25 Easy-to-Make Gifts That Sell Like Hotcakes

January 9, 2025

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Looking for easy, creative gift ideas that people will love and actually buy? You’re in the right place! Handmade gifts have a special charm; when done right, they’re thoughtful and highly marketable.

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just dipping your toes into the DIY world, this list is packed with gifts that are simple to make, affordable, and guaranteed to sell like hotcakes.

Here’s a list of easy-to-make gifts that sell like hotcakes!

Ornaments

A fun craft to make and sell is ornaments. During the holiday season, people love buying these, especially if they’re handmade!

You can find tons of DIY ornaments with step-by-step instructions on Pinterest and Etsy.

Here are a couple of my fav DIY ornaments:

Below are a couple of ornaments I made out of cross stitch, which is my new favorite hobby. The pattern below is by Needle Case Goodies on Etsy.

Handmade pottery

If you’ve never tried pottery before, this is your sign to try it. Working with your hands is so therapeutic and Pinterest is filled with all kinds of pottery inspiration. Bonus, people love buying pottery!

Hand-sewn bags

If you know how to sew, put your skills to use to create handmade bags.

Here are a couple of beautiful hand-sewn items to make and sell:

Art

If you have a talent for painting, why not turn your skills into beautiful handmade art pieces? Painted items are always in demand for their unique and personal touch.

Dog treats

If you love dogs and baking, why not turn that passion into a side hustle by making and selling dog treats? These homemade goodies are not only healthy and tasty for pets, but they also make great gifts for dog owners, adding a personal touch to their pets’ lives.

You can create treats with all-natural ingredients in fun shapes or unique flavors. Whether it’s peanut butter biscuits, pumpkin chews, or special holiday-themed treats, each dog treat can be a delightful snack for furry friends.

If you’re wondering if this side hustle is for you, sign up for a free training to learn the basics, including how to get started, where to sell, and tips for success!

Halloween-inspired designs

People go nuts for Halloween, yet it seems rare to find handmade Halloween-inspired items.

Below is a cross stitch pattern I made designed by Tiny Modernist!

Plants

If you love growing plants, selling houseplants might be right up your alley. You can even go a step further and create your own pottery to go with your plants or upcycle cans to house your plants.

Recommended reading: How To Make Money Selling Houseplants From Home

Homemade Spice Blends

One of my absolute favorites at my local farmer’s market is the spice blend booth. A lot of people love buying consumables instead of more “stuff” which makes this a great item to sell.

Here are a couple of DIY spice blends you can make:

Spring-inspired art

This post is really just an excuse to share my favorite cross-stitch patterns I’ve made. This design is by Sweet Wing Studios.

Printables

If you’re looking to make money with your creativity, printables are a perfect choice. They’re easy to create and sell on platforms like Etsy.

Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:

Customizable planners
Budget trackers
Goal-setting sheets

Not sure where to begin? Check out this free training that covers:

What to sell to make money
What you need to start an Etsy shop
How to ensure your shop’s success

Caricatures

If you have a knack for drawing and a love for capturing personalities, why not use your talent to create custom caricatures? These playful and personalized art pieces are always a hit and make for memorable gifts or keepsakes.

Below is a caricature an artist made for me in Seoul. The artist was given a picture of my dogs and was able to make this without even seeing them in person.

Sugar scrub

If you’re looking to create something that’s both luxurious and practical, homemade sugar scrubs are a fantastic option. Not only are they simple to make, but they also offer an exfoliating experience that everyone loves. Plus, you can customize scents and ingredients to make them unique.

Here is a post of sugar scrub recipes you can make:

Fall-inspired art

If you’re looking to create seasonal gifts that capture the cozy vibes of fall, homemade items inspired by autumn are a perfect choice. From pumpkin spice to warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, fall-themed products are always in demand as the weather cools down.

Below is a cross-stitch pattern designed by Primrose Cottage.

Watercolor art

If you love to paint, why not put your watercolor skills to work and create some beautiful, one-of-a-kind art pieces? Watercolor has such a soft, dreamy feel that makes it perfect for adding a personal touch to any space or event.

I bought a beginner watercolor kit from my local art shop and love this craft so much.

Crocheted blanket

If you’ve been crocheting for years like I have, you know just how rewarding it can be to create something beautiful with your hands. Over the years, I’ve perfected a few patterns and discovered that crochet isn’t just a relaxing hobby—it’s also a fantastic way to create unique, handmade items that people love.

Here are some fun crochet patterns to make:

Stained glass

If you’re into stained glass like I am, you know it’s an art form that doesn’t get enough attention these days. There’s something truly special about working with glass—how it transforms light into vibrant colors and creates a unique, timeless beauty. Despite its rich history, stained glass is a craft that many don’t explore enough, but it’s so rewarding to master.

I started working with stained glass over a year ago and love it. I know people who teach themselves how to do stained glass at home, but you can also learn this art form at a local studio.

Below is a nightlight my husband designed and made.

Bath bombs

If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing DIY project, making bath bombs is a fantastic idea! Even though I haven’t personally tried making them, I’ve seen how popular they’ve become. Bath bombs are not only great for self-care, but they also make wonderful, thoughtful gifts. Plus, they’re easy to customize with different scents, colors, and ingredients.

Here are a couple of bath bomb recipes to make:

Macrame

If you’re into macrame, you know how satisfying it is to turn simple knots into beautiful, intricate designs. While I haven’t explored macrame myself, it’s clear why this craft has made a comeback. The textured, boho look of macrame is perfect for adding a unique touch to any space, and the possibilities are endless when it comes to what you can create.

Watercolor bookmarks

Watercolor bookmarks are a fun and creative way to combine art with something practical. They’re perfect for adding a personal touch to someone’s reading experience and make great gifts for book lovers.

You can play around with all sorts of designs—vibrant abstract colors, soft florals, or even nature-inspired scenes. Each one ends up being a little piece of art that can brighten someone’s day while marking their place in a good book.

Homemade candles

Homemade candles are a fantastic way to combine creativity and coziness. There’s something special about crafting your own candles, and choosing the scents, colors, and designs that reflect your style. Plus, they make the perfect gift or a beautiful addition to your own space.

You can create candles in a variety of scents like lavender, vanilla, or even seasonal blends like pumpkin spice. Whether you’re going for simple, minimalist designs or adding intricate details with decorative molds, each candle you make can be a unique, hand-crafted piece that adds warmth and charm wherever it’s placed.

Here are a couple of recipes to make:

This is just a short list of crafts you can make and sell. If you’re skilled in a craft that’s not on this list, consider selling it!