Etsy has become the go-to marketplace for creative entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to sell unique, handmade, and personalized products. With its growing customer base and the trend toward supporting independent sellers, earning a significant income, such as $5k per month, is entirely achievable with the right approach. If you’re thinking about opening an Etsy shop, here are 15 products that can help you reach that $5k goal each month.
1. Personalized Jewelry
Customized jewelry is a perennial favorite on Etsy, making it one of the best products to sell for anyone aiming to earn $5k a month. Personalized necklaces, rings, and bracelets with initials, names, or birthstones are extremely popular. These items make for excellent gifts, so the demand is steady year-round, especially during holidays and special occasions like weddings and birthdays.
To stand out, consider using high-quality materials like sterling silver or gold plating and offering unique engraving options.
2. Handmade Candles
Handmade candles offer a highly profitable opportunity with relatively low production costs. You can experiment with scents, colors, and even different types of wax (such as soy or beeswax) to create a unique product. Themed candles, such as seasonal scents or zodiac-inspired collections, also perform well on Etsy.
Etsy customers love eco-friendly and natural ingredients, so using organic and cruelty-free materials can further boost sales.
3. Printable Wall Art
One of the best passive income opportunities on Etsy is selling digital products like printable wall art. Since you only need to create the design once, you can sell the same file multiple times without dealing with inventory or shipping costs. Popular themes include inspirational quotes, minimalist designs, and nursery decor.
Once you’ve created a strong portfolio, it’s easy to scale this type of business, and the digital nature of the product means overhead is low.
4. Custom Apparel
Custom T-shirts, hoodies, and other apparel items are huge sellers on Etsy. Whether you design your own graphics or partner with print-on-demand services, there’s a massive market for clothing featuring witty quotes, artistic designs, or personalized options. You can target specific niches like pet lovers, sports fans, or eco-conscious consumers.
Focus on high-quality materials and diverse sizing to ensure your products appeal to a wide audience.
5. Handmade Soap and Bath Products
The natural beauty movement is gaining momentum, and Etsy is a prime marketplace for selling handmade soap, bath bombs, and skincare products. Customers love items made with organic ingredients, essential oils, and plant-based additives like shea butter and coconut oil.
Customizable gift sets and themed products—such as lavender soap for relaxation or peppermint bath bombs for holidays—can also drive sales, especially during gifting seasons.
6. Wedding Invitations and Stationery
Wedding season is a lucrative time for Etsy sellers, and custom invitations, thank-you cards, and event stationery are in high demand. You can offer digital downloads, where the buyer prints the items themselves, or premium, printed products for those looking for a more polished finish.
Consider offering bundles with matching save-the-dates, RSVP cards, and menu templates to increase your average order value.
7. Knitted and Crocheted Items
Handmade scarves, hats, blankets, and other knitted or crocheted goods are beloved for their craftsmanship and uniqueness. If you’re skilled with a needle and yarn, Etsy is an excellent platform for selling cozy, handcrafted products.
Custom orders (such as personalized baby blankets) and seasonal items (like winter accessories) can help you maximize sales throughout the year.
8. Custom Home Decor
From personalized doormats to handmade wooden signs, custom home decor is one of the most popular product categories on Etsy. Buyers love to showcase unique and personalized decor in their homes, making this a high-demand product.
If you have woodworking, painting, or design skills, creating custom wall art, furniture accents, or seasonal decor could bring in consistent sales.
9. Pet Products
Pet owners are some of the most dedicated shoppers, especially when it comes to spoiling their furry friends. Pet beds, custom collars, leashes, toys, and even personalized pet portraits are all strong sellers on Etsy.
You can also focus on eco-friendly and sustainable pet products, such as natural fiber beds or organic treats, to tap into the growing demand for green pet care items.
10. Personalized Gifts
Gift-giving drives a significant portion of Etsy sales, so personalized gifts are always in high demand. From monogrammed leather wallets to engraved wine glasses, offering customizable options for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays can result in a steady stream of buyers.
Think about niche markets as well, such as personalized teacher gifts or items for corporate events, which can help you stand out in the crowded gift category.
11. Vintage Clothing and Accessories
If you have a knack for finding unique, stylish vintage clothing and accessories, Etsy is an excellent platform to sell these items. The marketplace is a go-to destination for fashion lovers looking for rare and timeless pieces, such as 80s jackets, 70s dresses, or retro handbags.
Sourcing your items from thrift shops, estate sales, or flea markets can keep your costs low while allowing you to sell at a premium price.
12. Digital Planners and Organizers
In today’s busy world, planners and organizers are highly sought-after products, especially digital versions that buyers can download and use on their devices. Whether it’s a weekly schedule, a fitness tracker, or a meal planner, these tools help customers stay organized.
Since the product is digital, you can scale easily by creating a variety of planner themes for different markets, such as business professionals, moms, or students.
13. Handmade Pottery and Ceramics
Handmade pottery and ceramics offer an opportunity to create functional art pieces that people love to collect and use. Whether you make mugs, bowls, or planters, Etsy shoppers are always looking for unique, handcrafted pieces to adorn their homes.
Given the labor-intensive nature of ceramics, these products can be priced higher, helping you reach your monthly income goal faster.
14. Custom Phone Cases
Phone accessories are big sellers, and custom phone cases are a trendy, low-cost product to make and sell on Etsy. You can use print-on-demand services or design your own phone cases featuring custom artwork, patterns, or personalized messages.
This product appeals to a wide audience since almost everyone has a smartphone, and the variety of designs you can create is virtually endless.
15. Embroidery Kits and Patterns
Embroidery has seen a resurgence in recent years as people look for new hobbies. If you have experience with embroidery, consider selling DIY kits that include all the necessary materials and instructions. Alternatively, you can create and sell original embroidery patterns as digital downloads.
Kits and patterns are both scalable products, and their appeal to hobbyists makes them a solid choice for reaching your $5k monthly income goal.
How to Reach $5k per Month on Etsy
Reaching $5k per month in sales on Etsy is not only about choosing the right product but also about optimizing your business strategy. Here are a few tips to help you hit that goal:
- Niche Down: The more specific your product is, the better chance you have of standing out in the marketplace. Focus on a particular niche, such as pet owners, vintage collectors, or eco-conscious shoppers.
- Optimize Listings: Use relevant keywords, high-quality images, and detailed product descriptions to improve your visibility in Etsy search results. The better your product looks and is described, the more likely customers are to buy.
- Leverage Social Media: Promote your Etsy shop on social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Showing behind-the-scenes content, product launches, and customer reviews can drive traffic to your store.
- Offer Excellent Customer Service: Good reviews are essential for building trust on Etsy. Respond to customer inquiries promptly and ensure you provide a great buying experience to encourage positive feedback.
- Run Promotions and Sales: Offering occasional discounts or free shipping can help you increase sales volume, especially during holidays or special events.
Final Thoughts
Etsy is a fantastic platform for creative entrepreneurs looking to turn their passion into a profitable business. By focusing on high-demand products like personalized jewelry, custom home decor, and digital planners, you can set yourself on the path to earning $5k per month or more. With dedication, consistent effort, and a solid marketing strategy, the potential for success on Etsy is limitless.