Side Hustle Guide: Trending Things to Sell And Start Making Money Today

Who doesn’t love the idea of starting a small business or side hustle that actually makes money? I know I do!

The thought of having something profitable while still enjoying flexibility is the dream for many.

That’s why finding trending items to sell can be a game-changer if you’re looking to make some extra income without investing too much upfront.

I’m all about finding creative ways to make money, especially when those ideas are simple to start and don’t require a huge budget.

You don’t need to be a business expert or have loads of experience to get started.

Just a little inspiration and motivation, and you can dive right into these trending opportunities.

From handmade crafts to digital downloads, and even fashion accessories, there are plenty of things you can sell that people are already excited about.

If you’re like me, you want to jump into something that’s not just fun, but also puts money in your pocket!

Let’s explore these trending things to sell that can help you start making money today!

Related: 10+ Crafts to Sell at Craft Fairs

Things to Sell And Start Making Money Today

Personalized Jewelry

Customized jewelry, like name necklaces and engraved bracelets, is hugely popular. Start small with unique designs and offer personalization for special gifts.

Digital Planner On ETSY

If you know how to organize, design, or plan effectively, you can consider creating a digital planner to sell on Etsy.

Many people are searching for tools to help them stay productive, manage schedules, or plan projects, making this a high-demand niche.

Learning how to make a digital planner to sell on Etsy is easier than you think.

You can use tools like Canva, GoodNotes templates, or Adobe Illustrator to design planners that appeal to students, professionals, or busy parents.

Moreover, selling digital planners is profitable because you only create once and can sell repeatedly, with minimal ongoing costs.

The earning potential can be substantial if you market them well and tap into trending planner styles.

Related: 30 Handmade Jewelry Ideas To Sell & Earn $10K a Month!

Sell Custom Phone Cases

You can make extra money by selling custom phone cases while sharing your unique designs with others.

There’s a real market for personalized phone cases, especially when your designs are fun, trendy, or meaningful.

Start by choosing a platform like Etsy, Shopify, or social media to showcase your cases.

You can use simple tools like Canva or Photoshop to create graphics that fit different phone models perfectly.

To get started, you can use either basic supplies or a print-on-demand service.

Upload your designs, set prices, and promote them online.

With consistency and creativity, you can turn this into a steady stream of income while letting your artistic side shine.

Customized Gift Basket to Sell

Gift baskets are a popular way to earn extra income, especially during holidays and special occasions.

You can create themed baskets for birthdays, anniversaries, or seasonal celebrations and sell them online or locally.

Keep in mind that presentation is key. Attractive packaging and thoughtful curation can make your baskets stand out and appeal to buyers.

There are several ways to sell gift baskets beyond just local customers.

For example, you could set up an Etsy shop, list them on social media marketplaces, or team up with local stores for consignment sales.

You could also offer custom options for personalized baskets.

Subscription Boxes

Out of all the best things to sell, subscription boxes are one of the best.

That’s because recurring subscriptions provide consistent revenue without needing to constantly find new customers.

You can curate boxes for self-care kits, snack boxes, or book lovers’ collections.

Even when you’re busy or taking a break, subscribers keep paying, giving you a steady income.

Subscription boxes are essentially a service where you send curated products to your audience regularly. Each new subscriber adds to your recurring revenue.

You can promote subscription boxes on your website, social media, email list, or even through collaborations with influencers in your niche.

This makes subscription boxes a great option for earning a predictable and relatively passive income while offering value to your customers.

Pet Products

Pet products are one of the hottest trending things to sell right now, and getting started is easier than you might think.

You can offer items like fun toys, Halloween or Christmas outfits, cozy beds, or gourmet treats that pet owners absolutely love.

Marketing these products works well through social media, pet communities, or a simple online store.

Start with a small selection to see what’s popular and which items sell the most.

With the right products and consistent effort, selling pet products can be a profitable venture while bringing joy to furry friends and their owners.

Handmade Candles

Selling handmade candles is a rewarding way to earn money by creating unique, high-quality products that buyers will love.

To start, decide on the type of candles you want to make—think scented, eco-friendly, soy-based, or themed collections. Having a clear idea of the scents, colors, and style is crucial.

You can cater to various buyers, from gift shoppers and home decor enthusiasts to people looking for relaxing aromatherapy options.

Begin by setting up your candle-making business. Decide whether you want to sell online, at local markets, or both, as this will determine the tools and materials you need.

You can find customers by creating an online store on Etsy or Shopify, promoting on social media, or participating in local craft fairs and markets.

Home Organization Products

With many people focused on decluttering and organizing, items like drawer organizers, storage bins, and closet systems are trending.

Christmas Gift Basket

Sell digital goods like printable planners, e-books, or stock photography. Digital products are convenient because you don’t need to manage physical inventory.

Ugly Christmas sweaters

If you have a creative streak or a knack for quirky designs, consider making and selling your own ugly Christmas sweaters.

Everyone loves a fun, festive sweater during the holiday season, and this is a great way to earn some extra income!

Design your sweaters with funny puns, playful holiday patterns, or hideously cute imagery that people can’t resist wearing to parties or family gatherings.

Your unique style is what will make your sweaters stand out from the rest.

Create your sweaters step by step, photograph them professionally, and list them on platforms like Etsy to reach more customers looking for that perfect seasonal piece.

Check out my guide to How Do You Make a Festive DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater? to get started today.

Stuffed toys

You can create personalized stuffed toys this Christmas and sell them online for families who want festive, unique gifts!

Have you heard of people making money by designing plush toys? Many creatives are earning online from making and selling stuffed animals and other holiday-themed plushies.

You can make serious money by offering customized designs—add little shirts, Christmas trees, snowmen, or season’s greetings. Shoppers love these sentimental gifts, and they sell fast during the holidays.

With platforms like Etsy or Shopify, you get paid every time someone purchases your creation.

All you have to do is showcase your designs with cute photos and descriptions, and provide a way for buyers to order their personalized plush toys.

Sell Pinecone Crafts

You might have done some DIY projects before, so if you have a knack for crafting and some pinecones lying around, why not turn them into a money-making opportunity at your next craft fair?

Though how much you sell depends on the location and crowd at the fair, creating and selling pinecone crafts can be a fun and profitable side hustle.

To start selling pinecone crafts, gather some pinecones and get creative with DIY craft ideas—think painted pinecones, pinecone wreaths, or pinecone ornaments.

You can also read my guide on best DIY Pinecone Craft Ideas To Sell at Your Next Craft Fair for inspiration.

By selling pinecone crafts, you can earn anywhere from $5 to $25 per item—or more for customized or seasonal pieces.

Wooden Christmas Crafts

Wooden Christmas Crafts are a very popular items selling right now on Amazon.

The business owners are charging anywhere between $15-$50 for a bunch of project which barely takes few minutes to make.

You can make wooden boho crafts, small wooden Christmas trees for boho décor, or personalized wooden signs for homes.

So if you think this is something that suits your skills and creativity, you can certainly start a side business around it.

Do you know? There are buyers looking for handmade wooden ornaments, signs, decorations, and other festive items.

Check out 25 Wooden Christmas Crafts to Make and Sell for Holiday Profits for inspiration and step-by-step ideas to get started.

Tote Bags with Sayings or Art

Nothing beats the charm of a handmade tote bag that speaks for itself.

These reusable and stylish bags are crowd favorites, especially at fairs where people love finding something practical yet personal.

You can create totes with funny sayings, inspiring quotes, or even artsy designs that reflect personality and mood.

I’ve seen people of all ages stop by just to pick the one that “feels like them.”

That’s the beauty of it — each bag tells its own little story.

Plus, they’re eco-friendly, which makes shoppers feel good about their purchase too.

You can charge $15 to $40 each depending on size and materials.

Sell Bath Bombs and Shower Steamers

Bath bombs and shower steamers are always a hit at craft fairs, and for good reason.

People love treating themselves to something relaxing and fragrant, and these little creations are perfect for that.

If you enjoy making them, you can easily turn your hobby into a profitable venture.

My pro tips will be to make sure to experiment with different scents, colors, and shapes to stand out from the crowd.

You can check out this Bath Bomb Making Kit to start now.

For example, this cute donut shape bath bombs are a hit at the fair.

Some of the best-selling shapes I have seen are sliced orange, colorful lemonade jar, numbers, and cute animals.

Educational Toys

Educational toys can be a profitable niche, especially with the rise of homeschooling and at-home learning.

These toys are designed to be fun while also promoting learning skills.

Many parents are actively looking for toys that combine education and entertainment, so the demand is growing rapidly.

While there are plenty of educational toys available from large brands, selling your own or curating unique options can be considered a self-employment opportunity, where you work with different clients or customers from home.

If you want to get started, there are a few ways to learn the necessary skills.

You can take courses on child development or educational toy design on platforms like Skillshare, which are affordable and taught by experienced professionals.

Photography Prints

If you are a photographer or just love taking photos, selling your work as prints or digital downloads is a great way to earn money.

Here is how you can get started:

Create your collection – Select your best photos and organize them into themes, such as nature, cityscapes, or abstract.

Set your price – Research what similar prints are selling for online and choose a competitive price.

Post your listings – Use platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or your own website. You’ll receive payments via PayPal, direct deposit, or other options available on the platform.

How much money can you expect to make?

According to industry reports, photographers selling prints online can earn anywhere from $500 to $3,000 per month depending on your audience and marketing.

Custom Stickers

Do you love creating fun and unique designs that people can stick everywhere?

If yes, then custom stickers are right up your alley! Moreover, if you enjoy art or graphic design, this side hustle doesn’t feel like work at all.

You can design stickers for laptops, water bottles, planners, or anything else that people love to personalize. To sell these stickers, you can use platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, or your own online store make it easy to sell your designs.

The earn will depend on your designs and marketing, many sellers report earning anywhere from $100 to $1,000+ per month as they grow their brand and customer base.

Check out my The Ultimate Guide to Making Stickers to Sell Online! for step-by-step tips to start your sticker business today.

Journals and Notebooks

Journals and notebooks can be a highly rewarding product to sell, but many people overlook them because they think stationery is boring.

But do you know that beautifully designed journals can be extremely popular and sell consistently?

For example, a $10 gratitude journal sold for $20 could easily earn you $200 if you sell just 10 in a week. That’s $800 in a month with minimal effort.

Let’s take another example, a fitness tracker journal sold for $25 could bring in $1,000 if you reach the right audience in a month.

Check out platforms like Etsy or Shopify to sell your journals.

You can even create niche journals for planners, fitness tracking, or mindfulness to attract specific buyers.

Fitness Apparel

Selling fitness apparel is a flexible and scalable way to make money by providing activewear products to people who want stylish and comfortable workout clothes.

This market is growing rapidly as more individuals prioritize health and wellness.

To get started, assess the type of products you want to offer.

Popular items include leggings, sports bras, workout shirts, jackets, and accessories like headbands or gym bags.

You can sell your products online through platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or Amazon, or explore partnerships with local gyms and fitness studios to reach your audience.

Sell DIY Craft Kits

If you have some creative skills or knowledge about hobbies like knitting, embroidery, painting, or other crafts, consider creating DIY craft kits to sell.

People are always looking for convenient ways to enjoy crafting at home, whether it’s for themselves, their kids, or as gifts for friends and family.

And moreover, the profit margin on DIY craft kits can be quite high.

You can price them anywhere from $20 to $60 per kit depending on the materials included, and if you focus on premium or themed kits, that price can go even higher.

Eco-Friendly Products

Lastly, you may or may not have noticed that eco-conscious products are becoming increasingly popular online, from bamboo toothbrushes to reusable straws and compostable packaging.

But have you ever wondered how much money sellers make from offering sustainable alternatives?

It varies from a few hundred per month to thousands, depending on the niche and demand. Seriously!

You can even start your own online store without having a full product line right now.

For example, you could partner with suppliers of eco-friendly items or create your own branded sustainable products and sell them at your own price.

Online stores focused on eco-friendly products have huge potential because people love the convenience of ordering from home, the wide variety of options, and getting products delivered straight to their doorstep.

This Post Is All About Trending Things to Sell And Start Making Money Today!