examples: Minimalist gold necklaces, resin earrings, custom name bracelets, and gemstone rings.
- What You’ll Need: Basic jewellery-making supplies like pliers, beads, wire, and findings. Consider investing in specialised tools if you want to work with metals or resin.
- How to Start: Focus on a specific niche like bridal jewellery, boho styles, or personalised pieces. Research trends to find what’s currently popular, such as birthstone jewellery or chunky statement rings.
- Tips for Success: Use professional photography to showcase your pieces. Include lifestyle photos of the jewellery being worn to help customers visualise how it looks in real life.
7. Candles
Candles are a fantastic handmade product for anyone who loves working with scents and crafting home decor.
- Examples: Soy wax candles, aromatherapy blends, or novelty candles in fun shapes like doughnuts or flowers.
- What You’ll Need: Wax, wicks, fragrance oils, and moulds. Soy wax is a popular choice for its eco-friendliness.
- How to Start: Create candles that cater to specific themes, like seasonal scents (e.g., pumpkin spice for autumn) or gift sets for special occasions. Add unique touches, like dried flowers or custom labels.
- Tips for Success: Package your candles attractively to stand out. Buyers often shop for candles as gifts, so branding and presentation are key to increasing sales.
8. Personalised Gifts
Custom gifts are always in demand, especially for weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays. Etsy buyers love items that feel thoughtful and one-of-a-kind.
- Examples: Engraved keepsakes, custom mugs, photo frames, or t-shirts with personalised designs.
- What You’ll Need: Depending on your product, you may need a Cricut machine, engraving tools, or heat transfer equipment.
- How to Start: Offer products that can be personalised with names, dates, or photos. Create templates to streamline the customisation process and ensure quick delivery times.
- Tips for Success: Use Etsy’s personalisation feature to let customers enter their custom details easily. Highlight gift-wrapping options to appeal to last-minute shoppers.
9. Home Decor
Handmade home decor items can transform any space, and Etsy is a go-to marketplace for these products.
- Examples: Wreaths, macrame wall hangings, decorative trays, and hand-painted plant pots.
- What You’ll Need: Crafting supplies like yarn, paints, and glue guns. For more intricate projects, consider tools like laser cutters or embroidery kits.
- How to Start: Pick a style or theme, such as farmhouse decor, minimalist pieces, or boho-inspired designs. Seasonal decor (e.g., Christmas wreaths) is also a great way to boost sales during holidays.
- Tips for Success: Pay attention to trends in interior design and update your offerings accordingly. Include detailed sizing and material descriptions in your listings to manage customer expectations.
10. Bath and Body Products
Handmade bath and body products are perfect for self-care enthusiasts and make excellent gift options.
- Examples: Bath bombs, handmade soaps, sugar scrubs, and body butters.
- What You’ll Need: Ingredients like shea butter, essential oils, natural colourants, and moulds. Be sure to follow local regulations for selling skincare products.
- How to Start: Develop unique formulas or themes, such as organic, vegan, or CBD-infused products. Offer sets that include multiple items to increase your average order value.
- Tips for Success: Package your products beautifully and focus on eco-friendly, sustainable materials. Customers are increasingly looking for environmentally conscious brands.
Handmade products allow you to turn your creative skills into a profitable side hustle.
The key is to focus on quality, presentation, and meeting the needs of your target audience.
Whether you’re making candles, jewellery, or home décor, Etsy provides the perfect platform to showcase your unique creations and start building a loyal customer base.
Vintage and Reselling Side Hustles
If you have a knack for finding unique treasures or sourcing supplies, vintage and reselling side hustles can be a fantastic way to start earning on Etsy.
Buyers flock to Etsy for one-of-a-kind finds, especially when it comes to vintage items or hard-to-find crafting materials.
Here’s how you can turn your love of thrifting or sourcing into a profitable side hustle.
11. Vintage Clothing and Accessories
Vintage fashion is a staple on Etsy, appealing to buyers looking for unique, sustainable pieces.
- Examples: Retro dresses, vintage denim, leather handbags, or statement jewellery from the 70s, 80s, or 90s.
- What You’ll Need: A good eye for quality and style, access to thrift shops, estate sales, or auctions, and knowledge of how to clean or restore vintage items.
- How to Start: Focus on a specific style or era to stand out. For example, specialise in boho 70s pieces or 90s grunge fashion.
- Tips for Success: Use descriptive keywords like “authentic vintage” and include measurements and condition details in your listings. High-quality photos that showcase the item from all angles are essential.
12. Vintage Home Goods
From retro kitchenware to antique furniture, vintage home goods are highly sought after on Etsy.
- Examples: Mid-century modern décor, glassware, picture frames, or antique clocks.
- What You’ll Need: Reliable sources like estate sales, flea markets, or even your local charity shop. You may also need cleaning supplies to restore items.
- How to Start: Curate a collection based on a specific aesthetic, such as farmhouse chic or art deco. Group smaller items into themed bundles, like a retro coffee set.
- Tips for Success: Highlight the story behind the item. Buyers love knowing the history of vintage goods, so include details like the era it’s from or how it was traditionally used.
13. Craft Supplies
Selling craft supplies is an evergreen side hustle because crafters are always looking for unique materials.
- Examples: Vintage buttons, sewing patterns, beads, scrapbooking papers, or yarn.
- What You’ll Need: A reliable source of materials. This could be from thrift shops, bulk buys from wholesalers, or even de-stashing your own craft collection.
- How to Start: Cater to specific crafting niches like sewing, knitting, or scrapbooking. Organise your supplies into ready-to-sell packs or bundles.
- Tips for Success: Offer detailed descriptions, including measurements, colours, and quantities. Bonus points if you include ideas for how the supplies can be used.
14. Collectibles and Memorabilia
Etsy is a goldmine for collectors searching for rare or nostalgic items.
- Examples: Vintage postcards, stamps, sports memorabilia, or old comics.
- What You’ll Need: A good understanding of what’s valuable in the collector’s market. Use online guides or forums to research items you find.
- How to Start: Focus on a niche to build expertise and trust with buyers. For example, specialise in 80s sports cards or 19th-century postcards.
- Tips for Success: Include authenticity details, such as markings or certificates. Provide close-up images to showcase any unique features or flaws.
15. Reselling Craft Kits or Tools
If you can source high-demand craft tools or kits, you can tap into a market of hobbyists looking for convenience.
- Examples: Cricut supplies, knitting needle sets, or embroidery kits.
- What You’ll Need: Access to wholesalers or surplus items in excellent condition. Check online marketplaces or clearance sales for deals.
- How to Start: Bundle tools or kits together to offer value. For example, a “starter kit” for embroidery that includes thread, needles, and fabric.
- Tips for Success: Stay competitive by offering kits tailored to trending crafts, like punch needle art or resin crafting. Highlight your fast shipping and excellent customer service in reviews.
Vintage and reselling side hustles are ideal for anyone who enjoys hunting for treasures or sourcing high-quality supplies.
By curating unique items or offering sought-after materials, you can tap into Etsy’s enthusiastic buyer base and create a profitable niche.
Whether it’s vintage fashion, home goods, or craft supplies, the key is to focus on quality, authenticity, and presentation to stand out.
Custom and Made-to-Order Side Hustles
Custom and made-to-order products are a brilliant way to stand out on Etsy. Buyers love personalised items that feel tailored just for them, whether it’s a gift for a loved one or something unique for their home.
This category allows you to charge premium prices, as customers value the thought and effort behind bespoke items. Let’s explore some creative ideas to get you started.
16. Custom Stickers
Stickers are affordable, versatile, and appeal to a wide range of buyers, from teachers to small business owners.
- Examples: Planner stickers, logo stickers for businesses, or custom designs for special occasions like weddings or birthdays.
- What You’ll Need: A Cricut or Silhouette cutting machine, sticker paper, and design software like Canva or Adobe Illustrator.
- How to Start: Offer options for both pre-designed stickers and fully custom orders. For example, allow customers to submit their own designs or choose from your templates.
- Tips for Success: Create bundles of stickers (e.g., a pack of 10 sheets) to increase your average order value. Use photos to show stickers in use, like on laptops or notebooks.
17. Personalised Stationery
Custom stationery is perfect for events like weddings, birthdays, or corporate branding.
- Examples: Wedding invitations, thank-you cards, branded notepads, or letterhead designs.
- What You’ll Need: Design software and access to a high-quality printer or a print-on-demand service. You may also need tools for embossing or foiling for luxury finishes.
- How to Start: Focus on a niche, such as rustic wedding invites or modern corporate branding. Include options for digital downloads or physical delivery.
- Tips for Success: Offer free digital proofs so customers can review their designs before printing. Highlight your customisation options clearly in your listings.
18. Custom Apparel
Personalised clothing is always in demand, especially for gifts or special occasions.
- Examples: Custom hoodies, baby onesies, bridal party robes, or t-shirts with custom text or graphics.
- What You’ll Need: Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) tools like a Cricut, or partner with a print-on-demand service like Printful or Printify.
- How to Start: Offer designs for specific audiences or events, such as pet lovers, sports fans, or milestone birthdays. Custom text options are a great way to let buyers make it personal.
- Tips for Success: Provide sizing charts and care instructions in your listings to reduce customer inquiries. Use mock-up images to show how your designs look on different garments.
Miscellaneous Etsy Side Hustles
If none of the previous categories quite fit your skills or interests, don’t worry! There are plenty of other unique side hustles you can explore on Etsy.
From crafting kits to seasonal products, these ideas cater to niche audiences and often have the potential to stand out due to their creativity or practicality.
Here are some more options to consider:
19. Craft Kits
Craft kits appeal to DIY enthusiasts who love creating but need a little help getting started.
- Examples: DIY macrame kits, embroidery starter sets, candle-making kits, or resin art supplies.
- What You’ll Need: Supplies to create each kit, like yarn, needles, or resin moulds. Packaging materials to neatly organise everything in one box.
- How to Start: Cater to beginner crafters by including detailed instructions, video tutorials, or templates. Focus on popular crafts like macrame plant hangers or trendy resin keychains.
- Tips for Success: Offer themed kits, such as seasonal decorations or gift-worthy options, to appeal to specific occasions like holidays or birthdays.
20. Party Supplies
Party supplies are always in demand, especially for themed events, kids’ birthdays, and weddings.
- Examples: Custom banners, balloon garlands, cupcake toppers, and table centrepieces.
- What You’ll Need: A Cricut machine, quality cardstock, balloons, or other crafting tools to create party supplies.
- How to Start: Focus on a specific theme or niche, such as baby showers, gender reveals, or milestone birthdays. Create listings that offer matching sets for easier buying decisions.
- Tips for Success: Offer quick turnaround times for customers planning last-minute events. Add options for personalisation to make your products more appealing.
21. Seasonal Products
Seasonal products let you tap into holiday and event-specific trends for quick, high-demand sales.
- Examples: Christmas ornaments, Halloween decorations, Valentine’s Day gifts, or Easter baskets.
- What You’ll Need: Materials specific to each holiday, such as fabric for stockings or wood for ornaments. Crafting tools and seasonal designs that fit current trends.
- How to Start: Plan ahead by designing and listing products 1-2 months before the season begins. For example, launch Christmas items by late October to catch early shoppers.
- Tips for Success: Use seasonal keywords in your product titles and descriptions, like “Easter Basket Fillers” or “Handmade Halloween Decor,” to attract search traffic.
22. Digital Business Tools
This side hustle idea is perfect for tech-savvy creators who love building tools to help others stay organised or grow their businesses.
- Examples: Editable Canva templates for resumes, media kits, or business cards; Excel budgeting templates; or small business planners.
- What You’ll Need: Design software like Canva or Microsoft Excel, along with an understanding of your target audience’s needs.
- How to Start: Identify common problems or needs among Etsy buyers, like printable social media calendars for solopreneurs or budgeting tools for personal finance.
- Tips for Success: Offer bonus materials like how-to guides or video walkthroughs to increase perceived value. Bundle multiple tools together to upsell your listings.
23. Hobby-Based Products
Appeal to specific niches by creating products that cater to popular hobbies or interests.
- Examples: Fishing lure organisers, knitting project bags, gaming dice trays, or journaling kits.
- What You’ll Need: Supplies and tools tailored to each hobby. For instance, sewing tools for bags or woodworking tools for dice trays.
- How to Start: Choose hobbies with dedicated audiences who are willing to spend money on accessories or tools. Create high-quality products that are practical and long-lasting.
- Tips for Success: Engage with your niche community online to understand their needs. Use this insight to improve your products and attract more buyers.
Miscellaneous Etsy side hustles are perfect for thinking outside the box and finding niches that are underserved or trending.
Whether it’s party supplies, seasonal décor, or hobby-based products, the key to success lies in understanding your audience and delivering high-quality items that solve their needs or bring them joy.
Take the leap with one of these ideas and turn your creativity into extra income!
Conclusion
Starting a side hustle on Etsy offers endless possibilities to earn extra income, tap into your creativity, and build a business you’re truly passionate about.
Whether you’re a skilled crafter, love designing digital products, or have a talent for finding unique treasures, Etsy has a space for you to shine.
The best part? You don’t need a massive budget or fancy equipment to get started. With your ideas, some basic tools, and the determination to grow, you can turn any of these 20 side hustle ideas into a thriving shop that works for you.
Looking for more inspiration and actionable advice to kickstart your side hustle journey?
Download our FREE ebook, The Profitable Side Hustles Guide, packed with tips and strategies to help you launch and grow your dream business on your own terms.
