Things to make and sell: how to profit from creative ideas

Making and selling your own creations can be a highly satisfying way to generate money. From practical items like baby quilts and tote bags to more unique ideas to make and sell, like upcycled furniture or digital products, there are numerous creative possibilities to explore, and even a small project can grow into a steady source of income.

This guide will walk you through some of the best things to make and sell for profit. Whether you’re exploring side hustle ideas or looking to become your own boss full-time, you’ll find inspiration coming right up.

We’ll also share some useful tips on starting and managing your business, like figuring out pricing strategies and keeping HMRC happy, so you can maximise your chances of long-term success.

Profitable things to make and sell

Before we get into some of the practicalities of how to run a business, let’s get inspired with a rundown of 20 things to make and sell.

1. Baby blankets

If you can knit or sew, making baby blankets could be a satisfying way to launch a handmade business. Opting for eco-friendly materials like organic cotton or yarn is a simple way to appeal to parents looking for natural, high-quality options for their babies.

Digital marketplaces like Etsy and Crafter’s Market UK will connect you with a global customer pool, and are good go-tos when you’re looking to make money from home. But don’t rule out in-person sales – reaching out to local baby boutiques or booking a stall at a monthly craft fair will help you engage with a whole new audience.

To boost sales, think about pairing blankets with matching hats or booties to turn them into adorable gift sets. Offering extras like embroidered initials, birth dates, or designs for special milestones can also help with how to get clients.

2. Kids’ clothes

Kids’ clothes are very viable things to make that sell. As with baby blankets, using unique materials can help you stand out. There’s flexibility in this – for example, you could work with high-end Liberty fabrics to make partywear like dresses or buttoned shirts, or use thrifted denim to craft clothes perfect for outdoor play.

When starting out, it’s often best to offer a few well-made pieces rather than trying to cover every type of clothing. Focusing on items you’re good at can help give your business the wow factor in its early days. As your customer base grows, you can explore how to scale your business by adding new items to your range.

The usual sales avenues apply – setting up a stall on an online marketplace, partnering with kids’ retail boutiques, and selling at markets are all solid options. If things go well, you could also explore the idea of hosting your own pop-up shop.

3. Embroidered patches

From covering up holes in jeans to adding flair to jackets, bags, or even walls, embroidered patches can be used in so many ways. These little works of art often sell well on online craft marketplaces, offering a ready-made audience for your creations.

You could experiment with everything from simple flowers to more intricate embroidery. Sashiko is worth checking out. This traditional Japanese style of decorative stitching involves geometric patterns and can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. You can easily find templates online to get started if you’re new to it.

While you probably won’t make your millions selling embroidered patches, it could be a fun way to make some money in your spare hours, and there’s definitely space to expand your range. One option could be to create little slow stitch kits, allowing others to create their own versions of your best-selling patches at home.

4. Macramé

Macramé is a versatile craft that lets you create all sorts of items by knotting cotton cord or rope. You can try your hand at everything from stylish wall hangings and boho plant holders to bags, pillow covers, and even hammocks. With so many knot styles to explore, there’s endless potential to make something unique.

If you’re new to the craft, don’t stress – it’s easy to quite literally learn the ropes. There are tons of beginner-friendly tutorials and kits available to help you get started. Plus, you can make simple coasters or keychains at first, gradually building up to bigger projects.

One of the perks of macramé is that startup costs are low. Like other craft ideas to sell, you can begin with small, affordable projects and reinvest profits as you go. Whether you sell online or in-person, it’s a budget-friendly solution to how to start a business.

5. Tote bags

Tote bags are arguably one of the easiest and most popular things to make and sell – they’re practical, reusable, in perpetual demand, and can be customised to connect with current fashions, pop cultural trends and specific organisations. 

An easy way to start is with print-on-demand platforms like Printful and Redbubble. These sites let you upload your designs while taking care of printing and shipping. Some act as marketplaces, while others offer dropshipping services which you can link with your own online store. 

Keep in mind, you won’t be limited to just tote bags. Smart business growth strategies could easily see you expand into other products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases. You could also try hooking up with local businesses to stock your best sellers.

6. Knitted hats

Typically a business of two halves – spending the warmer months preparing stock, then selling in the colder autumn and winter seasons – making knitted hats could be a great pick if you’re looking for creative ways to make money.

From playful bobble hats for kids to stylish beanies for adults, there are different target markets to explore, and you can offer discounted gift cards for future purchases in order to keep sales going during quieter months. 

When the cold weather hits, seasonal markets are ideal for selling cosy, handmade knitwear. Expanding your range with matching scarves or gloves could boost sales, especially when bundled as festive gifts.

7. Art prints

If you’re a painter, illustrator, or digital artist, art prints are a fantastic way to turn your artwork into something physical to sell. They’re always popular on platforms like Folksy and Art in the Heart, appealing to both home décor enthusiasts and gift buyers.

Print-on-demand comes into play again here, offering an easy way to produce your prints without holding stock. But if you’re aiming for higher prices, using specialist paper printers might be worth it to add that premium touch.

With so much competition out there, a solid small business marketing strategy can really make a difference. For example, showcasing your work on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest is an invaluable way to get on the radar of collectors. 

You may also partner with local cafés or shops to display your work. In some cases, you might need to offer a small commission; others might be willing to support local, independent artists for free.

8. Greetings cards

With greetings cards needed for everything from birthdays to holidays, the right designs can attract a steady stream of customers who want something more interesting and quirky than what high street shops typically offer. 

The usual print-on-demand platforms are an option. However, sites like Thortful, which focus on cards, offer a more targeted audience and could make it easier to reach potential buyers.

Don’t forget, you could also sell your cards on arts and crafts platforms, or even through local gift shops. Building strong relationships with local businesses or offering exclusive designs can help build customer loyalty, encouraging repeat buyers and word-of-mouth recommendations.

9. Colouring books

Colouring books are surprisingly popular items to make and sell. Whether you’re creating intricate designs for grown-ups or fun, simple pages for kids, Amazon KDP allows you to turn your creations into paperbacks or hardbacks and earn royalties every time a copy sells.

While being artistic helps, you don’t need to be a professional illustrator. Tools like Canva and Creative Fabrica can help you design your colouring pages. Effective marketing will be key to success, whether you create your own artwork or not.

Creating flip-through videos of your books can drum up interest on your socials, while Amazon ad campaigns allow you to target customers based on relevant search terms. Once a book gains traction, you’ll find that it will continue to bring in money with little effort on your part, making this a good option if you’re looking for passive income ideas.

10. Home baked treats

If you’re handy in the kitchen, selling baked goods is worth considering. From cakes to cookies, there’s always demand for freshly baked treats, and you can start small by selling to neighbours or local shops. Many stores are open to partnering with local suppliers, enjoying the convenience of having products brought to them.

If you’re able to scale up production, you might think about selling at a monthly farmers’ market. A simple card reader or smartphone payment solution like Tap to Pay makes it easy to accept cards alongside cash, ensuring you can cater to more customers.

Keep in mind, you’ll need to register your new business with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) 28 days before launch, then follow their guidelines after that. Once you’re set, there are plenty of options for things to make and sell from your kitchen.

11. Candles and wax melts

Candles and wax melts are definite contenders for the most popular things to make and sell from home. Supplies like wax, wicks, and moulds are easy to find, and with plenty of tutorials available, it’s a craft that’s simple to pick up and enjoyable to experiment with.

As ever, selling locally is a great start – neighbours, gift shops, and local markets are all good options. Partnering with local businesses, like spas or boutiques, to create exclusive products could be another route. And of course, you can also sell online.

Keep in mind that safety guidelines apply here. For example, you might need to use a special label called a CLP label. Using responsible suppliers can help you satisfy these requirements, but it’s key to understand the rules.

12. Beeswax wraps

An eco-friendly alternative to plastic, beeswax wraps are becoming increasingly popular among those looking to reduce waste. These reusable wraps are made by infusing cotton fabric with beeswax, creating a product that can be used to cover food or wrap sandwiches.

To get started, you’ll need high-quality beeswax, cotton fabric, a few basic tools like a brush and baking sheets, and suitable packaging. Supplies are readily available online, and there are plenty of tutorials to guide you through the process. With a bit of practice, this is a craft that’s relatively easy to master.

Selling options include markets, small garden centres, and online platforms, though partnering with local health food stores is another great way to expand your reach. Just be sure to follow any legal guidelines when selling items used for food storage. The British Beekeepers Association offers a good overview.

13. Bird boxes

Another way to make extra money by applying your creative skills is to design and build bird boxes.

You can make these as decorative and flamboyant as you want so they can stand out from the crowd and serve as a point of interest in gardens. You can also explore niches like swift boxes, which are in high demand since nesting spots are getting scarce.

Local craft fairs and markets are ideal for connecting with people who appreciate handmade items and love supporting small businesses. You might even find a local shop that caters to gardening or home décor willing to stock your designs.

Selling online can work well too, especially for custom orders or one-of-a-kind boxes. It’s a great way to attract buyers looking for something more personal and unique.

14. Hand-decorated plant pots

Plant pots with unique designs can be a good earner, both at local markets and online. You can experiment with chalk paint, stencils, or using decoupage with napkins or fabric, choosing between bold patterns or delicate floral designs. There’s plenty of room to get creative and make each piece your own.

These pots are perfect for brightening up any home or garden, attracting customers looking for something unique. Plus, you can also target the gift market, appealing to shoppers searching for thoughtful, original gifts.

If you want to grow your business, try working with local garden centres or plant shops. Offering custom designs or seasonal themes could help you bring in extra sales and cover any commissions.

15. Indoor herb gardens

If you’re green-fingered, cultivating indoor herb gardens is another low cost business idea to consider. These compact creations grow popular herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme right on windowsills – perfect for people who love cooking with fresh ingredients but don’t have outdoor space.

You don’t necessarily even need outdoor space yourself – growing herbs in your own garden helps keep costs low, but buying plants and assembling them into attractive, ready-made setups can earn a good margin too.

Farmers’ markets and plant shops are great spots to sell, but why stop there? Supplying local restaurants is another option – chefs appreciate having fresh herbs on hand and might be interested in a regular delivery.

16. Cushions

Making cushion covers could be a decent option for earning extra cash. You can sew, knit, crochet, or even try macramé to create a variety of looks, and offering different sizes and designs helps you appeal to a range of home décor lovers.

Selling at local markets or on digital marketplaces is a great way to start. Once you’ve built up some profit, you could look into stocking cushion pads to sell alongside your covers. This gives customers the convenience of a complete set and provides an extra income stream to your business.

To keep customers coming back, an email marketing campaign can work wonders. You can use it to promote seasonal designs, offer discounts, or share sneak peeks of new collections, keeping your brand fresh in their minds.

17. Rugs

Making rugs is a fantastic way to turn different fabrics into stylish pieces to sell. Techniques like weaving, felting, and rag rug making offer a variety of creative possibilities, and while a loom can be helpful for some methods, you can build a simple one yourself with basic materials, with many free guides available online.

Once you’ve nailed the basics, think about how to make your designs stand out. Adding an eco-friendly edge by using repurposed fabrics is one option. This would not only appeal to climate-conscious shoppers but also help you keep material costs low.

The usual sales channels apply, but online platforms can be especially effective. You can take orders for custom sizes and colours, catering to buyers looking for a perfect match for their space and style.

18. Upcycled furniture

Transforming old or unwanted furniture into something new is a pretty cool way to earn. From turning an old wooden ladder into a rustic bookshelf to refreshing worn-out chairs with new fabric, there are plenty of ways to give tired furniture a second life. 

Facebook Marketplace is ideal for selling these bulkier creations locally, helping you find buyers who love the charm of upcycled items. It’s also a good spot to source free items, with many people looking to offload old furniture. Freecycle is another option for sourcing old treasures to revamp.

For a more personal touch, consider offering custom work, where customers bring in their own furniture for a refresh. This approach would help set you apart from much of the competition.

19. Gift and subscription boxes

Curating gift boxes for birthdays, holidays, or special events is another small business idea to think about. You can handpick items like beauty products or locally sourced treats, packaging them beautifully to sell at local markets or online.

When you’re ready to expand, scaling into subscription boxes could be the next step. This means offering customers a monthly or quarterly delivery of themed items they’ll love. You’d already have a good idea of the types of products your customers would enjoy from your gift box sales, making it easier to plan partnerships with suppliers.

You could launch a subscription box service through platforms like Cratejoy, or create your own website which you promote through social media campaigns. Offering a discount or bonus for first-time subscribers can help you build initial traction.

20. How-to guides

Sharing your knowledge can be surprisingly profitable, making how-to guides a brilliant addition to any list of things to make and sell. Whether you’re an expert knitter or have a knack for DIY projects, there’s always someone eager to learn what you know.

The beauty of how-to guides is their flexibility – you can combine them with pretty much any of the projects we’ve discussed. For instance, if you’ve designed a gorgeous cushion cover, you could make a sewing pattern to sell to other makers.

It’s not strictly necessary to sell your guides to make money from them. For example, you could share your expertise on YouTube and earn through ad revenue or give away guides on your own niche website to attract more visitors. This can open up other income streams, like affiliate marketing or sponsored content.

Getting started with things to make and sell for profit

Before you start creating things to make and sell,there are a few practicalities to consider. Whether you’ve spotted the perfect opportunity in this guide or plan to run with one of your own ideas, here are the most important points to keep in mind when launching your business.

Assess the viability

Take a moment to consider if your creations have a good chance of selling consistently. You might think your upcycled cereal box art is the next big thing but that doesn’t mean the world is ready for it.

Doing a spot of market research – perhaps even learning how to do a competitor analysis to see what’s selling – can help you figure out if your idea could be a money-maker.

Choose your sales approach

Once you’ve decided what to sell, it’s time to plan your approach. Will you focus on things to make and sell online, setting up a shop on a craft marketplace, or even launching your own website? Or does the idea of connecting with customers face-to-face at local markets and pop-up shops sound more appealing?

Combining both can give you the best of both worlds, allowing you to reach a broader range of customers and giving you more chances to land a sale.

Set your pricing

Getting your pricing right is key when you’re making things to sell for a profit. You’ll need to factor in all costs, including materials, your time, and even packaging, to ensure you’re not selling at a loss.

Researching how to price a product effectively can help you find a sweet spot – enough to cover costs while still being competitive. Look at what similar items are selling for and consider your target market’s budget. Finding the right balance will help you cover your small business expenses without pricing yourself out of the market.

Sort out payments

Whether you’re working on online business ideas or selling in person, you’ll need a reliable way to accept payments. A card machine is invaluable for in-person sales, while alternative options like QR codes work well for pop-up shops, markets and art galleries.

Meanwhile, payment links and taking card payments over the phone are ideal for handling sales without needing to meet customers in person. If you’re on a tight small business budget, using these methods to take deposits for orders can help bring in the cash you need for materials upfront.

Figure out advertising and marketing

Knowing how to advertise your business in the right way can be pivotal to ongoing success. Start by identifying where your potential customers spend their time and respond accordingly – whether that’s by mastering how to use social media for small business or investing in paid ad campaigns.

Local advertising can be just as effective – old school techniques like leaving flyers at community centres or placing posters in nearby shops can catch the eye of local buyers. 

No matter how you decide to spread the word, don’t forget to ask for feedback and reviews. Encouraging satisfied customers to share their experiences online can help any new business get off to a good start.

Box off the legal bits

In the UK, you get a £1,000 trading allowance each year, meaning you can make up to £1,000 in sales without registering for Self Assessment with HMRC. But remember, that’s only about £20 a week – if your venture takes off, you’ll likely hit that limit quickly.

Once you cross the threshold, you have until 5th October of the following year to register as a sole trader. For example, if you earn over £1,000 between 6 April 2024 and 5 April 2025, you’ll need to register by 5 October 2025, with your first tax return due by 31 January 2026.

And don’t forget, taxes may not be the only legal requirements for starting your small business.Depending on the business type, other regulations might apply, such as registering with the FSA if you’re getting into the food and drink industry. Make sure you’re compliant with any relevant laws.

Stay on top of your finances

Once you’re officially self-employed, you should track your income and expenses carefully. While accounting tools like Xero or QuickBooks can help, and a small business accountant is worth considering for guidance, it all starts with keeping business and personal finances separate with a dedicated business account.

As your business grows, having a separate account makes it easier to track where your money is going by decluttering your transaction record. It’s a big help with cash flow management, allowing you to quickly assess your savings and gain a better understanding of the value of your business.

A separate account often comes with extra perks too. For example, the SumUp business account includes a free Mastercard for everyday spending.