Top 20 Handmade Business Ideas to Start from Home

I love making stuff, but can I earn money with it and turn it into a business?

If this has crossed your mind before, the answer is a big YES!

Handmade businesses are booming!

If you’re a student who wants some extra cash, a stay-at-home mom who needs a flexible income, or someone who loves creating or crafting stuff, there are plenty of things to make and sell. 

The best part? 

Handmade business ideas do not need a big investment (in most cases). 

All you need is creativity, a little time, and a willingness to try and create something that you’re passionate about.

In this article, we’ll go over 20 handmade business ideas you can start from home. Some are easy craft ideas to make and sell, while others can turn into full-fledged small businesses. Let’s dive in!

Is Handmade Business Right For You?

Before we get into the actual handmade business ideas, let’s first understand if running one is right for you. This is a crucial step before you start the business. 

A handmade business is more than just a way to make money — it’s a chance to turn your creativity into something meaningful. But if you want it to be sustainable and profitable, you should know whether it’s the right fit for you. 

Here’s why so many people love starting a small business with handmade items. 

You can turn your passion into profit – If you love making things, why not sell them? A handmade business lets you do what you enjoy while earning money.

Low startup costs – Many handmade businesses require little investment. You can start with the materials you already have and grow from there.

Work from anywhere – Yes, most handmade businesses offer the flexibility to work from anywhere. 

Personal connection with customers – People love one-of-a-kind, handmade items that have a story behind them. Unlike mass-produced products, your creations will have a special touch that customers appreciate.

Eco-friendly and sustainable options – Many handmade businesses focus on upcycled, recycled, or natural materials, attracting environmentally-conscious buyers.

If you like any of the business idea below and are ready to get started with your own handmade business, make sure to read:

• How to get started with your own handmade business
• 18 Smart marketing strategies for your handmade business

Top 20 Handmade Business Ideas to Get Started

Here’s the list of handmade business ideas that are viable for students, stay-at-home moms, or 

1. Handmade Jewelry 💍

Jewelry is always in demand because it’s fashionable and personal and makes a great gift. If you enjoy working with small details and love creating unique pieces, this is a perfect handmade business idea.

What You Can Make:

Beaded bracelets – Use colorful beads, gemstones, or even letter beads for personalized bracelets.

Wire-wrapped rings – Shape wire into delicate rings with crystals, beads, or unique designs.

Clay or resin earrings – Make lightweight and trendy earrings with polymer clay or resin molds.

Personalized name necklaces – Use letter charms or engrave initials for custom jewelry.

How to Get Started:

• Learn the basics of jewelry-making from YouTube or online courses.
• Buy essential tools like pliers, wire cutters, and a jewelry-making kit.
• Start with simple designs and experiment with different materials.
• Take high-quality photos and sell them on Etsy, Instagram, or at local or flea markets.

2. Candles & Wax Melts 🕯️

Handmade candles and wax melts are perfect for people who love cozy atmospheres, self-care, and relaxation. They also make great gifts!

What You Can Make:

Scented soy candles – Choose calming scents like lavender or vanilla or seasonal scents like cinnamon.

Decorative candles – Create unique shapes, like bubble candles or dried flower-embedded candles.

Aromatherapy wax melts – Small scented wax cubes that melt in warmers to create a soothing scent.

Bonus Tips:

• Use eco-friendly soy wax or beeswax instead of paraffin wax for better quality.
• Add dried flowers, crystals, or essential oils to make your candles stand out.
• Packaging matters! Use glass jars, tins, or eco-friendly paper for a premium look.

💡 Where to Sell: Etsy, Instagram, craft fairs, or set up your own Shopify store.

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3. Handmade Soaps & Bath Bombs 🛁

Making soaps and bath bombs is a fun, niche, and profitable business.

Here’s What You Can Make:

Natural soaps with essential oils – Use skin-friendly ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil.

Bath bombs with fun colors and scents – Make them fizz and foam with unique scents.

Shower steamers – Great for people who don’t take baths but still want a spa-like experience.

How to Get Started:

• Choose melt-and-pour soap bases for easy soap-making or learn cold-process soap-making.
• Experiment with fragrances, colors, and molds for different styles.
• Package them beautifully with custom labels, ribbons, or gift sets.
• Sell on Etsy, at farmers’ markets, or through local boutiques.

4. Custom T-Shirts & Tote Bags 👕

Printing custom t-shirts and tote bags can be a great way to make money if you’re into designing and clothing. 

📌 What You Can Make:

Funny quotes or meme shirts – People love humorous or relatable designs.

Personalized names or initials – Perfect for gifts and special occasions.

Cute or aesthetic patterns – Hand-drawn doodles, floral designs, or trendy prints.

💡 How to Get Started:

• Use heat transfer vinyl (HTV) or a print-on-demand service like Printful.
• Experiment with hand-painted or tie-dye designs for a unique touch.
• Sell your designs on Etsy, Instagram, Redbubble, or start a small website.

5. Macramé Creations 🧶

Macramé is a boho-style craft that has become super trendy for home decor and accessories.

📌 What You Can Make:

Wall hangings – Beautiful knotted designs for home decor.

Keychains – Small and easy-to-make items that sell well.

Plant hangers – These are perfect for plant lovers who want stylish decor.

🧵 Getting Started:

• Learn basic macramé knots from YouTube tutorials or online courses.
• Start with simple designs like keychains before moving to larger projects.
• Use different types of cords, like cotton rope, for a professional look.
• Sell at local craft fairs, Etsy, or through Instagram Reels and TikTok!

6. Personalized Gifts 🎁

Custom gifts are always in demand because people love thoughtful, unique items.

📌 What You Can Make:

Name keychains – Use acrylic, resin, or wood to create customized keychains.

Monogrammed mugs – Use permanent vinyl or sublimation printing.

Personalized notebooks – Print names or illustrations on covers.

💡 Selling Tip: These items sell best during holidays, birthdays, and weddings. Market them as custom gift sets or limited editions for extra profit.

7. Handmade Hair Accessories 🎀

Hair accessories are small, easy to make, and always in demand.

📌 What You Can Make:

Scrunchies – Use trendy fabrics like velvet, silk, or florals.

Headbands – Embellish with beads or embroidery for extra style.

Hair clips – Create resin clips, fabric-covered clips, or jeweled designs.

8. Digital Prints & Art 🎨

If you love graphic design, calligraphy, or illustration, selling digital art is a great way to make a passive income.

📌 What You Can Sell:

Printable wall art – Motivational quotes, modern art, or kids’ room decor.

Stickers (digital or physical) – Cute or aesthetic designs for planners, laptops, or phones.

Coloring pages – Perfect for kids, mindfulness, or stress relief.

💡 Where to Sell: Etsy, Gumroad, or Creative Market.

9. Resin Crafts ✨

Resin is a fun DIY craft that lets you create stunning, unique products.

📌 What You Can Make:

Coasters with dried flowers – Trendy and aesthetic.

Glittery phone grips – Personalize them with initials or cute designs.

Keychains – Add names, glitter, or little charms inside.

💡 Tip: Resin crafts sell best on social media.

10. DIY Greeting Cards 📩

Handmade cards are special and perfect for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions.

📌 What You Can Make:

Watercolor-painted cards – Elegant and artistic.

Calligraphy-style lettering – Use brush pens or embossing techniques.

Pop-up or 3D elements – Fun for kids and interactive designs.

💡 Selling Tip: Offer cards in bundles for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or baby showers.

11. Handmade Pottery & Clay Items 🎨

Pottery and clay crafts are timeless and beautiful, making them perfect for both home decor and everyday use. If you enjoy working with your hands, this is a great small business idea.

📌 What You Can Make:

• Trinket dishes – Small decorative plates to hold rings, coins, or keys.
• Mini plant pots – Cute clay pots for succulents and small houseplants.
• Cute figurines – Make tiny animals, characters, or custom figurines for collectors.

🖌️ Getting Started:

1. Air-dry clay is the easiest way to start if you don’t have access to a kiln.
2. Experiment with hand-painting or glazing for unique designs.
3. Sell in sets—people love buying matching items for gifts!

💡 Best Selling Platform: Etsy, Instagram, and craft fairs.

12. Knitted or Crocheted Items 🧶

Knitting and crocheting take time, but they produce warm, cozy, and handmade items that people adore! This is a great handmade business idea for the cold season and gifting.

📌 What You Can Make:

• Cozy scarves and hats – Perfect for winter and holiday gifts.
• Plush toys (amigurumi) – Cute crochet animals and characters for kids.
• Handmade blankets – Chunky knit blankets are super popular!

🧵 Beginner Tips:

1. Start with basic patterns and practice with affordable yarn.
2. Offer custom colors and personalized sizes.
3. Handmade gifts sell best during the winter months!

💡 Where to Sell: Online on Etsy or at local farmers’ markets.

13. Handmade Stationery ✏️

Journaling and planning are hugely popular, and creative stationery items are always in demand! Well, the demand especially spikes during the holiday season. 

📌 What You Can Make:

• Custom notebooks – Hand-bound, painted, or printed covers.
• Stickers and planner inserts – Great for bullet journaling or scrapbooking.
• Decorative washi tape – Unique designs that crafters love.

📝 How to Get Started:

1. Design digitally (for stickers/planner inserts) or handcraft physical items.
2. Offer customized notebooks with initials or quotes.
3. Package beautifully—aesthetic presentation attracts buyers.

💡 Selling Tip: Sell in bundles for students, teachers, and journaling fans!

14. DIY Home Decor 🏡

People love unique, handmade home decor that adds charm to their space.

📌 What You Can Make:

• Wooden signs with quotes – Use stencils or hand-paint designs.
• Decorative trays – Personalized with resin, paint, or engravings.
• Hand-painted vases – Upcycle old vases with trendy colors.

🖌️ Getting Started:

1. Choose a style—minimalist, boho, vintage, or colorful.
2. Offer customized or personalized options for gifts.
3. Market on Pinterest and Instagram—visual platforms work best for home decor.

💡 Tip: Seasonal decor (Christmas, Halloween, Fall) sells extremely well!

15. Kids’ Handmade Toys 👶

Kids niche is one of the popular niches that have constant demand. Handmade toys are unique, safe, and often eco-friendly, making them perfect for parents looking for something special for their children. 

📌 What You Can Make:

Soft plushies – Sew stuffed animals or felt toys.

Wooden puzzles – Create simple, fun puzzles for toddlers.

Sensory play kits – Handmade play dough, fabric books, or interactive toys.

🧸Best Practices:

• Use child-safe materials like organic fabric and non-toxic paint.
• Market as “handmade & safe”—parents love eco-friendly and chemical-free toys.
• Package them in cute gift sets for birthdays and baby showers.

💡 Where to Sell: Etsy, craft fairs, and baby boutiques.

16. Scented Sachets & Potpourri 🌿

Scented sachets and potpourri are simple but elegant products that make perfect gifts or home fragrances.

Image by <a href=”https://pixabay.com/users/nanairo7clover-4887808/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2164256″>nanairo7clover</a> from <a href=”https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=2164256″>Pixabay</a>

📌 What You Can Make:

• Lavender-filled drawer sachets – Keep clothes smelling fresh.
• Scented car fresheners – Natural air fresheners using essential oils.
• Herbal relaxation pillows – Filled with dried herbs like chamomile and mint.

💡 Getting Started:

1. Use dried flowers, herbs, or essential oils for long-lasting fragrance.
2. Package them in cute pouches and market them as “eco-friendly.”
3. Sell at boutiques, Etsy, and farmers’ markets.

17. Handmade Bookmarks 📚

Book lovers always need pretty bookmarks, and handmade designs make them extra special.

📌 What You Can Make:

• Resin bookmarks – Add glitter, dried flowers, or gold flakes.
• Hand-painted or calligraphy bookmarks – Create elegant, artistic designs.
• Cute magnetic bookmarks – Clip-on bookmarks with fun characters.

📌 How to Sell:

1. Sell bundles for different book themes (fantasy, romance, classic, etc.).
2. Market to students, book lovers, and libraries.
3. Use Instagram and TikTok—book lovers are super active on these platforms!

💡 Best Tip: Partner with bookstores or book subscription boxes!

18. DIY Face Masks & Scrubs 🌿

Natural skincare is booming, and homemade self-care products are a fantastic make-and-sell idea.

📌 What You Can Make:

• Coffee body scrubs – Great for exfoliation and a natural glow.
• Clay face masks – Detoxifying and refreshing skincare.
• Lip balms – Moisturizing and flavored with natural ingredients.

🧴 Getting Started:

1. Research safe, skin-friendly ingredients like coconut oil and honey.
2. Package attractively—glass jars, eco-friendly tins, and cute labels sell best.
3. Market as “all-natural and handmade”—people love chemical-free skincare.

💡 Where to Sell: Instagram, Etsy, and local beauty shops.

19. Upcycled Clothing & Accessories ♻️

Eco-friendly fashion is growing, and upcycled clothing is a great way to make one-of-a-kind items from old clothes.

📌 What You Can Make:

• Painted denim jackets – Hand-painted designs or quotes.
• Embroidered jeans – Add floral patterns or cute patches.
• Reworked fabric bags – Turn old T-shirts into tote bags.

👜 Best Practices:

1. Market as sustainable and eco-conscious.
2. Sell on Instagram, Depop, or Etsy.
3. Offer custom orders—people love personalized fashion!

20. DIY Christmas & Holiday Crafts 🎄

Holiday-themed items sell incredibly well during the festive season!

📌 What You Can Make:

• Handmade ornaments – Resin, wood, or clay ornaments.
• Personalized stockings – Custom embroidered or printed stockings.
• Festive table decorations – Handmade napkin holders, candle holders, or centerpieces.

🎁 Selling Tips:

1. Start selling early (September-November)—holiday shoppers buy in advance.
2. Offer customized ornaments with names or family initials.
3. Sell at holiday markets, online, and through local gift shops.

Once you select an idea, it is important to test the waters before you go mainstream with your business. 

To sum it up!

Starting a handmade business from home is flexible, creative, and rewarding. The small business ideas listed in our article allow you to do what you love while making money.

And remember—curiosity and creativity are the best tools you have! The more you explore new craft ideas, the more fun and exciting your journey will be.

So, which idea are you excited to try first? Let me know in the comments! 😊