What Products Can You Sell on Etsy?

What products can you sell on Etsy generally fall into three big groups: handmade items, vintage goods (at least 20 years old), and craft or party supplies that help others create. Within those, popular Etsy products to sell include jewelry, home décor, digital downloads, clothing, wedding items, and curated vintage finds.

You can sell items you make yourself, goods you design and have professionally produced, vintage treasures you’ve handpicked, and carefully sourced supplies like unique craft materials or festive party decorations. At the same time, Etsy bans things like dangerous items, most services, and anything infringing on intellectual property, so choosing compliant, creative offers is essential if you want to succeed with what products can you sell on Etsy.

Quick overview: what types of products are allowed on Etsy?

Etsy is built around creative, unique, and curated items. Everything you list must be made, designed, handpicked, or sourced by you, and it has to follow Etsy’s rules on prohibited items and intellectual property.

In simple terms, Etsy is not a general marketplace for random factory goods. It is a place for:

Things you physically make
Things you design (and may have produced for you)
Things you curate and find, like vintage pieces
Things you source to help others create, like craft and party supplies

Handmade, designed, handpicked, and sourced items explained simply

Etsy now groups every listing into one of four creativity types:

Made by you (handmade): Physical items you create yourself, by hand or with tools like sewing machines, laser cutters, Cricut, CNC, or 3D printers. These must be based on your own design and work, not just pressing “print” on someone else’s file.
Designed by you: Items where your original design is the main value. This includes digital downloads, artwork, patterns, and designs that a production partner prints on mugs, shirts, posters, and more. AI‑assisted designs are allowed here if you create the prompts and clearly label that AI was used.
Handpicked by you: Things you personally find and curate, such as vintage items (at least 20 years old), natural objects, or themed collections you assemble.
Sourced by you: Items that help buyers be creative, like craft supplies, party supplies, and buyer‑personalized products made by a production partner using the buyer’s text or photo.

The three big categories: handmade, vintage, and craft supplies

Even with the newer labels, Etsy still revolves around three classic product types:

Handmade: Items made and/or designed by you. You can use tools and production partners, but you must be the creative force behind the design, and reselling factory goods as “handmade” is not allowed.
Vintage: Real vintage pieces must be at least 20 years old. That can include clothing, jewelry, decor, books, and more, as long as they truly meet the age requirement.
Craft supplies (including party supplies): Tools, materials, and ingredients mainly used to make something new or decorate an event. These can be handmade, commercial, or vintage. Party decorations and certain craft machines and blanks also fit here, as long as they meet Etsy’s supply rules.

Things you can’t sell on Etsy (in plain language)

Some things are simply not allowed on Etsy, even if they are handmade or vintage. Examples include:

Alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, and drug paraphernalia
Weapons, explosives, and dangerous materials
Certain animal products and any human remains
Items that promote hate, violence, or illegal activity
Pornography and explicit adult content
Recalled or unsafe products

You also cannot sell:

Pure services or rentals with no physical or digital item
Most dropshipped items shipped straight from a wholesaler to the buyer
Mass‑produced products you simply buy and resell, unless they fit the narrow exceptions for vintage, qualifying craft/party supplies, or certain curated gift baskets.

If your product is unique, creative, and clearly tied to your own making, designing, curating, or sourcing, you are usually on the right track for Etsy.

Handmade items you can sell on Etsy

What “handmade” really means on Etsy (and what it doesn’t)

On Etsy, “handmade” does not just mean “not from a big box store.” It has a very specific meaning.

A handmade item must be made and/or designed by you, the seller. You can create it fully by hand, with hand‑guided tools like a sewing machine, or with computerized tools such as a Cricut, laser cutter, CNC, or 3D printer. The key is that there is real human creativity and work from you in the process.

Etsy groups these as:

Handcrafted: built from raw or basic materials (like sewing a dress from fabric, throwing a mug on a wheel).
Hand‑altered: you significantly change a base item using real skills (like hand‑embroidering a jacket).
Hand‑assembled: you combine components into a new, unique product (like building a charm bracelet).

What doesn’t count as handmade: simply putting a sticker on a store‑bought mug, assembling a kit exactly as instructed, or reselling finished products you did not design or make. Listing those as “handmade” is considered reselling and is not allowed in the handmade category.

You must also use your own photos or videos of the actual item, not stock images.

Popular handmade product ideas to sell

Handmade products do well on Etsy when they feel personal, thoughtful, and a bit different from what people can find locally. Here are some strong, beginner‑friendly categories.

Handmade jewelry, accessories, and hair pieces

Jewelry is one of Etsy’s biggest handmade categories. You can:

Wire‑wrap gemstones into pendants
Create beaded bracelets and anklets
Make polymer clay earrings or hair clips
Design bridal hair vines, combs, and tiaras

Small size and high perceived value make jewelry great for shipping and gifting.

Candles, wax melts, and home fragrance

Hand‑poured candles and wax melts are very popular, especially when you:

Use interesting scent blends (like “bookstore,” “rainy cabin,” or seasonal scents)
Offer unique vessels such as colored glass, concrete jars, or vintage‑style tins
Add decorative touches like dried flowers or crystal chips (safely, and away from the flame area)

Always follow local safety rules and label your candles correctly.

Soap, skincare, and self‑care items

Buyers love small‑batch self‑care, as long as it is safe and clearly labeled. Examples include:

Cold‑process or melt‑and‑pour soaps
Bath bombs, shower steamers, and bath salts
Simple body butters, lip balms, and sugar scrubs

If you sell skincare or anything that makes health or cosmetic claims, you must follow your country’s regulations for ingredients, labeling, and safety testing.

Handmade clothing, bags, and wearable art

Sewing and fiber arts shine on Etsy. You might offer:

Handmade dresses, skirts, and tops
Upcycled denim jackets with applique or painting
Crochet cardigans, hats, and scarves
Tote bags, crossbody bags, and zipper pouches

Adding custom sizing, fabric choices, or monograms can help your clothing stand out.

Home decor like wall art, planters, pillows, and ornaments

Home decor is a huge category for handmade sellers. Popular ideas include:

Original paintings, illustrations, and mixed‑media pieces
Macrame wall hangings and plant hangers
Hand‑painted pots and planters
Throw pillow covers, table runners, and fabric banners
Seasonal ornaments and wreaths

Think about a clear style or theme so your shop feels cohesive.

When are customized or personalized products considered handmade?

Customized and personalized products can absolutely count as handmade on Etsy, as long as you designed or made the base item and you are the one doing the customization.

Examples that are treated as handmade:

You design a necklace and hand‑stamp each buyer’s initials on the charm.
You sew tote bags and embroider a name or phrase on each one.
You design a mug graphic and either press it yourself or work with a disclosed production partner to print it.

Personalization alone does not magically make something handmade. If you buy generic products from a wholesaler and only add a tiny, low‑effort change (like sticking on a pre‑made vinyl name with no original design work), Etsy may treat that as simple reselling, not true handmade.

To stay on the safe side:

Make sure you had a real role in designing the item or artwork.
Be clear in your listing about what part is customized (names, dates, colors, etc.).
If another business helps produce the item, list them as a production partner.

Can you sell handmade items made with machines like Cricut or 3D printers?

Yes, you can sell handmade items made with tools like Cricut machines, laser cutters, embroidery machines, CNC routers, and 3D printers, but there are important rules.

Etsy’s current creativity standards say that items made with computerized tools qualify as “made by a seller” only when:

The item is produced in your own workspace using your own equipment, and
The design is your original design, not just a file or pattern you bought from someone else.

This has become especially strict for 3D printing. Etsy now expects 3D‑printed products to be based on the seller’s own designs, which means many prints made from third‑party STL files, even with a commercial license, may no longer meet the handmade rules.

For Cricut and similar tools, you are generally fine if:

You create your own artwork or lettering, or
You significantly customize and assemble the final product yourself (for example, designing your own wedding invitation layout, cutting it on your machine, and assembling the suites).

If you rely heavily on pre‑made designs or fonts, add as much of your own creative input as possible, and always check Etsy’s latest policies before listing. When in doubt, ask yourself:

“If I removed the machine, is there still clear human creativity and decision‑making from me in this product?”

If the honest answer is yes, you are probably closer to Etsy’s idea of handmade.

Digital products you can sell on Etsy

What counts as a digital item on Etsy?

On Etsy, a digital item is something the buyer receives as a file, not as a physical package in the mail. Instead of shipping, the customer downloads the product to their computer or phone.

Etsy splits digital items into two simple types:

Instant downloads: ready‑made files that are available right after payment.
Made‑to‑order downloads: customized digital files (for example, a printable with a name added) that you create after purchase and then upload for the buyer.

In both cases, Etsy expects that the digital product is made or designed by you. You cannot just grab someone else’s file, change a tiny detail, and call it your own.

Common file types include images (JPG, PNG), PDFs, text documents, and design files for cutting machines or embroidery software.

Best digital product ideas for beginners

Digital products are popular on Etsy because you create them once and sell them many times. Here are beginner‑friendly ideas that fit Etsy’s rules and are in strong demand.

Printables (planners, checklists, wall art, cards)

Printables are one of the easiest ways to start. You design a file that buyers print at home or at a local print shop. Examples:

Daily, weekly, or budget planners
Cleaning checklists or habit trackers
Printable wall art with quotes or illustrations
Greeting cards, invitations, and gift tags

Keep sizes simple (like US Letter or A4) and include clear instructions in your listing.

Templates help buyers save time and look polished. You can create:

Resume and cover letter templates
Social media post and story templates
Media kits and brand style guides
Simple business forms or client welcome packs

If you use design tools with built‑in templates, make sure your final product is your own original layout and graphics, not a lightly edited stock template. Etsy’s newer creativity standards focus on items that are truly designed by the seller.

SVGs, cut files, embroidery files, and patterns

Crafters love SVGs and cut files for Cricut and similar machines. You can sell:

Lettering and quote designs
Simple icons and shapes
Seasonal designs for shirts, mugs, and signs

Sewists and embroiderers look for:

Embroidery machine files
Sewing patterns and crochet/knitting patterns

Again, these must be your own designs, not files you bought from another designer, even if the license says “commercial use.” Etsy now expects “made by the seller” and “designed by the seller” items to be based on your original work.

Lightroom presets, digital papers, and clipart packs

If you enjoy photography or illustration, you can create:

Lightroom or photo‑editing presets
Digital paper packs with patterns or textures
Clipart sets (flowers, icons, characters, borders)

Buyers use these in their own projects, so be very clear about what they are allowed to do with your files (personal use, small business use, etc.).

Can you sell AI‑assisted digital designs on Etsy?

Yes, you can sell AI‑assisted digital designs on Etsy, but there are important rules.

Etsy’s current stance is that sellers may use their own prompts with AI tools to create artwork or designs, as long as:

You are the one creating and curating the prompts and outputs.
You clearly disclose in the listing description that AI was used.
You choose the correct item detail label (usually “Designed by” rather than “Handmade”) so buyers understand the level of human involvement.

However, Etsy does not allow:

Selling AI prompt bundles by themselves.
Passing off AI‑generated work as purely handmade.

You still must follow all normal rules around copyright, trademarks, and privacy. That means no copying famous characters, logos, or real people’s photos without permission, and no using AI to mimic another artist’s style in a misleading way.

If you treat AI as a creative tool, add your own ideas and editing, and label your digital items honestly, your AI‑assisted designs can fit Etsy’s current digital product rules.

Vintage products you can sell on Etsy

What does “vintage” mean on Etsy (how old is old enough)?

On Etsy, “vintage” has a very specific meaning: an item must be at least 20 years old at the time you list it.

So if you are listing in 2025, the piece needs to be from 2005 or earlier. That includes clothing, decor, books, toys, and more, as long as they are genuinely that old and not just “vintage style” or made to look old. Reproductions, modern replicas, and brand‑new items with a retro vibe do not qualify as vintage on Etsy.

Etsy may ask how you know the age of your vintage items, where you sourced them, and for extra photos of labels, tags, or other clues. Be honest and as specific as you can in your descriptions.

Popular vintage categories shoppers love

Vintage shoppers on Etsy are usually looking for pieces with character, history, and good photos. Some categories consistently do well because they are easy to wear, display, or gift.

Vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories

Vintage fashion is one of the strongest categories. Think:

Dresses, denim, band tees, and jackets from past decades
Leather boots, heels, and sneakers from well‑known eras or brands
Accessories like belts, scarves, sunglasses, and handbags

Condition matters a lot. Light wear is fine if you show it clearly and describe it. Unique cuts, quality fabrics, and recognizable styles (like 90s grunge or 70s boho) tend to sell faster.

Vintage jewelry and watches

Jewelry is small to ship and very giftable, which makes it a great vintage niche. Popular pieces include:

Costume jewelry from the 50s–90s
Sterling silver rings and necklaces
Brooches, cufflinks, and tie clips
Mechanical or early digital watches

Buyers love clear close‑up photos, metal marks, and any information you can share about the maker or era.

Retro home decor, glassware, and kitchen items

Home and kitchen vintage is perfect for people who want a cozy, nostalgic look. Good sellers often include:

Mid‑century lamps, vases, and wall art
Colorful glassware, barware, and cocktail sets
Enamel pots, mixing bowls, and patterned dishes

Pieces that are both decorative and useful usually move faster than purely decorative clutter.

Old books, magazines, maps, and ephemera

Paper goods are light, collectible, and fun to browse. Shoppers look for:

Classic novels and children’s books with charming covers
Vintage cookbooks and craft books
Old travel maps, postcards, and posters
Magazines with iconic ads or celebrities

These items are great for collectors, decor, and creative projects like collage or framing.

Tips for choosing vintage items that actually sell

To pick vintage products that perform well on Etsy, focus on a mix of authenticity, demand, and condition:

Check the age: Aim for items you can reasonably date using labels, tags, maker marks, or known design eras. If you are guessing, say so clearly.
Look for current trends: Styles like mid‑century modern, 90s and Y2K fashion, cottagecore, and retro barware are often in demand.
Prioritize condition: Minor wear is fine, but heavy damage, stains, or missing parts can make an item hard to sell unless it is very rare.
Choose items that photograph well: Bold patterns, interesting shapes, and readable labels help your listing stand out in search.
Be transparent: Mention flaws, repairs, and alterations. Honest descriptions build trust and reduce returns.

If you love the piece, can prove or reasonably support that it is 20+ years old, and can imagine someone proudly wearing or displaying it today, it is probably a good vintage candidate for Etsy.

Craft supplies and party supplies you’re allowed to sell

What counts as a craft supply on Etsy vs a ready‑made product

On Etsy, a craft supply is something a buyer will use to make or decorate something else. It is a tool, ingredient, or material. A ready‑made product is something the buyer will use as‑is, without changing it in a creative way.

So:

If the main purpose is to create (like yarn, beads, molds, digital patterns), it is usually a craft supply.
If the main purpose is to wear, display, or use immediately (like a finished bracelet or a printed poster), it is a finished product, not a supply.

Some items can be both, depending on how you sell them. For example, blank tote bags sold in bulk for crafters are supplies, but a printed, designed tote bag is a finished item.

Examples of allowed craft supplies

Etsy allows both physical and digital craft supplies, as long as they are meant for making or decorating. These can be handmade by you, commercial supplies you design, or carefully sourced materials.

Beads, charms, yarn, fabric, and sewing notions

You can sell:

Beads, charms, cabochons, and findings for jewelry making
Yarn, thread, embroidery floss, and roving
Fabric by the yard, fat quarters, and fabric bundles
Sewing notions like zippers, buttons, snaps, elastic, and bias tape

These can be new, destash (extra from your own stash), or even vintage, as long as you list them clearly as supplies.

Paints, brushes, canvases, and drawing tools

Art supplies are very welcome. Common examples include:

Acrylic, watercolor, gouache, and fabric paints
Paintbrushes, palette knives, and sponges
Blank canvases, canvas boards, sketchbooks, and watercolor paper
Pencils, markers, pens, pastels, and other drawing tools

You can also offer specialty items like calligraphy nibs, ink, and stencils, as long as they are meant for creative use.

Molds, blanks, and tools for jewelry, candles, and soap

Many sellers do well with tools and blanks, such as:

Silicone molds for resin, candles, soap, or clay
Jewelry blanks like pendant trays, ring bases, earring posts, and cuff bases
Candle and soap supplies like wicks, fragrance‑free wax, colorants, and safe fragrance oils
Craft tools such as pliers, cutters, knitting needles, crochet hooks, and cutting mats

These are clearly supplies because buyers still need to add their own creativity to turn them into finished products.

What kind of party supplies can you sell?

Party supplies are allowed when they are decorations or materials for events, not full event services. They can be physical or digital, handmade or designed by you.

Printable party decor and invitations

Digital party supplies are very popular, including:

Printable invitations, thank‑you cards, and RSVP cards
Party signs, favor tags, cupcake toppers, and bottle labels
Printable banners, photo booth props, and games

You provide the files; the buyer prints and assembles them. These count as digital craft or party supplies.

Banners, cake toppers, and themed decorations

You can also sell physical party decor, such as:

Handmade or custom banners and garlands
Cake toppers, cupcake wrappers, and food picks
Confetti, table scatter, and centerpieces
Party favor bags, boxes, and labels

If you design and assemble them yourself, they fit Etsy’s handmade rules. If you sell blanks (like plain cake topper sticks or unprinted boxes), they are craft supplies.

Common supply items that Etsy does NOT allow as simple resells

Even if something feels like a “supply,” Etsy does not allow it if it is just a mass‑produced resell with no creative input from you. Some common problem areas:

Generic wholesale items bought in bulk and resold exactly as received, like plain keychains, cheap jewelry sets, or factory‑made decor, when they are not clearly supplies for making something else.
Branded or licensed supplies that use logos, characters, or trademarks without proper rights, such as unlicensed character ribbons, fabrics, or stickers.
Everyday consumables that are not mainly for crafting, like plain office paper, generic pens, or household cleaning products.

If you want to sell a supply, ask yourself:

Is its main purpose to create or decorate something?
Am I allowed to use any designs, logos, or characters on it?
Am I adding my own design, curation, or modification, or just flipping factory goods?

If the answer to the first is “no” or the others feel shaky, it is safer to skip that item or rethink how you offer it.

Personalized, made‑to‑order, and print‑on‑demand products

What is a made‑to‑order product on Etsy?

A made‑to‑order product on Etsy is something you create after the buyer places an order. Instead of keeping a stack of finished items on a shelf, you keep the design, pattern, or idea ready, then make each piece to the buyer’s chosen size, color, or style.

Examples include a ring made in the buyer’s ring size, a custom‑color crochet blanket, or a sign you paint only when someone orders it. You set a processing time that covers how long it usually takes you to make and ship that item, and Etsy shows this to the buyer so they know it is not ready to ship instantly.

Made‑to‑order items still need to follow Etsy’s creativity rules: they must be your own handmade work or your own original design, not generic factory products you simply pass along.

How personalized products work (names, dates, custom messages)

Personalized products are items where the buyer gives you details that change the final piece, such as:

A name or initials to engrave
A date to print on a mug
A custom message for a card or sign

On Etsy, you turn this on by enabling personalization in your listing. Buyers then see a text box or options where they type their names, dates, or short notes before checkout. You use that information to create their unique version of the product.

Personalization can be optional or required. If it is optional, buyers can still purchase the item without adding text. If it is required, they must fill in the personalization box before they can place the order.

The key point: simply printing a name on a mass‑produced item is not enough to make it “handmade” in Etsy’s eyes if you did not design or create the base product. It is still allowed in many cases, but it falls under Etsy’s “designed by a seller” or customized commercial items, not fully handmade from scratch.

Using print‑on‑demand to sell custom mugs, shirts, and gifts

Print‑on‑demand (POD) lets you sell custom products like mugs, shirts, and tote bags without printing or shipping them yourself. You create the artwork or design, list the product on Etsy, and connect it to a production partner that prints and ships each order as it comes in.

To keep POD items allowed on Etsy, you must:

Create your own original design (graphics, text layout, illustration, etc.)
List your POD company as a production partner in your shop settings and on each listing
Be clear about where the item is produced and shipped from

Etsy treats these as “designed by a seller” items: your creative work is the design, and the partner handles the physical production.

You can also combine POD with personalization. For example, you might design a template for a wedding mug and let buyers enter their names and date. The personalization details come through with the order, you adjust the design if needed, and your POD partner prints the final version. Many POD tools support this workflow by importing personalized Etsy orders as drafts so you can review them before they are printed.

When do print‑on‑demand items still count as “designed by you”?

Print‑on‑demand products count as “designed by you” on Etsy when:

The artwork, layout, or text design is your own original creation
You control how the design looks on the product (placement, colors, fonts, style)
The POD company is only helping you manufacture and ship the item, not providing the creative design

Etsy’s creativity standards say that items “designed by a seller” include both digital downloads of your original designs and physical products made by a production partner using your artwork.

They do not count as designed by you if you simply:

Upload a stock design you did not create and do not have rights to
Use generic clipart or templates with almost no original input
Resell pre‑designed POD products where the partner did all the creative work

For 3D‑printed or other highly automated items, Etsy has tightened enforcement so that the design and creation must both be done by the seller, not just printed from someone else’s file.

If you can honestly say, “I created this design, and a partner helps me produce it,” you are in the safe “designed by you” zone. If the partner or another creator did the real design work, it likely does not meet Etsy’s rules.

Unique home and living products people love on Etsy

Etsy shoppers love home and living products that feel warm, personal, and a little bit special. The best sellers usually do two things at once: they make a space cozier and they show off the owner’s personality. Personalized details, natural textures, and small “moments” like a styled shelf or a candlelit table are all big drivers in the Home & Living category right now.

Cozy home decor ideas to sell

Cozy home decor on Etsy is all about softness, warmth, and story. Think layered textiles, soft lighting, and pieces that look handmade rather than factory perfect. Items that photograph well in real rooms and tie into current aesthetics like eclectic, cottage, or “Nonna kitchen” style tend to get more clicks and saves.

Shoppers also love decor that doubles as a gift: personalized pillows, custom wall art, and candles with meaningful messages or scents linked to memories or places. If your product can be both “for my home” and “for a friend’s housewarming,” you are in a sweet spot.

Art prints, posters, and wall hangings

Art prints and posters are some of the most popular home decor products on Etsy, especially when they are customizable or printable. Buyers look for:

Minimalist line art and typography
Botanical and nature themes
City maps, star maps, and family name prints

Macrame wall hangings, woven tapestries, and fabric banners are also strong sellers because they add texture and fill big blank walls without feeling heavy. Extra‑large wall art and printable wall art are consistently high‑interest search terms in the Home & Living and Art categories.

Pillows, throws, and linens

Throw pillows and blankets are classic cozy decor, and personalized versions are trending hard. Custom embroidered pillows with names, dates, or simple line drawings of pets or houses are top performers in 2025.

Buyers also love:

Chunky knit or textured throws
Linen or cotton pillow covers in earthy or jewel tones
Table runners, napkins, and tea towels that match a theme or season

If you can offer matching sets (for example, pillow covers plus a table runner in the same pattern), you make it easier for shoppers to style a whole room or dining table in one go.

Candles, planters, and table decor

Candles are a home decor staple on Etsy. Scented soy candles, sculptural candles, and candles in reusable jars or ceramic vessels all do well, especially when the labels feel gift‑ready and the scents match a mood like “Sunday Morning” or “Cabin Night.” Candle holders and taper candles are also popular for people building cozy, layered tablescapes.

Planters are another favorite. Handmade ceramic pots, minimalist concrete planters, and hanging plant holders help shoppers lean into the ongoing love for indoor plants and biophilic design. Pieces that work in small apartments, like window‑sill planters or wall‑mounted plant shelves, are especially appealing.

For table decor, think:

Personalized coasters and cutting boards
Unique candleholders and bud vases
Themed place card holders and napkin rings

These small items fit perfectly into the “supper club” and elevated dinner party trend, where hosts want their tables to feel curated and a bit glamorous.

Seasonal and holiday products that do well

Seasonal and holiday home decor is a huge driver of traffic and gifting on Etsy. Shoppers look for pieces that feel festive but still match their personal style, so there is room for everything from bright, playful decor to dark, moody “Gothmas” looks.

Right now, Etsy’s holiday trends highlight several strong aesthetics:

Playful, color‑forward decor with oversized bows, crocheted characters, and candy‑bright ornaments
Gothic and Victorian‑inspired pieces like black lace table runners, antique‑style candleholders, and celestial motifs
Icy, shimmering looks with metallics, glass, and pearly finishes for a frosted winter feel
Ballet and Nutcracker‑inspired decor with ribbons, pastels, and toy soldier details

Beyond winter holidays, sellers do well with:

Fall decor such as pumpkin‑themed candles, autumn wreaths, and cozy “harvest” table sets
Spring and Easter items like floral wreaths, pastel linens, and bunny‑themed prints
Patriotic or regional decor for summer gatherings and barbecues

The key is to design seasonal home and living products that can stay out a little longer than just one day. A Christmas candle that simply feels “wintery,” or a Valentine’s print that reads as “romantic” year‑round, gives buyers more value and makes your listings more attractive.

Clothing, jewelry, and accessories that fit Etsy’s rules

Types of clothing you can sell (handmade, upcycled, or vintage)

On Etsy, clothing must clearly fit one of the allowed categories: made, designed, or handpicked by you.

Handmade clothing includes pieces you sew, knit, crochet, embroider, dye, or otherwise alter yourself. That can be anything from simple graphic tees you press at home to fully tailored dresses, as long as you actually create or significantly modify the garment. Upcycled items also count as handmade when you change them in a meaningful way, such as adding embroidery, patchwork, dye, or reconstruction (turning jeans into a skirt, for example).

Vintage clothing is allowed when it is at least 20 years old and you personally source it. A Y2K jacket from 2004, a 90s band tee, or a 70s dress can all qualify as long as you are honest about age and condition.

What you cannot do is buy brand‑new, mass‑produced clothing and list it as “handmade” or “designer” when you did not design or alter it. That is considered reselling and is not allowed in the handmade category.

Jewelry ideas: handmade, personalized, and vintage pieces

Jewelry is one of the most popular product types on Etsy, and it fits the rules nicely when you are truly involved in the making or designing. Handmade jewelry can be wire‑wrapped gemstone pendants, beaded bracelets, polymer clay earrings, or metal‑stamped cuffs you create yourself. As long as you assemble or craft the piece, it can qualify as “made by a seller.”

Personalized jewelry is also welcome. Think name necklaces, initial charms, birthstone pieces, or bracelets with custom coordinates or dates. These are usually considered designed or made by you, especially when you create the base design and then add the buyer’s text, stones, or charms to order.

Vintage jewelry and watches are allowed when they are 20+ years old and you have handpicked them. That could be mid‑century brooches, 80s costume jewelry, or older mechanical watches, as long as you describe them accurately and do not mislead buyers about materials or brand.

Bags, hats, scarves, and other accessories buyers look for

Accessories can fall into any of Etsy’s main categories, as long as they follow the same creativity standards. Popular handmade options include:

Tote bags, zipper pouches, and wallets you sew or embroider
Knitted or crocheted hats, scarves, and mittens
Hair accessories like scrunchies, headbands, and clips you assemble or sew

You can also sell designed‑by‑you accessories, such as printed tote bags, caps, or phone grips produced by a print partner, as long as the artwork is your original design and you disclose the production partner in the listing.

Vintage accessories like old leather bags, retro sunglasses, or classic silk scarves are fine when they meet the 20‑year rule and you have sourced them yourself.

What is not allowed is simple reselling of new, generic accessories you bought wholesale, with no design or creative input from you. That falls under prohibited reselling and can lead to listing removal.

What to know about using branded or character designs (copyright worries)

This is where many new Etsy sellers get into trouble. Etsy expects you to respect intellectual property laws, which cover copyright, trademarks, and brand or character rights. Listings that infringe someone else’s IP can be removed if the rights holder files a proper notice.

In practice, that means:

You generally cannot use famous logos, sports teams, movie characters, TV shows, or brand names on your clothing, jewelry, or accessories unless you have clear permission or a license.
“Fan art” is risky. Even if you drew the character yourself, the underlying character is usually protected. Rights owners often ask Etsy to remove unlicensed items.
Using brand names in titles or tags to attract searches (for example, calling something “Disney‑inspired” or “Taylor Swift bracelet”) can also raise trademark issues.

Etsy does not decide who is right in a legal dispute; it simply follows its Intellectual Property Policy and removes content when it receives a valid complaint. If you are unsure whether a design is safe, the safest route is to avoid using protected brands and characters and focus on your own original artwork, patterns, and phrases.

When in doubt, keep your clothing, jewelry, and accessories centered on your own creativity. Original designs, genuine handmade work, and clearly sourced vintage pieces are exactly what Etsy wants on the platform.

What you cannot sell on Etsy (with simple examples)

Banned and heavily restricted product types

Etsy is pretty open to creativity, but there is a clear list of things you cannot sell at all. These are covered in Etsy’s Prohibited Items Policy and apply no matter where you live.

In plain language, you cannot sell:

Alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or drug paraphernalia Think wine, cigars, vapes, cannabis products, bongs, or pipes. Even “legal” herbs marketed like drugs are usually not allowed.
Medical drugs, devices, or items with medical claims No prescription meds, supplements that “cure” disease, or devices that claim to diagnose or treat health conditions.
Weapons and dangerous items Firearms, many types of knives, explosives, and hazardous materials are banned. Recalled or unsafe items are also not allowed.
Hate and violent items Anything that promotes hate toward protected groups, glorifies violence, or supports hate groups is prohibited.
Illegal or highly regulated items Counterfeit goods, items that help commit fraud (fake IDs, pay stubs, diplomas), current usable currency or postage, financial instruments, real estate, and motor vehicles are all off‑limits.
Pornography and explicit adult content Mature content has strict rules, and outright pornography is not allowed.

If an item breaks these rules, Etsy can remove the listing and may suspend or close your shop.

Why mass‑produced resell items aren’t allowed

Etsy is meant for handmade, designed, handpicked, or sourced items, not a general marketplace for factory goods.

Two key practices are restricted:

Reselling This means listing a commercially available product that you did not design or make, and simply passing it on to buyers. In the handmade category, reselling is not allowed at all.
Dropshipping This is when a third‑party supplier ships ready‑made items directly to your customer. Etsy does not allow dropshipping, except for certain craft and party supplies that support creativity.

Simple examples of what is not allowed:

Buying cheap jewelry from a big marketplace and listing it as “handmade” on Etsy.
Selling generic T‑shirts printed and shipped by a random supplier, with no original design from you.
Reselling fair‑trade or artisan goods you did not design or help create.

Etsy wants buyers to feel they are getting something original, personal, or carefully handpicked, not the same mass‑produced item they can find anywhere.

Services, rentals, and digital‑only “readings” rules

Etsy is a marketplace for items, not pure services. Every listing must offer a physical or digital product.

General services and rentals Most stand‑alone services (like coaching, consulting, or event planning) and rentals (like dress rentals or prop rentals) are not allowed. The only exception is when the service results in a new tangible or digital item that meets Etsy’s rules, such as a custom illustration delivered as a file or print.
Metaphysical services and readings Pure services like spell casting, energy work, or reiki sessions are prohibited. However, tarot or psychic readings can be sold only if the buyer receives a physical or digital record of the reading, such as a PDF, email, audio file, or photo of the spread.

So, “I will cast a spell for you” with nothing delivered is not allowed, but “Tarot reading with a 3‑page PDF report” can be fine if it follows all other policies.

How to quickly check if your product idea is allowed

Before you invest time and money, do a quick mini‑check:

Ask: does this break any obvious banned‑item rule? If it involves drugs, weapons, hate, explicit porn, fraud, or medical claims, it is almost certainly not allowed.
Check if it is clearly handmade, designed, handpicked, or sourced by you. If it is a generic factory product you are just reselling or dropshipping, it likely violates Etsy’s reselling rules.
Confirm that you are selling an item, not only a service. Make sure the buyer receives a physical product or a digital file, not just your time or access to something.
Look for intellectual property issues. Avoid using logos, characters, or designs you do not own or have permission to use. Counterfeit or unauthorized branded items are banned.

If you are still unsure, read Etsy’s current What Can I Sell and Prohibited Items policies directly and search for keywords related to your product. Policies are updated from time to time, so it is smart to double‑check them before you launch a new idea.

How to choose the right product type for your first Etsy shop

Choosing what to sell on Etsy can feel huge, but it gets much easier when you look at three things together: what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and what you can realistically afford to start with. Etsy allows items that are made, designed, handpicked, or sourced by you, so your product type should fit at least one of those paths.

Questions to help you pick what to sell

Start by asking yourself a few simple, honest questions:

What do I already make or design for fun? If you love drawing, digital art or printables might be perfect. If you sew, handmade clothing or accessories could be a natural fit.
How much time do I have each week? Handmade, made‑to‑order items take more ongoing time. Digital downloads and print‑on‑demand can be lighter once they are set up.
How patient am I with trial and error? Some categories, like vintage or niche craft supplies, require more hunting, research, and testing.
Do I enjoy packing and shipping? If not, digital products or print‑on‑demand might suit you better than bulky home decor.
Who do I want to sell to? Picture your ideal buyer: new parents, brides, gamers, teachers, pet lovers. The clearer that person is, the easier it is to choose products that solve their problems or brighten their day.

Write your answers down. You’ll usually see one or two product types start to stand out.

Matching your skills and budget to product categories

Next, match your skills and budget to the main Etsy‑friendly product types: handmade, digital, vintage, and craft or party supplies.

Tiny budget, strong computer skills: Digital downloads (printables, templates, clipart) are ideal. You mainly invest time and maybe low‑cost design software. There is no inventory to store and no shipping supplies to buy.
Moderate budget, crafty hands: Handmade jewelry, candles, soap, or small decor can work well. You’ll need materials, tools, and packaging, but you can start with small batches and reinvest profits.
Good eye for old treasures, access to thrift stores or estate sales: Vintage clothing, books, or home decor might be your lane. Remember that true vintage on Etsy must be at least 20 years old, so you’ll need to research dates and condition.
Organized, loves planning events: Craft and party supplies can be great if you enjoy sourcing materials that help buyers create. Just make sure they fit Etsy’s “sourced” rules and are not simple mass‑produced resells.

Be honest about how much money you can risk at the start. If your budget is tight, avoid products that require lots of sizes, colors, or expensive equipment right away.

Starting small: testing one or two product types before you expand

You do not need a giant catalog on day one. In fact, starting small is usually smarter.

Pick one main product type, or at most two closely related ones, and treat them like a test. For example:

A few printable planners and matching wall art
One style of necklace in several colors
A small set of vintage mugs and plates in a single theme

With a small, focused range you can:

Learn how long it really takes to make, list, and ship each item
See which designs or styles get views, favorites, and sales
Adjust your pricing and photos without feeling overwhelmed

Once you have a couple of listings that consistently get interest, you can expand sideways: add matching items, new colors, or slightly higher‑priced versions. If something flops, you can quietly retire it and try a new idea without having sunk a lot of money or energy.

Think of your first Etsy shop as a low‑risk experiment. Start with a simple, realistic product type that fits your skills and budget, learn from real buyers, and then grow from there.